01.19.2022 MHS Blog
Do you enjoy growing plants? Do you have one or more special plant specimens, grown indoors or out, that you would delight in share in with other people? Consider entering your plant, or a collection of plants, in the amateur horticulture competition at the New England Flower Show. Although a bit daunting the first time you enter, the process is easy and there are many people and resources available to help with every aspect — from entry forms to plant preparation.
There is deep pride and joy in seeing other plant people admire your beloved plant and perhaps you will even experience the satisfaction of receiving recognition for your horticultural efforts! Ribbons and awards are granted to the best entry — there is enormous gratification in receiving your first blue ribbon!
Besides the intrinsic self satisfaction of producing an exemplary horticultural exhibit, there are many other benefits of showing plants:
Camaraderie with a community of plant lovers. You will meet other plant enthusiasts and learn about horticultural groups and individual plant societies from Massachusetts and beyond.
Information on how to grow, groom, and care for your show exhibit to bring it to even greater horticultural heights. You will learn from other growers of your favorite plants the best places to acquire new plants and the supplies necessary to grow them to horticultural perfection.
Attentiveness to your plants as a show date compels you to closely examine any plants being considered as an entry at a flower show. This “beyond everyday” scrutiny may lead to the discovery of early insect or disease issues that can then be resolved in their early stages before irreparable damage to the plant occurs. Plants you exhibit will be pruned, cleaned, and potted into their finest condition.
Many individuals interested in showing plants find themselves intimidated by the botanical jargon, Latin names, and the skill of long-time competitors. Do not be dissuaded! Every exhibiter started at the beginning. Categories you can compete in include novice and Junior only classes. There will be people and resources available to assist you to help with everything you will need to know.
How to Enter a Flower Show
Making a Plan
Find the Amateur Horticulture Show Competition Schedules or Exhibitor’s Guide for the flower show you wish to enter. To avoid confusion with events schedules, try googling “How to enter a plant at the [Name of the Flower Show] 2025”. Read this document very carefully as it will tell you:
Time and date of the show as well as drop off and pick up date(s) for individual classes.
Where the plant(s) is to be dropped off and picked up.
Rules and guidelines pertaining to the competitions such as the date at which you must have owned the plant and the size of the pot.
How to get entry cards- the document you will fill out and submit with your show plant(s).
Decide what classes (plant groupings competing against each other) you might want to enter.
Read the 139th New England Fall Flower Show: World in Bloom Schedule
Getting your Plant(s) Entered in the Competition
Well before the show plant drop-off date, prepare for exhibition with these tips:
FOR CUT SPECIMENS (Classes 1-31 of Amateur Horticulture and Classes 13-16 of Junior Horticulture)
Select three or four potential flowers, leaves or branches you are planning on entering in a “cut specimens” class. Mark them, but do not cut them until the day of entry. This will give you a back-up entry should something happen to your best to your best specimen before you enter.
Check them for insects, disease, or damage.
Cut your specimen in the early morning the day of entry. Use a sharp pair of scissors or a knife. Be sure the stems are turgid - not soft or wrinkled. Place them immediately into lukewarm water.
Check them again for insects, disease, or damage.
Identify your plant(s)- If you do not know the botanical and common name of your entry try taking a photograph of it with a newer model cell phone. Allow it to go to photo files- as if you were going to keep the photo in your phone. Pull the photo up on your screen. Look for a star logo. Tap. It will ask you “identify plant”. Tap. The identification of your plant, along with pictures and specific information will appear. Check the photo carefully to be sure it is correct. If this does not work, consult the research materials suggested in the schedule.
Fill out the entry card at home if you can. This will eliminate the last-minute stress of filling out the entry card at the show venue.
Collect boxes with separators of an appropriate size to hold your entry along with newspaper or bubble wrap to transport them to the show.
FOR POTTED PLANTS (Classes 33-56 of Amateur Horticulture and Classes 3-8 & 13-18 of Junior Horticulture)
Check the plants you are considering bringing to the show. Look for insect infestation such as mealy bugs or scale on your intended plants as well as fungal or bacterial infestation. Sick plants may not be entered in the show. For those plants that appear to be in prime shape:
Wash the leaves under running water. Take extra diligent care of your plant leading up to the show.
Groom your plant. Prune out any damaged leaves.
Check the pot for overall appearance. Remove any mineral stains or dirt with Magic Eraser or a similar product.
Drop-Off Day
Pack your plants in boxes you saved and transport them to the venue carefully.
Find where you are to register with the show chair, where the plant prep area is as well as where plants are going to be “passed” (checked for health).
Bring your entrees in to passing area. Wait until show personnel tell you your plants passed.
Once your plants have been classified, you must leave the show area. Bring your boxes and any other delivery materials to your car, but keep them handy for pickup time at the end of the show.
After the Show
Be timely in picking your plants up from the show.
Any effort that you may make in preparing and entering your plant in the New England Flower Show will be repaid ten-fold in fun, camaraderie, knowledge, and pride! The quality of your entire plant collection will improve with all that you will learn from the experience. Proceed with caution however, as entering plants in flower shows can be truly addicting!
We look forward to seeing you at the show.
