Tips for showing

Notes for all exhibitors

Please read these tips – we don’t want you to step outside of the guidelines for the class you are entering.

  • Only one entry per class per person is allowed.
  • All exhibits should be staged as attractively as possible and in exact accordance with the schedule
  • Do not touch anyone else’s entry. If something needs to be moved to make room for your entry, please ask one of the organisers
  • Bring spare items in case you have an accident when staging
  • The judges appreciate variety labels where appropriate, especially useful for single variety classes
  • Show vases will be available in the marquee for competitors on the morning of the show and should be returned at the end of the show
  • Not According to Schedule (NAS) means that what you have exhibited does not match the schedule requirements i.e., too many items or the wrong size
  • Please do not remove your entries before 5pm
  • Exhibits may be donated for auction after the prize giving
  • For the Dog Show Schedule please see the back cover

If you win a trophy you will hold it for one year and then return it to Shirley (01621 862580) by Monday 9th June 2026 to 42 Tollesbury Road, Tolleshunt D’Arcy. Cups to be engraved by the competitor, if you wish to.

CLASS TIPS

Section 1 – Plants in Pots:

  • RHS standards will be used to make all judgements in this section
  • Pot size is critical, larger than 300mm (internal measurement at the rim) it will not be judged.
  • People often think bigger is better, it is not always the case. Small and beautiful will compete well.
  • Remove old leaves or anything that spoils the look of the plant and don’t forget to clean the pot if it is dirty.
  • Note that if a flowering plant is entered into a foliage class it will only be judged on its foliage – the opposite is also true.

 Section 2 – Cut flowers:

  • We provide show vases for use by entrants on the day of the show – to be returned as the end of the show.
  • Most flowers look better in a vase if cut the night before and left in deep water, rather than cutting them on the morning of the show.
  • For vases of one species try to show a uniform set of blooms. Good uniformity will often outperform size.
  • Your flowers should be fresh, free from blemishes, at their most perfect stage of development.
  • Ensure your container is filled with water to avoid exhibits wilting during the show.

 Section 3 – Decorative Classes:

  • This is all about flower arrangements. You will note that there is a size limit to be adhered to.
  • Yes, you can purchase your flowers (except for the wildflower and grass class)
  • You can construct your arrangement before you arrive or on the day.
  • Class 42 – The parallel style is generally a rectangular container from which groups of stems stand vertically. The vertical stems are not covered up by other plants, although the mechanics are hidden by a horizonal groundwork of flowers/ foliage. There is no transition, blocks of contrasting shapes and colours are placed next to each other.

 Section 4 – Photography:

  • The subject should be in focus
  • Try to avoid distraction from the subject or scene by cropping to eliminate any undesirable elements.
  • Professional printing is advised for the best results
  • Photos are to be presented no more than 150 x 200mm (6 x 8 inches) (except for panoramic), unmounted and flat on the table.

Section 5 – Home Produce

  • RHS standards will be used to make all judgements in this section
  • Fruit should be ripe, look fresh and staged with stalks attached, this includes tomatoes, beans, peas, strawberries, gooseberries.
  • Uniformity of your exhibits is important when there is more than one in a class
  • Aim for a neat attractive presentation, symmetrical if possible
  • Vegetables should be properly prepared for showing – for example “As grown” means that vegetables should be carefully washed to remove soil without trimming of foliage or roots. Where trimming is required (e.g. Rhubarb) it will be stated in the schedule.
  • The elements the judges will be looking for are quality, condition, cleanliness, freshness and the absence of blemishes and uniformity.
  • Note that no fruit or vegetables will be tasted by the judges although some may be cut of broken for judging purposes.

Section 7 – Cookery & Preserves:

  • We do cover the complete table with cellophane to protect the food but if you wish you can keep a cling film cover on your entry
  • Presentation and appearance are very important, it is not just about the taste
  • Where there are several items of one type it’s important for them to be all the same size and shape as far as possible
  • All entries will be tasted – except where stated
  • Remember to remove paper from cakes and present on a nice /board or dish
  • Label your exhibits with their variety or flavour where required.

Section 8 – Handicrafts

Will be staged flat on tables but will be viewed by the judge from all sides

Section 9 – Visual arts

Exhibits will be staged on display racks on tables and can be framed

If you plant to exhibit an item that is very large, please contact Leigh Arnold in advance

In the end its all about taking part – we hope to see you there.