The Itasca County fair is now only days away.   Here are a few tips and tricks to help you exhibit your cut-flowers, houseplants and arrangements to their best advantage.

Cut-Flowers

"Spike" forms:   If you are going to be exhibiting spike-form flowers such as Snapdragons or Gladiolus, cut them when the bottom florets are open and in perfect condition.   The ideal choice has about one-third of the florets fully open, about one-third showing color as buds, and about one-third that are still green.  Florets should be mostly present and in good condition, (not shriveled) none should have browned petal edges or have faded color.    The spike should be straight to the tip, and the stem should be sturdy.   Use a wedging device such as foam, plastic wrap or waxed paper to help keep the bloom straight in the container.

"Round" forms:  Examples are Dahlia, Marigold or Zinnia.    Cut when fully developed as indicated by the outer petals folding out gracefully.   Center petals are tighter than the outer petals, but not an immature green.  Avoid exhibiting  over-mature flowers where the pollen is heavily developed or the petals have begun to shrivel, fade or curl.   If showing Marigolds, the blooms should be in different stages of development (fully open, showing color, tight bud.)

"Spray" forms:   Examples are Lily, shrub Rose, Petunias or decorative-type Chrysanthemum.   A spray is a single, main stem with blooms on side branches.  Judges look at the number of buds, the branching and vigor of the spray as well as the quality of individual flowers.   Lilies should be exhibited with as many open flowers as possible, cut the petals should be clean and in good condition with stamens removed from the open flowers.  When the premium list call for a spray of Petunias, select a spray that has blooms in various stages of development (fully open, showing color, tight bud.)  Again, follow the instructions in the premium listing as to number of blooms, sprays, etc. are allowed.

Houseplants

All potted plants should be free of insects and diseases.   Flowering plants are judged for their display of flowers but not show obvious foliage damage. Foliage plants are judged on the quality and appearance of leaves and stems.  Colors should be bright and typical of the cultivar.   Plant shape should be symmetrical.  A one-sided plant indicates that it has not been rotated regularly.   The pot should be clean and in proportion to plant size.   The color, texture and style of the pot should complement the plant, not detract from it.   Plants must be grown by the exhibitor a minimum of 3 months.   Include a label with common and scientific name if known.

Arrangements

The Judge is looking for the arrangement to be "pleasing to the eye."   Color, space, texture, and shape are important.   Use high quality plant materials in good condition.   Plant materials should be in proportion to each other and to the container.    A general rule of thumb is the plant material should be approximately 11/2 times the height of the container, except in low-bowl designs, and in good proportion to each other and the container.    Store-bought plant materials are permitted according to the premium list for that class.

Best of luck to all Exhibitors at this year's fair.    Your hard work and eye for details will surely have you bringing home many blue, red or white ribbons!   

Submitted by Vicky Fall, Itasca County Master Gardener

Beier's Greenhouse Would Love to give a big thank you to Vicky Fall For Submitting these wonderful articles on how to prepare your flowers for success in the fair! Thank You!