The Nicks and Knacks of Showing

Notes From a talk by Reg Kearsley

Visually correct right size vase. Usually 1/3 vase 2/3 Flowers. To keep flowers in place – reeds, paper, an oasis.

1/3 florets out 1/3 in bud 1/3 green. (22 florets aim). Cut 24 hours early. Keep in deep water.

If need to come out cut 2 to 3 days earlier, bring indoors. If ready keep in cool. (fridge!).

Can take 2 florets off. If more lose points. Need some foliage. Brush off pollen, it stains petals.

1st floret about 8" above top of vase.

Cut 48 hours early. Keep in deep water. Can take out poor petals. Remove ‘visitors’.

Cut away bract.

Not allowed artificial supports, i.e.(wires up stems) above neck of vase.

Use brush to fold petals back to enhance bloom. Take off side buds. Test bloom with correct size cardboard ring.

Arrange 3’s in Triangle or arrange pom poms straight across in 2-3 rows for 5 or 6.

Take calyx off pom poms when in bud.

Need stems so leave buds on. Stamens X so pull out with tweezers.

Curl petals back with brush. Need tight centre.

Show like fan, all 3’s in bloom better than some 4’s and 5’s Uniformity.

Can take split skins off whilst growing. Prepare well before show. Wash, take roots off. Take poor skins off.

Trim tops as required. Wrap in cloth. Put heaviest Onion on a 3" tube.

Should be square bottomed. Test size through a measured ring. Tidy up skins but do not damage.

Trim and turn tops over. Stand on a plate of sand.

Ideal size – can hold in palm of your hand. Prepare 3 weeks before show. Need shallow eyes.

Put in water 24 hrs. Dry but do not rub skin. Wrap in cloth and put in a box. Keep in dark place.

Can keep in riddled soil, (not sand). Can grow in compost, leaves, old manure, straw.

Soil causes scab. Fresh manure causes burns.

Shown as grown. Judges do not cut open now. Compulsory to wash. Wash one, dry, wash second time drop of fairy liquid. Allowed – rub with damp cotton wool to remove small hairs. Pinch out small roots.

Keep foliage but neaten and take out dead leaves. Wrap in damp cloth.

Should not have green shoulders. Wash, rub off rootlets at last minute.

Put a damp cloth over staging. Cut tops off at very last minute.