The judging dates are set: June 27 and June 28.
This year's judges are Norman Kleber from Wildwood, Ill., and Darlene Blake from Des Moines, Iowa.
Norm has background in landscape design and turf management. He is currently a territory manager for Reinders, a company that is in the forefront of the "Going Green" movement. Darlene is a Master Gardener, community activist, internationally recognized public speaker and world traveler.
The city of Bemidji, Downtown Development Authority, Chamber of Commerce and Master Gardeners are working together as Bemidji in Bloom sponsors. This will be the fourth year our community has participated in the nationwide America in Bloom program. Bloom ratings are awarded on a one-five bloom scale with five the top score. Bemidji received a two-bloom rating in 2007 and is hoping to move into the three-bloom category this year.
Communities are judged on the following eight criteria with the efforts of municipal government counting 50 percent of the score, and businesses and residential areas 25 percent each.
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-- Floral Displays.
-- Urban Forestry.
-- Landscaped Areas.
-- Turf and Groundcover.
-- Environmental Awareness.
-- Heritage Conservation.
-- Tidiness.
-- Community Involvement.
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Interested individuals and groups have been reviewing last year's ratings and judges' suggestions and are making plans for new community projects. These will be featured in future Bemidji in Bloom columns.
Community involvement is a key element in this program. Our combined efforts can and are making a difference. Volunteers are needed for many of the Bemidji in Bloom projects. If you would like to become involved please contact Jean Humeniuk at 444-4924 or jeanhum@paulbunyan.net .
