By Sarah Richardson
America in Bloom judges will arrive in Lewisburg this week for a two-day tour of the city’s parks, gardens, historic landmarks, and civic projects, as part of the national beautification and community enhancement program. Judging will take place Monday, June 2, and Tuesday, June 3. This year’s visit comes earlier than usual, with judges typically arriving in July.
“It’s a good opportunity to get together, spruce everything up, and make everything look its best,” said Lewisburg in Bloom Committee President Shannon Beatty. “We really want to make Lewisburg bloom. It’s a great deadline to unite the community to put our best foot forward.” She added that while the America in Bloom program is about more than just beautification, it’s one of the first things visitors notice when they come to town.
Highlights from the judge’s agenda include tours of area parks, gardens, historic sites, and cultural institutions like Carnegie Hall and the North House Museum. The itinerary also features meetings with city officials, local organizations, and youth gardening programs, including representatives from the Master Gardeners, Lewisburg Foundation, Greenbrier County Library, and more. Judges will experience Lewisburg’s historic downtown, community projects, and environmental initiatives before departing on Jun. 4.
Ahead of the visit, the Lewisburg Public Works employees installed new signage, purchased by the Lewisburg in Bloom Committee, in the pollinator garden next to City Hall, and completed several beautification projects around town.
This year’s participation holds special meaning, as it is being done in honor and memory of former mayor John Manchester. Manchester, who passed away in 2024, was a longtime supporter of America in Bloom and served on the organization’s national Board of Directors.
“John’s legacy is one of compassion, vision, and an unwavering commitment to making the world around him a more beautiful and vibrant place,” stated America in Bloom after his passing. “As a former mayor of Lewisburg, John brought boundless energy and dedication to his work, leaving an indelible mark on the town he so dearly loved. He was a leader who inspired others with his kindness, a champion for community beautification, and a true advocate for the transformative power of civic pride. John’s leadership at America in Bloom elevated the organization and touched countless communities nationwide, encouraging them to grow and flourish.”
President Beatty acknowledged the efforts of the City ahead of the judging period, stating, “We would like to thank the City of Lewisburg, City Manager Misty Hill, Mayor Beverly White, and the City Council for all of their support. We’d also like to thank the Public Works Department, they do an amazing job, and their dedication is outstanding.”
Anyone wishing to support the efforts of Lewisburg in Bloom, a 501©3 non-profit, can reach out to lewisburginbloom@yahoo.com about how to make a donation.
About this year’s judges:
Galen Gates: Galen believes strongly in community engagement, pragmatic research, education, and public gardens that remain relevant to their constituents. He actively pursued these interests during his 30-year career at the Chicago Botanic Garden. He led the effort to establish the Garden’s long-range Collections Plan outlining the purpose and direction for the institution’s Living Plant, Library, Herbarium and Sculpture Collections. He established a Verification Program methodically verifying living plant collections; securing North American Plant Collections status for spirea, geranium, and oaks. He authored the landmark paper Characteristics of a World-Class Plant Collection – a reference used widely as the guide in developing and evaluating plant collections in the US, Europe, and Asia. Galen is a founding member of four organizations including the Garden’s Plant Exploration Program. He collected and studied plants on 25 trips into 20 countries, ultimately enriching botanical understanding and diversity in the US. Galen identified the need and successfully pursued solutions to abate 6 miles of shoreline erosion and improve water quality – generating unprecedented research and pragmatic techniques to stem erosion in the Upper US. He initiated and programmed three annual conferences, as Adjunct Professor he helped establish an initiative that brought a Master of Landscape Architecture degree to the Chicago area. He has addressed 15 universities (including Northwestern and Harvard).
Diane Blazek: Diane Blazek, Executive Director of All-America Selections and National Garden Bureau, has been deeply (and happily!) immersed in gardening from an early age. From growing up on a small family farm in Missouri to her small suburban lot in the Chicagoland area, she is passionate about everything green. After spending 15 years with Ball Publishing, Diane moved to take on her current role where she can be even closer to the end consumer. Both organizations are in an exciting period of growth and influence both inside and outside the industry. Innovative ideas and progressive programs for consumers, garden communicators, public gardens, and a full range of growers and retailers have benefited all segments of the horticulture industry.
About America in Bloom:
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. But 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.
