🌸 From magnificent marrows to radiant roses
We welcome all exhibitors to the show from the not so keen gardener to people who show regularly. If you only have one entry please enter.
The following tips are intended to assist and encourage exhibitors, but if there are questions that you’d like answered please contact a horticultural committee member who will be pleased to assist.
The following tips are intended to assist and encourage exhibitors, but if there are questions that you’d like answered please contact a horticultural committee member who will be pleased to assist.
Container and hanging baskets
The judges look for containers etc. that are well filled with a variety of plants.The container etc. should mostly be hidden by the plant growth.
Plants and flowers
Read the schedule and keep to any requirements i.e. if it states a 20cm bowl the bowl can be smaller, but not larger. Please use vases, clean jars or a drinking glass fitting this to the size of the entry – milk bottles are automatically disqualified under the RHS judging rules.
Perennials are plants that come back into growth year after year. Own foliage should be on the stem of the flower not separate. One plant means one plant not several in one pot. Water is available in the marquee.
Perennials are plants that come back into growth year after year. Own foliage should be on the stem of the flower not separate. One plant means one plant not several in one pot. Water is available in the marquee.
Fruit
Stalks should remain attached to the fruit. Display on a plate (china, paper or plastic is fine) with a few leaves from the plant/tree. Any other fruit are types of fruit not mentioned in the schedule, i.e. figs, apricots.
Vegetables
Smaller items e.g. Potatoes; Tomatoes; Peas; Beans; Courgettes; should be shown on a plate. Larger items Cabbage; Cucumbers; Lettuce; Beet; Carrots; Rhubarb; Marrow; Cauliflower are displayed directly on the show bench. Beet, Rhubarb can be tied together. Rhubarb leaves can be removed – cut off ensuring that the three prongs of the upper stalk are retained for about half an inch. Shallots can be stood up, root end down, in a dish of sand. Onions can be displayed on a plate, tied or stood up on a small piece of hollow tube. The judges are asked to judge for quality not size for example a courgette should not be longer than 13 cm and this includes a small stalk. If possible the flower head should be retained on courgettes and cucumbers. Runner and French beans benefit from being stored over night wrapped flat in a damp cloth.
Junior exhibitors
While these can be awkward to bring to the show they are best completed at home with final touches being made in the marquee, but please leave plenty of time on the day. Exhibits can include purchased flowers. Unusual container means just that! The main thing is to enjoy yourself. Junior Exhibitors can enter all the other Classes but Rule 13 will apply.
Flower arrangements
Please keep to the specifications as stated in the schedule, if you enjoy arranging flowers at home have a go! Arrangements can include purchased products. Arrangements can be staged the night before, if not the marquee will be open early in the morning likely 6.30 a.m. Good luck to all who decide to enter. Class B entrants can also enter into A classes.
