DGC holds Mini Flower Shows (MFS) as an  opportunity to showcase what members grow in our gardens, to learn more  about horticulture and to prepare us for successful exhibiting in NGC  Standard Flower Shows. 

1. All active members must exhibit  horticulture or design at least three (3) times during each club year.      There are circumstances which sometimes prevent a member from exhibiting  the requisite three times. In such a case, there are other opportunities   to earn entry points beyond entering an exhibit in a MFS.

 One entry point is given per MFS, regardless of the number of exhibits entered. New this year is a limit on the number of horticultural entries permitted. Members may bring in up to five (5) horticultural specimens per MFS. The purpose of this change is to ease the workload on entry, placement and judging volunteers and to level the playing field for the accumulation of points for awards.

 Members may also receive an entry point for participating in a Flower Camp workshop (there are four throughout this club year) and for serving as a teacher at any one of our horticulture and design programs. 

1.  Any member volunteering to judge or be a consultant for a MFS who has not exhibited in that show will be awarded one entry point.
2. In addition, an entry point will be given if a member brings an exhibit after judging has begun. Their exhibit will be placed on a table for display only and will not be judged.
3. A ‘schedule’ is   provided for each month for which a MFS is being held and this schedule   details a listing of the horticulture and design classes which may be   exhibited that month. Throughout the year, the schedule changes.
4. Two main references are employed by    judges to evaluate horticulture and design exhibits:

•  NGC Handbook for Flower Shows(NGC Handbook) which can be purchased from our club in the Diggers Boutique (updates available on the NGC website), or a free digital version can be downloaded from the NGC website (updated in July 2024).
• NGC Horticulture Exhibiting and Judging (2012) which is a supplement to the NGC Handbook and is also available from NGC or Diggers Boutique. 
• These tools are very useful in guiding the exhibitor showcase quality entries. In addition, resources are abundant on the Web. Good sources of information about a particular species can be found on the web pages of horticultural societies (by plant type) or commercial grower sites, e.g., https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org https://daffseek.org, https://extension.umd.edu 

https://wiki.irises.org, https://daylilies.org, https://www.rose.org.

1. Horticulture exhibits must be fresh,  unaltered and untreated (no paints, sprays or leaf shine) and grown by the exhibitor. All plant material must have been in the possession of the      exhibitor for the appropriate length of time, depending on the type of plant  material, as detailed in the NGC Handbook. See NGC Handbook page 55 for  additional requirements.
2. Grooming is very important and should be  done once a plant specimen has been fully conditioned by allowing it to  stand in lukewarm water in a cool, dark room for a minimum of 2 hours up  to overnight. This allows the plant to take in more water and to be in  prime condition for exhibition. For all cuttings and container grown   plants, remove dirt, dust, loose pollen, damaged petals or leaves, insects  and webs. Remember to use a clean container. Cut entries are staged in  clear glass bottles filled with water such that there are no leaves below   the water line (the exception is gladiolus). If necessary, use plastic  wrap to wedge the specimen in the bottle to showcase the cutting to its   best advantage. Boxwood is no longer permitted for wedging. Container-grown plants must meet the  size requirements stated in the schedule. Generally, one exhibit per class or  sub-class is permitted; however, there are some exceptions, such as Iris  and Daffodil (three exhibits per class or sub-class, provided each is a   different cultivar). See NGC Handbook page 55 and 56 for other tips on  grooming.
3. Entry cards (3x5”) must accompany each  exhibit in horticulture and design. The cards must be properly filled out  listing the species identification according to the schedule, the binomial   botanical name (genus and specific epithet), the cultivar name if applicable  and the member’s number (See examples). Common names may be added. The DGC  website has information explaining binomial nomenclature which, as the NGC Handbook describes, is “the scientific      naming of plants [in Latin], creating a unique, universal name for an      individual plant. Only one (1) plant may be so designated with the genus and specific epithet, and that name is  recognized throughout the world.” 
4. Proper naming of  entries is explained as follows: A plant species is the combination of the genus (generic  name) and the specific epithet (specific name, a subgroup of  genus). The first word in the name is the genus and is always capitalized.   The second part of the name, the epithet, typically provides further description of color, shape, size, etc. The epithet is not capitalized. Both words are italicized or, if handwritten, underlined, for example Digitalis  purpurea or Digitalis purpurea. 

If a species has a variety, it follows the genus and specific epithet as var. and the name as in Celosia argentea var. cristada. 

The term cultivaris shorthand for cultivated varieties and refers to plants that have been developed by plant breeders or discovered growing in nature and propagated by horticulturists. A cultivar may have specific features such as a unique color, size or disease resistance that makes them more desirable than the straight species. The cultivar is written after the genus and epithet, capitalized in single quotations. For example, Dalmation Purple’ is a cultivar which distinguishes this particular plant from other digitalis cultivars. The full name of the species is Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmation Purple’ (genus, specific epithet, cultivar). If asked to exhibit more than one different cultivar of a species, the plants would all have the same genus and specific epithet, followed by individual cultivar names which are capitalized and in single quotations. 

Finally, the entry card may also reference the common name of a plant—the name by which most people know and refer to the plant; in the above case, Digitalis is commonly known as Foxglove and should be written as (Foxglove) – note parentheses.

Class     2. Open Class

c.     Non-native Perennial

Digitalis     purpurea    ‘Dalmation Purple’

(Foxglove)

. 

1. For Design—All designs must be the      original work of a single exhibitor and only one (1) design exhibit per      exhibitor is permitted in each class. Designers should follow the      specifications listed in the schedule each month which describe NGC design  type, theme (often reflected in the class title) and any other      requirements. Fresh plant material may be purchased; however, exhibitors  are encouraged to use garden-grown plant material whenever possible. Fresh  plant material may not ever be treated and artificial plant material may  not be used at all; dried material may be treated unless otherwise stated  in the schedule. See NGC Handbook pages 80-81 for additional references.

The entry card for design is filled out as follows:

Class 1:     “Always in Season”  

Chrysanthemum, Wax Flowers and Boxwood

[You must list the plant material in     your design. Common names may be used; inclusion of the botanical names is     optional.]

1. The Principles  and Elements of Design are qualities of a design on which   judging may be based. The Principles of a Design, whether in a floral  arrangement or the arrangement of plants in a landscape are those “basic  standards used to judge all visual art.” Their correct application is  necessary for a well-executed design.” The Elements of Design are “the  basic, tangible and/or visual qualities of all art.” Refer to the NGC  Handbook for Flower Shows for additional information.

Principles –Remember these principles using the mnemonic BaD CRoPS

Balance – Visual stability in a design so objects appear balanced from top to bottom, side to side or front to back.

Dominance– The emphasis or impact of one component over another.

Contrast – Use of opposite or unlike characteristics for added interest or emphasis.

Rhythm – The dominant visual movement through a design created by a repetition of form, color or texture. 

Proportion –The ratio of areas and amounts.

Scale – Size relationship of one object to another.

Elements - [SPeLL FaCTS]

Space – The open areas in and around a design or object, including total space, space within plant material and space within a design.

Pattern – An arrangement of lines, forms (solids) and the spaces between them.

Light – The illumination necessary for vision which can modify forms and affect colors, texture and depth.

Line – A one-dimensional visual path through a design, giving rhythm and direction.

Form – The three-dimensional aspect of an object.

Color – The result of light striking an object and being reflected to the eye.

Texture – The surface quality of a component which adds interest or calls attention to a floral design.

Size – The perceived visual dimension of a component as influenced by distance from the viewer, color or textural qualities.

1. Points awarded by      judges in a MFS based on the quality (as defined by the NGC  Handbook) of the exhibit are tracked for each member throughout the year.   Note: this is different from the three entry points required of active   members for just exhibiting horticulture or design. The total number of  points awarded for placement in a class (see below) are used to determine  yearly horticulture and design awards which are given at the Annual Picnic  in June.

Point Scoring for Judged Exhibits: 

First Place (blue)- 15 points  

Place (red) - 10 points point. 

Third Place (yellow) - 5 points 

Honorable Mention (green) – 1 point

  – 

Horticulture: Diana Brooks, Susan Matthews

Design:  Cheryl Willey

Consultant: Wanda Ciekot

Clerk: Connie Glover

Division I – Horticulture 

Class 1. Rosa(Roses)

a. Miniature single

b. Miniature spray

c. Hybrid Tea, Grandiflora

d. Floribunda, Polyantha, Carpet, Climber – one spray

e. Shrub, Old Garden rose 

Class 2. Container-Grown Plants (maximum pot diameter 8”) – Single specimen

a. Flowering

b. Foliage

c. Cactus or Succulent

Class 3. Open Class – One (1) cut Flowering stem

a. Annual

b. Native Perennial

c. Non-native Perennial

d. Biennial

e. Bulb, corm, rhizome, tuber

Class 4 Herbs

a. Same species or cultivar – one cut stem (e.g., Mentha x piperita ‘Variegata’)

b. Different cultivars of the same species – Three cut specimens in one container (e.g., Mentha x piperita ‘Variegata,’ Mentha x piperita‘Chocolate’ and Mentha x piperita ‘Citrata’).

c. Different species – Three cut specimens in one container (e.g., Ocimum basilicum, Coriandrum sativum, Artemesia dranuculus.’

Class 5. Homegrown produce displayed on a tray

a. Three (3) fruits, samecultivar (e.g., Strawberry – Fragaria x ananassa ‘Allstar’)

b. Three (3) fruits, different species (e.g., Apple, Peach, Plum, Pear, Grape)

c. Three (3) vegetables, samecultivar (e.g., Eggplant – Solanum melongena ‘Rosa Bianca’)

d. Three (3) vegetables, different species (e.g., Eggplant, Zucchini, Cabbage, Kale. Cucumber)

e. Three (3) tomatoes, samecultivar (e.g., Solanum lycopersicum ‘San Marzano’)

f. Three (3) tomatoes, different cultivars (e.g., Solanum lycopersicum ‘San Marzano,’ ‘Brandywine,’ Rutgers,’ Roma,’ ‘Beefsteak’)

Class 6. Ornamental Grasses – single cut grass culm (stem) measuring 12” – 30” from cut end to 

tip of flower head (spike, raceme or panicle)

a. Native

b. Non-native

Division II – Design

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme - A Creative Mass Design 

Staged on a table 30” high.  Frame of reference: 24”W x 24” D, two-dimensional staging panel with matching underlay required; staging panel will determine height of frame of reference, not exceeding 48”. Using herbs as your greenery.

See Handbook for Flower Shows, p.74.

Judges:

Horticulture: Sue Lachenmayr, Barbara Brooks

Design: Cookie Brohawn, Kay Karminski

Consultant: Faye Phillips

Clerk: Karen Acosta

Division I – Horticulture

Class 1. Conifers – 1 branch (minimum length 6”/maximum length 24”)

a. With cones or berries

b. Without cones or berries

Class 2. Broadleaf Evergreen Tree or Shrub – 1 branch (minimum length 6”/maximum length 24”)

a. Flowering

b. Foliage

c. Fruited

Class 3. Deciduous Tree or Shrub – 1 branch (minimum length 6”/maximum length 24”)

a. Flowering

b. Foliage

c. Fruited

Class 4. Ilex(Holly) – 1 branch (minimum length 6”/maximum length 18”)

a. Foliage

b. Fruited

Class 5. Container-Grown Plants (maximum pot diameter 8”) - Single specimen

a. Flowering

b. Foliage 

c. Cactus or Succulent

Class 6. Open Class – One (1) cut Flowering stem

a. Annual

b. Native Perennial

c. Non-native Perennial

(i) Chrysanthemum 

(ii) Dahlia 

(iii) Other

d. Biennial

e. Bulb, corm, rhizome, tuber

Class 7 Herbs

a. Same species or cultivar – one cut stem (e.g., Mentha x piperita ‘Variegata’)

b. Different cultivars of the same species – Three cut specimens in one container (e.g., Mentha x piperita ‘Variegata,’ Mentha x piperita‘Chocolate’ and Mentha x piperita ‘Citrata).

c. Different species – Three cut stems in one container (e.g., Ocimum basilicum, Coriandrum sativum, Artemesia dranuculus’).

Class 8. Ornamental Grasses – single cut grass culm (stem) measuring 12” – 30” from cut end to tip of flower head (spike, raceme or panicle)

a. Native

b. Non-native

Division II – Design:   Mixology… A Multi Ryhthmic Design

Staged on a table 30” high. Frame of reference: no height restriction. Underlay permitted. Designer’s choice of plant material and components. See Handbook for Flower Shows, p. 75  

 Judges:

Horticulture: Dee Terry, Cindy Burns

Design: Fran Collins, Judy Austin

Consultant: Patti Hopkins

Clerk: Becky Barth

Division I – Horticulture

Class 1. Conifers – 1 branch (minimum length 6”/maximum length 24”)

a. With cones or berries

b. Without cones or berries

Class 2. Broadleaf Evergreen Tree or Shrub – 1 branch (minimum length 6”/

maximum length 24”)

a. Flowering

b. Foliage

c. Fruited

Class 3. Ilex (Holly) – 1 branch (minimum length 6”/maximum length 18”)

a. Foliage

b. Fruited

Class 4. Container-Grown Plants (maximum pot diameter 8”) - Single specimen

a. Flowering

b. Foliage

c. Cactus or Succulent

Class 5. Combination Planting – Desertarium (a terrarium with cacti and other succulents).

 (HB Ch. 6 III E). Maximum diameter/any dimension 16”.

Class 6. Open Class – One (1) cut Flowering stem

a. Annual

b. Native Perennial

c. Non-native Perennial

d. Biennial

e. Bulb, corm, rhizome, tuber

Staged on a table 30” high. Frame of reference: 24” W x 24”D; no height restriction; two-dimensional staging panel and matching underlay required. 

Designer’s choice of plant material and components.

See Handbook for Flower Shows, p.75.

Judges:

Horticulture: Linda Chandlee

Design: Billie Norton, Carol Williamson

Consultant: Faye Phillips

Clerk: Pat Beck

Division I – Horticulture

Class 1. Conifers – 1 branch (minimum length 6”/maximum length 24”)

a. With cones or berries

b. Without cones or berries

Class 2. Broadleaf Evergreen Tree or Shrub – 1 branch (minimum length 6”/

maximum length 24”)

a. Flowering 

b. Foliage

c. Fruited

Class 3. Ilex (Holly) – 1 branch (minimum length 6”/maximum length 18”) 

a. Foliage

b. Fruited

Class 4. Helleborus– One (1) cut stem with blooms

a. Single Flower

b. Cluster (cyme) of Flowers

Class 5. Container-Grown Plants (maximum pot diameter 8”). Single specimen.

a. Flowering

b. Foliage

c. Cactus or Succulent

Class 6. Combination Planting – Hanging Garden Kokedama. (HB Ch. 6 III C). Kokedama will

Be displayed on a table easel or other device provided by the Club. Limited to four (4) 

entries. Please contact Jeanne Bernard or Mari Stanley before February 1, 2027 to register.

Class 7. Forced Bulbs in container (pot with soil or other forcing medium)

a. Amaryllis

b. Narcissus

c. Any other

Division II – Design  “East Meets West”  A Spatial Thrust Design

.

Staged on a table 30” high.  

Frame of reference” 24”W x 24” D. No height restrictions.  Two-dimensional staging panel and matching underlay required.  Designer’s choice of plant material and components.  

See Handbook for Flower Shows p. 75

 Judges:

Horticulture: Jeanne Bernard, Ellen Higgins

Design: Julie Bryan, Mary Ann Moore

Consultant: Cheryl Willey

Clerk: Mary Etta Creighton

Division I – Horticulture

Class 1. Standard Narcissus (Common Name—Daffodil) – 

up to 3 entries allowed per sub-class (division); must be different cultivars

a. Division 1 – Trumpet

b. Division 2 – Large Cup 

c. Division 3 – Small Cup

d. Division 4 – Double

1. One bloom to a stem

2. More than one bloom to a stem

e. Division 7 - Jonquila or Apodanthus

f. Division 8 - Tazetta

g. Division 11- Split Corona

h. Division 12 - Any other daffodil of garden origin

See April 2026 yearbook page for information on cultivars, divisions and collections.

Class 2. Miniature Daffodils – up to 3 entries per class, must be different cultivars:

Same descriptive divisions as standards only with smaller blooms

a. Division 1 –Trumpet

b. Division 2 - Large Cup

c. Division 3 - Small Cup

d. Division 4 – Double

1. One bloom to a stem

2. More than one bloom to a stem

e. Division 7 - Jonquila or Apodanthus

f . Division 8– Tazetta

g. Division 11 – Split Corona

h. Division 12 – Any other daffodil of garden origin

Class 3. A collection of 5 different cultivars of daffodils in the same or different divisions 

a. Standard 

b. Miniature

Class 4. Spring-flowering Branches—one (1) branch (minimum length 6”/maximum length 24”)

a. Forsythia x intermedia

b. Salix discolor - Pussy Willow

c. Any other

Class 5: Conifers – 1 branch (minimum length 6”/maximum length 24”)

a. With cones or berries

b. Without cones or berries

Class 6. Broadleaf Evergreen Tree or Shrub – 1 branch (minimum length 6”/

maximum length 24”)

a. Flowering

b. Foliage

c. Fruited

Class 7. Container-Grown Plants (maximum pot diameter 8”). Single specimen.

a. Flowering

b. Foliage

c. Cactus or Succulent

Class 8. Bulb, Corm, Rhizome, Tuber – One (1) cut stem

Class 9. Helleborus - One (1) cut stem with blooms

a. Single flower

b. Cluster (cyme) of flowers

Division II – Design “Signs of Spring”

A Companion Design. Designer’s choice. Staged on a table 30” high. Frame of reference – no height restriction. This is a design in which one exhibitor who has never entered a design and a more experienced design mentor/encourages that design. See Handbook for Flower shows, p.79