Flower Show School

This series of four courses will be of interest to anyone seeking greater knowledge of horticulture and floral design. The courses will be of particular interest to garden club members wishing to become accredited Flower Show Judges.

In each course, National Garden Clubs, Inc., instructors present lectures on specific areas of horticulture, such as broadleaf evergreens, cacti and succulents, roses or chrysanthemums. The instructors cover some of the many species and varieties available, attributes and characteristics of specific plants, growing conditions, soil requirements, diseases, fertilizers and propagation. They also cover in detail how to select, condition, and groom plants and cut specimen for a flower show. Criteria for judging horticultural specimens in a flower show are examined at length. Instructors will explain all aspects of floral design and illustrate the use of the elements and principles of design in various types of designs such as creative line, assemble, botanical, table, and miniature. Instruction is also given in Flower Show Procedure. The basis for study is The Handbook For Flower Shows, 2007 edition, available through National Garden Clubs, Inc., Member Services. A required reading list is given in The Handbook For Flower Shows and in the course brochure.

The Handbook For Flower Shows, 2007 edition, by the National Garden Clubs, Inc., states the purposes and goals of Flower Show Schools and Symposiums:

• To train and accredit prospective judges and provide opportunities for Accredited Judges to keep in Good Standing.
• To increase interest and knowledge in horticulture and design.
• To encourage educational flower shows of high caliber.

To be eligible to take these courses for credit, the student must be an active member of a State Garden Club. The student must then attend all courses, successfully pass each course with 70 or above, and pass the comprehensive exam given at the conclusion of the fourth course. Garden club members wishing to take the course merely for their knowledge, and not to become an accredited judge, may do so without taking an exam. Non-garden club members may take all the courses (no exam), but will not be eligible to receive accreditation.

Link back to Educational Opportunities page

The next set of Flower Show School Courses are being determined and will be announced at a later date.