Bloom judges get an eyeful on tour

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<p align="justify">Peoria, Ariz., has nothing in common with Rockford in terms of climate, but the cities share sizes and influence by major metropolitan centers, an America in Bloom judge observed this week.

<p align="justify">Katy Moss Warner, who is on a three-day tour of Rockford for this year's America in Bloom contest, said the cities have similar challenges about their identity. Rockford is 80 miles from Chicago, Peoria about 15 miles from Phoenix.

<p align="justify">"Like a lot of suburban environments, they have realized that they have enough passion to make their cities great places to live," Warner said.

<p align="justify">"There is no question that Rockford gets it," she added. "It's about taking your entire outdoor space and letting it be the message. Let it tell the story of your city and you.

<p align="justify">"People don't go inside every structure when they visit, but they see the outside."

<p align="justify">Warner, who was director of horticulture for Walt Disney Co. properties in Florida for 24 years, and Leonard Perry, a nursery Extension specialist for the University of Vermont, will decide whether Rockford or Peoria gets the top prize in the 100,000 to 300,000 population category when awards are announced in September.

<p align="justify">The first stop Monday was the healing garden at the Rosecrance treatment center for adolescents on University Drive. The six-acre site, built largely with gifts and designed by the landscaper who also created Anderson Japanese Gardens, is a valuable part of the success most Rosecrance clients find, the judges were told.

<p align="justify">Then it was on to Midway Village & Museum Center, where heritage gardens are becoming a bigger part of the program, followed by Aldeen Golf Course, where native plants provide habitat for 140 species of birds.

<p align="justify">Next were drive-throughs of the natural and exotic landscaping at PG Architecture, JMK Nippon restaurant and Blue Cross. Then were stops at the Keeling-Puri Peace Plaza, where a new garden is being developed to honor Rockford's international sister cities, and Rock Valley College, where a sculpture-water feature has just been built near an established prairie grass area next to Starlight Theatre.

<p align="justify">The judges asked for an additional stop, at the corner of Oxtail Way and Oxtail Court, where they photographed an expansive garden at a private home.

<p align="justify">Along the way, the judges heard about how beautiful places were built and are maintained with the help of volunteers and businesses working with public entities.

<p align="justify">"The partnerships seem to be at an extraordinary level," Perry said. "You have an incredible amount of things going on and a high level of involvement, knowledge and passion."

<p align="justify">Perry noted that Rockford won a top America in Bloom award in its category two years ago and said he was glad to see that the city has continued its push for beautification since then.

<p align="justify">Tours will continue through Wednesday, with the judges seeing more gardens, parks, museums, environmental agencies and attractions in all parts of the city. They also will meet with Mayor Larry Morrissey and others.

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