There are lots of supplies available to stage your entry: multiple sizes of containers, bags of foam, circular inserts, wool, green Styrofoam, water and entry forms are available on the setup tables in the hall. Newspaper also works well so bring a supply from home. You will quickly find which material works best for you.

No staging material should show above the rim of the container.

Bring scissors or secateurs for plant trimming and a pen to fill in your entry form.  Or print the entry form and complete it at home beforehand.

The objective in staging is to show your plant to its best advantage.  Avoid having your lovely plant disqualified (NAS) because you didn’t read the rules.

• At home, check plant for dirt and bugs. Sometimes it just takes a quick swish in the sink to make a big difference.
• Pick a container that suits the size of entry
• Stand the stem as straight as possible
• Have your best flower heads looking to the front.
• If it’s a branch, look for one that’s nicely balanced with most of the flowers open. You can do some modest trimming to improve it.
• Be sure to show the number of items called for. If more than one, make them as similar as you can and place them evenly in the container.
• Fill in the entry form, naming the variety if you can and don’t forget to fill in your name. Place on the show table with your name hidden under the fold.

If you’ve never done this before, start with one or two entries, and you’ll see its fun and really isn’t difficult.

Using Newspaper
Fill container 3/4 full of water.
Make a cone with several layers of newspaper.
Place stem in centre and place in container.
Add an additional ring of newspaper around the stem if stem needs additional support.

Using a White Foam Insert
Fill container 3/4 full of water.
Leave the stem as long as possible.
It helps it to stabilize the plant and stand straight in the container.
Foam and wool are provided by the Club

written by Ann Fox
President/Co-President–2018-2020
Show Coordinator– 2015-2017
Catering Coordinator– 2011
Ann & Michael have often opened their garden for tours & workshops
(and so much more…)