Gardens in flower shows are in many ways
quite different from those around our homes. They are more compact, condensed
and are viewed in most cases from only one side. We can seldom walk through
them. They are built on the floor so the lawn level is usually below the soil
level around the plants unless a platform has been built. Since this is seldom
possible in amateur shows we have to allow for this sunken effect of the open
area.
Container grown plants may be used as accents.
Gardens should be practical, so that they may be reproduced in one’s own garden.
They should sell the idea of gardens to the viewing public. These small gardens
could be judged as a special class, an invitational (judged or not judged) or an
educational exhibit.
Those judging gardens must have an adequate knowledge of plant materials and
their use. They must have a knowledge of garden design. In other words just
because a person is a qualified floral design judge does not mean that they are
qualified to judge gardens.
The judge is looking for three main objectives, maximum beauty, and maximum use
with minimum maintenance. Gardens are to be lived in as well as a thing of
beauty. Walks should seem to lead to an area of interest. Unity is very
important, all should seem to fit together. The quality and suitability of
accessories should be harmonious with the style of garden. Simplicity is always
in good taste. Balance and rhythm are important. The trees should be balanced
with the shrubbery. The use of normal size plants is encouraged. Full grown
plants can be the dwarf type. A garden is living, growing plants.
SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS FOR SMALL GARDEN EXHIBIT
The schedule for a small garden exhibit should state:
1. Size of the space allotted.
2. The garden theme.
3. Who is eligible to enter.
4. Existing background, floor and location of electrical outlets.
5. Any special requirements, such as accessories, fresh plant
material, whether plants must be grown by exhibitors or can
be on loan from a garden center, etc.
6. Schedule should state if container grown plants are permitted
as accents or entire garden.
7. Schedule should state whether artificial turf is allowed.
8. Labeling of plant material for educational value: botanical and
common names.
9. When the entry will be set up.
10. When will the entry be removed.
11. Approximate time of judging, if judged.
12. That the gardens will be point scored and include a scorecard,
if judged.
Many times theme gardens include those with a Japanese influence such as
“Oriental Charm,” “Tranquility” or “The Quiet Garden”.
Old fashioned gardens can use herbs, medicinal plants and rustic accessories.
Theme might be “Grandma’s Place”, “Plantation Garden” (could be formal in
feeling) or “The Homestead” (might feature vegetables, plants and herbs).
Modern garden themes could be “Tomorrow’s Garden”, “Easy Gardening with Stone
and Sand,” “Patio Garden” (featuring pots and boxes), “The Roof Top” (an
apartment garden) or “An Interesting View” (a balcony garden).
Other themes might be “The Sound of Water”, “Cool Comfort”, “A Shade Garden”,
“All on a Summer’s Day” or “An Inviting Entry Way”.
SCORECARD FOR JUDGING SMALL GARDENS IN FLOWER SHOWS
Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35
plan or layout (25)
accessories (10)
Plant Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
interesting collection (10)
suitable location (15)
size and hardiness (10)
General Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Condition of Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Proper Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
05
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 100
INTERPRETATION OF SCORECARD
Design: (35)
Plan or layout (25) Do you consider it a good design? Is
everything in proper proportion and scale? Does your eye move
smoothly from one element to another producing rhythm?
Is the color combination pleasing? Is there a variety of
textures? Is there an adequate background? Does it meet the
specifications of the schedule?
Accessories (10) This includes walks, paths, paving, furniture,
pools, bird baths, picnic equipment, sundials, bird feeders,
pottery, statues, fountains, etc. Are they in keeping with the size
and design of the garden? Are they overly conspicuous? Does any
one feature attract your attention from the rest of the garden?
Are they in keeping with each other and the plantings?
Plant Materials: (35)
Should be an interesting collection (10)
Suitable for the location - sun, shade, wet, dry, etc. (15)
Suitable as to ultimate size and hardiness (10)
General Effect: (15) What is the impression the garden
leaves? Do you desire to copy some of the ideas at home? Do all
the parts fit together - does it have a finished look? Is it well
groomed? Is there too much bare ground in evidence? Is the lawn
mowed and neat? Do the pots or balls of earth attract too much of
your attention? Does it have charm and appeal?
Condition of Plants: (10) The plants should be in good
condition, no wilting, no pests, no disease.
Proper Labeling: (05) One of each kind of plant should be
labeled so it can be easily read from the front of the garden.
Labels may be on plants or numbered with a list, not typed but
printed large enough to be read without bifocals. If possible, both
common and botanical names should be used. A landscape design
plan, properly labeled is a plus.
