Having come to the close of Ironton in Bloom’s first yard judging season, I feel compelled to share with you, on behalf of the entire judging committee, what a pleasure it has been to be a part of this project.

We received 10 to 20 yard nominations each month, May through October, and our most difficult task was choosing just one winner! Every entry was worthy of a prize.

The judges so enjoyed their task of traveling around town looking at entries, that we usually took a friend or two along to share the experience!

Winners were so gracious and enthusiastic that presenting the award was an additional pleasure. Although our committee’s assigned task was to look for the yard that offered the most ‘curb appeal’, we were usually taken on a tour of additional areas not visible from the street that were often even more interesting.

Hidden backyards were so attractive that garden club members on our committee hope to initiate a “Backyard Treasures” award in addition to that offered by Ironton in Bloom. This may also lead to an organized Backyards Tour, if citizens are interested in participating.

Residents’ taking such pride in growing things and making their property pleasing to the eye was a major factor in our winning the America In Bloom Award. Winning this award as first-year participants is an unusual occurrence. All of you who put time and effort into making your grounds attractive certainly share in this honor.

We thank Printing Express and Dan Palmer at the Lawrence Scioto Solid Waste Management Office for award materials provided free of charge, Crabro Printing for helping us design our attractive yard sign, and The Tribune and Herald-Dispatch for their excellent coverage of our project.

The committee is looking forward to the new judging season beginning next May!

Judith Sanders

Residential Chairperson

Ironton In Bloom