Horticulture

Class info for 2023 

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30p per entry (11th subsequently 15p),

young gardeners 15p

Special Awards

The Banksian Medal:  The Medal is awarded, in accordance with RHS rules, to the winner of the largest total of prize money in Classes 2 to 88.  The winner will not be eligible for the "Committee" prize, but all other medals offered will remain open, subject to their own conditions, to the winner of the Medal.  The previous years winner is not eligible to compete this year.

The "Committee" Prize:  Awarded to the winner of the largest total of prize money in classes 2 to 88, excluding the winner of the Banksian Medal.

The Murphy Challenge Cup:  Awarded for the most outstanding exhibit in the Show excluding Floral Arrangement Classes.

The Stephens Cup:  The cup is awarded in alternate years for the most points gained in either the vegetable classes or the flower classes.  For 2016 it will be awarded for the most points gained in the Flower Classes 40 to 69.

The Norman Ingate Bowl:  The bowl is awarded for the highest aggregate of points in the Rose Classes 40 to 46.

The Iveagh Silver Challenge Cup:  The cup is awarded for the best single exhibit in the Flower Classes 40 to 79.

The George Chick Memorial Cup:  This cup is awarded for the best exhibit in Flower Classes 63 and 64.

The Royal National Rose Society Medal:  A Bronze Medal is awarded for the most outstanding exhibit in the Rose Classes 40 to 46.

The National Sweet Pea Society:  A Medal (1st Prize) and a Certificate (2nd Prize) are awarded for the two best exhibits in the special National Sweet Pea Society's Class 88.

The Tatham & Hawkins Silver Challenge Cup:  The cup is awarded for the best single exhibit in the Vegetable Classes 2 to 24 and 27.

The J H & A M Robinson Memorial Cup:

This cup awarded for the highest aggregate of points in the Floral Arrangement Classes 90 to 94.

The Mac Barr Cup:  The cup is awarded for the best single exhibit in the Fruit Classes 31 to 39.

RHS Affiliated Societies' Medal:  A Bronze Medal is awarded for the exhibit of outstanding merit in each of the vegetable, fruit, and flower sections, but excluding exhibits winning the Iveagh, Tatham Cups and Mac Barr Cups.  A Bronze Medal is also awarded for the best exhibit in Floral Arrangements Classes 90 to 94, but excluding the exhibit winning the Daisy Tuffen Cup.

The Lady June Onslow Award:  The award is given for the best use of colour in the Floral Arrangement Classes.

The Daisy Tuffen Flower Cub (Pyrford) Cup:  The cup is awarded to the winner of the Judge's Choice in Floral Arrangement Classes 90 to 94.

Lodge Brothers Young Gardener Cup:  The cup is awarded for the best exhibit in the Young Gardener Classes 81 to 87.

Young Gardener Medal:  The medal is awarded for the most points gained in the Young Gardener Classes 81 to 87.

Top Vase:  Vouchers for seeds are awarded for the three best vases of mixed flowering stems according to the Garden News Top Vase rules

Top Tray:  A certificate and vouchers for seeds are awarded for the three best trays of three different vegetables.

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The Botanical Place Cup:  Awarded for Best Botanical Garden in Balcony or Window Box Setting 

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Judges

Fruit & vegetables: Keith Hines, Norman Dickenson

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Flower arrangements: Sue Slark

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Rules
 

Special Rules for Vegetables, Fruit and Flowers

1. Read Schedule carefully, noting particularly the section in which you intend to compete.

2. Note the number and specification of items to be shown in each class, including size of container; non compliance will lead to disqualification.

3. Exhibits will be judged by their qualities and not their size. Uniformity in size is important.

4. All vegetables should be properly presented and cleaned for exhibition. While roots should be very carefully washed, in no circumstances should oil or any similar substance be used.

5. In all classes where cut material is shown, all stems must reach the water in the vase or receptacle. Vases and plates etc. must be provided by exhibitors, unless otherwise stated.

6. The diameter of a Plant Pot or Pan is the INSIDE measurement made as near the top as possible. A vase must be taller than it is wide at its widest point.

7. Competitors are allowed only one entry in each class (except class 27).

Floral Arrangements

1. An exhibit is composed of natural plant material, with or without accessories, contained within a space as specified in the Show Schedule. Backgrounds, bases, containers, drapes, exhibit titles and mechanics may always be included in an exhibit, unless otherwise stated. More than one placement may always be included, unless otherwise stated. In all exhibits natural plant material should dominate.

2. Fresh plant material should have the cut ends of stems or roots in water or water retaining material.  EXCEPTIONS: Air plants, cacti, fruits, grass turf, lichen, moss, succulents, vegetables and long lasting plant material (including string fibrous stems) which will remain turgid for the duration of the show.

3. Aids to hold plant material in place are allowed but should not be seen.

4. Driftwood is natural wood which has been weathered by the natural elements (air, earth, fire or water).

5. Exhibitors should take into account space permitted, and leave at least 25mm of space either side of exhibit. Points will be lost if arrangements are too small for small space.

6. All exhibits should be assembled at the Show.

7. Only one entry is allowed in each class.

8. Flowers, foliage may be purchased or otherwise obtained for use in the Floral Arrangement classes (except where specifically stated to the contrary).
    

All exhibits will be judged in accordance with the NAFAS Competitions Manual (3rd Edition).

Top Vase Award (Class 89)

1. The Top Vase class is for a vase of mixed flowering stems containing a total of between five and ten stems, taken from a minimum of two different kinds of plants.  Please note that is two different KINDS of plants, two varieties of the same genera are NOT two kinds.

2. The display will be judged out of a total of 35 points, split into: 25 points for the colour, form, condition, quality and freshness of the flowers on display, and 10 points for the overall presentation and effect of the flowers in the vase. The vase will be viewed from all directions. Judging of the flowers should be to normal Royal Horticultural Society rules.

3. Stems used in the display must be showing fresh home-grown flowers only; no dried flowers, seed heads or berries are allowed.

4. The vase can be any shape and size and made from any material, but must be in proportion to the display. No marks are awarded for the vase itself.

5. No accessories whatsoever – such as bows and additional foliage – will be allowed. Foliage which is growing naturally from the flowering stem, and still attached to that stem, will be allowed. Packing material – including florists foam – to keep the stems upright and in place is allowed.

6. First, second & third place will receive vouchers kindly sponsored by Bourne Valley Garden Centre.

Notes for exhibitors and judges:

The Top Vase class is open for anyone to enter and is not intended purely for growers who regularly display single species classes at shows.

The points awarded should be clearly marked by the Judges on the exhibitors’ cards.

Any queries that may arise, regarding anything other than the above rules, should be referred to, and decided by, the show officials.

Failure to abide by any of these rules will result in disqualification.

Top Tray Class (Class 1)

1. The Garden News Top Tray class is for a collection of three types of vegetable from the following list of fifteen. The quantity of each vegetable required for the collection is given in brackets.
   
   Carrots (3), Cauliflowers (2), Onions (3), Parsnips (3), Peas (6 pods), Potatoes (3), Runner Beans (6 pods), Tomatoes (6), French Beans (6 pods), Sweetcorn (2), Peppers (3), Cucumbers (2), Courgettes (3), Red Beet (3), Aubergines (2)
   
   Each type of vegetable will be judged to a total of 20 points. This is split into three sections as follows: 7 points for size, shape and colour, 7 points for condition, 6 points for uniformity. The overall mark will therefore be out of a total of 60.

2. All vegetables are to be displayed for effect. The vegetables must be displayed within an area measuring 45 x 60cm, without bending any part of them. No part of an exhibit may exceed the size of the tray. A tray or board measuring 45 x 60cm can be used to display the vegetables, or the area can simply be marked on the staging. Where a tray has a lip or edge, the internal measurements must not exceed 45 x 60cm.   

3. A black cloth is permitted, and the tray may be painted. Parsley is allowed for garnishing, but no other foliage or accessories, such as plates, sand or rings will be allowed. Onion tops may be tied or whipped using raffia or string.

4. First, second & third place will receive vouchers.
   
   Notes for exhibitors and judges:  The tray, board or staging must not be cut or mutilated in any way at all. e.g. cutting holes for standing onions in.
   Carrots and parsnips must have foliage trimmed back to 7.5cm long.  Peas and beans must be displayed with some stalk attached.
   Tomatoes must be displayed with calyces (the green flower bud case).
   Judges may handle exhibits, open pods and so on to check for quality.
   The points awarded should be clearly marked by the Judges on the exhibitors cards.
   Any queries that may arise, regarding anything other than the above rules, should be referred to, and decided by, the show officials.
   Failure to abide by any of these rules will result in disqualification.