Showing hints and tips
A quick list of hints and tips for showing your flowers, fruit and vegetables
- Please read the rules carefully – if 5 onions are asked for, displaying 4 or 6 will get you disqualified. It may seem obvious, but it is very easy to mis-read in all the "show-morning excitement!"
- Don’t display fruit and vegetables which are under or overripe – if you’d cook with them, they’re probably ready for display
- Don’t overcrowd your floral vases. Whilst the judges are looking for quality of flower, an attractive arrangement will endear you to the judge. Try to arrange them for a balanced overall look.
- Don’t enter too many classes. It takes a long time to gather, inspect, choose and stage each exhibit well.
- Pick everything the morning of the show when cells are turgid and everything is fresh. The judge will open pods, and snap beans and rhubarb, and will be looking for crispness.
- Beans, peas and other green vegetables look best displayed on black background. A slate or black cloth can work well.
- Look out for pests – gently shake flowers to dislodge flea beetles or place them near a white background to encourage them out. Greenfly infestations can be brushed off stems with a soft paintbrush.
- If anything is less than perfect don’t display it no matter how proud you are of it. Wilting leaves, marked or blighted veg and dying petals will all lose you points.
- Read up on the rules – if you know what the judges are looking for you are more likely to have the confidence to give it a try.
- Don’t be disheartened if you don’t win. At least you tried. Look round the marquee, see where others were better and set out to beat them next year!
The Framfield and Blackboys summer show marquee