What Judges Look For

In Design Classes

(Chapter 11, pp. 106-109 of 2017 Revised Edition of NGC Handbook):

❀ Conformance to Schedule (14 pts)

❀ Design (48 pts): balance, contrast, dominance, proportion, rhythm, scale

❀ Components (8 pts) that contribute to the design and the total creative effect

❀ Organization (8 pts) that reflect the ability to plan and construct an appropriate design

❀ Expression (8 pts): interpretation or communication of the class title or creative thought.

❀ Distinction (14 pts) : marked superiority in technique and craftmanship

In Horticulture Classes

(Chapter 11, pp. 100 – 104 of 2017 Revised Edition of NGC Handbook):

❀ Conformance (5 pts) to schedule

❀ Plant Identification (5 pts) by binomial name or currently accepted scientific designation

❀ Peak of perfection:

1. Form (20 pts): overall 3-d shape of the specimen/s as well as individual parts

2. Color (20 pts): visual perception of the hues, shades, tines and tones of all parts of the specimen

3. Maturity/size (20 pts): ideal stage of development for the specific plant exhibited; not all plants/plant parts are exhibited at the same growth stage

4. Condition/blemishes (15 pts): the physical appearance of the specimen at time of judging

❀ Grooming/Staging:

1. Grooming (10 pts.) – actions taken to improve the appearance of the specimen to show it as healthy and blemish free

2. Staging, cut/container-grown/epiphytes (5 pts) – properly positioned in proper container

3. Staging, collections (5 pts) – presentation of the entire collection as a whole, not to each individual specimen.