Show Rules

Flower, Plants, Fruit and Vegetables to be judged to 2008 Edition of the RHS Show Handbook

1. Eligibility of Competitors.

All horticultural classes are open to amateur gardeners. An Amateur is a person who grows plants, flowers, fruit or vegetables for pleasure and enjoyment, and not for his/her livelihood. If they employ a gardener, full or part-time, they can exhibit their product from their garden, but it must be in their own name and not in the gardener's name. Anyone who is employed as a gardener can exhibit in his/her own name provided the produce is from his/her own garden or allotment.

2. Exhibits.

2(a) Sections for Plants, Fruit, Flowers and Vegetables.

These must be the property of the exhibitor and must have been grown from seed, owned, or cared for by the exhibitor for at least two months before the date of the Show. The garden or land where exhibits are grown must be open for inspection if required by a representative of the Committee preceding or after a Show. The diameter of a pot is the inside measurement at the top not including the roll or rim. No bottles or jam jars are be used. The word "kind" is used in the classification of fruit, vegetables, and flowers e.g. apples, grapes are kinds of fruit. Carrots, onions are kinds of vegetables. Marigold, petunias are kinds of flowers The natural bloom on fruit should not be removed.

2(b) Flower Arranging Section.

Natural Plant Material must predominate in all classes according to the National Association of Flower Arranging Societies (NAFAS) Competitions Manual 3rd Edition (2015), by which the competitive flower arranging classes will be judged. An exhibit is composed of natural plant material, with or without accessories, contained within a space as specific in a show schedule. All measurements are approximate. Background, 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 must predominate. All exhibits must be the unaided work of the competitor and may be assembled prior to the show or in the hall on show day. A 'Novice' is someone who has not won a first prize in the flower arranging classes at the Verwood Horticultural Society. Note : these rules do not apply to Men's class.

2(c) Homecraft.

All exhibits must be the work of the exhibitor. No trade names on lids or jars and never mix wax discs with screw-top lids for marmalade, jams, chutney and jelly. Lemon Curd must always have a wax disc and cellophane cover, never a screw top lid. Quiches and flans must not be displayed in a metal container. Exhibitors should note that a quiche should be cooked in a single operation whereas the contents of a flan are cooked separately from the case before the contents are spread into the separately cooked flan case. IMPORTANT : ALL FOOD ENTRIES WILL BE PROTECTED WITH A PLASTIC COVERING PROVIDED BY THE SOCIETY.

2(d) Photographs and Handicrafts.

All entries must be the work of the exhibitor and must not have been exhibited in the previous 2 years.

3. Entries.

All entries should be made in accordance with the instructions in the class details for each Show.

4. Entry Fee.

There are no fees for Shows.

5. Number of Entries Allowed.

No competitor may enter more than one exhibit in any class.

6. Acceptance of Entries.

The Committee reserves the right to refuse any entry, and in event of such refusal it is not required to give any reason or explanation.

7. Staging.

Times are shown with each show. Any exhibitor who requires assistance to carry entries from the car park (or vice versa) should speak to a Committee member/Show Steward. Exhibitors may use their own "containers" but care should be taken to ensure that these do not infringe the class requirements. The Society has a supply of vases for use in the Flower Sections which are available for use during the show only. They must not be removed from the hall. Whilst prime responsibility for ensuring that entries conform to class requirements rests with the exhibitor, committee members and/or Show Stewards will give assistance during staging wherever possible. Exhibits which may need to be moved for staging purposes will be done by Committee/Show Stewards only. At the end of the staging period all persons must leave the Show premises with the exception of those on duty or those detained by the Show Manager.

8. Naming of Exhibits.

It would be appreciated by the public and assist the Judges if, where possible, exhibitor name the varieties of their exhibits. Plain white cards 8cm x 3cm must be used and block letters are recommended.

9. Exhibit Cards.

Each exhibit must bear a card provided by the Show Manager on the Show premises within the time allowed for staging and must be in position by the end of the staging period. Exhibitors will be responsible for checking the particulars given on the card and for placing them face downwards on the Show bench.

10. Rules for Judging.

(a) Awards may be revised. Awards in any class may be withheld or modified on the recommendation of the Judge if the entries be of insufficient merit.

(b) Decisions. The decision of the Judges shall be final as to the relative merits of the exhibits and the decision of the Committee shall be final on all matters connected with the Show.

(d) Alteration of Exhibits. Between the time fixed for the completion of the staging and the closing hour of the Show, no exhibit may be altered without the permission of the Show Manager.

(e) The Rules. The Show will be generally governed by the 2008 Edition of the R.H.S Show Handbook and the 2015 Edition of the NAFAS Competitions Manual, copies of which are available from the Show Manager on short term loan.

11. Removal of Exhibits.

No exhibit may be removed before the end of the Show. In the interest of visitors arriving late, this rule will be strictly enforced.

12. Liability of Loss.

All exhibits, personal property, etc. will be at the risk of the exhibitor at all times and the Committee will not be liable for loss or damage due to any cause whatsoever. You might be asked to pay for any loss or damage while the trophy is in your care.

13. Trophies.

All Trophies are perpetual and must be returned at least one week before the respective show to the Show Manager in a clean, undamaged condition please. Charges may be made for any damage incurred. If not you may be considered unsuitable to win a trophy next year.