Horticultural Division Rules
1. All classes will be judged according to Ontario Judging and Exhibiting Standards for Horticulture and Floral Design, known as Publication 34/2003.
2. All exhibitors must be members of the Society.
3. Each exhibitor may enter up to 3 entries per class provided each entry is of a different kind - except in "any other' category - where there is no restriction.
4. All entries MUST be grown by the exhibitor. Potted plants must be in the possession of the exhibitor for at least two months prior to the show. Annuals must be either grown from seed or in the possession of the exhibitor for more than 6 weeks.
5. The use of scarce, protected or endangered native plants, such as trilliums etc. requires that the exhibit be disqualified.
6. Exhibits should be entered at the times listed on the show schedule. TIMES FOR ACCEPTANCE OF ENTRIES WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED. All entries must remain in place as per individual show schedule for viewing by spectators. Exhibitors are responsible for removing all their exhibited material.
7. Entrants may place their own specimen in a class. However, only show committee members may move another person's entry.
8. Entries must conform to the show schedule or they will be disqualified. When a specific number of blooms, stems, etc. is designated, NO MORE OR LESS may be exhibited.
9. A Bud showing colour must be considered a bloom.
Bloom - an individual flower, one to a stem, no sign of a bud
Spray - portion of a plant, or a plant's side shoots with a number of flowers on one stem
Stalk or stem - portion of plant bearing one or more flowers and/or buds.
10. In 'any other' categories, exhibitors are not allowed to enter a flower for which a specific category already exists. For example, in the Spring Show you would not be able to enter a Primula in an 'any other perennial' class because classes for primulas are contained in the schedule. Note: there are no restrictions on the number of entries exhibitors may put in 'any other' categories.
11. Show Chairs have the option to subdivide classes at their discretion and all the decisions of the Show Chair and judges are final.
12. Entries should be correctly named on the entry card: botanical names are encouraged. The judge may regard correctness and clarity of naming in favour of an exhibit in a close competition.
13. If 'with foliage' is listed, specimens must be shown with their own foliage only attached.
14. When entering more than one specimen of a cultivar (e.g. Narcissus any type - 3 stems, same variety), uniformity of shape and size is very important.
15. The quality or condition of the exhibit at the time of judging is an important factor. Try to make sure the exhibit is fresh and free of blemishes and bruises, whether due to insects, disease or mechanical causes. Containers supplied at the show MUST be used for horticultural division classes. However, for large specimens - such as tall iris, gladiolas or peonies, large multiple stemmed entries, and very small entries such as violas, the exhibitor is best advised to bring their own containers