Horticulture Rules | The Weeders

Horticulture Rules and Hints

1) Horticulture exhibits must have been in possession of the exhibitor for at least three months before the date of the flower show, unless otherwise noted. Entries for Par Class must have been in possession of exhibitor for at least 6 months.

2) Plants must be clean and free of pests and diseases.

3) Containers should be clean, unobtrusive and compatible with the plant material. No white plastic nursery pots permitted. Only natural materials may be used as top dressing.

4) Exhibitors may make up to three entries per class if they are of different species or cultivars.

5) The Committee will provide containers and wedging materials for cut specimens, unless otherwise noted.

6) Container measurements refer to the greatest interior measurement at the container rim (including diagonal).

7) The Committee may subdivide a class if necessary.

8) Only entries which do not qualify for other classes in the schedule may be shown in a Par Class.

9) Disguised double potting and top dressing are permitted.

10) Accessories are not permitted unless specified by the class.

Horticultural Classes Hints

Cut specimens either in the early morning or late afternoon of the day before the show. Use a sharp clean knife or clippers and always cut the stem at an angle for the greatest intake of water.
To condition plant material, cut off lower leaves, split a woody stem and place immediately into deep, warm water.
All entries should be shown with sufficient attached foliage to permit evaluation by the judges, unless otherwise stated.
Remove all yellow, damaged or dried leaves, petals, etc. Trimming damaged foliage is permitted; make the cut as discreet and life-like as possible. Clean off dirt and dust with a soft brush or moist Q-tip. If necessary, really dirty flowers, veggies, etc. can be swished in lukewarm, soapy water and rinsed in cool, clear water.
Check houseplants and cut specimens carefully for pests and disease.
Tulips are to be exhibited with foliage attached to the stem.
Daffodil stems do not have attached foliage and are, therefore, exhibited without foliage.
Roses are to be exhibited with at least one attached leaf containing five leaflets.
A Par Class is one in which each entry is judged against absolute horticultural perfection of that individual species rather than judged against other entries in the class.