Horticultural bench shows have been taking place in Alberta since the province was formed. They are a social occasion where gardeners get together and learn from each other.
The public is encouraged to bring in their flowers and produce to be judged. Equally important, other people can view the displays and learn what grows well in their area. Expect to see flowers, potted plants, produce, grains and forages. Some shows will combine horticulture with home arts and crafts.
When the weather co-operates, is sunny and warm, entries are usually high. Rain the day before the show ruins flowers and makes vegetables hard to harvest, resulting in fewer entrees.
To enter pick up a show guide and read the instructions carefully. Competitors are being judged on how well they follow instructions as well as the quality of their entry. Points will be lost, or items disqualified if instructions are not followed carefully.
Place flowers in a clear glass or plastic container unless otherwise stated.
This allows the judge to count the number of stems quickly. Fruit and vegetables that are on a plate stay together and are easier for the volunteers to move and arrange.
When entrees call for more than one of an item, choose ones that are similar in size. While one large pansy can be a conversation piece, the judges will not be impressed.
Points are gained by including the name and variety of each entry. This information makes the show much more interesting for the people walking through. People will often come with paper and pens to write down the names of outstanding selections, planning to include them in their garden, the following year.
Judges must attend judging school and apprentice before they are certified to judge at bench shows.
They know what to look for and if there is a doubt they consult a booklet called Judging Standards for Horticultural Shows put out by the Alberta Agriculture. Serious competitors read this booklet carefully before they enter.
A flower should be free of water spots and insect damage. Trimming blemished away will be noticed by a competent judge.
Flowers must have the correct number of petals. If the flower looks unbalanced the judges will count petals. The flowers should be fresh, not looking like they will soon die.
Stems should be straight and strong. It should divide the flower in two symmetrical pieces.
Leaves should not have blemishes and be in proportion to the flowers.
Remove all leaves that will be placed inside the container. Leaves that are placed in water rot, turning the water green.
The judges automatically remove points for this mistake.
The judges know their plants and award point for ones that are true to their variety which is one of the reasons it is important to write varieties on tags.
Design plays the largest part in floral arrangements. It takes into consideration the overall design, colour combinations, the originality of the design and where it is to be placed. Read the show book as a dinning room table arrangement will be low but a dinning room arrangement might be any size depending on where it is to be placed.
Points are also awarded for texture of materials, appropriate container and condition of flowers and foliage.
Requirements for potted plants change with category. The emphasis in the foliage plant class is on foliage and how true the plant is to variety.
Flowering plants differ in that the flowers are also judged for colour, display and size of blossoms.
Cacti and other succulents receive points for condition, how difficult the plant is to grow and if it is true to the variety.
When looking at fruit, the judges check for good quality. Large fruit are cut open. They are looking for fruit with appropriate texture, lack of fibre, good flavour and aroma.
All specimens should be of similar size and colour. Large ones are given preference; if they are in good condition. Leave bruised and insect damaged fruit at home. Pick ones with a nice clear colour. The quality of vegetables is very important.
Make sure they are at their peak; not immature or past their prime. All specimens should be of a uniform size and free of blemishes.
Leave a ½-inch (one-cm) stem on all fruits and vegetables.
While the contestants respect experienced judges they are also there for the fun and camaraderie with like-minded gardeners.
Linda Tomlinson is a horticulturalist and educator living in Rocky Mountain House. You can contact her at your_garden@hotmail.com