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Some may decide to let others judge the beauty of their roses. Rose shows and exhibits are events where you can compete with other gardeners and see how well you are doing. Winning doesn’t matter as much as the experience which will teach you many things.
It is best to visit a few shows before entering plants. This allows the gardener to understand how the process works. While attending these shows if it is possible try to get permission to enter the preparation room. This will enable you to see the preparation process before judging begins.
The rule book by The American Rose Society should be obtained and read before entering any shows. Information on this book can be found at their website www.ARS.org.
When the decision has been made to enter a show, research shows that are close to your area, and enter those to keep travel time and expenses at a minimum. If you are a beginning gardener look for exhibits that offer special judging in this class.
The timetable below will display what should be done to prepare for a show.
30 Days Before the Show
Begin narrowing down the selection to the rose that will be shown. It is best to start by displaying one single bloom on a stem. A rose with a sturdy, straight stem should be selected.
Next you should cut off all buds forming between the side of the stem and the leaf to prepare the rose. This is done to focus all available nutrients to the single bloom at the end of the stem.
The cane of the selected rose should be staked with a bamboo stake and rose or twist ties. This will protect the cane and help to support the cane as it continues to grow.
Use fungicide as needed and promptly remove aphids and spider mites. Aphids are removed by using a spray bottle with soapy water, while spider mites are removed using a spray bottle of plain water.
The plant should be watered normally, and organics and fertilizer should be used as required.
These tools should be collected to take with you the day of the show:
Several soft cloths, Q-Tips, Shears, small plastic wrap, soft artist’s paintbrush, and the ARS Rule Book.
7 Days Before the Show
Cover the bloom with a baggy that is secured below the bloom during nocturnal hours, then remove the baggie before the sun rises in the morning. This should be done every night until the show.
2 or 3 Days Before the Show
Cut the rose using the instructions provided in the “Tips for Cutting Roses for Display” article. The stem should be cut a little longer than normal because it will have to be re cut the day of the show.
Place the stem and bloom into a florist’s bucket, cover the bloom with a baggie and tie it off below the bloom. Put the bucket including the rose into the refrigerator.
The Morning of the Show
Remove the rose from the refrigerator, place both the container and the rose safely in the car, get the tool kit and go to the show!
Roses
Garden Notes |
