Floral Design Studio RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show: 3 July 8 July 2018 Preview Evening Monday 2 July 2017 FACTSHEET CLICK HERE for the Application Form Before completing the online application, please read through this document. It explains: What happens next Contacts Regulations Application examples General information Access, build up and breakdown Judging and awards WHAT HAPPENS NEXT Applications must be received no later than Friday 12 January 2018. The completed application will then be reviewed at the end of January 2018. First time applicants are encouraged to apply. If the application is accepted for space, a provisional allocation of space will be made in February 2018. Selection is based on exhibit design, awards received, reliability and prior show experience if any.
CONTACTS General Enquiries Deputy Show Manager: Rebecca Welti Tel: 020 7821 3332 rebeccawelti@ Application forms, contact details, badges and passes Exhibitor Services Coordinator: Iona Sparkes Tel: 020 7821 3357 ionasparkes@ Technical details, operations and health and safety Operations Manager: Kathryn Stafford Tel: 020 7821 3341 kathrynstafford@ Press Office Tel: 020 7821 3043 showspr@ Marketing Office Tel: 020 7821 3036 showsmarketing@ Accounts Office Tel: 01483 479743 Fax: 01483 212399 Shows Health & Safety Tel: 020 7821 3087 showshs@ REGULATIONS In 2018 the Floral Design Studio will be a key highlight of the Show. Exhibits should be bold and contemporary and visitors will be able to view, buy and learn about the different disciplines of floral design. Participation Applications are accepted from professional florists, flower and indoor plant organisations. Exhibit type There are two display options available for 2018 which will allow the individual to create beautiful promotional pieces or larger shop window style selling spaces. Option A: Large island or background display space with set theme. The size of the display is optional but the minimum should be 0.8m (frontage) x 1m (depth). Option B: Background or island display space following the theme of evolution. Judging is optional and will be based on the floral judging criteria.
OPTION A FLORAL WEB JUDGED COMPETITION Theme The theme for 2018 is Floral Webs. Using inspiration from the intricate works of the spider, design a floral showstopper incorporating this ingenious woven design. Schedule Create a large, singular floral web or up to 5 miniature floral webs within the same display. The large, singular web should be no smaller than 0.8m x 1m and fit within the staging provided. The web structure should be constructed by the applicant. The design should be constructed in its entirety during the staging time provided. The web in its entirety will be judged as part of the overall display. Staging Background Space staging (platform and wall) will be provided by the RHS. Island Space Staging (platform and wall if required) will be provided by the RHS. Size of stand is upon request. Please provide details of the walling and staging you may require for your display. If your requested exhibit type and size isn t available, the Show team will be in touch to discuss options. Sales table Option A is space only and no sales are permitted to take place. Company information and leaflets can be displayed next to the exhibit in one A4 leaflet holder or smaller.
OPTION B FLORAL FEATURE JUDGING OPTIONAL Theme - Evolution Using this year s theme of evolution as your driver for inspiration, create a floral display to sit within your selected stand space The base and backdrop of your exhibit will be judged as part of your overall display. Staging Background Space staging (platform and wall) will be provided by the RHS. Island Space Staging (platform and wall if required) will be provided by the RHS. Size of stand is upon request. Please provide details of the walling and staging you may require for your display. If your requested exhibit type and size isn t available the Show team will be in touch to discuss options. Sales table (optional) A maximum of 1 sales table is permitted per exhibit. The sales table measures 6 x 2 6. Sales tables must be planned and incorporated into the display as a whole creating a shop window effect of high standard. Please see the application form for details about costs. Selling Key dates Items sold must be in relation to stand display. Floral arrangements and bouquets may be sold from sales tables, any other sundries need to be approved by the Show Manager. Please provide information and pictures of the items intended to be sold with your application submission. Any display pieces from the exhibit may be sold off at the end of the show. The following dates are specific to floristry & floristry feature exhibits. They are a guide and all dates are subject to change and will be confirmed in the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show Manual 2018. Application process Application deadline Fri 12 January 2018 Confirmation of space February 2018 H&S/ insurance form complete April 2017 Build-up Start of build-up Fri 29 June 2018 0730 Exhibit complete Sun 1 July 2018 2000 Judging Mon 2 July 2018 0800 Press Day Mon 2 July 2018 0930 Show open days Breakdown Preview Evening Mon 2 July 2018 Show open days Tues 3 July Sat 7 July 2018 1000 1930 Sun 8 July 2018 1000 1730 Breakdown Starts Sun 8 July 2018 from 1730 Breakdown to be completed Sun 8 July 2018 by 2230
APPLICATION EXAMPLE To increase your chance of being selected you should submit a comprehensive application which includes a clear description of the exhibit and the elements it will include, e.g. theme/concept, along with a detailed diagram of the exhibit and photos of previous work or inspiration for your design. Below is an example of a clear description of a proposed exhibit: Our exciting exhibit is designed to catch the eye and the imagination of the viewer, brightly hot colours with themed designs to depict the excitement, theatre and entertainment of the circus. A textured planted ringside design, an arrangement designed in a ring masters top hat filled with floral balls, a ribbon floral wall hanging, a presentation wired bouquet that s just right for our trapeze artist and finally a mask to be looked thought to see the intricate design and to encourage the viewer to became part of the exhibit. Below is an example of a clear diagram of the proposed exhibit: GENERAL INFORMATION Display material Accessories may be used but at least two thirds of the finished design must be fresh flowers and/or plant material. The use of artificial flowers and plant material is not allowed. Exhibits containing any artificial flowers and/or plant material will automatically be disqualified without being judged. The RHS does not permit the use of wild dug plants and moss. The use of cultivated moss will be acceptable. Minimal dyed surface material may be used whilst natural plant material may be manipulated (e.g. plaited, stapled, glossed etc.). Competitors are reminded that the RHS Shows are held to display excellence in plants and all other aspects of horticulture. No plant material or accessories may extend beyond the limits of the allocated display area. Where possible cut stems of all living plant material should be in water, water retaining material or their stems sealed for longevity. Exhibitors may include sensitive use of wiring, gluing or other modern floristry techniques. Conditions in the marquee can be warm and exhibitors are reminded that fresh flowers/foliage and plant material using whatever technique must last for the duration of the show. All floristry items may be brought readymade. Please note that the exhibits will have to last for 6 days and the judges will take this into consideration.
What s included? Display space is allocated free of charge. All display areas will be given a name board and stand number. One credit board bearing the name of a sponsor (if applicable), maximum 23cm x 15cm may be placed on the exhibit after judging. General lighting will be supplied inside the marquee. Additional lighting (e.g. spotlights) can be ordered directly from the electrical contractor. Exhibitors may erect a frame which is either attached to or placed directly on the display platform. The frame must not overlap the supplied staging and any structures must not exceed 2.5m in height from the top of the platform to the top of the structure. All floristry items must be displayed within the staging provided. If judged, marks will be awarded for overall display. See marking system. Staging Exhibitors must wear high visibility vests and flat, covered shoes at all times during build up and breakdown. Rubbish created during build up and breakdown must be removed from site by exhibitors. Only exhibitors/competitors may work on the exhibit. Maintenance of exhibits After judging has taken place, nothing may be added to the exhibit nor may anything be removed or altered except for cut flowers which must be replaced as necessary during restocking times. Storage There is limited storage available at both shows. Please make alternative plans for your materials and belongings. Contact the Show team to discuss if necessary. Drapes Tables and staging provided by the RHS will be covered. Exhibitors who deliberately cut the fabrics provided by the RHS will be charged for the cost of replacing the entire length. Exhibitors wishing to use their own drapings may do so providing that they are fire proof and do not extend above the top rail of the background (if applicable). Exhibitors own draping material must be approved by the Show Manager in advance. Glossy, luminous, patterned or brightly coloured fabrics are not permitted. Water An external standpipe and dip tank is provided for watering in storage areas. ACCESS, BUILD-UP & BREAKDOWN Acceptance of site Once the application has been accepted the RHS will issue an Acceptance of Site contract that confirms stand number, size and contact details a CAD plan showing site location and site services will also be provided. The Acceptance of Site contract will need to be signed and returned before login details to the online manual and forms are issued. Working Access Passes Working access passes provide access to the showground for everyone involved in staging and manning the exhibit, including staff handing out leaflets on show open days. Passes will not be issued until a completed Health and Safety form (filled in via the online manual), risk assessment, and insurance documents are received. Access to the site is not permitted without a valid pass and all vehicle occupants must wear a working access pass and the vehicle must have a valid pass.
Allocation of working access passes relate to the size of your exhibit. The table below shows the pass allocation. Any changes to this allocation must be approved by the Show Manager. Exhibit type Area Build up/ Breakdown Press Day Show Day (for staff to man the exhibit during show days) Vehicle Showground Access Pass Floristry and Floral Arranger displays 4 4 4 1 Tickets Exhibitors can purchase show tickets at a discounted rate. A form to order these tickets will be available in the online manual and forms system. Judging & RHS medals Exhibitors will be judged to general judging criteria by a mixed panel including a florist & floral arranger. Exhibitors that don t wish to be judged at all can apply as a Floristry Feature. During judging all exhibitors will be required to vacate the Floral Design Studio. Whilst the design will be closely examined by the judges, it will not be removed from the staging. The judges decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into. Exhibitors that wish to discuss their exhibit or seek advice after judging will be able to speak to a representative of the judging panel. Exhibitors will be eligible for the following RHS medals; Gold, Silver-Gilt, Silver and Bronze. No award will be made to exhibits considered to be below Bronze standard. One award card per exhibit is provided by the RHS. Any additional cards may be purchased from the RHS at a cost of 5 per medal card. Copyright Exhibitors allow the RHS to use the exhibit for promotional purposes. This includes; photography for RHS publications and distribution to press and media Use of RHS Medal: The medal is awarded to the exhibitor whose name appears on the medal card, and for the particular exhibit described on the card. This award may not be advertised by anyone other than the exhibitor, and the exhibitor may only advertise the award by using the terms of this award card, i.e. by quoting the following; show name and year, exhibitor name and description of exhibit. Please note that this medal award carries copyright and must not be reproduced without the express permission of the Royal Horticultural Society.
2018 General Judging criteria a. Plants Colour & texture Quality Health (pests & disease) Nomenclature/ identification Association & relevance Excellent (4) Plants are in first class condition and may involve unusual/rare plants, and/or represent diversity in a single genus as appropriate to the exhibit. Plants are free from pests & diseases. Very Good (3) Plants are almost in first class condition but are not properly developed and/or the representative range of plants could be broader. Plants are free from pests & diseases. Good (2) Plants are well grown but are either immature or lack freshness. May be minimal evidence of pests & diseases. Some of the plant associations/ colours/ textures require enhancement. Satisfactory (1) Plants are immature or of mediocre quality. There may be some evidence of pests & diseases or damage. Inappropriate plant associations. Poor (0) Plants are of insufficient quality and/or are affected by pests & diseases. Plants require extensive/ considerable husbandry to develop from their current state. Range b. Overall Impression Impact (Inc. creativity/ theatre/ artistic effect) Unity, balance & scale Design, colour & texture Finish pots, edging, labels Stand well-filled/ space well-used c. Endeavour Levels of difficulty in creating display Props Difficulty in growing plants Originality/ new ideas The exhibit has creative wow factor and incorporates well executed design and balance with an accomplished level of details and finish. Creates a very high level of interest for visitors. The exhibitor has resourcefully planned, scheduled, sourced, and assembled all of the elements. There has been original and careful thought in the use of props and great care taken in presenting and growing plants to a state of perfection taking into account seasonality, degree of difficulty in propagation, rarity of the assembly of a diverse collection The exhibit may have some creative elements and is well designed. A high degree of attention to detail and finish. Creates a high level of interest for visitors. The exhibitor has carefully planned and sourced the elements but it is a regular display which moves between shows/ a formulaic approach. Or a highly original approach but design not fully realised. It is likely that the props have been used/ seen before. The plants are near to perfection taking into account seasonality, degree of difficulty in propagation, rarity of the assembly of a diverse collection The exhibit incorporates competent design but does not necessarily have wow factor and/or a balanced feel/creativity. Some elements of finish may be lacking but it is still likely to maintain a reasonable level of interest for visitors. The exhibit is of a competent standard but lacks special or extraordinary effort in the design, assembly or in the growing of the plants for the exhibit. The plants will not necessarily be difficult to propagate and are likely to reflect the season. The collection is unlikely to include diverse or rare plants. The exhibit lacks wow factor and/ or overall design and finish. Moderate interest for visitors. The exhibit is of a basic standard where limited effort appears to have been made in the design, assembly or growing of the plants for the exhibit. The plants are relatively available and easily propagated. There is little diversity or rarity of the plants displayed. Little care has been taken to design the exhibit or to show the best aspects of the plants. There has been little attention to detail or finish. Little to minimal interest for visitors. The display has been simply produced and insufficient effort appears to have been made in the design, assembly or growing of the plants. The Royal Horticultural Society 2017 *correct at time of print, subject to review.