Judges from the national awards program of America in Bloom – a non-profit organization that promotes community enhancement programs through the use of flowers, plants, and trees – will visit Newtown Square from July 14-15.

This marks Newtown Square’s second consecutive year as an America in Bloom participant, as the community will join Morro Bay, Calif., Ironton, Ohio, and Lawrenceburg, Ky. in the 10,000-14,000 population category.

In addition to receiving a detailed written evaluation from the judges citing strengths and opportunities for improvement, participants receive a bloom rating and special mention for what the judges deem to be an extraordinary project or program. Additional awards that can be earned are:

• Population category winner
• Outstanding achievement award – the “best of the best” overall participants in each of the six evaluated criteria
• Special awards
• Community champion
• YouTube video award

Judges will be evaluating the community’s efforts in the areas of overall impression, environmental efforts, heritage, landscaped areas, urban forestry, floral displays, and community involvement in the municipal, commercial, and residential sectors.

To date, nearly 250 communities from 41 states have participated in America in Bloom, and more than 22 million people have been touched by it. Awards will be announced from October 6-8 at AIB’s National Symposium and Awards, held this year in Arroyo Grande, Calif.