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| I've always wanted to do this, but have no idea what the ins and outs of exhibiting are. There are so many divisions too.
Is there a forum for helpful hints for exhibiting cut flower. Bouquets? Plants? If anyone has experience with this, can you email me, or post on here? Its the County Fair, no big prizes or anything, just want to do it for the pleasure of exhibiting some of my homegrown flowers and see what happens. I think first prize is $3.00!!!in each category but you get a ribbon and your name acknowledged. Some ideas: I have some nice calendula but those wilt right away. I have some yellow daisies, similar to black eyed susans. |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by purpleinopp 8b AL (My Page) on Sat, Jun 30, 12 at 16:47
| There's a cut flower forum. I can't remember if that's the forum where they discuss keeping cut flowers looking nice for sale or not...? Is that what you were asking about? |
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- Posted by ken_adrian z5 (My Page) on Sat, Jun 30, 12 at 18:32
| most likely.. this is planned out in winter.. using potted stock.. for ease of transport.. you cant dig them up.. as you note.. they wilt ... i would talk with the peeps at the fair.. find out who is running the show.. and volunteer to help out for a day.. i bet you will learn more about it all.. then we could ever type ... plus.. you will meet some local gardeners.. and maybe find some peeps to trade stock with ... my head.. nearly spun off my head.. the first time i saw a hosta leaf show ... it is crazy.. as i imagine.. this type of thing could be.. for the uninitiated ... ken |
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| Ken, although some fairs may have some categories of plants that are potted, for flowers it is more frequently cut flowers. Steelskies, the first thing you should do is look online for the exhibitor guide for your fair. Once you've found the categories and general information for what you want to enter, then look for information on your specific flowers. You will need to know what is standard for your blooms, how to keep it looking it's best until it is judged, and it is helpful to know its actual name. |
Here is a link that might be useful: an example exhibitor guide
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| steelskies, other very popular County Fair categories would be fruits/vegetables and houseplants. What state is this and when is the fair? Contact any of the local garden clubs in your county. Members are often trained to be judges at competitions such as this. That's another place to obtain information. |
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| Please find the published Fair Booklet.It will contain rules, categories, and an entrance form. Our fair in town has catagories for fruits,herbs,annuals,veggies,roses,dahlias, formal arrangements,and collections of all of the above.I cut my flowers the evening before they are to be delivered to the fairgrounds. They soak overnight in tepid water then arranged in a simple vase (milk bottles work great).Some flowers just don't cut well;poppies,calendula,impatients...but the judges know this...they just have to hold up till judging time. You will never get rich, but what a joy it is to get that blue ribbon. |
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| Flowers that tend to wilt or droop in water can often be pre-treated with a strong citric acid solution to keep the vascular system open. This stuff does work quite well, it makes a big difference with certain types of cut flowers. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Floralife Quick Dip
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| Susanan just reminded me of something easily overlooked...find out if there are any specific requirements for the "vase," and start saving a few. I know that's the kind of thing I would forget until it was time to cut the flowers and go. I might have the flowers, but I would be rushing around the house looking for something to put them in! |
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