America in Bloom Advisors to Visit Bladensburg

Experts on how cities can better use trees, plants and flowers will visit Bladensburg this month.

Two advisors with the nonprofit America in Bloom program will visit the town on July 20-21 to evaluate everything from the trees lining its streets to the flowers in its parks.

Horticulturist Alex Pearl and landscape designer Melanie Riggs will then give the town a detailed set of recommendations on where it’s doing well and how to improve.

While plants aren’t usually thought of as a top issue for cities, research has found that they have been linked to some surprising effects: reducing crime rates, improving test scores in schools, cutting health care costs, lowering utility bills and boosting property values.

On Route 1, America in Bloom has also worked with Edmonston, which is not surprising since Town Administrator Rod Barnes is a past president of the group.

Since its launch in 2001, America in Bloom has worked with more than 400 communities across 44 states with an estimated total population of 22 million.

Help the Wire grow in 2026!
Make a one-time donation or become a regular supporter here.