Entry advice and tips

Advice for entering different categories

Displays of Flowers, Fruit and/or Vegetables – These can be all of one kind, a multiple of varieties, or a mixture of any. Always make certain that all containers are clean and if you cover a table with a cloth, this must match the exhibit, not outshine it. Exhibits should be stable and balanced. Make certain that the exhibit remains within the size stated – any overhanging branches, or foliage etc. can disqualify the exhibit.
NB. All Soft Fruits to be shown with stalks and on a plate.

Floral Craft

The measurements given are for your allotted space and should not be exceeded. Exhibits may be brought ready done, where practical, provided it’s your unaided work. You are not permitted to include artificial plant material (unless specified in the schedule). All classes are staged on runs of tables approximately 74cm off the ground. 'Novice Classes’ are for those who have not won a 1st prize in this section previously. 'Open’ are open to everyone (except Qualified/Professional). ‘Expert ’ are open to all, plus those who are qualified/professional florists.

Flower Arranging Media, Green Alternatives to Floral Foam.
Clevedon Flower Show is keen to reduce the environmental impact of the Show and as part of this we encourage all exhibitors NOT TO USE green or brown ’oasis’ to stage your exhibits, where at all possible and instead use ‘Fibre Floral/Agra Wool’ or any other ‘non-oasis’ alternatives in all classes. Environmentally friendly alternatives can be found on various websites, e.g. www.flowermag.com/guide-to-floral-foam-alternatives/
Example of some alternatives you can use are: Chicken wire; Flower Frogs; Gravel, Rocks, Pebbles; Willow, Rattan, Pliable Reeds; Wood Wool; Straw; Water Vials; Floral Clay, Moss (if sustainably sourced).

Dahlias
Exhibits are judged to the ‘National Dahlia Society’ rules – All dahlias should not show the centre of the flower – i.e., Pompons, balls etc. should be perfectly round with the petals turning back under the flower to the stem. Decorative should be perfectly rounded & the flower head should face forwards – looking at you in the face. Dahlias are measured by ‘rings’, which can be obtained from the Dahlia Society.
These rings are placed over the top of the flowers to check its size – if the ring does not pass over the exhibit, it is too big. This will either be marked ‘NAS’ (Not According to Schedule), or the judge will ignore it.

Chrysanthemums
Early Flowering – These generally fall into four categories – curved, reflexed, intermediate (formerly reflexing) and sprays. Incurved varieties have all the petals turned inwards to the centre of the flower – always check that these petals are all turned upwards and inwards. Intermediate have either loosely or closely incurving petal formations. Reflexed are the opposite in that all the petals turn outwards and downwards. Sprays are a stem with multiple flowers. Where a class asks for one cultivar – these flowers must always be the same (‘cultivar’ is a shortened term for – cultivated variety). When choosing chrysanthemum cuttings, always check that the variety will be in flower at the time of year you wish to show it. It is no good buying an autumn flowering variety to show in August.

Gladioli
These spikes of flowers are asked for by size. This is the size of the florets. The spike of gladioli for show should have a number of florets, from about 12 upwards, which should have one-third fully open, one-third partially open, one-third showing colour and the stem should be straight. Gladioli planted in May can give you flowers through July to the end of August. Planting earlier does not give you better flowers in August, they will just bloom earlier. To carry gladioli to a show, particularly if you have to travel any distance, tie the stem to a cane and lay the flower flat in the car, with all the florets facing upwards.

Roses
Most schedules ask for two types – HT, or cluster flowered (floribunda). All HT roses are a single flower on a single stem (all secondary buds should be removed). Cluster flowered are single stem with a multiple of flowers. Miniature roses are generally shown in a small container, not necessarily in a vase. All roses can have the outside petals removed, but this must be done carefully, to ensure the flower is still perfectly formed.

Pot Plants
First and foremost, all pot plants should be shown in clean pots and always check the size of the pot asked for. Earthenware pots are measured from the inside of the top of the pot. Make certain that there are no dead leaves, or flowers on your plant and take out any that are badly marked. Always water your plant well the day before the show, as well as placing a saucer under the pot and filling with water after the plant has been staged.

Fuchsias
There are a number of fuchsias. Single flowered plants have flowers with four outer petals and four inner petals only. Double flowered plants are the opposite and have four, or more outer petals and more than four inner petals. Tryphilla plants have bunches of elongated flowers and generally have dark foliage. Before showing, check for dead/marked flowers.

Cut Flowers
All cut flowers should be on a straight stem, with no buds, or drooping petals. The stem must be capable of holding the head of the flower and the head must stand clear of the top of the vase. Do not add additional foliage

Displays of Flowers, Fruit and/or Vegetables – These can be all of one kind, a multiple of varieties, or a mixture of any. Always make certain that all containers are clean and if you cover a table with a cloth, this must match the exhibit, not outshine it. Exhibits should be stable and balanced. Make certain that the exhibit remains within the size stated – any overhanging branches, or foliage etc. can disqualify the exhibit.
NB. All Soft Fruits to be shown with stalks and on a plate.

Pot Plants
First and foremost, all pot plants should be shown in clean pots and always check the size of the pot asked for. Earthenware pots are measured from the inside of the top of the pot. Make certain that there are no dead leaves, or flowers on your plant and take out any that are badly marked. Always water your plant well the day before the show, as well as placing a saucer under the pot and filling with water after the plant has been staged.

Fuchsias
There are a number of fuchsias. Single flowered plants have flowers with four outer petals and four inner petals only. Double flowered plants are the opposite and have four, or more outer petals and more than four inner petals. Tryphilla plants have bunches of elongated flowers and generally have dark foliage. Before showing, check for dead/marked flowers.

Cut Flowers
All cut flowers should be on a straight stem, with no buds, or drooping petals. The stem must be capable of holding the head of the flower and the head must stand clear of the top of the vase. Do not add additional foliage

Home Economics- Bakes

All foods must be covered in a clear plastic bag, clingfilm,or a non-breakable see-through cake dome & be presented on a plate (or similar), with doilies.

Preserves

All preserves etc. to be shown in clean, standard size glass jars (1lb orthe metric equivalent). Jars and lids should have no proprietary names. Jams, Jellies and Curds should be filled to brim, to allow for shrinkage. All jars must be labelled, showing date of making and the contents.

Jams & Jellies – For the top of the jar use well-fitting wax disc and cellophane, OR a new twist top (in which case the wax disc/cellophane is not used).

Curds – Must be shown using well-fitting wax disc and cellophane.

Chutney/ Pickle – There should be ½ inch head space between the contents and the lid and the jar must be topped with a vinegar proof new lid, i.e. a plastic lined twist lid. The chutney should also be a minimum of 2 months old.