The Lenox Garden Club

1. Look up botanical names of your plant material before you arrive at the flower show. List all plant materials on your entry card with botanical names first followed by common name. Print with a typewriter or computer.

2.  Plant material conditioning:
a. Plan on conditioning your plant material at least 24 hours in advance of the flower show.
b. Plant material placed in a dark location will absorb more water.
c. Remove all foliage below the water line.
d. Scrape bark off the bottom 1” off woody stems with a knife or potato peeler. Then slit the stems.
e. To revive wilted material….cut stems on an angle and soak in warm water.

3.  Check list for your entry before being passed:
a. Are the mechanics hidden unless they are an integral part of the design?  No oasis showing and no glaring in your container?
b. Is the arrangement balanced – side to side, front to back, and top to bottom?
c. Are the proportions correct-plant material to the container, any accessories to the arrangement and to the staging.
d. Are the components in scale with each other?
e. Is there dominance without being out of proportion?
f. Is there contrast?  Look for unfinished spaces (remember, though that space is an important part of a design.
g. Is the back finished enough to create depth?
h. Have you filled the container with water?  Would it help prolong the life of the arrangement to use conditioner in the water?

4.  All questions regarding the flower arrangement classes should be directed to the class consultant.

5. Read your Flower Show Schedule.  Make sure that you have followed all the guidelines.  Be aware of the timetable in your schedule.  This will tell you the proper time to drop off and pick up your flowers.

1. Please carefully read the General Rules, the Horticulture Rules and the Schedule.

2. Fill out entry cards with the correct botanical and common names of each plant.  Type or print the entry card legibly in waterproof black ink.  Note pertinent information on propagation, culture dates and length of ownership. Try to have this information with you when you arrive at the show.

3. Water entries before arrival.

4. Container size is determined by measuring the longest inside measurement at the rim, circular containers are measured on the interior diameter; square or rectangular containers are measured on the interior diagonal.

5. Staking should be done as unobtrusively as possible.

6. Grooming:
a. Plants must be free of insects and disease
b. Containers should be as clean as possible.
c. Foliage and fruit should be clean, with no dirt or spray residue.  The use of a leaf polishing agent is prohibited.
d. Dead and blemished material should be removed.
e. Damaged foliage may be trimmed but it should look natural.
f.  Flowering plants should not be misted.
g. Soil surfaces should be clean.  You may top dress the soil but use material that does not float.  Keep the level below the top of the container.