Rules for Exhibiting and Judging

General Rules:

❀ Arrangements and specimens must be in place and cards made out on top and bottom before 10:00am. Arrivals after that time will receive credit but will not be in competition.

❀ A member must be present to exhibit.

❀ All new members will be assigned to the Novice class except Accredited Judges and Instructors.

❀ Members are requested to list plant materials for arrangement entries on a 3x5 card.

❀ A 3x5 card may be used to clarify interpretation of a theme when necessary.

❀ Judging will be according to the standards of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. The decision of the judges is final.

❀ See "Glossary" for helpful definitions.

Specific Rules:

A. Design Classes:

❀ Member may enter the Open Class and Class for which he or she is assigned each month, unless otherwise specified in the schedule.

❀ Artificial plant material is not allowed. This includes paper flowers.

❀ Plant material allowed:

❀ Designer's Choice: Fresh, dried, and/or treated dried material may be used. See Glossary "Plant Material."

❀ Dried Plant Material: Plant material from which the moisture has been removed.

❀ Contrived Flowers and/or plant forms: made from fresh, dried or treated but recognizable plant material.

❀ Decorative Wood: all-inclusive term which includes driftwood and weathered wood (wood that has had its surface color, texture and/or form altered by weather, wind, sun, etc.); cypress knees, roots, manzanita and others. Always clean. A chunky piece with no projections may be used as a container in a class calling for all fresh material. BE CAREFUL NOT TO FEATURE, UNLESS ALLOWED.

❀ Accessories: Anything in an arrangement in addition to plant material, container, base, background or mechanics subordinate in a design. Accessories permitted unless schedule determines otherwise.

❀ Featured object: Dominant object in a design. Schedule to govern use.

❀ Feature: To give prominence to.

❀ Variable space: Any width between given measurements. Place marker and leave it for judges to see.

❀ Specimens shall be exhibited in a clear or green glass bottle without labels.

❀ Clear bubble wrap and/or unobtrusive glass marbles may be used to wedge a specimen for exhibit.

❀ Named varieties shall be given preference in close decisions.

❀ Forced bulbs or houseplants must be in clean, unpatterned flower pots, preferably soft green or natural clay. No more than one plant shall be in each pot unless schedule allows more.

B. Horticulture Classes:

❀ The number of specimens is limited to six unless the schedule allows more. This is our local specific rule.

❀ A member may have three exhibits in one class if they are of different varieties. This is our local specific rule.

❀ All specimens must have been grown by member from plants in his/her possession for at least three months and shall be properly identified botanically when possible. Specimen should not exceed 30" in length, unless schedule states otherwise. MEASURE LENGTH OF SPECIMEN FROM CUT STEM TO TIP. Containerswith multiple plants must be in exhibitor’s possession for at least six weeks.