The 18th Edition of Communities in Bloom

MONTREAL, April 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Celebrating its 18th edition, Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to
fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement and the challenge of a national program, with
focus on the promotion of green spaces in community settings.

In 2012, hundreds of Canadian communities will be participating in the national and provincial editions of the program, along with municipalities
from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Czech Republic, Singapore and Japan, who are taking part in the International Challenge.

In July and August, qualified volunteer judges will visit participating communities and evaluate each one on its overall performance within the
following criteria: tidiness, environmental action, heritage conservation, urban forestry, landscape, turf & groundcovers, floral displays, and
community involvement.  The evaluation is based on the local conditions and achievements of citizens, businesses, organizations, institutions and the
municipal government working together towards common objectives.  The communities become part of an extensive information exchange network with
other participants in a dynamic and rewarding process for continuous improvement.

The results will be announced at the National Awards Ceremonies, hosted this year by Edmonton Capital Region in Alberta on October 10th to the
13th. The concurrent 15th edition of the National Symposium on Parks and Grounds offers conference sessions, workshops, and technical visits on
the Growing Vibrant and Sustainable Communities theme.

To support the educational aspect of its activities, the organization established the Communities in Bloom Foundation, a registered charity
dedicated to funding, developing, and disseminating education and awareness on the value, improvement, importance and sustainable development of green spaces and natural environment in Canada.

His Excellency, the Right Honourable David Johnston, C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D. Governor General of Canada is the Patron of Communities in Bloom.

Thank you to our National Sponsors and partners

Home Hardware - Scotts

National Capital Commission - Zaunscherb Roberts Blair - CN

Beauti-Tone - Teck - Ball Horticultural Company

Miracle-Gro - Turf Builder - Scotts EcoSense - RoundUp

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association - Nutrients for Life - Municipal World - VIA Rail Canada

Composting Council of Canada - Tree Canada - LIN

SOURCE Communities in Bloom