Demystifying Flower Shows Workshop

Thank You Judy Shedden -

Demystifying Flower Shows Workshop

Last spring, before our first show, the Indoor Gardening Show, the Programme Committee decided that we wanted to try to encourage more people to enter our flower shows. Judy Shedden, a judge and floral designer extraordinaire, (and a member of our society) kindly agreed to run the workshop, and about 20 people showed up for the evening.

The first class we worked on was a house plant class. About four people had brought house plants and they were presented for judging, after Judy discussed criteria for house plant judging. We all made our choices, and then discussed our reasons for each. Judy then discussed the reasons for her choices, and we learned, among other things, that bigger is not necessarily better. Our second class was a gladiolus class. Once again, we were given some general rules, and made our placements and the same procedure took place.

Judy also gave us many tips about preparing plants and flowers for show, and I think that the attendees had a better idea of what was expected. It did translate into more entries, I believe, but we'd like to get even more people entering the shows.

Some basic facts about flower shows: Entries should be presented in plain glass bottles. Entry cards are available before the show. Unless specified (eg. in the Design Classes) all entries must be grown by the exhibitor. Novice classes are for people in their first three years of showing, although novices may also enter regular classes. There are novice trophies to be won, but only from entries in the novice classes. After 3 years of showing, you must enter the regular classes. Many trophies, for aggregate wins, and Best in Show flowers, are available. You may enter any number of entries in any one class. There are small cash prizes for 1st to 3rd placement, which are paid at the December Annual Meeting. There is a small booklet produced by the Ontario Government with more detailed guides and information on classes. It can be procured through the society (see Show Rules for information). We encourage everyone to try entering a class.

We so often hear people looking at the results after a show saying "I have one better than that in my garden". So why not bring it? If it's really spectacular, it might get a Best In Show, even if it's a single entry. Thanks again, Judy!

Sylvia Spassof

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