September 18, 2025
10:00 am Deadline for placement of entries
10:00 am Roll call & business meeting
11:00 am Program: Shelley Gaskins
“In Good Company: How Companion Plants Support an Earth-Friendly Rose Garden”
Smithsonian Gardens Horticulturist, Shelley Gaskins, will discuss how to make an earth-friendly rose garden.
12:00 noon Lunch
Lunch (See Guidelines for Hospitality)
Lead Hostess: Beane
Hostesses: Alexander, Beatty, Coupe, Stevens
Judge’s Clerks: Cimino, Gamble (See Guidelines for Judge’s Clerk)
Set-Up/Break Down: Benson,Doyle (See Guidelines for Set Up/Break Down)
DIVISION I: HORTICULTURE (Must be in place by 10:00 am)
Number of entries permitted: 6
Staged in green or clear bottles of appropriate size. Wedging material of with bubble wrap is allowed but should not be visible above the top of the bottle.
Section A. Annuals or Tender Perennials: Cut flower specimen (one stem or spray)
Class 1. Begonia
Class 2. Impatiens
Class 3. Pelargonium (Annual geranium)
Class 4. Petunia
Class 5. Plectranthus (Coleus)
Class 6. Tagetes (Marigold)
Class 7. Zinnia
Class 8. Any other worthy named specimen
Section B. Herbaceous Flowering Perennials: Cut flower specimen (one stem or spray)
Class 9. Anemone
Class 10. Aster
Class 11. Echinacea
Class 12. Eupatorium
Class 13. Euphorbia
Class 14. Rudbeckia
Class 15. Sedum
Class 16. Tricyrtis (Toadlily)
Class 17. Any other worthy named specimen
Section C. Herbaceous Foliage Perennials: Cut foliage specimen (one stem unless otherwise noted)
Class 18. Ferns
Class 19. Herbs (3 stems required)
Class 20. Heuchera
Class 21. Hosta
Class 22. Ornamental Grass
Class 23. Any other worthy named specimen
Section C. Herbaceous Foliage Perennials: Cut foliage specimen (one stem unless otherwise noted)
Class 18. Ferns
Class 19. Herbs (3 stems required)
Class 20. Heuchera
Class 21. Hosta
Class 22. Ornamental Grass
Class 23. Any other worthy named specimen
Section D. Shrubs: Flowering specimen (cut branches not to exceed 12”)
Class 24. Callicarpa
Class 25. Hydrangea
Class 26. Ilex
Class 27. Any other worthy named specimen
Section E. Shrubs: Non-flowering or non-fruiting specimen (cut branches not to exceed 12”)
Class 28. Ilex
Class 29. Itea
Class 30. Viburnum
Class 31. Any other worthy named specimen
Section F. Rosa: Cut flower specimen (one spray or stem with at least one 5-leaflet leaf)
Class 32. Old Garden
Class 33. Hybrid Tea
Class 34. Shrub
Class 35. Any other worthy named specimen
Section G. Fruits and Vegetables: Specimen (must be displayed three on a plate)
Class 36. Cucurbitaceae (cucumbers, gourds, melons, squash, etc.)
Class 37. Fabaceae (legumes, displayed eight on a plate)
Class 38. Solanaceae (eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, etc.)
Class 39. Any other worthy named specimen
Section H. Vines: Cut flower or decorative foliage
Class 40. Clematis
Class 41. Lonicera sempervirens
Class 42. Parthenocissus (Virginia Creeper)
Class 43. Any other worthy named specimen
Section I. Bulbs, Corms, Rhizomes or Tubers: Cut flower or decorative foliage (full scape or stem required)
Class 44. Caladium
Class 45. Canna
Class 46. Dahlia
Class 47. Any other worthy named specimen
Section J. Collection: A group of five different cut and named specimens that have a common characteristic, displayed in individual green or clear glass containers. To be judged for cultural perfection.
DIVISION II: DESIGN (Must be in place by 10:00 am.)
Section A. Open: “You Light Up My Life” Illuminary Design
A Creative Design incorporating light(s) for special effect as an integral part of the design. Space: 30” x 30”
Design Tips: Design should demonstrate some of the characteristics of Creative Design, such as restraint in the amount of plant material used, use of components in a non-realistic manner, use of non-traditional containers with multiple openings and unconventional man-made objects. See Handbook for Flower Shows, pages 72 and 74, and Designing by Types, page 74.
SECTION B. NJSA: “Let’s Go Sideways” Parallel Design with Horizontal Emphasis
A design consisting of three or more groupings of plant material and optional components with a strong parallel placement in a single container or base. Space: 30” x 30”
Design Tips: Multiple containers may be used if combined to appear as one unit. Parallel direction must be horizontal. Groupings need not be equidistant from each other. See Handbook for Flower Shows, page 75, and Designing by Types, pages 97-99.