America in Bloom (AIB) promotes nationwide beautification through education and community involvement by encouraging the use of flowers, plants, trees, and other environmental and lifestyle enhancements. We envision communities across the country as welcoming and vibrant places to live, work, and play – benefiting from colorful plants and trees; enjoying clean environments; celebrating heritage; and planting pride through volunteerism. AIB was founded in 2001 by a group of horticulture industry professionals who developed the organization to connect people to the benefits of plants, trees, and flowers. It quickly became apparent that real community development went beyond horticulture to include community vitality, heritage preservation, environmental efforts, and overall impression – all quality of life issues as well as economic drivers for communities.

2025 Washington in Bloom Flower Colors

Each year, the Washington in Bloom (WIB) Committee chooses flowers and plantings for their beauty and summer hardiness. These plants will be used in the various planters, baskets and gardens throughout our City. Residents and businesses are also encouraged to use these plants as well! Look for these plants at your local Nursery if you would like to coordinate with WIB's planter and baskets this year: Passion Fruit Lantana, Petchoa SuperCal Neon Rose, Big Deep Pink Green Leaf Begonia, Dragon Wing Pink Begonia, Petunia Bee's Knees, Ipomea Spotlight Lime, Angelonia Guardian Angel Blue, Petchoa SuperCal Blue

Yard of the Month Contest
The Yard of the Month Contest was created to get more community and residential involvement.  Garden Club members and Franklin County Master Gardeners serve as judges.  Contest entrants are judged on the appearance of their yards and plantings. Judges assess any area on the property visible from the street and are looking for the best curb appeal.  In addition, judges also look for overall impression, neatness, and design, including use of color, plant material and focal point.  To be eligible the property must be within the corporate limits of the City of Washington.

Entries can be mailed to the postal address below, dropped off at the Parks & Recreation Department in City Hall or emailed to washmoyardofthemonth@gmail.com.  You will then be eligible for the contest.
City of Washington
Washington in Bloom
Yard of the Month Contest
405 Jefferson Street
Washington, MO  63090
Yard of the Month Contest Flyer 2025

For additional information, please contact washmoyardofthemonth@gmail.com.

MANAGEMENT PLANS

• Beautification Management Plan

• Integrated Pest Management Plan

• Turf Grass Management Plan

• Tree Management Plan

• Natural Resource & Environmental Management Plan

• Urban Forestry Management Plan

• Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan

• Individual Park Inventory Report

• Tree Inventory Summary Report

TIPS & INFORMATION

• Basic Mulching

• Basic Pruning & Planting

• Perennial Plant List

• Tree Information Chart

• Right Tree, Right Place

• Missouri Tree Guide