Be Heard - Some Questions About Decorative Classes

1. What criteria are used in picking the prize winners?

A good judge will be using the point system as set out in The Horticultural Standards. Do write for your free copy of this useful pamphlet to The Dept. of Agriculture, Parliament Buildings, Toronto. The usual scale of judging is: Design 25, Colour 25, Distinction and Originality 20, Texture harmony of materials 10, Relation to Container 10, and Condition 10. However, we now name our classes so interpretation of the class would count. Bear in mind that the 10 points for condition are very deceptive since most judges won't give a second look to a wilted arrangement. Scale is so important in a miniature that it counts for 40 points.

2. What is the accepted scale for the size of the design in relation to the container?

You will not go wrong by using the old scale of 1 1/2 times the height or width of the container but modem arrangements often exceed this successfully. Never underscale.

3. Complimentary-2 opposite colors eg. yellow and violet.

No, you should pick one of 3 colour schemes.

1. Monochromatic-1 colour
2. Analogous-no more than 3 side by side colours on the colour circle.
3. Complementary-2 opposite colours e.g. yellow and violet.

4. How can I get points for originality?

Be sure your garden has a variety of flowering shrubs and vines from which you can choose interesting curves. Use plants which are new or unusual or new varieties of old favourites. A judicious use of accessories is often very helpful.

5. What is an accessory?

An accessory is anything other than the plant material used either in the arrangement or beside it that helps to interpret the class; e.g. a figurine. Do be sure the accessory has artistic value and does relate to the arrangement.

6. What is meant by a line arrangement?

This is an arrangement in which the emphasis is placed on beauty of line rather than on quantity of flowers. Few flowers are used, perhaps 3 at the most. However, a Hogarth (lazy S line) would call for more flowers.

7. What is meant by a mass arrangement?

This is the traditional or Victorian type of arrangement with many flowers. Careful attention should be given to design and colour harmony and flowers should not be crowded.

8. How can I enter the Japanese class without making a study of Ikebana?

Most line arrangements could be entered in the Japanese class. Here are instructions for a simple Japanese arrangement. Pick a large, shallow, container, either round or rectangular. Fasten a needlepoint holder near one side with floral clay. Cut a curving branch of shrub at least 1 1/2 times the width of the container. Insert branch in the needlepoint to lean over the container. Use no more than 2 flowers inserting them in the needlepoint so that all plant material looks as if it is growing from the same spot. Cover needlepoint with stones, pebbles, or shells. A few of these might stretch out in the water towards the tip of the branch.

Some Recommended Books

Flower Arranging by Joyce Rogers ­ Paul Hamlyn-London

The Complete Book of Flower Arrangement-F. F. Rockwell and Esther C. Grayson-Doubleday

The Japanese Way with Flowers­Rachel E. Carr-Harper and Row.

Miniature Flower Arrangements and Plantings-Lois Wilson,--Van Nostrand

Please contact the OHS or the author if you wish to republish these articles. © Ottawa Horticultural Society

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