Editorial: Lewes in Bloom draws worldwide acclaim

It may come as no surprise to many Cape Region residents, but Lewes is one of the most beautiful places on earth. That’s not hyperbole; Lewes has been named the most beautiful city of its size in the world at the Communities in Bloom Symposium in Alberta, Canada.

Lewes previously won America in Bloom honors four times, but this was the first time the First Town in the First State entered international competition. Since 2002, Lewes in Bloom has maintained gardens all over town as well as boxes that overflow with blooms along the canal drawbridge and colorful baskets on Second Street.

Beginning as a group of eight, the all-volunteer group has grown to 235 members, and their dedication was on display when judges visited in July. Teams stayed ahead of the tour, manicuring gardens and sweeping sidewalks to ensure the judges saw the best Lewes offers.

Founder Warren Golde said the judges were impressed with Art in Bloom, a committee that went beyond floral displays to install  three windspinners near Lewes library that welcome visitors with intriguing public art. Lewes in Bloom also created a Children’s Learning Garden to inspire the town’s youngest residents and now has new plans for a multigenerational garden.

Mayor Ted Becker told the judges the community would not be what it is without Lewes in Bloom volunteers, because the city alone could not do all the work. This organization’s efforts are an inspiring model of what dedicated volunteers can accomplish.

As a result of its triumph, Lewes in Bloom has been invited to participate next spring in a public garden project in Cervia, Italy, where Lewes in Bloom and other invited towns will show off their garden design skills in an international display.

Lewes in Bloom has grown into a vital community resource that brings people together to create a more beautiful landscape. Now the whole world has recognized the value of this organization’s work.

Congratulations on a job well done.