Floriculture Rules & Classes

Department 81: Floriculture

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Superintendent
Sam Sudbrock, Centralia, MO

Assistant Superintendent
Lori Gerke

Missouri State Fair Flower Show
2026 Theme: “Show-Me Stars & Stripes”

Amount offered by State Fair in this Department – $3,360.00

  • Section A – Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri Educational Display
    • August 13 – 23
  • Section B – Photography Show
    • August 13 – 23
  • Section C – Dried Flowers and Designs Show
    • August 13
  • Section D – Trash to Treasure Show
    • August 13
  • Section E – Violet Show & Sale
    • Friday, August 14
  • Section F – Fairy Garden Show
    • Friday, August 14
  • Section G – Potted Plants Show
    • Friday, August 14
  • Section H – Youth Show
    • Saturday, August 15
  • Section I – Hostas & Elephant Ear Show
    • Saturday, August 15
  • Section J – Rose Show
    • Sunday, August 16
  • Section K – Missouri Native Plant Show
    • Monday, August 17
  • Section L – Missouri Master Gardener Show
    • Monday, August 17
  • Section M – Federated Garden Club Show
    • Wednesday, August 19
  • Section N – Horticulture Show
    • Thursday, August 20
  • Section O – Dahlia Show
    • Friday & Saturday, August 21 – 22

General Rules and Regulations

Exhibitors must have a minimum total of 15 cumulative points in order to qualify for premiums and must total $5.00 or more.

Entry Fee is: $1.00 per article/item.

These rules apply to all sections of the Floriculture Department with exceptions noted in the section rules.

  1. Exhibitors must comply with general rules and regulations in the front of this premium book.
    Violation of these rules may result in any or all of the following:
    • Withholding or return of payment for the animal or exhibit, premiums and awards.
    • Suspension from future exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time to be determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission. Suspensions can be for any length of time and may be permanent.
    • Probationary exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time and under such terms and conditions to be determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.
    • Assessment of any other penalty determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.
  2. Advance entries are not required, but recommended for a quicker check in process. Floriculture unloading permits (green tags) are to be picked up at Gate 11 after 7:00 a.m. on the day needed.
  3. All floriculture exhibitors must enter Gate 11 at the southeast corner of the grounds on Highway 65 South and pay admission.
  4. The Floriculture Building will open to exhibitors at 7:00 a.m. daily. Judging will begin at 10:00 a.m. (subject to the show director’s discretion). Entries, ribbons and awards will be released no earlier than 6:00 p.m.
    Displays may be viewed by the public August 13, 14, 15, 9 am – 9 pm; Aug 16-19, 9 am – 8 pm; Aug 20-22, 9 am – 9 pm; Aug 23 9 am – 6 pm.
  5. Competitions are open to the public and first-time exhibitors are welcome. Exhibitors must provide complete MAILING ADDRESS, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER AND PHONE NUMBER to the Data Entry Clerk before placing entries at the beginning of show. Design classes are limited to one entry per class. Horticulture specimens are limited to one entry per variety (or species) per class. Designs may not be re-entered in another show.
  6. When there is only one (1) exhibit in a class, the exhibitor will receive half of the premium money for the placing awarded by the judge.
  7. The Missouri State Fair does not guarantee premium money, merchandise, prizes or special awards. Because the State Fair Commission is without constitutional or statutory authority to borrow money for its operation, it reserves the right to prorate premium money because of state budget restraints.
  8. Each entry must have a Missouri State Fair entry card completed with section letter, class number, entry description and exhibitor’s name and town. Each specimen must be properly labeled with variety name and/or common name. The show director and assistants will aid the exhibitors when needed to complete cards and in directing the placement of their exhibits in the proper area.
  9. All specimens, flowers and foliage, in any show, must have been grown by the exhibitor or exhibitors unless otherwise stated in the section rules. Plant entries must have been grown by exhibitor for no less than 90 days previous to show. No artificial flowers, foliage, fruit, plant material, nor cut fresh fruit or vegetable, is permitted in any class unless otherwise stated in section rules.
  10. Dimensions of displays are approximately 28″ wide, 36″ high, 16″ deep; tri-fold posters may be used. Dimensions of mantels are approximately 12″ wide, 48″ long, and 54″ above the floor. Tables are approximately 42″ square (no flatware permitted). Benches are approximately 25″ deep and 32″ to 36″ in height, above floor. Designs for bench classes shall not exceed 25″ in width or 42″ in height.
  11. The Superintendent or Show Director shall have the right to remove from the building, at any time, any exhibit or part thereof which is un-sightly, or believed to be diseased or pest-infested. Every reasonable precaution will be taken to prevent theft, but neither the Missouri State Fair, nor the Floriculture Superintendent, can assume responsibility for loss or damage of personal property.
  12. Areas will be roped off to exclude exhibitors and fair visitors to prevent distraction during judging. Decisions of the judges will be final. Awards will be made only if quality warrants. The following scale of points will be used for judging EXCEPT when a scale of points appears in section rules.
    • Arrangements
      • Design & Creativity – 30 points
      • Color – 25 points
      • Distinction & Interpretation – 25 points
      • Conformation – 10 points
      • Condition – 10 points
      • Total – 100 points
    • Horticulture
      • Cultural Perfection – 25 points
      • Distinction – 15 points
      • No. of Kinds of Varieties – 10 points
      • Arrangement – 20 points
      • Color Combination – 10 points
      • Rarity – 10 points
      • Correct Labeling – 10 points
      • Total – 100 points
  13. The judges will award the placings which receive ribbons and award points based on section schedules (e.g. Blue-5 pts., Red-4 pts., etc.). Each award point will have a point value of $0.35 to determine premiums. Special awards and their award points are listed in the section schedule.
  14. The superintendent shall make a decision at his/her discretion on any disputed matters directly connected to his/her position.
  15. Items that are sold will be charged a 15% sales commission during the Fair. Please price your items accordingly.
  16. If you are not picking up your entries, a self-addressed LARGE manila envelope ($5 minimum for postage) left with the Superintendent will assure your receipt of ribbons.
  17. If there are more than 8 entries in any one class, the class will be sub-divided by the show Director. The exception to this rule will be the Education Display.
  18. No exhibit will be placed for sale.

Section 81A: Educational Display

“Missouri Edible Fruit Trees and Shrubs”

Director
Barbara Harrison

The districts of Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri will provide educational exhibits from various areas of the state to interest the viewing public.

Placing will be given by the judges of the daily schedule, which will then be tabulated on Sunday, August 17, to determine place ranking, ribbon and premium won.

Section 81B: Photography Show

Director
Bev Gerke

Entries will be accepted by the floriculture superintendent beginning Wednesday, August 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Entries must be submitted before 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 12.

Judging will begin at 5:00 p.m. August 12.

Rules

  1. All photographs submitted must be by amateur photographers only.
  2. Photographs must be 8″ x 10″ and must be matted with black or white mat, 11″ x 14″ in size, and backed with foam board.
  3. Photographs can be black and white, color or sepia.
  4. Gloss or matte finish is accepted.
  5. No more than 3 entries submitted by any one exhibitor.
  6. No pets or people should be in the photograph. Wild birds will be allowed.
  7. NO GLASS, frames or hanging materials will be accepted.
  8. No photo manipulation (except cropping and color enhancement) will be allowed.
  9. Any entry not adhering to the required rules will be disqualified.
  10. Any photographs not picked up will be disposed of after 10 days.

Judging

  • Subject Matter – 25%
  • Composition – 25%
  • Clarity – 25%
  • Emotion – 25%

Section B-1: Birds

  1. Song Birds
  2. Birdhouses and Nests
  3. Large Birds (swans, cranes, ect)

Section B-2: Landscapes and Gardens

  1. Spring/Summer Garden
  2. Fall/Winter Garden

Section B-3: Insects & Garden Creatures

  1. Butterflies
  2. Arachnids
  3. Turtles
  4. Frogs, Lizards, Snails
  5. Any Other

Section B-4: Floral

  1. Single Bloom
  2. Multi Bloom
  3. Foliage

Awards

Blue ribbon – 10 points, red ribbon – 8 points and white ribbon – 7 points.

  • Best in Class (one awarded in each of the four sections) – 10 pts
  • Best in Show – 20 pts
  • Award of Distinction – 15 pts
  • Award of Merit (Best use of color) – 10 pts
  • Artistic Excellence (Best use of subject matter) – 10 pts
  • Youth Achievement – 15 pts

Section 81C: Dried Flowers & Designs Show

Director
Lori Gerke

Entries for the dried flower show will be accepted by the floriculture superintendent beginning Wednesday, August 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday, August 13, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Exhibits will be released Sunday, August 23 at 6:00 p.m. All dried flower show entries must be picked up by 12:00 p.m. August 24, or they will be disposed of.

Rules

  1. All entries must have been prepared by the exhibitor.
  2. More than one entry per class may be entered by an exhibitor, provided each is of a different cultivar, type or color, but may be judged against each other.
  3. An entry in specimen classes 1-4 will consist of one individual stem or spray unless otherwise specified. Containers are provided for specimens.
  4. Designs will be staged on benches.
  5. Designers should construct their arrangements so they may be easily moved if necessary. Bases and self-supporting backgrounds may be used.
  6. All plant material used in design classes must be dried or treated by the exhibitor. Accessories and contrived flowers may be used.
  7. Exhibits entered before the day of the show must be registered with the Building Clerk or Superintendent and have a completed entry tag attached. The entry tag must contain the exhibitor’s name, Town, section and class number. Any entry not registered and/or without a complete entry tag WILL NOT BE JUDGED.

Section C-1: Specimen Classes

  1. Foliage – air dried
  2. Blossom – air dried
  3. Foliage – dried with silica gel or other material (specify material on entry tag).
  4. Blossom – dried with silica gel, borax, sand, glycerin or other material (specify material on entry tag).
  5. Pressed flowers – 3 different species, mounted together
  6. Pressed leaves – 3 to 5 different species mounted together.
  7. Wreath – one to three species, not to exceed 12″ across, please attach hanger.

Section C-2: Design Classes

  1. Hat – Embellish a hat with dried plant material, must be able to hang on a peg.
  2. Stars & Stripes

Judging: Dried Flower Points

  • “Award of Distinction” (classes 1 – 10) – 20 pts
  • “Award of Creativity” (classes 11 – 18) – 20 pts
  • Best in Show – 20 pts
  • Specimen Sweepstakes – 15 pts
  • Design Sweepstakes – 15 pts

(The award of creativity may be awarded to any entry the judges deem to be the most creative in classes 11 – 18, even if it didn’t win a ribbon in its design class.)

Awards

  • Specimen Classes 1-10, blue ribbon – 4 points, red ribbon – 3 points and white ribbon – 2 points.
  • Design Classes 11-18, blue ribbon – 10 points, red ribbon – 8 points and white ribbon – 6 points.
  • There must be at least 8 entries in each of the first 2 sections to qualify this show for the following top awards.

Section 81D: Trash to Treasure Show

Salvaged Plant Containers & Yard Art

Thursday, August 13

Director
Sam Sudbrock

Rules

  1. The building will be open to enter exhibits Thursday, August 13, 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteers will care for your entries until they are picked up.
  2. All entries and ribbons will remain on display until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, August 23.
  3. Exhibitors must have grown their own specimens in the entry container for at least 30 days.
  4. Natural, dried and treated plant material may be used as an accessory.
  5. An exhibitor may enter more than one entry in each class if different containers and plant material are used.
  6. Each exhibit must be made by the exhibitor.

Design Classes

Section D-1: Small containers

Less than 12 inches in height and width, not including plant material.

  1. Dish It Up
  2. Potting Shed Treasurers
  3. Flea Market Find
  4. Any Other

Section D-2: Medium containers

Less than 24 inches in height and width, not including plant material.

  1. Baskets, and Buckets
  2. Recycled Garden Tools
  3. Summer Cottage (Hanging)
  4. Flea Market Find
  5. Any Other

Section D-3: Large containers

Less than 42 inches in height and 30 inches in width, including plant material.

  1. Garden Gates
  2. Wagons and Wheels
  3. Flea Market Find
  4. Kettles
  5. Any Other

Section D-4: Yard Art

Accessories for the garden. Handmade objects used to accent plant material, must be self-supporting. Need not be a container or have plant material. Less than 36 inches in height and width.

  1. Bowling Balls
  2. For the Birds
  3. For the Bees
  4. Garden Folk and Critters
  5. Garden Tools
  6. Any Other

Scale of Points

Emphasis on plant material.

  • Plant Material – 30
  • Condition – 30
  • Container – 40
  • Total – 100

Awards

Design (Classes 1-20), Blue ribbon – 10 points, red ribbon – 8 points, and white ribbon – 6 points.

There must be at least 3 designs in each of the 5 design sections to qualify this show for the following top awards.

  • Green Thumb Award (most unusual and best plant specimens) – 10 pts
  • Creative Thinker (most creative container) – 10 pts
  • Best in Show – 20 pts
  • Best in Class (one per section) – 10 pts
  • Sweepstakes (most total award points scored by an exhibitor) – 15 pts

Section 81E: African Violet Show & Sale

Friday, August 14

Director
Linda Hall

Rules

  1. Judging will be by AVSA accredited judges using the merit system. A score of 90 to 100 – blue ribbon, 80 to 89 – red ribbon and 70 to 79 – white ribbon will be used.

Scale of Points – African Violet Plants

  • Symmetry (leaf pattern) – 25 points
  • Condition (cultural perfection) – 25 points
  • Quantity of blooms – 25 points
  • Size and type of bloom – 15 points
  • Color of blossom – 10 points

Scale of Points – Gesneriads other than African Violets

  • Gesneriads in bloom cultural perfection – 40 points
  • Condition – 35 points
  • Quantity of bloom – 25 points

Scale of Points – Gesneriads grown for foliage

  • Cultural perfection – 40 points
  • Ornamental value – 35 points
  • Condition – 25 points

The AVSA Handbook for African Violet Growers, Exhibitors and Judges (latest edition) shall be the authority for any rule not covered in this schedule.

  1. All varieties must be correctly named or subject to correction by the classification committee.
  2. All African Violets must be single crown plants (no sucker allowed) except for species and trailers.
  3. Any type or shape of pot will be permitted. No double potting, no flared top pots, no supports or collars will be permitted. All pots must be clean and appropriate size for plant.

Classes

Section E-I – Standard African Violets (over 8 inches in diameter)

  1. Lavender, purple and two-tones of these colors
  2. Pink, rose, coral and two-tones of these colors
  3. Red, wine, fuchsia, plum and two-tones of these colors
  4. White, cream, blush, yellow and green
  5. Multicolor and edged
  6. Fantasy and chimeras

Section E-2 – Miniature African Violets (6″ or less in diameter)

  1. Lavender, purple, blue and two-tones of these colors
  2. Pink, rose, coral and two-tones of these colors
  3. Red, wine, fuchsia, plum and two-tones of these colors
  4. White, cream, blush, yellow and green
  5. Multicolor and edged
  6. Fantasy and chimeras

Section E-3 – Semi-miniature African Violets (6″ to 8″ in diameter)

  1. Lavender, purple, blue and two-tones of these colors
  2. Pink, rose, coral and two-tones of these colors
  3. Red, wine, fuchsia, plum and two-tones of these colors
  4. White, cream, blush, yellow and green
  5. Multicolor, edged
  6. Fantasy and chimeras

Section E-4 – Trailers and Species

  1. Trailers
  2. Saintpaulia Species

Section E-5 – Other Gesneriads

  1. Miniature sinningias, 5 inches or less
  2. Episcias grown for ornamental value
  3. Blooming episcias
  4. Streptocarpus
  5. Rhizomatous blooming gesneriads
  6. Tuberous blooming gesneriads
  7. All other blooming gesneriads
  8. All other non-blooming gesneriads (must have some ornamental value)

Awards

Blue ribbon – 4 points, red ribbon – 3 points and white ribbon – 2 points.

Special award, entry must have scored 90 or more points.

  • Best in Class, Classes 1-28 – 5 points
  • Best African Violet in Show – 10 points
  • Second Best African Violet in Show – 7 points
  • Best Other Gesneriad (other than violet) – 10 points
  • Second Best Other Gesneriad (other than violet) – 7 points
  • Sweepstakes (exhibitor accumulating the most total award points, classes 1-28) – 10 points

Section 81F: Fairy Garden Show

Friday, August 14

Director
Sam Sudbrock

Rules

  1. Entries are to be left on display from August 9th to August 18, until 6:00 p.m. (unless prior arrangements have been made with the Superintendent.) Plants will be cared for by the Floriculture staff.
  2. Each entry must contain at least 4 plants.
  3. More than one entry per class is permitted so long as each entry is a different type of container that is used.
  4. Entries with insects or disease will be disqualified and removed from the building.
  5. Entries must be grown by the exhibitor, or under the exhibitor’s care for 3 months or longer.
  6. Dried or artificial plant material may be used as an accent, not as the main focal plant.
  7. Store brought accessories may be used unless otherwise specified. Homemade accessories are encouraged.
  8. Battery powered accessories are permitted. Exhibitor may provide extra batteries if desired.
  9. The dimensions of each entry are as follows: Small – 12Lx12Wx12H; Medium – 18Lx18Wx18H; and Large – 24Lx24Wx24H. Container Found in Nature – 40Lx24Wx20H.
  10. The entry’s height will be measured from the table or floor to the tallest point of the entry. The length and width are an overall measurement including plant material and container.

Section 1 – Traditional Fairy Garden

  1. Small
  2. Medium
  3. Large

Section 2 – Farm or Agriculture

  1. Small
  2. Medium
  3. Large

Section 3 – Containers Found in Nature

  1. Driftwood
  2. Stones
  3. Logs or Stumps

Awards

Blue ribbon – 10 points, red ribbon – 8 points and white ribbon – 7 points.

  • Best in Class (one per sections) – 10 points
  • Award of Creativity – 10 points
  • Award of Excellence – 10 points
  • Best in Show – 20 points
  • Sweepstakes – 15 points
  • Horticulture Excellence – 10 points

Section 81G: Potted Plants Show

August 14

Director
Betsy Gerke

  1. Entries are to be left on display from August 14 through August 23 until 6:00 p.m. (unless prior arrangements are made with the Superintendent). Plants will be cared for by the Floriculture Staff.
  2. Only one plant per container (classes 1-26) unless otherwise stated in schedule (classes 27-34 one or more plants or varieties per container).
  3. Specimens are to be shown in clean unadorned containers of proper size for the plant. Maximum overall dimensions of entry permitted – 48″ high x 36″ depth. Pot diameter shall not exceed 20″ and not taller than 20″.
  4. Scale of Points – Specimen Classes
    • Grown for Foliage
      • Form – 20
      • Foliage – 20
      • Condition – 20
      • Plant Size – 15
      • Grooming – 20
      • Correct Label – 5
      • Total – 100
    • Grown for Bloom
      • Form – 15
      • Condition – 10
      • Grooming – 15
      • Floriferousness – 30
      • Size – 15
      • Foliage – 10
      • Correct Label – 5
      • Total – 100
  5. More than one entry per class is permitted in specimen classes (1-34) so long as each entry is a different variety or species. Plants displayed with insects will automatically be disqualified. Grooming of plants improves chances of higher awards.
  6. Each design entry (classes 35-39 is to contain at least one container grown plant. Each design entry (classes 40-42) is to contain at least three container grown plants.
  7. Other fresh, dried or treated plant material may be used as part of the design. Fresh-cut flowers may be added within the plant. Accessories are permitted in all design classes.
  8. Self-supporting backgrounds are permitted in bench classes.

Scale of Points – Design Classes

  • Horticulture Perfection – 25
  • Creativity – 15
  • Design – 20
  • Conformance – 10
  • Distinction – 10
  • Expression & Interpretation – 5
  • Scale – relationship of all material to each other & total space – 15
  • Total – 100

Section G-3 – Mini Landscapes

  1. Inside the Park – Terrariums or Bottle Gardens
  2. At the Farm – Dish Garden, or Miniature Landscape – Three or more miniature plant varieties per landscape, (well established, must have been maintained as such for 30 days or more). May use figurines and accessories under 6″ in height.
  3. Streams and Rivers (Using water feature) Not to exceed 24 inches. Three or more miniature plant varieties per landscape, (well established, must have been maintained as such for 30 days or more). May use figurines and accessories under 6″ in height

Awards

Specimen (Classes 1-34): Blue ribbon – 5 points; red ribbon – 4 points; and white ribbon – 3 points.
Design (Classes 35-37): Blue ribbon – 10 points; red ribbon – 8 points; white ribbon – 6 points; pink ribbon – 4 points
There must be at least 12 entries in each of the sections to qualify this show for the following top awards.

  • Best in Class (L1, L2, L3) – 10
  • Horticulture Excellence (Best Entry in classes 1-34) – 15
  • Green Thumb Award (most unusual and best plant specimens) (L-1 thru L-2) – 15
  • Award of Creativity (most creative design) (L-3) – 15
  • Best in Show – 20
  • Sweepstakes (most total points scored by an exhibitor) – 15
  • Horticulture Excellence (classes 26 – 34) – 15

Section 81H: Youth Show

Saturday, August 15

Director
Lori Gerke

Rules

  1. Missouri State Fair general rules and regulations of this department apply.
  2. All ages up to 18 welcome. Competitions are open to the public and first-time exhibitors are welcome. Exhibitors must provide complete MAILING ADDRESS, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, AND PHONE NUMBER to the Superintendent before placing entries at the beginning of show to receive payment.
  3. An individual may enter many different classes, but must have only one design in each design class. Each exhibitor may have as many entries in a class as its desires.
  4. Each entry must have a MO STATE FAIR ENTRY CARD completed with section letter, class number, entry description, and exhibitor’s name and town. Each specimen must be properly labeled with variety name and/or common name. The show director and assistants will aid the exhibitors when needed to complete cards and in directing the placement of their exhibits in the proper area.

Section H-1 – Annual and Biennials

  1. Celosia
  2. Marigold
  3. Petunia
  4. Snapdragon
  5. Sunflower
  6. Zinnia
  7. Coleus
  8. Any Other

Section H-2 – Perennial

  1. Hosta
    • A Small, less than 3″ across
    • B Medium, 3″-6″ across
    • C Large, over 6″ across
  2. Any grown for foliage
  3. Any other grown for bloom
  4. Roses
  5. Any Other

Section H-3 – Fairy Garden

  1. Small 12in or less
  2. Medium 12-18 inch
  3. Large 18-24 inch

Section H-4 – Bulbs, Corms, Tubers, Rhizomes

  1. Dahlia (shown with leaves intact)
  2. Canna
  3. Gladiolus
  4. Any Other

Section H-5 – Fruits & Vegetables

  1. Fruit
    • A Berries
    • B Apples
    • C Pears
    • D Peaches
    • E Grapes
    • F Any Other
  2. Vegetables
    • A Bell & Sweet Peppers
    • B Hot Peppers
    • C Squash, with 1/2″ to 1″ stem
    • D Melons
    • E Greenbeans
    • F Cucumbers
    • G Potatoes
    • H Onions
  3. Tomatoes, stems removed
    • A Large
    • B Medium
    • C Small
  4. Any Other
  5. Any herb, annual or perennial

Section H-6 – Arboreal

    • A Needled
    • B Broadleaf
  2. Any other

Section H-7 Yard Art

  1. Any Yard Art, under 24 inches tall
  2. Any Yard Art, 24 to 48 inches tall
  3. Bird Bath
  4. Seed Mosaic (using at least 3 different types of seed or dried flowers)
  5. Stepping Stone

Awards

Classes 1-41, Blue ribbon – 4 points, red ribbon – 3 points, white ribbon – 2 points and pink ribbon – 1 point.
Classes 42-51, Blue ribbon – 10 points, red ribbon – 8 points, white ribbon – 6 points and pink ribbon – 4 points.

  • Best in Class (section 1 -7) – 10
  • Award Distinction – 15
  • Sweepstakes in Design (H-7 to H-9) – 15
  • Sweepstakes in Horticulture – 15
  • Horticulture Excellence – 15
  • Award of Creativity (H-8) – 15

Section 81I: Hostas & Elephant Ears Show

Saturday, August 15

Director
Sam Sudbrock

Rules

  1. Entry tags will be provided and must be attached to entry. Name and address with the class number and description must be completed. After judging is complete, exhibitor’s name will show on the entry tag.

Section I-1 – Hosta Specimen – Green

  1. Small, less than 3″ across
  2. Medium, 3″-6″ across
  3. Large, over 6″-12″ across
  4. Extra Large, over 12″ across

Section I-2 – Hosta Specimen – Gold or Yellow

  1. Small, less than 3″ across
  2. Medium, 3″-6″ across
  3. Large, over 6″-12″ across
  4. Extra Large, over 12″ across

Section I-3 – Hosta Specimen – Blue (all shades)

  1. Small, less than 3″ across
  2. Medium, 3″-6″ across
  3. Large, over 6″-12″ across
  4. Extra Large, over 12″ across

Section I-4 – Hosta Specimen – Variegated (all colors)

  1. Small, less than 3″ across
  2. Medium, 3″-6″ across
  3. Large, over 6″-12″ across
  4. Extra Large, over 12″ across

Section I-5 – Hosta Specimen – Margined (all colors)

  1. Small, less than 3″ across
  2. Medium, 3″-6″ across
  3. Large, over 6″-12″ across
  4. Extra Large, over 12″ across

Section I-6 – Hosta Potted – All Varieties

  1. Small, less than 3″ across
  2. Medium, 3″-6″ across
  3. Large, over 6″-12″ across
  4. Extra Large, over 12″ across

Section I-7 – Elephant Ear Specimen – Green

  1. Medium, 3″-6″ across
  2. Large, over 6″-12″ across
  3. Extra Large, over 12″ across

Section I-8 – Elephant Ear Specimen – All Other Colors

  1. Medium, 3″-6″ across
  2. Large, over 6″-12″ across
  3. Extra Large, over 12″ across

Section I-9 – Elephant Ear Potted – All Varieties

  1. Medium, 3″-6″ across
  2. Large, over 6″-12″ across
  3. Extra Large, over 12″ across

Section I-10 – Caladium Specimen – All Varieties

  1. Medium, 3″-6″ across
  2. Large, over 6″-8″ across
  3. Extra Large, 8″-12″ across

Section I-11 – Caladium Potted – All Varieties

  1. Medium, 3″-6″ across
  2. Large, over 6″-8″ across
  3. Extra Large, 8″-12″ across

Awards

Classes 1-39, Blue ribbon – 5 points, red ribbon – 4 points and white ribbon – 3 points.

  • Best in Class (one per section) – 5 points
  • Green Thumb Award (one per Hosta & one per Elephant Ear) – 10 points
  • Best in Show (one per Hosta & one per Elephant Ear) – 10 points
  • Sweepstakes (Hosta) – 15 points
  • Sweepstakes (Elephant Ear) – 15 points
  • Sweepstakes (Caldium) – 15 points

Section 81J: Rose Show

Sunday, August 16

Director
Sam Sudbrock

Rules

  1. Classes 1 through 10 and 17 through 20 are specimens. These classes are to be entered alphabetically under the proper names. Challenge classes, ONE entry per exhibitor per class.
  2. Containers for specimens and challenge classes of three roses will be furnished, with the exception of challenge Classes 13, 16, 22 and 24.
  3. American Rose Society rules govern all entries and judging.
  4. All arrangement interpretations are the exhibitors’ fancy.

Scale of Points – Specimens

  • Form – 25
  • Substance – 15
  • Color – 20
  • Stem and Foliage – 20
  • Balance and Proportion – 10
  • Size – 10
  • Total – 100

Scale of Points – Arrangements

  • Conformance – 20
  • Design – 30
  • Perfection of the rose(s) – 30
  • Creativity and expressiveness – 10
  • Distinction – 10
  • Total – 100

Section J-1 – Specimen Classes

(Please note: More than one entry permitted in each of these classes provided the entries are of different varieties.)

  1. One to a stem Hybrid Tea or Grandiflora
  2. Single or Semi-double Hybrid Tea or Grandiflora
  3. Hybrid Tea or one bloom per stem Grandiflora, fully open (stamens must show)
  4. Floribunda (one bloom per stem)
  5. Hybrid Tea or Grandiflora spray (2 or more blooms)
  6. Floribunda Spray, (2 or more blooms)
  7. Polyanthas
  8. Climbers, single or spray (Hybrid Tea Climbers to be entered in Hybrid Tea Class)
  9. Shrubs
  10. Old Garden Roses, introduced prior to 1867

Section J-2 – Special Challenge Classes

(one entry per exhibitor per class)

  1. Three roses, one-to-a-stem Hybrid Teas or one-to-a-stem Grandifloras (each a different color class, shown in separate containers).
  2. Three roses, one-to-a-stem Hybrid Teas or one-to-a-stem Grandifloras of the same variety. Shown in 3 stages of bloom: 1 bud, 1 exhibitor form and 1 full bloom.
  3. Floating Rose: one Hybrid Tea or Grandiflora Rose shown floating in a bowl, snifter, etc. Only Rose foliage to accompany the Rose. Exhibitor must furnish container.
  4. Three Floribunda Sprays each a different color class. Shown in separate containers.
  5. Triangle of Roses, 1 one-to-a-stem Hybrid Tea, 1 one-to-a-stem Grandiflora, 1 Floribunda (one-to-a-stem or spray). Shown in separate containers.
  6. Leftover Roses: a collection of left over roses displayed in a tin can, furnished by the exhibitor. No rules other than judge’s sudden fancy.

Section J-3 – Miniature Rose Classes

(Please Note: More than one entry permitted in each of these classes provided the entries are of different varieties.)

  1. Miniature Rose: One bloom per stem, exhibition form, shown alphabetically
  2. Single or Semi-double Miniature Rose (5 to 12 petals), shown alphabetically.
  3. Miniature Sprays: Two or more blooms on a stem. Shown alphabetically.
  4. Fully Open Miniature Rose: One bloom per stem. Stamens must show.

Section J-4 – Miniature Rose Challenge Classes

  1. 3 Miniature Roses of the same variety shown in 3 stages of bloom: One bud, one exhibition bloom and one open bloom. Shown in separate containers.
  2. Floating Miniature Rose: 1 Miniature Rose in Hybrid Tea form floating in miniature size container. Only Miniature Rose foliage may accompany the rose. Exhibitor must furnish container.
  3. 3 Single bloom Miniature Roses, 1 bloom per stem, each a different color class. Shown in separate containers.
  4. Coffee cup with leftover Miniature Roses. Displayed in a coffee cup furnished by exhibitor. No rules other than judge’s sudden fancy.

Section J-5 – Design Classes

Roses used in design classes must have been arranger-grown and properly named to compete. Roses must predominate, but dried or treated plant material and appropriate accessories may be used.

  1. Gone Fishing, mass design
  2. A Walk in the Park, line design

Large Roses

  1. Show Me State, designer’s choice
  2. Famous Missourian, vertical design
  3. Sportsmanship, oriental design

Miniature Roses

  1. Minor League – mass design
  2. On the Prairie, modern design

Awards

Specimen (Classes 1-24), Blue ribbon – 4 points, red ribbon – 3 points and white ribbon – 2 points.
Design (Classes 25-33), Blue ribbon – 10 points, red ribbon – 7 points, and white ribbon – 5 point

  • Best of Class – Hybrid Tea or Grandiflora (one to a stem) – 10
  • Best of Class – Hybrid Tea or Grandiflora Spray – 5
  • Best of Class – Single Hybrid Tea – 5
  • Best of Class – Semi-double Hybrid Tea – 5
  • Best of Class – Open Bloom Hybrid Tea or Grandiflora (one to a stem) – 5
  • Best of Class – Floribunda (one to a stem) – 5
  • Best of Class – Floribunda Spray – 5
  • Best of Class – Old Garden Rose (Classes 10) – 5
  • Best of Class – Climber or Shrub Rose (Classes 8 & 9) – 5
  • Best of Class – Polyantha – 5
  • Best of Class – Miniature (one to a stem) – 5
  • Best Single or Semi-Double Miniature – 5
  • Best of Class – Miniature Spray – 5
  • Sweepstakes Classes 1-10 (most total points) – 5
  • Sweepstakes – Miniature Classes 17-20 (most total points) – 5
  • Best Arrangement (Classes 25-29) – 15
  • Best Arrangement (Classes 30-33) – 15
  • Arrangement Sweepstakes (Classes 25-33) (most total points) – 10

Section 81K: Missouri Native Plant Show

Monday, August 17

Director
Missouri Wildflower Association
Missouri Prairie Foundation

Rules

  1. Entries will be accepted by the floriculture superintendent beginning 3 pm, Sat. Aug 15 to 5 pm and Sun. Aug 16 from 7:00 am to 9:45 am.
  2. Plants must be of Missouri native variety
  3. Plants must be grown by the exhibitor

Perennials

ONE STEM PER ENTRY

  1. Asclepias tuberosa, Butterflyweed
  2. Aruncus dioicus Goats Beard
  3. Asclepias syriaca, Common milkweed
  4. Chelone obliqua, Rose Turtlehead
  5. Coreopsis lanceolata, Lanceleaf Coreopsis
  6. Echinacea purpurea, Purple Coneflower
  7. Liatris pycnostachya, Prairie Blazing Star
  8. Peltandra virginica, Arrow Arum
  9. Rudbeckia missouriensis, Missouri Coneflower
  10. Silphium terebinthinacem,Prairie Dock
  11. Veronicastrum virginicum, Black root
  12. Vernonia fasciculata, Ironweed
  13. Any other Missouri Native Perennial not mentioned above

Arboreal

BRANCH NOT TO EXCEED 18″ IN LENGTH

  1. Acer saccharum, Sugar Maple
  2. Cornus florida, Flowering dogwood
  3. Liriodendron tulipifera, Tulip
  4. Liquidambar styraciflua, Sweetgum
  5. Nyssa sylvatica,Black oak
  6. Quercus macrocarpa, Bur Oak
  7. Platanus occidentalis, American sycamore
  8. Any other Missouri Native Arboreal Not mentioned above

Grasses

THREE STEMS PER ENTRY

  1. Buchloe dactyloides, Buffalo Grass
  2. Carex flaccosperma, Blue Wood Sedge
  3. Carex praegracilis Clustered field sedge
  4. Koeleria macrantha, June Grass

Vines

BUNDLE OF THREE STEMS NOT TO EXCEED 18″ IN LENGTH

  1. Aristolochia tomentosa Dutchmans Pipe-Vine
  2. Campsis radicans, Trumpet Vine
  3. Passiflora incarnata, Purple Passionflower
  4. Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Virginia Creeper
  5. Lonicera sempervirens, Coral Honeysuckle
  6. Any other Missouri Native Vine Not Mentioned above

Awards

  • Best in class – 5
  • Best in show – 20
  • Sweepstakes – 15

Section 81L: Missouri Master Gardener Show

Monday, August 17

Rules

  1. This show is open to all ACTIVE Master Gardeners.
  2. More than one entry per class may be made by an exhibitor, provided each is of a different cultivator, type of color. Classes will be subdivided when numbers of entries require it.
  3. Fruits and vegetables will be displayed on white paper plates. Plates will be provided.
  4. Large flowers must display one stem all others must display three stems.
  5. Entries must have been grown by the exhibitor and under the exhibitor’s care for 3 months or longer.
  6. Containers will be provided for classes 6 thru 42. Needlepoint holder or wedge of plant material or plastic wrap may be used, if furnished by the exhibitor.
  7. Fruits and vegetables: Large – 1 specimen; Medium – 3 specimens; Small – 5 specimens.

Section L-1 – Fruits and Vegetables

  1. Fruit
  2. Peppers
  3. Tomatoes
  4. Herbs
  5. Any other vegetables

Section L-2 – Annuals and Biennials

  1. Cleome
  2. Gerbera
  3. Marigold
  4. Petunia
  5. Sunflower
  6. Zinnias
  7. Any other blooming
  8. Any other non-blooming
  9. Any other vines

Section L-3 – Perennials

  1. Delphinium
  2. Dianthus
  3. Hosta, small – less than 3″ across
  4. Hosta, medium – 3″ to 6″ across
  5. Hosta, large – over 6″ across
  6. Rudbeckia
  7. Asters
  8. Coneflowers
  9. Phlox
  10. Sedum
  11. Vines – lateral, less than 20″
  12. Grasses
  13. Any other, blooming
  14. Any other, non-blooming

Section L-4 – Bulbs, Corms, Tubers, and Rhizoms

  1. Canna
  2. Dahlias
  3. Day lily, miniature
  4. Day lily, standard
  5. Any other

Section L-5 – Roses

  1. Standard
  2. Miniature

Section L-6 – Arboreal (18″ to 24″)

  1. Rose of Sharon
  2. Any other blooming shrub
  3. Any other non-blooming shrub
  4. Evergreen
  5. Holly
  6. Any branch with fruits, nuts, or berries
  7. Any other branch

Section L-7 – Potted Plant

  1. Begonia, grown for bloom
  2. Begonia, grown for foliage
  3. House plant, grown for bloom
  4. House plant, grown for foliage
  5. Herbs, potted
  6. Hanging Garden, grown for bloom, one or more plants, varieties
  7. Hanging Garden, grown for foliage, one or more plants, varieties
  8. Succulents
  9. Any other, grown for bloom
  10. Any other, grown for foliage

Awards

All classes, Blue ribbon – 4 points, red ribbon – 3 points and white ribbon – 2 point.
There must be at least 10 entries in each of the sections to qualify this show for the following top awards.

  • Best in Class (one per section) – 5
  • Green Thumb Award – 15
  • Best in Show – 20
  • Sweepstakes (most total award points scored by an exhibitor) – 15

Section 81M

2026 Missouri State Fair
Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri Day, August 19, 2026
Theme “Show Me the Silver Screen”

Chair
Joan Eads, Eldon

General Rules

  1. This is a National Garden Club, Inc., Standard Flower Show. The Senior Division is open only to members of the Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri (FGCM), Inc.
  2. Missouri State Fair general rules and regulations of the Floriculture Department apply.
  3. All exhibitors are required to provide a completed entry form along with entry fee. Entry forms may be obtained online from State Fair (mostatefair.com or 1-660-530-5615). You may submit entry forms electronically but still need to check in with Floriculture Building registration officials upon arrival. Entry tags are to be filled out – both top and bottom – for each exhibit. Entry tags may also be obtained ahead of time by contacting State Fair or filled out the day of the show.
  4. Exhibitors may enter many different classes but must have only one entry in each design class and artistic crafts class. Entries must be in place by 9:50 am. Judging starts promptly at 10:00 am. All exhibits must stay in place until 6:00 pm – no exceptions.
  5. The NGC Handbook for Flower Shows, 2017 revised edition, is the final authority.
  6. Scale of points for horticulture: Scale of points for Design: Scale of points for Artistic Crafts:
    • Conformance/Plant ID – 10
    • Peak of perfection – 75
    • Grooming & Staging – 15
    • Total – 100
    • Conformance to Type & Schedule – 14
    • Design principles – 48
    • Selection of components – 8
    • Organization of components – 8
    • Expression (interpretation of class or theme) – 8
    • Distinction (superiority in all respects) – 14
    • Total – 100
    • Conformance – 14
    • Design – 48
    • Craftsmanship/technique – 24
    • Distinction – 14
    • Total – 100
  7. NGC Standard System of Awarding – Ribbons offered but may be withheld if exhibits do not merit recognition:
    • One 1st (blue) per class, must score 90 or above
    • One 2nd (red) per class, must score 85 or above
    • One 3rd (yellow) per class, must score 80 or above
    • Up to five honorable mention as merited scoring 75 or above
    • Top awards may only be awarded to a blue ribbon winner in a section scoring 95 or above in Design, Horticulture or Botanical Arts.

Division 1 – Horticulture “How Green Was My Valley”

Horticulture Rules:

  1. Entries must have been grown by the exhibitor and under the exhibitor’s care for 90 days or longer.
  2. Containers will be provided by State Fair for all cut specimens. Unobtrusive wedging may be used to pose specimen for best showing.
  3. The Committee reserves the right to subdivide all classes by species, variety, color or size.
  4. More than one entry per class may be made by an exhibitor, provided each is of a different cultivar, type or color, but may be judged against each other.
  5. All containers allowed one cut stem only.
  6. Vines are not to be over 30 inches long with an apical tip & several nodes.
  7. All horticulture specimens must be labeled with binomial name or current scientific identification to be eligible for top exhibitor awards.
  8. For in-depth exhibiting requirements, refer to NGC “Horticulture Exhibiting and Judging” book.

Horticulture Sections and Classes

Eligible for “Award of Horticulture Excellence and Horticulture Sweepstakes Award”

Section M-1: “Some Like It Hot”

Annual and Biennial, grown for bloom or foliage.
Eligible for “Award of Merit”

  1. Artemesia
  2. Begonia
  3. Celosia
  4. Ferns
  5. Helianthus (sunflower) single
  6. Helianthus (sunflower), double
  7. Ipomoea (sweet potato)
  8. Lantana
  9. Petunia
  10. Plectranthus (coleus), green
  11. Plectranthus (coleus), red
  12. Plectranthus(coleus), combination color
  13. Tagetes (marigold), large
  14. Tagetes (marigold), small
  15. Zinnia, single
  16. Zinnia, double
  17. Any annual vine (not to exceed 30″ in length)
  18. Any other annual or biennial

Section M-2 – “Same Time, Next Year”

Perennial, Herbaceous
Grown for Bloom or Foliage
Eligible for “Award of Merit”

  1. Asclepias (milk weed)
  2. Ferns, hardy
  3. Echinacea (coneflower), single
  4. Echinacea (coneflower), double
  5. Grasses
  6. Heuchera, red
  7. Heuchera, green
  8. Hosta (one leaf per entry), blue small less than 3″ across
  9. Hosta (one leaf per entry), blue, medium 3″ – 6″ across
  10. Hosta (one leaf per entry), blue, large over 6″ across
  11. Hosta (one leaf per entry), green, small less than 3″ across
  12. Hosta (one leaf per entry), green, medium 3″-6″ across
  13. Hosta (one leaf per entry), green, large 6″ or over across
  14. Hosta (one leaf per entry), variegated, small less than 3″ across
  15. Hosta (one leaf per entry), variegated, medium 3″-6″ across
  16. Hosta (one leaf per entry), variegated, large 6″ or over
  17. Leucanthemum (daisy), single
  18. Leucanthemum (daisy), double
  19. Perovskia (Russian sage)
  20. Phlox
  21. Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan)
  22. Sedum
  23. Any other herbaceous perennial
  24. Any Perennial Vine (not to exceed 30″)

Section M-3 – “The Days of Wine and Roses”

Rosa
(minimum 2 sets of 5 leaflets leaves required on stem)
Eligible for “Award of Merit”

  1. Rosa Hybrid Tea
  2. Rosa Miniature
  3. Rosa Shrub
  4. Any Other rosa

Section M-4 – “Call of the Wild”

Herbs
(one stem per entry)
Eligible for “Award of Merit”

  1. Allium (chives)
  2. Lavendula (lavender)
  3. Mentha (mint)
  4. Ocimum (basil)
  5. Petroselinum (parsley)
  6. Rosemarinus (rosemary)
  7. Thymus (thyme)
  8. Any Other herb

Section M-5 – “Lilies of the Field”

Bulbs, Corms, Tubers, Rhizomes
Eligible for “Award of Merit”

  1. Caladium, mostly red/pink
  2. Caladium, mostly green
  3. Caladium, mostly white
  4. Canna, green
  5. Canna, red
  6. Colocasia (elephant ear)
  7. Any other bulb, corm, tuber, rhyzome

Section M-6 – “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn”

Arboreal
(All specimens 30″ or less w/ several nodes and apical tip)
Eligible for “Arboreal Award”

  1. Deciduous shrub for foliage
  2. Deciduous shrub for bloom
  3. Evergreen shrub, broadleaf
  4. Evergreen shrub, needled
  5. Evergreen tree, broadleaf
  6. Evergreen tree, needled

Section M-7 – “Outside In”

Container Grown
(A single species grown in container. Container can be no wider than 12″ and no taller than 14″. May be self-multiple or multiple planting. (See NGC HBFS, 2017, page 58) )
Eligible for “Grower’s Choice Award”

  1. Non-succulent ornamental grown primarily for bloom
  2. Non-succulent ornamental grown primarily for foliage
  3. Succulent

Division 2 – Design “A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood”

Design Rules:

  1. Four (4) entries required per class. All entries must be registered by phone or e-mail with the FGCM chair Joan Eads at 573-280-0670 or joaneads@sbcglobal.net on or before August 2. (still need to be registered with State Fair upon arrival)
  2. No artificial flowers, foliage, fruit, or vegetables allowed in any class. Cut vegetables or fruit must be clear wrapped or waxed.
  3. Staging Panels and/or underlays are not required but recommended. Tri-folds may only be used with wings pulled back
  4. Fresh plant material not to be treated by any method (oiled, painted, dyed, etc.)
  5. Table space provided by committee. All other staging provided by exhibitor unless otherwise stated.
  6. Plant material is to be used in every exhibit and identified on unlined 3″x5″ card placed beside design. Common name is allowed in design.
  7. Red, white and blue plant material/components are encouraged but not required.

Design Sections and Classes
Eligible for “Award of Design Excellence”

Section M-8 – “Field of Dreams”

(Adventure, drama, musical) (Designer has choice of fresh and/or dried plant materials.)
This section is Eligible for the Designer’s Choice Award.

  1. “Avatar” – A Creative Line design – line is dominant with a minimum of plant material and components – table space 24″w X 30″d .
  2. “Rear Window” – A Transparency design – a creative design with see-Through elements (translucent, grid-like, etc.) integral to the design and permitting some components to be viewed through others – table space 24″ w X 30″ d.
  3. “The Music Man” – A Parallel design – a creative design consisting of three(3) or more groupings of plant material and optional components with a strong parallel placement in a single container and/or base – table space 24″ w X 30″ d. (for more information see NGC HBFS, Chapter 7, VIII, L)

Section M-9 “Transformers”

(Animated) (petite design – designer has choice of fresh and/or dried plant materials) Designs to be staged on white risers provided by committee. All designs not to exceed 8″ in any direction.
This section is Eligible for the Petite Award.

  1. “Finding Nemo” – Creative Line Design – line is dominant with a minimum of plant material and components.
  2. “Shrek” – Creative Line Mass Design – design similar to Creative Line but with an emphasis on a greater amount of plant material.
  3. “Frozen” – Creative Design – (for more information see NGC HBFS, Chapter 7, VI, A)

Division 3 – Botanical Arts – Artistic Crafts “All That Jazz”

Botanical Arts – Artistic Crafts Rules:

  1. Four (4) entries required per class. All entries must be registered by phone or e-mail with the FGCM chair Joan Eads at 573-280-0670 or joaneads@sbcglobal.net on or before August 3. (still need to be registered with State Fair upon arrival)
  2. All exhibits must contain some plant material, dried and/or fresh. Plant material to be identified on unlined 3″x 5″ card placed with exhibit.
  3. Red, white and blue plant material/components are encouraged but not required.

Artistic Crafts Section and Classes

Section M-10: “Fantasy Island” – (Delusionary)

Eligible for the “Botanical Arts – Artistic Crafts Award”

  1. “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” – a necklace to be displayed on 14″ tall black bust provided by committee. Table space – 15″w x 15″d
  2. “Through The Looking Glass” – a decorated hand mirror. Exhibitor has freedom to display mirror to its best advantage. Table space – 15″w x 15″d.
  3. “Phantom Of The Opera” – a decorated (partial or full face) mask provided by exhibitor. To be displayed on a standard white styrofoam head (21″ circumference) provided by committee. Table space – 24″w x 24″d.

For FGCM Federation Day Flower Show information & registration of designs: Contact Joan Eads – FGCM State Fair Flower Show Chair at joaneads@sbcglobal.net or 573-280-0670

ALL FGCM members must use the STATE FAIR ENTRY TAGS. Entry tags & Exhibitor Forms must be filled out for entry, follow directions on form. SS # is required with entry fee of 40 cents per entry. Entry tags may be requested in advance from: mostatefair.com, 1-660-530-5615 or BEST option is – Pay at Floriculture building when entering items and fill out entry tags there.

Stop by for a rest at the gazebo next to the Floriculture Building. It was donated by Federated Garden Clubs of Missouri.

Awards

Classes 1-54, Blue ribbon – 4 points, red ribbon – 3 points, white ribbon – 2 points and pink ribbon – 1 point.
Classes 55-61, Blue ribbon – 10 points, red ribbon – 8 points, white ribbon – 6 points and pink ribbon – 4 points.
There must be at least 12 designs in each of the 5 sections (M8 through M12) to qualify this show for the following top awards.

  • Petite – 15
  • Designer’s Choice – 15
  • Grower’s Choice – 15
  • Award of Merit (one per section L-1 to L-6) – 15
  • Arboreal Award – 15
  • Botanical Arts Artistic Craft Award – 15
  • Design Excellence – 15
  • Sweepstakes in Horticulture – 15
  • Horticulture Excellence – 15
  • “WE DUG DEEPER” AWARD (awarded to the club with the most total points from all Floriculture events. No premium money is associated with this award; it grants “bragging rights” only).

Section 81N: Horticulture Show

Thursday, August 20

Director
Matthew Tennill

This show is open to all Gardeners. The entries must be in the name of the exhibitor and their social security number must be provided to receive payment.

Horticulture Rules

  1. Entries must have been grown by the exhibitor and under the exhibitor’s care for 3 months or longer.
  2. Containers will be provided for classes 1 thru 56. Needlepoint holder or wedge of plant material or plastic wrap may be used, if furnished by the exhibitor. Fruits & Vegetables will be displayed on white paper plates.
  3. The Event Director and Judges reserve the right to subdivide all classes by species, variety, color or size.
  4. More than 1 entry per class may be made by an exhibitor, provided each entry is of a different cultivar, type or color.
  5. Small and medium flowers must have three stems, large flower display only one stem.
  6. Fruits and vegetables: large – 1 specimen; medium – 3 specimens; and small – 5 specimens.

Specimen Classes

Section N-1 – Fruits and Vegetables

  1. Fruit
  2. Bell Pepper
  3. Hot Pepper
  4. Large Tomato
  5. Small Tomato
  6. Okra
  7. Onions
  8. Squash
  9. Green Beans
  10. Sweet Potato
  11. Any other vegetable

Section N-2 – Annuals and Biennials

  1. Buddleia (butterfly bush)
  2. Celosia, crested cocks comb
  3. Celosia, plumed or feathered
  4. Cosmos
  5. Cleome
  6. Coleus
  7. Echinacea, coneflower
  8. Heuchera
  9. Marigold, large
  10. Marigold, small
  11. Periwinkle/Vinca
  12. Petunia
  13. Snapdragons
  14. Sunflower
  15. Sunflower, seed head
  16. Zinnias, dahlia type,
  17. Zinnias, bicolor or mixed (such as Whirligig)
  18. Zinnias, cactus type
  19. Zinnias, striata (example – Peppermint or Ortho Polks)
  20. Zinnias, pumila or pompon type
  21. Zinnias, Mexican or Persian carpet, mixed colors
  22. Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate
  23. Gomphrena
  24. Herbs, annual
  25. Perovskia, Russian Sage
  26. Any other annual

Section N-3 – Perennials

  1. Dianthus
  2. Gaillardia
  3. Hosta, green
  4. Hosta, variegated
  5. Phlox, tall garden
  6. Rudbeckia
  7. Roses
  8. Yarrow
  9. Sedum
  10. Grasses
  11. Lilies
  12. Herbs, perennial
  13. Any other perennial

Section N-4 – Bulbs, Corms, Tubers and Rhizomes

  1. Canna
  2. Caladium
  3. Dahlia, any
  4. Elephant Ears
  5. Tuberoses, single flowered
  6. Tuberoses, double flowered
  7. Any other

Section N-5 – Go Native – No Cultivated Variety

  1. Golden Rod
  2. Asclepia, Milk Weed
  3. Coreopsis
  4. Echinacea
  5. Grasses
  6. Rudbeckia, Blackeyed Susan
  7. Primrose
  8. Beauty Berry
  9. Liatris, Blazing Star
  10. Any Other

Section N-6 – Arboreal

  1. Any Needled Evergreen Tree (such as Fir, Spruce, Pine), one branch 18″ to 30″ long, must be labeled
  2. Any Needled Evergreen Shrub (such as Juniper or Yew), one branch 9″ to 18″ long, must be labeled
  3. Any Deciduous Tree (such as Crab, Tulip, Magnolia, Maple, Oak, Willow, Chestnut, Ginkgo), one branch 18″ to 30″ long, must be labeled
  4. Any Ilex (Holly), one branch 18″ to 30″ long, must be labeled
  5. Any Barberry, one branch 18″ to 30″ long, must be labeled
  6. Any Other Non-Blooming Shrub, one branch 18″ to 30″ long, must be labeled
  7. Hydrangea
  8. Crepe Myrtle
  9. Rose of Sharon
  10. Any Shrub in Bloom, one branch 18″ to 30″ long, must be labeled
  11. Any branch with fruits, nuts or berries, one branch 18″ to 30″ long, must be labeled

Design Class Rules

  1. General rules and regulations of this department apply.
  2. All entries in question should be cleared by the director before being placed.
  3. More than one entry per design class will be allowed provided each entry is different in form or technique.
  4. Event Director and Judges may subdivide classes.
  5. No artificial plant material may be used.
  6. Designer has complete freedom of choice of plant material.
  7. Accessories permitted in all design classes.
  8. Exhibits and ribbons will be left in place until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, August 23 unless prior arrangement has been made.
  9. Exhibitor must provide container.

Section N-7 – Design Classes

Arrangements no larger than 24×24 inches.

  1. Fresh foliage
  2. Missouri Home (some native – dried and fresh)
  3. Fresh
  4. Fresh and Dried

Awards

Horticulture (Classes 1-76), Blue ribbon – 4 points, red ribbon – 3 points and white ribbons – 2 points.
Design (Classes 79-82), Blue ribbon – 10 points, red ribbon – 8 points and white ribbons – 6 points.

  • Horticulture Excellence (Best Entry in classes 1-76) – 15
  • Arboreal Award, (Best Entry – Classes 66-76) – 15
  • Best Design, (Best Entry – Classes 77-81) – 15
  • Best in Class (one per section in N1 through N6) – 10

Section 81O: Dahlia Show

Friday, August 21 & Saturday, August 22

Director
Larry Boucher, Peculiar, MO

Rules

  1. Specimen blooms are judged on color, form, stem, bloom position, substance or condition, distinction and foliage (blooms must have at least one set of leaves).
  2. Any number of entries may be made by an exhibitor in any specimen class.
  3. Seedlings may be entered in any class in the show.
  4. When the number of blooms is fixed, there can be only one bloom per stem. The exhibition of any greater or lesser number disqualifies the entry. All side buds must be removed, except in arrangement classes and multi-bloom exhibits of ten or more.
  5. Blue ribbon winners only will be eligible for special awards except in the choice of the “Largest Bloom in Show,” where all single blooms of show quality will be considered.
  6. The use of artificial material to support dahlia stems above the container, such as wire, splints or cords, will disqualify the exhibit except in the arrangement section. The use of wedges in the neck of the container in single bloom classes will be permitted. Base support in baskets and special display vases are permitted. Single specimen containers and wedges will be furnished.
  7. All dahlias in competition shall be classified as to color and type in accordance with the current Official Classification of Dahlias sponsored by the American Dahlia Society (ADS). Any varieties not so listed shall be referred to the committee members in charge of classification, and have the entry tags signed by one of them. The judges shall be instructed to judge only in accordance with the official classification list and disqualify entries at the time of judging when entry tags of varieties not listed are unsigned. Entries placed in the wrong class as to color or type may be moved by the show chairman before judging. Rules of American Dahlia Society will be consulted for additional rules if needed.

Color and Type Class Numbers

Section O-1 Size or Type

  1. AA – Size AA – 1 Bloom – 0001 to 0515
  2. A – Size A – 1 Bloom – 1001 to 1515
  3. B – Size B – 1 Bloom – 2001 to 2515
  4. BB – Size BB – 1 Bloom – 3001 to 3515
  5. M – Size M – 1 Bloom – 4001 to 4515
  6. BA – Size Ball – 1 Bloom – 6001 to 6015
  7. MB – Size M Ball – 1 Bloom – 6101 to 6115
  8. P – Size Pom – 1 Bloom – 6201 to 6215
  9. ST – Steller – 1 Bloom – 7001 to 7015
  10. WL – Water Lily – 1 Bloom – 7301 to 7315
  11. NX – Novelty Double – 1 Bloom – 7601 to 7615
  12. PE – Peony-flowered – 1 Bloom – 8001 to 8015
  13. AN – Anemone-flowered – 1 Bloom – 8201 to 8215
  14. NO – Novelty Open – 1 Bloom – 8601 to 8615
  15. CO – Collarette – 1 Bloom – 9001 to 9015
  16. O – Orchid-flowered – 1 Bloom – 9201 to 9215
  17. S – Single – 1 Bloom – 9601 to 9615
  18. MS – Mignon Single – 1 Bloom – 9701 to 9715

Section O-2 Multi Bloom

  1. 3 Bloom 1 Variety – 0001 to 6015
  2. 3 Bloom 1 Variety – 6101 to 9715
  3. 5+ Bloom 1 Variety – 0001 to 6015
  4. 5+ Bloom 1 Variety – 6101 to 9715

Section O-3 Mixed Bloom

  1. 3 Mixed Bloom – 0001 to 6015
  2. 3 Mixed Bloom – 6101 to 9715
  3. 5+ Mixed Bloom – 0001 to 6015
  4. 5+ Mixed Bloom – 6101 to 9715

Section O-4 Design Section

All arrangements are to feature dahlias (75% of flowers) but other flowers, fresh, dried or treated plant material and accessories are permitted in all classes. Flowers used in design classes need NOT be grown by the exhibitor (growers often provide extra dahlias for designer’s use).

Classes

  1. Holidays in America
  2. Patriots Near and Far
  3. Honoring the US Flag
  4. Tribute to a Special Person
  5. Let Freedoom Ring
  6. World Wide Sports
  7. Enjoying America, The Beautiful

Awards

Single specimen and three bloom classes, Blue ribbon – 3 points, red ribbon – 2 points and white ribbon – 1 point.
Six bloom and ten or more bloom classes, Blue ribbon – 5 points, red ribbon – 3 points and white ribbon – 2 points.
Design classes, Blue ribbon – 10 points, red ribbon – 7 points and white ribbon – 5 points.
There must be at least 12 entries in each of the sections to qualify this show for the following awards.

  • Best “AA” Bloom – 10
  • Best “A” Bloom – 10
  • Best “B” Bloom – 10
  • Best “BB” Bloom – 10
  • Best “Miniature” Bloom – 10
  • Best “Ball” Bloom – 10
  • Best “Pompon” Bloom – 10
  • Best “Water Lily” Bloom – 10
  • Best “Collarette” Bloom – 10
  • Best “Orchid” Bloom – 10
  • Best “Other Type” Bloom – 10
  • Best “3-Bloom” Entry – 10
  • Best “5-Bloom” Entry – 10
  • Best Design (Classes 27-33) – 10
  • “Largest Bloom” of the show (selected from ribbon winners) – 10
  • “Most Perfect Bloom” of the show – 10
  • “Sweepstakes” (specimen blooms) (exhibitor with most blue ribbons, in case of tie, the total number of award points will be counted) – 10