Gardening Volunteer Information
Washington Receives National Recognition from AIB
Washington Missouri 2024 Evaluation Report

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.

Press Release: City of Washington receives National Recognition from AIB

Washington in Bloom:
In 2011, Washington in Bloom (WIB) was established from a group of individuals drawn from a variety of entities and clubs.  The Washington Garden Club, Franklin County Master Gardeners, City employees and a host of other volunteers came together to maintain developed areas of vegetation and plantings and establish many new projects.  America in Bloom judges advise communities on the beauty of their landscaping, gardens and environmental and lifestyle enhancements, which includes historic preservation and volunteerism.  WIB finds all these characteristics at the heart of Washington, Missouri.

2024 Washington in Bloom Flower Colors:
•Petchoa Supercal Cherry
•Petchoa Supercal Blue
•Salvia Blue Victoria
•Lantana Landmark Yellow
•Begonia Dragonwing Red
•Sweet Potato Spotlight Lime
2024 Colors

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@outlook.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 2023

For additional information, please contact washmoyardofthemonth@outlook.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