It is with heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of the 2020 Worcester Show, due to the ongoing impact of the coronavirus outbreak. The Show will be back in August 2021 with a day to celebrate and remember.
| Class | Description |
|---|---|
| Class 101 | Newmans Florist Top 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 102 | Sweet pea, one vase, six stems |
| Class 103 | Rose, one vase, one stem |
| Class 104 | Rose, one vase, one stem, scented |
| Class 105 | Gladioli, one vase, one spike |
| Class 106 | Gladioli, one vase, three spikes |
| Class 107 | Three decorative Dahlias in one container |
| Class 108 | Three cactus or semi cactus Dahlias in one container |
| Class 109 | Three Pompon Dahlias in one container |
| Class 110 | A container of mixed Dahlias, not less than six blooms, not more than twelve blooms |
| Class 111 | Three Dahlias, one type (excluding those in Classes 107 to 109) in one container |
| Class 112 | One bonsai tree |
| Class 113 | Foliage pot plant, excluding hostas (pot not to exceed 250mm across rim) |
| Class 114 | Hosta pot plant (pot not to exceed 250mm across rim) |
| Class 115 | Flowering pot plant (pot not to exceed 250mm across rim) |
| Class 116 | Orchid flowering, one variety, one pot (pot not to exceed 250mm across rim) |
| Class 117 | Fuchsia, single, variety to be named (pot not to exceed 250mm across rim) |
| Class 118 | One single stem of your choice (not to include added foliage) |
| Class 119 | New Frontal display of cut hosta leaves |
| Class 120 | UNDER 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.
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.