TIPS FOR SUCCESS: FLOWERS

• Desirable merits and defects vary considerably between varieties and types however some general common hints are:

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• Freshness,

• Cleanliness and condition

• Form and uniformity

• Trueness of colour

• Size of blooms in balance with stems

• Stems clean and free from defect

Condition and uniformity are the important criteria.  An exhibit is in ‘good condition’ when it is at its most attractive stage, fresh and free from damage due to weather, pests, disease etc.  An exhibit is ‘uniform’ when the items match in age, size and form.

• Do not include foliage unless the schedule asks for this.  If more than one bloom is asked for, priority will be given to flowers matching in colour, size and form.

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• If the exhibit is in a container, check if any dimensions are specified since wrongly sized ones are penalised, as will be exhibits in dirty or broken pots.

• When placing flowers in vases, support them with a small amount of newspaper (do not use sand or Oasis).

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• When a number of blooms are specified, check that there are no extra buds. If small, these can be rubbed off carefully.

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• Single Rose class - This is a specimen class and should be shown with stem and a small amount of foliage.

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• Dahlia classes - Check different groups of classes carefully with either a good gardening book or online. Dahlias should be disbudded (i.e. take off any buds from the stems leaving only the open flowers).