The Acton Garden Club 0 2004 Flower Show
2004 Acton Garden Club
Flower Show Schedule

Division I - Horticulture: Arboretum

Section A: Branches (1 cut branch 12" - 24" in length, except Class 4 at 4" - 6" in length)
Class 1 Shrubs - full size needled evergreens
xxxxxxx a. Chamaecyparis
b. Juniperus
c. Microbiota decussata
d. Picea
e. Gardener's Choice
Class 2 Shrubs - dwarf and semi-dwarf
xxxxxxx a. Chamaecyparis
b. Juniperus
c. Picea
d. Pinus
e. Gardener's Choice
Class 3 Shrubs - flowering branches
xxxxxxx a. Buddleia
b. Hydrangea
c. Gardener's Choice
Class 4 Shrubs - berried branches
xxxxxxx a. Cotoneaster
b. Ilex
c. Viburnum
d. Gardener's Choice
Section B: Perennials (1 cut specimen)
Class 5 Anemone
Class 6 Aster
Class 7 Chrysanthemum
Class 8 Eupatorium
Class 9 Gaillardia
Class 10 Rudbeckia
Class 11 Tricyrtis
Class 12 Sedum
Class 13 Gardener's Choice
Section C: Ornamental Grasses (1 cut specimen of fresh material)
Class 14 Calamagrostis
Class 15 Miscanthus
Class 16 Pennisetum
Class 17 Gardener's Choice
Section D: Annuals (1 cut specimen)
Class 18 Calendula
Class 19 Cosmos
Class 20 Salvia
Class 21 Tagetes (Marigolds)
Class 22 Gardener's Choice
Section E: Bulbs, Corms and Tubers (1 cut specimen unless otherwise indicated)
Class 23 Begonia
Class 24 Canna
Class 25 Dahlia (3-if under 4" diameter bloom)
Class 26 Gardener's Choice
Section F: Rosa (1 spray)
Class 27 Floribunda
Class 28 Hybrid Tea
Class 29 Miniature
Class 30 Shrub
Class 31 Gardener's Choice
Section G: Herbs (Freshly cut specimens to be judged for cultural perfection. 3 specimens of the same herb if under 6" in length, otherwise 1 specimen if over 6"in length)
Class 32 Herbs
xxxxxxx a. Culinary
b. Aromatic
c. Household
d. Medicinal
Section H: Vegetables and Fruits (1 specimen, if miniature 3 specimens, or as otherwise stated)
Class 33 Allium (3-Onions)
Class 34 Capsicum (Peppers)
Class 35 Cucurbita (Squash)
Class 36 Daucus (3-Carrots)
Class 37 Lycopersicon (Tomatoes)
Class 38 Phaseolus (3-Beans)
Class 39 Small fruit
xxxxxxx a. Fragaria (5-Strawberries)
b. Rubus (5-Blackberries, Raspberries)
Class 40 Gardener's Choice


Division II - Design: Garden Inspirations

Class 1 Herb Garden
A pot-et-fleurs staged on a low round table, 23 1/2" in diameter, 20" high provided by the committee. The tabletop is gray marble and may be covered by the exhibitor. The design must include one or more herbs.

Class 2 North Acton Recreation Area
An invitational class - An underwater design staged on a 16" square, 37" high pedestal provided by the committee. This class is open to student judges of the National Garden Clubs.

Class 3 Civic Beautification
A design inspired by seasonal plantings around town staged on a table 34 ½" square table, 20" high using a tri-fold placed diagonally across the back corner of the table. The table top is gray marble and may be covered by the exhibitor. Choice of season chosen by exhibitor on a first come/first served basis. Exhibitors may enhance the design board but the size must remain the same.

Class 4 Rose Garden
A design in the Victorian manner which includes roses staged on the octagon in the center of the turret area. Each space is trapezoidal in shape and is 30" wide narrowing to 11". It is 25" deep and (30" high). A clear glass and steel pyramid reminiscent of greenhouses of old is in the center. The surface is oak and may be covered by the exhibitor.

Class 5 Wildflower Garden - Meetinghouse Hill A design incorporating decorative wood staged on a book shelf using a tri-fold. Exhibitors may enhance the board but the size must remain the same. Entries 1 and 2 will be on a shelf 14 ½" wide, 43 ½ " high. Entries 3 and 4 will be on a shelf 26 ½" deep, 43 ½" high.

Class 6 The Plant Sale
A still life inspired by our annual fundraiser staged on a bookshelf 26 ½" deep, 43 ½ " high using a tri-fold. Exhibitors may enhance the tri-fold but the size must remain the same.


Division III - Special Exhibits: Gardening in the Community

Section A: Educational Exhibits

Exhibit 1 70th Anniverary Garden - A garden planted to celebrate the Acton Garden Club's 70 years of community service. Acton Garden Club
Exhibit 2 Waterwise Gardening - A multi-year program in conjunction with the Acton Water Department aimed at minimizing water usage.
Exhibit 3 Daffodil for Spring Beauty - A primer on daffodils, how and where to plant daffodils as well as visuals of recommended cultivars.
Exhibit 4 Acton Arboretum - Stroll the winding paths through various gardens tended by garden club members and town volunteers.

Section B: Youth: DesignInspired by Community Service projects
xxxxxxx Class 1Emerson Hospital Garden Therapy - An arrangement in a basket using all fresh plant material. Basket provided by the committee is the same as those used during garden therapy sessions. Design will be on a shelf 14 ½" deep and 48" high.
Class 2 Life Care Center - A design in a clear glass container reflective of arrangements made with the residents of Life Care Center of Acton. Design will be on a shelf 14 ½" deep and 48" high.

Class 3 Good Cheer - A design of fresh and/or dried plant material appropriate for sending cheerful wishes. Container provided by committee. Design will be on a shelf 14 1/2" deep and 48 " high.

Section C: Artistic Crafts - Future gardeners of Acton - a pumpkin decorated to express the future gardener theme. Exhibitors may choose their own pumpkin not to exceed 12" in its largest dimension.

Design Division Rules

1. All classes are open to members of the Acton Garden Club, with the exception of Division II Class 2 which is open to Student Judges of the National Garden Clubs, Inc..
2. Designs may be completed at show site. Entries will be accepted from 12:00-3:00 pm on Sunday, Sept. 26. They must be removed between 5:00 and 6:00 pm on Tuesday, Sept. 28 3. Prohibited in all design classes:
xxxxxxx a. Treating or changing the color of fresh material.
b. Use of artificial flowers, fruit or foliage.
c. Use of "menu" food.

4. All foamcore tri-folds will be provided by the committee. They measure 24" wide with two 12" wings. In Class 3, the tri-fold height will be 36", Classes 5 & 6 the height will be 30".
5. Accessories are permitted in all classes.
6. Wild collected plants or species listed by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage Program may not be exhibited in any Standard Flower Show of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts, Inc. or it member clubs. Cultivated plant material appearing on the list may be exhibited if the exhibitor provides a typed card noting that it has not been "wild collected".
7. Natural Bird's nest, "stuffed Birds", butterflies or other insects, fish, birds, and other animals are not permitted in a Standard Flower Show.
8. A written list of plant material must accompany each entry and each design must be checked by the classification chairman for conformance.
8. Exhibitor must find a substitute if unable to fulfill this commitment.
9. The exhibitor's meeting will be held at the Acton Memorial Library of June 15th at 9:30am.
10. The Committee will endeavor to protect all exhibits, but can not be responsible for the loss
or damage of the exhibitor's property.

Horticulture Division Rules

1. All classes are open to members of the Acton Garden Club.
2. Entries will be accepted from 12:00-3:00PM on Sunday, September 26. They must be removed at 5:00PM on Tuesday, September 28.
3. All specimens MUST have been grown by the exhibitor and have been in his/her possession
for at least three months.
4. Containers or staging will be provided for cut specimens. At the discretion of the committee, cotton may be used for wedging.
5. Cut specimens should not have any foliage below the water line.
6. Entries must be marked with exhibitor's name and labeled with correct botanical name. Common name may be added.
7. More than one entry per class may be made by the exhibitor provided EACH is of a different cultivar, type or color.
8. All entries must be checked with classification committee and must receive an entry card before being placed.
9. Classes may be deleted, added, or subdivided at the discretion of the committee. 10. Our final reference sources are: American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, 1997; Royal Horticultural Society Index of Plants, 1994.
Standard system of judging and awarding:
The standard system allows one first award (blue), scoring 90 or above, one second award (red ), scoring 85 or above, one third award (yellow ),scoring 80 or above, and one or more honorable mention (white) ribbons scoring 75 or above where merited.

The Scale of points used for judging are:
xxxxxx Horticulture xxxxxx Design
xxxxxx Cultural Perfection 60 xxxxxx Conformance 20
xxxxxx Condition & Grooming 25 xxxxxx Design 42
xxxxxx Distinction 10 xxxxxx Artistic Concept 12
xxxxxx Correct, complete name 5 xxxxxx Distinction 16
xxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx100 xxxxxx Expression 10
xxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx100
Design Awards:
Tricolor award: All plant material used in design must be fresh. Classes 1, 3, and 4 are eligible.
Designers Choice Award: Exhibitor has complete freedom to choose plant materials and other components for this award with the NCSG polices. Class 2, 5, and 6 are eligible.

Horticulture Awards:
Award of Horticultural Excellence: This award may be given to a named (includes genus and species) plant material judged as the finest in the Horticulture Division.
Award of Merit: These awards may be given to the named blue ribbon winners scoring 95 or over in Sections B, C, D, F, and H.
Arboreal Award: This award may be given to a named blue ribbon winner scoring 95 or over in Section A.

Youth Section Rules
1. Arrangements must be made by the Exhibitor
2. All design and horticulture rules apply, except botanical names will not be required.
3. All classes are open to designated youth groups.
4. No artificial plant material is permitted.
5. Scenes using sand, gravel or moss are unacceptable as designs.
6. Entries will be accepted from 12 – 2:00 pm on Sunday, Sept. 26.


Youth Section Awards
In Section B, one Youth award may be given in Design. Winning exhibit must score 90 points or more. See design scale of points.

Educational Award Offered for an exhibit designed to instruct public on some phase of NGC objectives. Winning exhibit must score 95 or more.
The Scale of points used for judging are:
xxxxxx Education Division xxxxxx
xxxxxx Educational Value 60 xxxxxx
xxxxxx Staging 20
xxxxxx Design 42
xxxxxx Creativity & Expression 20 xxxxxx
xxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx100 xxxxxx


Flower Show Committee
xxx Club President xxx Jane Olesin
xxx General Chairman xxx Thelma Shoneman
xxx Design Schedule xxx Maureen Christmas, Laura Lindop
xxx Horticulture Schedule xxx Judy Dembsey
xxx Design Classification xxx Sandy Bonzagni, Thelma Shoneman
xxx Design Entries xxx Sally Patrick
xxx Horticulture Chairman xxx Sydney Storment
xxx Horticulture Classification xxx Joan Yatteau
xxx Horticulture Entries xxx Phyllis McDonough
xxx Horticulture Placement xxx Sue Diguette
xxx Young People's Division xxx Cathy Fochtman
xxx Awards xxx Pat Cumings
xxx Book of Evidence xxx Cathy Fochtman
xxx Clerks xxx Priscilla McGarry
xxx Hostesses xxx Peggy Garrison
xxx Judges and Judges Hospitality xxx Joanne Moss
xxx Photographer xxx Jean Mohr
xxx Publicity xxx Jan Atkins
xxx Schedule, Editor and Sign Maker xxx Karin Victor
xxx Special Exhibit xxx Jane Olesin
xxx Staging and Dismantling xxx Thelma Shoneman, Maureen Christmas, Laura Lindop
xxx Typist xxx Judy Shuppert

The Acton Garden Club is a member of:

The National Garden Clubs, Inc.
The National Garden Club President - June Wood

The Garden Club Federation of MA, Inc.
The Garden Club Federation President - Leslie Frost
The Garden Club Federation Central North District Director - Ann Hollis

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created May 20, 2004