The Amateur Gardeners Club. and. The St. George s Garden Club Members of the Garden Club of America Present. Charm City A GCA. Zone VI Flower Show

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1 The Amateur Gardeners Club and The St. George s Garden Club Members of the Garden Club of America Present Charm City A GCA Zone VI Flower Show Country Charm May 10, :00-10:00 pm The Elkridge Club 6100 North Charles Street Baltimore, Maryland

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Timetable for Exhibitors Flower Show Committee GCA Rules....7 General Information Division I Flower Arrangement Guidelines Flower Arrangement Classes Division II Horticulture Guidelines...12 Horticulture Classes Division III Photography Guidelines Photography Classes Division IV Conservation or Education Exhibit...20 GCA Zone Flower Show & Club Awards

3 TIMETABLE FOR EXHIBITORS November 10, 2010 Horticulture - Six month ownership deadline February 10, 2011 Horticulture - Three month ownership deadline February 28 Photography - Registration for Zone VI club members only closes. (Please see Division III Photography guidelines for registration information.) March 1 Photography Registration for Classes 2-6 opens to all GCA members April 9 Photography Entries must be received. If an entry does not pass, it will be returned and may be resubmitted. Flower Arrangement registration deadline Monday, May 9 - The Elkridge Club, 6100 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Md. Flower Arrangement and Horticulture entries accepted and passed BY APPOINTMENT with Division Chairman Tuesday, May 10 - The Elkridge Club, 6100 North Charles Street, Baltimore, Md. 7:30 9:30am Flower Arrangement and Horticulture entries accepted and passed 9:30am 10:30am 11:00am 1:00pm Entries closed Judges briefing Judging begins Flower Show Evaluation 4:00 10:00pm Show open to the public 10:00pm Show closes Wednesday, May 11 8:00am noon All entries must be removed 3

4 FLOWER SHOW COMMITTEE Zone Meeting Chairs Lindsay Hardesty, Amateur Tolly Lewin, St. George s Teamlewin@aol.com Club Presidents Marion DeGroff, Amateur mpdegroff@comcast.net Wynne McCormick, St George s wmccor@aol.com Division Chairmen Division I Flower Arrangement Chair - Rhea Arnot, St. George s rarnot@comcast.net Vice Chair - Sarah Klinefelter, Amateur scklinefelter@comcast.net Division II Horticulture Chair - Pam Meier, St. George s pamelameier@comcast.net Division III Photography Chair - Jay Jackson, St. George s jmj96@comcast.net Co-Chair - Nan Paternotte, St. George s grannynano@comcast.net Awards Pam Meier, St. George s pamelameier@comcast.net 4

5 Judges Catherine Lawson, St. George s lawsons98@comcast.net Hospitality Patty Finney, St. George s pfinney8@gmail.com Passing Horticulture Becky Henry, St. George s henryb@brymawrschool.org Jenny Horton, St. George s fireflies@erols.com Photography Nan Paternotte, St. George s grannynano@comcast.net Printing Gay Legg, St. George s gaylegg@gmail.com Becky Henry, St. George s henryb@brymawrschool.org Schedules Flower Arrangement - Rhea Arnot, St. George s Horticulture Pam Meier, St. George s Photography - Jay Jackson, St. George s Signage/Graphics Gay Legg, St. George s

6 Staging Catherine Lawson, St. George s lawsons98@comcast.net Mary Lord, St. George s marylord1@verizon.net Becca Waters, St. George s Treasurer Betsy Barrett, Amateur ebarrett9@comcast.net Sandy Yellott, St. George s, Chair syellott@aol.com Sherry Locke, Amateur, Co-chair Rlocke949@aol.com 6

7 GCA RULES 1. Please carefully read and follow GCA flower show rules, general information and division guidelines. All rules as stated in The Garden Club of America Flower Show and Judging Guide, 2009 Revised Edition, shall apply. 2. All plant material must be correctly identified with the botanical and common names, if possible. The RHS Index of Garden Plants and The AHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants are the accepted references and will be available at the show. The Royal Horticultural Society Horticultural Database is available online at 3. The Garden Club of America expects all exhibitors to be aware of the need to promote conservation of endangered and threatened plants. Plants collected in the wild and listed by the Maryland Natural Heritage Program may not be exhibited in any flower show sponsored by a GCA club. Cultivated plant material listed by Maryland s Natural Heritage Program may be exhibited if accompanied by a typed card stating that it has not been collected from the wild and giving information concerning its cultural requirements and methods of propagation. Natural Heritage Program lists will be available before and during the show from the division chairmen and are available online at 4. Plant material showing evidence of insects or disease must be removed immediately from the exhibition area. 5. All entries in the flower arrangement and horticulture divisions must include fresh and/or dried plant material. Fresh plant material must be in water or conditioned in such a way as to remain in pristine form while on exhibition. An entry not maintained in show condition may have its award removed. 6. Locally invasive plants, diseased plant material, artificial plant material, live animals (including fish), taxidermy, natural birds nests, and protected sea life, are not permitted. 7. Classes may be judged using the merit judging system at the discretion of the judges, with the permission of the division or flower show chairman. 7

8 GENERAL INFORMATION 1. Entries are open to all GCA club members including Candidates, Provisionals, and professionals in their disciplines, except as noted in the schedule. 2. Registration is required for all classes. Registration forms are provided at the back of the schedule. Classes will be filled in the order registration forms are received according to the postmark/fax/ date and time. 3. While The Garden Club of America, the Amateur Gardeners Club, the St. George s Garden Club and The Elkridge Club will exercise due caution in safeguarding exhibits, responsibility for damage, loss or personal injury cannot be assumed. 4. Any clarification or change in the rules, as originally stated in the schedule, shall be communicated promptly in writing by the division chairman to all exhibitors in the class and, at the show, to the judges and to the passing committees. 5. An entry card must accompany each entry. Entry cards will be available at the show and upon request from the entry or division chairmen, in advance of the show. Information required on the entry card must be completed in pencil or black waterproof ink. 6. The passing committee must pass each entry before an exhibitor may leave the show area. The passing committee reserves the right to refuse any entry that does not conform to the schedule. The exhibitor has the option of correcting the entry, if time permits. If not corrected, the entry cannot be judged, but may remain in place, marked For Exhibition Only. The judges may not disqualify any entry passed by the passing committee, unless evidence of insect infestation or disease is identified. 7. Once an entry is passed, the exhibitor(s) must immediately leave the exhibition area. A passed entry may not be touched again until after judging and then only to carry out necessary maintenance. 8. Only participating judges, clerks, flower show committee chairmen and division chairmen will be allowed on the floor during judging. 9. All containers and accessories must be inconspicuously labeled with the exhibitor s name. 10. All exhibits must remain in place and in show condition until fifteen minutes following the show closing time. 11. A novice is an exhibitor who has not won a first place ribbon, or a novice award in the division entered at a GCA or GCA Major Flower Show. Only an individual novice exhibitor is eligible to receive the Sandra Baylor Novice Award or the GCA Novice Award. A novice exhibitor will be identified by a red dot placed on the top of the entry card, following the initial judging. 12. A statement of intent is optional unless otherwise noted in the schedule and must be submitted at the time of passing. The statement must be no more than 25 words, typed or printed in waterproof ink on a 4 x6 white, unlined card. 8

9 DIVISION I Flower Arrangement Guidelines 1. Please carefully read and follow the GCA Rules, General Information, Flower Arrangement Schedule and Timetable for Exhibitors. 2. An exhibitor is permitted only one entry per class, and may enter more than one class except for Class 1 which is open to Zone VI clubs only. The exhibitor(s) under whose name(s) it has been registered must arrange the entry. All participants must be listed. Only listed exhibitors and show personnel may be on the show floor at the time of entry. 3. If forced to withdraw, an exhibitor must find a substitute and notify the division chairman and class consultant unless there is a waiting list for the class. 4. Mechanics should not be visible unless they are an integral part of the design. 5. At GCA Flower Shows, arrangements may be executed off-site and brought to the show completed. 6. Anything not prohibited in the GCA rules, flower arrangement division guidelines, or individual class descriptions is permitted. 7. Although permitted, the use of cut fruits and vegetables is discouraged and should be undertaken only with proper treatment to prevent spoilage. 8. Judging will be based on the principles of design: balance, contrast, dominance, proportion, rhythm and scale; and the elements of design: light, space, line, form, color, texture, pattern and size. Creativity is important, as is distinction, conformance to and interpretation of the class and schedule. 9. A statement of intent is optional, unless otherwise noted, and must be submitted at time of passing. The statement must be no more than 25 words, typed or printed in waterproof ink on a 4 x 6 white unlined card. 10. Accessories are permitted, unless otherwise stated in the class description. 9

10 DIVISION I Flower Arrangement Classes CLASS 1 OH MARYLAND, MY MARYLAND 13 ENTRIES Mandatory for all Zone VI clubs; one entry per club An arrangement depicting an aspect of one of the following areas: Baltimore City, Washington DC, Annapolis, Frederick, Easton, Ocean City, Harford County, Talbot County, Montgomery County, St. Mary s County, Garrett County, Baltimore County, and Anne Arundel County. No duplication of choice is allowed. Class consultant will register club s choice in the order received by date and time. Statement of intent is required. Exhibits will be centerpieces for the Awards Dinner, to be staged on a circular mirror, 14 diameter, on a dark green tablecloth, both provided by the committee. All fresh plant material. Viewed from all sides. Class Consultant: Krissie Verbic, St. George s krissie.verbic@comcast.net CLASS 2 BALTIMORE CITY CHARM 6 ENTRIES An arrangement depicting any aspect of Baltimore City, for example: Fort McHenry, Baltimore Museum of Art, The Walters Art Museum, Fells Point Fun Festival, Hampden Honfest, etc. Staged in the Upstairs Sitting Room in a black niche, 18 deep, 28 wide and 32 high, to be provided by the committee. Viewed from the front. Statement of intent is required. Class Consultant: Rhea Arnot, St. George s rarnot@comcast.net CLASS 3 SAVE THE BAY 6 ENTRIES A small arrangement, not to exceed 8 in any direction, incorporating an oyster shell provided by the exhibitor. Staged in the Board Room in the breakfront with the doors opened. Fresh and/or dried plant material permitted. Viewed from the front. Class Consultant: Sarah Klinefelter, Amateur scklinefelter@comcast.net 10

11 CLASS 4 LADEW GARDENS - A MARYLAND TREASURE 6 ENTRIES A Topiary creation reminiscent of Ladew Topiary Gardens. Topiary may not exceed 30 high, 18 wide. Staged on the sideboards in the Governor Bradford Room. Fresh and/or dried plant material permitted. Viewed from three sides. Class Consultant: Krissie Verbic, St. George s krissie.verbic@comcast.net CLASS 5 THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY 9 ENTRIES An arrangement in a basket featuring flowers and locally grown produce. Exhibit not to exceed 24 in any direction. Staged on 8 tables with a cream cloth in the Paddock Room. Only fresh material permitted. Viewed from three sides. Class Consultant: Sarah Klinefelter, Amateur scklinefelter@comcast.net CLASS 6 PEDESTAL CHALLENGE 6 ENTRIES Design elements to be provided by the committee 3 months in advance. Exhibitors will be given birch branches, gourds, copper wire, bamboo and telephone wire. Exhibitors must incorporate 4 of the 5 elements into their design. Other fresh and /or dried plant material may be included. The components must be a visible part of the design. Exhibit must not exceed 36 in width with no height restriction. Staged in the Governor Bradford Room bar area on a black pedestal, 40 high, 16 diameter, provided by the committee. Viewed from all sides. Class Consultant: Rhea Arnot, St. George s rarnot@comcast.net 11

12 DIVISION II Horticulture Guidelines 1. Please carefully read and follow the GCA rules, general information, horticulture schedule and timetable for exhibitors. 2. Entries must have been owned and grown by the exhibitor for a minimum of three months, unless otherwise stated in the schedule. Entries eligible for the Catherine Beattie Medal (blue dot) and / or the Clarissa Willemsen Horticulture Propagation Award (green dot) must have been in the possession of the exhibitor for at least six months and will be identified by a colored dot on the entry card. 3. An exhibitor may enter three entries per class, provided each is a different species or cultivar. 4. All entries propagated by the exhibitor must be so identified with the method and relevant date(s) of propagation on the entry card. 5. Mats, stands, stakes, ties, etc. are not allowed. Saucers may accompany potted plants. 6. Classes may be subdivided and entries moved and /or reclassified at the discretion of the horticulture committee and/ or the judges. 7. Containers are measured at the diameter or the diagonal of the inside rim. 8. One key card (diagram or photo with plant list) is required when multiple species or cultivars are exhibited in the same container. Key card should be a 4 x 6, white unlined card and should be completed in pencil or black waterproof ink. A photograph with identifying numbers may also be used. Collections of three in separate bottles should be numbered on the bottles and on the entry card. 9. Container grown plants entered in Class 1 and 2 should be exhibited in clean terracotta pots. Entries in Class 3 should be exhibited in clean, unobtrusive containers compatible with the exhibit. Disguised double potting and top dressing are permitted; top dressing must not float when watered. 10. Exhibitors are encouraged to bring their specimens in their own green bottles. Some extra bottles and wedging material will be available at the show. 11. Please note the scale of points by which Class 1 and Class 2 will be judged. 12

13 DIVISION II Horticulture Classes CONTAINER GROWN PLANTS: Class 1 SUCCULENTS AND THE CITY Mandatory for all Zone VI clubs; one entry per club; open to Zone VI clubs only. Combination of three or more succulents and /or cacti in a terracotta container not to exceed 16 in diameter. Container may contain more than one plant of the same species or cultivar. Plants must have been owned by the exhibitor for a minimum of 3 months. Key or photo card for identification is required. Scale of points: Cultural perfection 45%, form 15%, grooming 15%, distinction 10%, color effect 10%, labeling 5%. Class 2 A TREE GROWS IN BALMER GCA Centennial Tree Project One tree per container; container not to exceed 12 diameter. Tree must have been propagated and owned by exhibitor for a minimum of one year. Key or photo card required with propagation information and explanation of the exhibitor s club s project. Scale of points: Cultural perfection 30%, propagation 25%, form 15%, distinction 15%, grooming 10%, labeling 5%. Class 3 PAR FOR THE ELKRIDGE COURSE Par - An exhibit of exceptional horticultural merit, which does not qualify for entry elsewhere in the Horticulture Division. Entries in the Par classes must have been owned and grown by the exhibitor for a minimum of one year. Cut specimens, Orchids, bonsai or hanging baskets are not permitted. Containers must not exceed 12 diameter/diagonal. 13

14 CUT SPECIMENS: Classes 4-7 HOSTA LUEGO, HON Perennials grown for foliage - One stem or leaf not to exceed 36 in length. 4. Variegated, excluding Hosta 5. Non - variegated, excluding Hosta 6. Collection of 3, excluding Hosta - To be shown in separate containers & labeled 7. Hosta a) Large leafed - Leaf size 8 and above b) Small leafed - Leaf size less than 8 c) Collection of 3 - To be shown in separate containers and labeled. Classes 8-12 STAR SPANGLED BLOOMERS Woody plants in bloom - One branch not to exceed 36 in length; any foliage must be attached to stem. 8. Cornus 9. Viburnum 10. Rhododendron 11. Magnolia 12. Other Classes GERTRUDE STEIN AT THE MARLBOROUGH APARTMENTS Roses in bloom - One stem not to exceed 20 in length; must be exhibited with at least one attached leaf containing 5 leaflets. 13. Hybrid Tea 14. Floribunda- one spray 15. Grandiflora 16. Climbing 17. Miniature 18. Other 14

15 Classes PUT THE IRISH IN THE ZINK, HON Iris in bloom - One stem not to exceed 48 in length; any foliage must be attached to the stem. 19. Bearded 20. Beardless 21. Other Classes CHARM CITY VINERY Vines in bloom - One stem not to exceed 36 in length; any foliage must be attached to the stem. 22. Clematis 23. Other flowering vine Classes O IS FOR ORIOLES, P IS FOR PEONY, R IS FOR RAVENS Peony in bloom - One stem; any foliage must be attached to stem 24. Paeonia suffruiticosa- Tree Peonies 25. Paeonia lactiflora- Herbaceous Peonies 26. Other CONSULTANT for all CLASSES: PAM MEIER, St. George s Phone: , fax: , pamelameier@comcast.net 15

16 DIVISION III Photography Guidelines 1. Please carefully read and follow the GCA Rules, General Information, Photography Schedule and the Timetable for Exhibitors. 2. All classes are open for registration to the members of Zone VI until February 28, After March 1, 2011, Classes II - VI will be open to all GCA members. Class I is mandatory for all clubs in Zone VI. An exhibitor may have only one entry in any class, but may enter one other class. The total entries for the show are limited to 55 photographs. Exhibitors will be notified if accepted or not at the time of registration. If forced to withdraw, an exhibitor must find a substitute unless there is a waiting list for the class. The division chairman and the class consultant must be notified immediately of any changes. 3. Entries may be registered by calling or ing the class consultant. Entries should be mailed to: Nan Paternotte 215 Woodbrook Lane Baltimore, Md Grannynano@comcast.net 4. Photographs that have won first place in a GCA or GCA Major Flower Show may not be entered in competition again. A photograph that was previously entered and did not place first, may be entered again if the image is altered and newly printed. 5. Each photograph must be the work of the exhibitor, under whose name it is registered. Matting, mounting and printing may be done professionally. 6. Any manipulation at any stage must be the work of the exhibitor. This includes enhancement for color or clarity, removal of a part of the image, combining images, or distorting the original subject. 7. Photography entries are limited to subjects consistent with Garden Club of America interests such as horticulture, flower arrangement, gardens/landscapes, conservation/the environment, historic preservation, civic improvement and the natural world. 8. Identification of plant material is not required, but encouraged whenever possible. The common and botanical names are required on the entry card and on the back of the photograph. 9. All entries must be mounted on mat board with a maximum overall dimension of 50 that is, when the heights and widths are added together. The size, shape, color and surface finish of the photograph and the mat are to be decided by the exhibitor unless specified in the schedule. Glass and framing are not permitted. 16

17 10. Live plant material is not required, unless stated. 11. The use of positive or negative space is permitted in the form of the shape. 12. The following information must be written on the back of the photograph: Top/bottom, name, address, phone number(s), garden club, address, class entered, and a brief description of the photograph. 13. A neutral color will be used for the staging background. 14. If the exhibitor wants the photograph returned, it must be sent with a self addressed envelope, with the correct postage. 15. The recommended scale of points by which the classes are to be judged. Creativity 30 Composition 25 Technical Merit 20 Distinction 15 Interpretation of Theme 10 Total

18 DIVISION III Photography SHAPELY IMAGES All entries must have a mat, with a maximum overall dimension of 50 inches. The size, shape and color of the photograph and the mat are to be decided by the exhibitor. Class 1 TRIANGLES 13 Entries This class is mandatory for all Zone VI clubs; one entry per club. A color photograph of a triangular shape which is created by any part or parts of a plant or flower. A. Color B. Monochrome Class consultant: Crickett Woloson, crickettjo@aol.com Class 2 ARCH 8 Entries A color photograph of an Arch or series of Arches, with or without live plant material. Class consultant: Crickett Woloson, crickettjo@aol.com Class 3 CIRCLE 8 Entries A color photograph that includes a circular shape which is created by any live plant or flower. Class consultant: Crickett Woloson, crickettjo@aol.com 18

19 Class 4 HEART 8 Entries A color photograph of any part of a plant or flower which forms a heart. Class consultant: Crickett Woloson, crickettjo@aol.com Class 5 WATER 8 Entries A color photograph wherein the shape formed by water is the primary focus. Plant material not required. Class consultant: Crickett Woloson, crickettjo@aol.com Class 6 PAR 10 Entries Any photograph which cannot be entered in Classes I-V. Each photograph will be judged on its own photographic merit on a scale of Class consultant: Crickett Woloson, crickettjo@aol.com 19

20 DIVISION IV Conservation Exhibit The Streams and Rivers of Charm City and the Charming Countryside all empty into the Chesapeake Bay An examination of watershed issues in Zone VI An exhibit to be mounted on cardboard and displayed on the stage Limited to three exhibits Class Consultant: Carol Davis, Green Spring Valley Garden Club and Zone VI Conservation Representative, (410) , 20

21 GCA ZONE FLOWER SHOW AWARDS GCA Flower Show Awards described below have been applied for and will be presented if merited. The Harriet DeWaele Puckett Creativity Award may be awarded to members of GCA clubs or nonmembers in recognition of a uniquely skillful and creative response to an imaginative schedule. It will be given for an innovative and interpretive entry, which, although it abides by the principles of good design, goes beyond traditional period arrangement to whatever art form the arranger(s) chooses. The arrangement must have placed first, second, or third in the Flower Arrangement Division of a GCA Flower Show. An entry in any challenge class is not eligible to receive this award. The award is not a substitute for Best in Show and will be given at the discretion of the judges. The Dorothy Vietor Munger Award may be awarded to members of Garden Club of America clubs in competitive flower arrangement classes at a GCA Flower Show. It is offered in recognition of creative work of outstanding beauty using predominantly fresh plant material. The arrangement must have placed first, second, or third. Challenge class entries are not eligible. The award is not a substitute for Best in Show and will be given at the discretion of the judges. The Sandra Baylor Novice Award may be given at a GCA and a GCA Major Flower Show to an exhibitor who is a member of a GCA club and who has never won first place or this award, in the Flower Arrangement Division of a GCA or a GCA Major Flower Show. It shall be awarded to an individual novice exhibitor for a unique and skillful response to the schedule. Novice entries placing first, second, or third in any competitive class, including challenge classes, are eligible for this award. The Catherine Beattie Medal is to be awarded for a horticulture entry distinguished by its vibrancy, prime condition, and perfection of grooming. It must have been grown by the exhibitor for at least six months. The medal may be awarded for a single plant, collection of plants, container garden, or cut specimen, but only if there is an exhibit worthy of the honor. It may be awarded to members of GCA clubs only; individual, joint, and club entries are eligible. The award should not be considered as a substitute for Best in Show. The medal may not be awarded to the same exhibit more than once; however, offspring of a Beattie winner are eligible to receive the award. The Clarissa Willemsen Horticulture Propagation Award is to be awarded for a horticulture entry distinguished by its prime condition, flawless grooming and difficulty of propagation. The entry must have been propagated and grown by the exhibitor for at least six months. The Horticulture Propagation Award may be given for a single rooted plant or a collection of rooted plants. The dates and method of propagation must be recorded on the entry card. The entry must have placed first, second, or third at a GCA Flower Show. The award may not be given to an exhibit more than once. The Rosie Jones Horticulture Award may be presented to a horticulture entry of exceptional visual appeal that reflects the spirit of growing with joy and enthusiasm and inspires others to propagate, grow, show and share horticulture. An exhibit that has been propagated by the exhibitor will be given special consideration but propagation is not a requirement. Perfection, while always desirable, is not a primary criterion. This award celebrates the ineffable joy inherent in the beauty and pursuit of horticulture. It could be the entry that would win the popular vote but not necessarily the Beattie or the blue ribbon. Its primary virtue shall be its exceptional and exuberant inspiration. 21

22 The GCA Novice Award may be given at a GCA and a GCA Major Flower Show in the Horticulture, Photography and Special Divisions to an exhibitor who is a member of a GCA club and who has never won first place or a novice award, in the division entered, of a GCA or a GCA Major Flower Show. It shall be awarded to an individual novice exhibitor for an outstanding exhibit. Novice entries placing first, second, or third are eligible for this award. The Photography Committee Creativity Award may be given to a member of a GCA club in recognition of creative and technical excellence in response to the theme of the schedule. The entry must have placed first, second, or third. The Corliss Knapp Engle Horticulture Sweepstakes Award may be presented to the club with the highest number of points earned from all competitive horticulture classes in a GCA Zone Flower Show. Points are to be awarded as follows: Special award* 10 points 1 st place 4 points 2 nd place 3 points 3 rd place 2 points Honorable Mention 1 point *For each award listed in the schedule The Ann Lyon Crammond Award may be presented at a GCA or GCA Major Flower Show to an outstanding educational exhibit which best educates the public about gardens. Any educational exhibit, which increases the appreciation of any aspect of plants, gardens, or landscape design, may be considered for this award. The award may be given to GCA club members, member clubs, nonmembers or other organizations. The Marion Thompson Fuller Brown Conservation Award may be presented for an outstanding conservation exhibit at a GCA Flower Show. The award recognizes an exhibit of exceptional educational and visual merit, which increases knowledge and awareness of the environment. The exhibit should emphasize environmental concerns and may demonstrate conservation practices. Plant material may or may not be used and, when appropriate, must be clearly identified. Protected material may be included if such materials are identified as protected and not collected in the wild. The award may be given to Garden Club of America clubs, club members, non-members or other organizations. Exhibits may be judged as a par class or in competition with other entries. A Best in Show, selected from among the first place winners, may be awarded in each division. A Judges Commendation may be given to an entry, class, section, special exhibit or other aspect of the show that is of exceptional merit. ***** 22

23 The purpose of The Garden Club of America is to stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening; to share the advantage of association by means of educational meetings, conferences, correspondence and publications; and to restore, improve and protect the quality of the environment through educational programs and action in the fields of conservation and civic improvement. 23