Laurel outlook., 1950-07-26

and Garden
By Leonard wager
Assistant Horticulturist
Montana Extension Service
By Leonard Yag.

Exhibiting Flowers At the Show
One should be aware of the diff
ference between exhibiting flowers
as specimen blooms or in arrange
ment classes. The latter is a newer
development in flower shows, and
may not be found in all schedules
as yet. In specimen bloom or hOr-
ticultural classes, the exhibits are
judged on the basis of their cul-
tural perfection; that is, how well
they are grown by the exhibitor
Arrangement classes go one step
furthel-they encourage the use
of flowers in attractive design. Gull
tural perfection of the flowers in
an arrangement class counts but
little as scored by a Judge. In the
arrangement class the judge judges
the artistic ability of the exhibitor
to arrange flowers in attractive
design for various occasions.
Some of the considerations in
showing flowers in either classifi-
cation depend on how they are
handled prior to exhibiting. First
of all, che must know each kind of
flower and it's peculiarities. Some
flowers like dahlias, g~ladiolus and
a number of others can be cut sew
eral days before the exhibition
date. Others, which fade quickly,
must be gathered the day prior to
the show.
Flowers should not be cut i'm
mediately before exhibiting. They
must be hardened off" or condi-
toned. Cut the flowers either in
the early morning or late after
noon OR evening. Cut with sharp
shears, OF a sharp knife, but never
cut with a dull instrument that
will pinch the stem and prevent
water from being take up into the
stem.
Cut tie stem at a sharp angle,
and plunge the flowers into cool
water as soon after cutting as pos
sible. They should be conditioned
by placing them in a cool basement
or some ether Cd place. Sprinkle
the floor around the plants lib
rally to maintain a high relative
humidity around the flowers.
Never place the flowers in a direct
}raft and protect them from direct
sunlight. Avoid overcrOwding the
specimens in the containers.
Flowers borne en- woody stems
are aided if their sterts are split
or crushed an inch or two to per-
nit more rapid intake of water.
Flowers with milky juices in the
stems such as ~poinsettia, hello
trope, spurges and oriental poppy
are benefited by dipping the stems
in boiling water for a few seconds,
then Immediately plunging them
into cool water. Many kinds of
flowers last longer if they are
plunged up to their necks in cool
water during the hardening or con-
ditioning period. Condition the
flowers for several hours before
placing them in arrangements. If
they are not shown for several
days, it helps to cut a little off
of the stem and change water
The matter of transporting
flowers is a very important one.
Flowers Are very fragile, and
break very easily. They can
be placed in containers of water
and taken to the show in that
1t is better yet to pack
the best specimens in florists
flower boxes and handle them in
that manner. Wrapping individual
blossoms in tissue paper will pre-
vent rubbing against other blooms.
If the flowers ire to be trans
any distance it may be we'll
to wrap the cut stems with wet
absorbent paper or cotton batten.
| have seen gladiolus specimens
shipped even greater distances with
their cut ends placed and secured
in small rubber balloons filled with
Many of the points brought out
ir. last weeks article on exhibiting
vegetables and fruits apply here.
In the horticultural or specimen
classes the Judge will count quail
ity and condition of the flowers
foremost. They must look fresh,
and must be free of mechanical
injuries or blemishes due to insects
or disease. If more than one speci-
men is called for in the exhibit,
they must possess uniformity of
color, size, form and other charac-
teristics.
In flower groups where fra
is important, the fragrance
must be pleasing and distinctive.
The Judge will also check the foil
age and stem to see that they are
healthy and clean. The overall ap-
peal of the flower or flowers-dis-
tinction-will go a long way in
awarding that exhibit the blue
ribbon.