ClassDescription
Class 101Top Vase Competition One vase of mixed flowering stems, containing a total of between 5 and 10, taken from a minimum of two different kinds of plants.
Class 102Sweet pea, one vase, six stems
Class 103Rose, one vase, one stem
Class 104Rose, one vase, one stem, scented
Class 105Gladioli, one vase, one spike
Class 106Gladioli, one vase, three spikes
Class 107Three decorative Dahlias in one container
Class 108Three cactus or semi cactus Dahlias in one container
Class 109Three Pompon Dahlias in one container
Class 110A container of mixed Dahlias, not less than six blooms, not more than twelve blooms
Class 111Three Dahlias, one type (excluding those in Classes 107 to 109) in one container
Class 112One bonsai tree
Class 113Foliage pot plant, excluding hostas (pot not to exceed 250mm across rim)
Class 114Hosta pot plant (pot not to exceed 250mm across rim)
Class 115Flowering pot plant (pot not to exceed 250mm across rim)
Class 116Orchid flowering, one variety, one pot (pot not to exceed 250mm across rim)
Class 117Fuchsia, single, variety to be named (pot not to exceed 250mm across rim)
Class 118One single stem of your choice (not to include added foliage)
Class 119New Frontal display of cut hosta leaves
Class 120UNDER 18s ONLY 1 vase of flowers, no more than 6 stems, no less than 2 types

The St Wulstan’s Dahlia Trophy will be awarded to the winner of this section.

Section Rules

Please read section rules very carefully. Failure to comply may lead to disqualification.

  • All exhibits must be the property of, and cultivated by, the exhibitor.
  • Exhibitors must provide their own vases, pots etc.
  • Pot plants and bonsai trees must be in the ownership of the exhibitor for at least six months
    prior to the show.
  • An exhibitor may enter up to two entries per class.
  • Display the name of the variety of the exhibit; if the variety is unknown then the exhibit should
    be marked “unknown”.
  • For Class 101, prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place to the value of £10, £5 and £3 will be awarded
    respectively, in the form of Prize Vouchers.
Entry form

Hints and tips on exhibiting

2-3 weeks before the Show

  • Keep soil moist
  • Disbudding – remove buds from plants to promote better growth of flowers
  • Protect blooms from rain, hail and splashing of muddy water
  • Keep pot plants shaded so that the flowers do not fade

Cutting

  • Cut in the evening or early morning when it is cooler
  • Certain Flowers e.g. some varieties of chrysanthemums and penstemons are particularly reluctant to absorb water and in these cases slitting the cut stems 75mm upwards from the base or dipping the severed ends in boiling water will improve matters.
  • Carry blooms downwards
  • Remove side shoots and water pot plants previous day etc.

Transit

  • Avoid squashing
  • Use cotton wool/soft paper to protect flowers
  • Secure pot plants in trays

Staging

  • Remove damaged flowers and discoloured or broken leaves
  • Make sure flowers are taking-up water
  • Avoid displaying wilting flowers
  • Don’t worry if you don’t have a ‘bikini type’ vase. To help keep flowers upright use florist’s oasis or newspaper

General Tips

  • Allow ample time for staging and finishing off, pay close attention to detail therefore try not to exhibit more than you can easily stage
  • Add the cultivar name when displaying. Ideally do this at home, if you can.
  • Pay attention to the number of specimens/exhibits required otherwise exhibit will not be judged and marked NAS (Not As Schedule)
  • Uniformity of the exhibit means choose specimens of the same size
  • In the Schedule; “should” means optional; “must” is obligatory.

Judging

Judges will look for meritorious and defective features. The Worcester Show aims to encourage the competitive spirit amongst amateurs. Therefore the ‘professional’ judging using a points system will not be used but Judges can refer to ”The RHS Horticultural Show Handbook”.

Reference

The Horticultural Show Handbook published by the Royal Horticultural Society – ‘The official RHS guide to organising, judging and competing in a show’ can be found at www.rhsshop.co.uk

Notes compiled by Bill Simpson, Worcester Show, Floral and Fruit & Vegetable Judge.

Entry form