Flower Shows Cultivate the Joys of Gardening and Offer
Education, Fun
Standard Flower Shows are among National Garden Clubs' most
popular educational and social activities. These colorful,
enjoyable events continue to draw crowds across the U.S., while
giving club members an opportunity to exhibit plants, floral
arrangements and informative displays on horticulture, gardening
and projects by local and state garden clubs. Flower shows help
spread the word about the joys of gardening and serve as forums for
learning and discussing the latest horticultural and design
trends.
National Garden Clubs offers a wide variety of helpful resources
for those interested in learning more about growing flowers for
exhibition, designing floral arrangements or exhibiting
plants. In addition, NGC offers training opportunities for
members who are interested in becoming certified flower show
judges.
What is a Flower Show?
A flower show is a competitive exhibition of floral designs and
horticulture and may also include educational exhibits. The
basic components of a flower show are a location and date, a
chairman of the show, a schedule stating the types of exhibits,
staging for the exhibits and judges. A judge accredited
by NGC can guide a club through these steps. Other resources
are: NGC Handbook for Flower Shows, Flower Show in a Box
available from NGC Member Services, and the Flower Show Stimulus
Package on the NGC website.
Why Should a Club Have a Flower Show?
- Educates the club and the public
- New cultivars in horticulture
- What trees, shrubs and plants grow well locally
- Design trends for the home
- Stimulates an interest in horticulture and floral design by
club members
- Provides an outlet for members for creative expression
- Conveys to the community the objectives of NGC
What are the Benefits of Having a Flower Show for Your
Club?
- Develops camaraderie among club members in the planning and
staging of the show
- Provides a chance to reach potential new members from the
public who attend the show
- Educates the members in floral design and horticulture
- Recognition and awards instill personal pride and
confidence
- Education exhibits can inform the public of projects the club
does in the community for future partnerships
- Members may decide to attend Flower Show School to become a
judge - which is an asset to the club in the future for education
of its members and as a resource for having a club flower
show.
Flower Show Schools - For Every Club Member
National Garden Clubs' Flower Show Schools are sponsored,
planned and conducted by state garden clubs. The schools
offer learning opportunities and welcome members who are simply
interested in learning more about design and horticulture. For the
casual school participant, no exams or specific curriculum are
required.
In addition, Flower Show Schools also offer training and
preparation for certification exams for those wishing to become
flower show judges.
Floral design instruction covers traditional floral arrangements
through creative styles and even designs incorporating lights and
motors. Many participants are particularly interested in table
setting designs showing coordination of floral centerpiece, linens
and dishes.
The horticulture curriculum consists of basic general
information on proper gardening techniques from seed and plant
selection to plant culture and control of problems. Information
also is presented on cultural needs of specific perennials,
annuals, trees and shrubs, as well as fruits, vegetables and nuts,
and how to grow superior container plants.
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Schedule of Courses for Flower Show
School
Resources
NGC Designs