Kingston's participation in the program began with the City of Kingston, whose strategic plan identified culture as one of the community's priorities. Kingston is a major cultural centre. Arts, culture and leisure are recognized for their value to the well-being of residents as well as their economic value. The Communities in Bloom program brings to the City of Kingston a sustainable community beautification program, enhanced public and private space, increased civic pride, linkages to other community projects and, enhanced cultural exchanges locally and with other communities.

The Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce began working with the City of Kingston to develop Kingston Blooms a local competition giving all citizens, businesses, institutions and community groups' access to the Communities in Bloom Program. The idea of Kingston Blooms was a perfect fit with a Chamber of Commerce initiative which began in 2002 - Pitch-In Kingston. Pitch-In rallied individuals, businesses, schools and community groups to clean up areas around Kingston.

The Kingston Horticultural Society is actively involved in supporting the Communities in Bloom program. It is involved in the coordination and administration of the program by providing judges, helpers and disseminating information to encourage local gardeners to enter their gardens in the local Kingston Blooms competition. Members of the Kingston Horticultural Society, Collins Bay Horticultural Society and the Master Gardeners sit on various committees associated with the Communities in Bloom program and are key to the continued success of the Communities in Bloom program here in Kingston.

New ideas are "springing" forth as the committees work to bring the City of Kingston's participation in the Communities in Bloom program to the next level. The excitement continues to build as the citizens of Kingston prepare for the 2005 Kingston Blooms Competition being held in July and the National Judging which will take place during mid to late summer.