Thank you for a great fair! Next year's Fair is August 5-10, 2025!

Dept R: Cut Flowers, Floral Design and Containers

DEPARTMENT R: Cut Flowers, Floral Design & Containers
Superintendents: Gloria Aanonson 507-438-7393
SUBMIT FORMS TO THE FAIR OFFICE (507) 433-1868 in person, mail, or email entries@mowercountyfair.com
N O T E : PLEASE PRE - REGISTER BY 5 P.M. ON FRIDAY AUG 2.

Pre-registration is required for Sunday entries and reduces your Monday entry time.

Pre-register any Class & Lot you think you may enter – unused tags will be deleted prior to judging.

IMPORTANT DAYS AND TIMES.
Sunday 2–6 PM: Bring in potted plants, table settings, Natural Wonders, Photo College. Pre- Registration required.
Monday 9–4:30: Entry Day - as early in the day as possible. Doors close promptly at 4:30 PM for judging.
Sunday, Closing day from 6:00 -7:00 PM. EXHIBIT RELEASE & PREMIUM PICK-UP. Items not picked up may be retrieved the following week during Fair office hours.

General Rules (please read carefully):
1. Entry is open to any resident of Mower County and surrounding counties. Classes are OPEN to all ages, unless listed for YOUTH (As of January 1st Ages 17 and under). Only one entry per Lot in a Class unless otherwise noted. If unsure of the appropriate Class and Lot, please call Superintendent or ask on entry day.
2. All entries competing for premiums must be grown and prepared by the exhibitor, and in the current year, unless otherwise specified. Only one entry per Lot per household, please.
3. All cut flower specimens must be displayed in a CLEAR GLASS container, and the number of stems specified for that Class and Lot. Named variety may be added to the entry tag, if known (more points may be awarded for named specimens).
4. All Floral Design arrangements must contain only live materials, unless otherwise specified for the Class and Lot. Specimens must be true to the listed Lot, not be altered; remove excess surface dirt only (e.g., no leaf shine) to be considered for an award.
5. If an entry shows signs of pest, disease, or containing noxious weed, live animals or protected species (ie. Feathers, nests), it will NOT be judged.
6. The Judge’s decision is final and is based on the individual entry’s worthiness. Judges are not required to award ribbons for all Classes/Lots.
7. The fair staff, volunteers or Fair Board is not responsible for loss or damage to exhibits or containers. Staff may add water as needed, unless instructed otherwise by the exhibitor.
8. Based on the number of entries in a single lot, judges may create sublots for awards (e.g. color, subcategory, variety, etc.).

Premiums: (not guaranteed) 1st 2nd 3rd
Classes 1, 2, 5, 6 and 16 & 17 $5.00 $4.00 $3.00
Containers/Arrangements Class 7-13 $5.00 $4.00 $3.00
Other premiums may be awarded.

CUT FLOWERS, Annual [Select Class 1 or Class 2]
NOTE: Annuals are defined as plants that bloom in one season and do not reliably survive the winter in Zone 4. If a lot may be considered either an annual or a perennial, it will be listed only once.

Class 1 Annual Garden Flowers - OPEN /Adult
Class 2 Annual Garden Flowers - YOUTH (Age 17 and under)
Lot [Scientific Name followed by Common Name, where appropriate]
1. Ageratum - 3 stems
2. Angelonia - 3 spikes
3. Bachelor Button, Cornflower - 3 stems
4. Begonia, fibrous (wax) - 1 stem
5. Begonia, tuberous - 1 stem
6. Begonia, any other - 1 stem
7. Bells of Ireland - 3 spikes
8. Calla Lily, Arum Lily - 3 blooms
9. Calendula - 3 blooms
10. Celosia, cockscomb or crested type - 3 stems
11. Celosia, plume type - 3 stems
12. Cineraria, [Pericallis × hybrid] - 3 stems
13. Cleome - 3 stems
14. Coleus, Shade - 1 stem
15. Coleus, Sun - 1 stem
16. Cosmos, yellow or orange (C. sulphureus) - 1 spray or 3 blooms
17. Cosmos, pink, violet or white (C. bipinnatus) - 1 spray or 3 blooms
18. Cosmos, any other or hybrid - 1 spray or 3 blooms
19. Dusty miller / Silver ragwort [Jacoba maritima, formerly Senecio cineraria]- 3 stems
20. Gomphrena, Globe - 3 blooms
21. Helichrysum, Straw flower - 3 blooms
22. Impatiens, single - 3 stems
23. Impatiens, double - 3 stems
24. Impatiens, New Guinea – 3 stems
25. Impatiens, Sun - 3 stems
26. Lisianthus - 3 blooms
27. Marigold, dwarf, under 2”- 5 blooms
28. Marigold, double, 2 to 3” - 3 blooms
29. Marigold, double, over 3” - 3 blooms
30. Nasturtium, single or double, all same variety - 3 blooms
31. Nicotiana, flowering tobacco - 3 stems
32. Pansy, giant flowered, without foliage - 3 blooms
33. Pansy, Viola Johnny Jump Up - 3 blooms
34. Petunia, single - 1 spray
35. Petunia, double - 1 spray
36. Petunia, any other - 1 spray
37. Salvia, annual, Splendens red - 3 stems
38. Salvia, annual, any other - 3 stems
39. Snapdragon, any, all one variety - 3 spikes
40. Statice, annual or perennial - 3 stems
41. Sunflower, under 6” - 1 bloom
42. Sunflower, 6 - 8” - 1 bloom
43. Sunflower, over 8” - 1 bloom
44. Verbena - 3 stems
45. Zinnia, miniature, 1-2” - 3 blooms
46. Zinnia, 2 ¼ - 3 ¾” - 3 blooms
47. Zinnia, large, 4” or more - 3 blooms

ANY OTHER ANNUAL FLOWER not listed above
(Required: NAME of flower must be written on the printed tag):

48. Any small (less than 3 inches)ROUND-shaped, named – 3 blooms or 1 spray
49. Any small (< 3 in.) SPRAY-formed, named – 3 blooms or 1 spray
50. Any small (< 3 in.) flat, sculpted or irregular-shaped, named – 3 blooms or 1 spray
51. Any large (over 3 ¼ inches) ROUND-shaped, named - 3 blooms or 1 spray
52. Any large (> 3 ¼ in.) SPRAY-formed, named - 3 blooms or 1 spray
53. Any large (> 3 ¼ in.) flat, sculpted or irregular-shaped, named - 3 blooms or 1 spray

FLOWERS - Gladiolus [All OPEN Class]
General Gladiolus Rules:

These are IN ADDITION to the previous General Rules:
G1. An exhibitor may submit up to 3 entries in a lot, with a different variety/color for each entry and is eligible for premiums for all three entries.
G2. Spikes from which the terminal bud or buds have been removed will be disqualified. You may remove up to two florets from the bottom without disqualification.
G3. Receiving of gladiolus entries closes at 3:30 PM on Monday of fair week.
G4. Stems should be trimmed down to 40% of overall length of the spike to save tipping over and destruction of entries. We suggest a 16-inch minimum in all classes except small types.

Premiums: Lots 1-5 1st $5.00 2nd $4.00 3rd $3.00
Lots 6 -10 1st $5.00 2nd $4.00 3rd $3.00

Class 3 Gladiolus Single Spike
Lot

1. Miniature, less than 2 ½ inches, any color
2. Small, 2 ½ - 3 3/8 inches, any color
3. Medium, 3 ½ - 4 3/8 inches, any color
4. Large, 4 ½ - 5 3/8 inches, any color
5. Giant, 5 ½ inches and over, any color

Class 4 Arrangements of Gladiolus and plant materials
Gladiolus must be predominant in an arrangement and need NOT be raised by the exhibitor.
Lot
6. One single spike displayed attractively in a vase
7. Arrangement of multiple stems in a vase
8. Arrangement in a small container under 12 inches
9. Arrangement in large container over 12 inches
10. Arrangement in any size container using one color of gladiolus

CUT FLOWERS – Perennials [Select Class 5 or Class 6 and specify lot]
Note: Perennials are broadly defined as expected to grow or re-grow more than one season, and for this list, includes biennials, bulbs, corms, tubers and roses. (If a lot may be considered as either an annual or perennial, it will be listed only once.)

Class 5 Garden Perennial, Biennial, Bulbs, Tuber, Rose – OPEN/ADULT
Class 6 Garden Perennial, Biennial, Bulb, Tuber, Rose - YOUTH [Ages 17 and under]
Lot [Scientific Name followed by Common Name, where appropriate]
1. Achillea, Yarrow - 3 stems
2. Asclepias, Butterfly plant - 1 stem
3. Aster, perennial or annual – 3 blooms
4. Astilbe – 2 stems
5. Chrysanthemum, Garden Mum - 3 stems
6. Clematis - on vine, not over 18” long
7. Coreopsis - 3 stems
8. Dahlia, 2 to 4” - 1 stem with foliage
9. Dahlia, 4 to 6” - 1 stem with foliage
10. Dahlia, over 6” - 1 stem with foliage
11. Daisy, Painted Daisy - 3 stems
12. Daisy, Shasta Daisy - 3 blooms
13. Daisy, any other – 3 blooms
14. Daylily, Hemerocallis, flower with mature buds – 1 stem
15. Dianthus, Pinks, Sweet William (annual, perennial or biennial) – 3 stems
16. Echinacea, Coneflower, any color – 3 blooms
17. Fern, any variety – 3 stems
18. Gaillardia, Blanket flower – 3 blooms
19. Globe Thistle, Echinops – 3 stems
20. Grasses, Ornamental – 5 stems
21. Gypsophila, Baby’s breath – 1 stem
22. Helianthus, perennial sunflower – 3 stems
23. Heliopsis, False sunflower – 3 blooms
24. Hollyhock – 1 spike or stem
25. Heuchera, Coral bells, any color – 3 stems

Hosta foliage
26. Hosta, Miniature, under 1” wide, any pattern - 1 leaf
27. Hosta, small, 1 to 2” wide, any pattern - 1 leaf
28. Hosta, medium, 2 - 4” wide, any pattern - 1 leaf
29. Hosta, large, 4 - 6” wide, any pattern - 1 leaf
30. Hosta, extra-large, over 6” wide, any pattern - 1 leaf 
31. Hydrangea, white or colored - 1 stem
32. Lathyrus, Sweet Peas, perennial - 3 stems
33. Liatris, Blazing Star - 3 stems
34. Lily, Amaryllis, Naked Lady – 1 stalk
35. Lily, Asiatic – 1 stalk
36. Lily, complex hybrids, including Orientpets – 1 stem
37. Lily, Martagon type (recurved) – 1 stem
38. Lily, Oriental hybrids – 1 stem
39. Lily, Trumpet hybrids – 1 stem
40. Lily, any other not listed – 1 stem
(NOTE: Lily does NOT include Daylily, Hemerocallis)
41. Lobelia Cardinalis - 3 stems
42. Monarda, Bee Balm - 1 stem
43. Phlox, Annual or Perennial - 3 stems
44. Physostegia, Obedient Plant - 3 spikes
45. Platycodon, Balloon Flower - 3 stems
46. Rose, Miniature - single stem or spray
47. Rose, Climber - 1 stem or cluster
48. Rose, Floribunda - 1 spray
49. Rose, Grandiflora - 1 bloom or spray
50. Rose, Hybrid tea - 1 bloom, dis-budded
51. Rose, Landscape Shrub, or Old garden rose - 1 spray
52. Rudbeckia, Black-eyed Susan (or brown) – 3 blooms
53. Russian Sage - 3 stems
54. Scabiosa, pincushion flower - 3 stems
55. Veronica, Speedwell - 3 stems

ANY OTHER PERENNIAL, BIENNIAL, OR BULB/CORM/TUBER FLOWERS
(Required: NAME of flower must be written on the printed tag):
56. Any small (less than 3 inches) ROUND-shaped, named – 3 blooms or 1 spray
57. Any small (< 3 in.) SPRAY-formed, named – 3 blooms or 1 spray
58. Any small (< 3 in.) flat, sculpted or irregular-shaped, named – 3 blooms or 1 spray
59. Any large (over 3 ¼ inches) ROUND-shaped, named - 3 blooms or 1 spray
60. Any large (> 3 ¼ in.) SPRAY-formed, named - 3 blooms or 1 spray
61. Any large (> 3 ¼ in.) flat, sculpted or irregular-shaped, named - 3 blooms or 1 spray

FLORAL DESIGN AND CONTAINERS
Class 7 Container Plants - ADULT / OPEN [for YOUTH see Class 16, Child Class 17]
Lot
(Please pre-register and if you are you and may drop off early (Sunday from 2-6 PM)
1. Cactus and succulents – single or multiple species
2. African Violet – may be sub-divided by color
3. Hanging container – flowering plants
4. Hanging container – predominantly foliage plants
5. Small Planter – one type of plant – under 12” diameter
6. Small Planter – mixture of plants – under 12” diameter
7. Medium Patio Planter – 18” or less diameter
8. Medium Fairy Garden – 18” or less diameter
9. Large Patio Planter – over 18” diameter – placed by exhibiter on Sunday, if possible
10. Large Fairy Garden – over 18” diameter –placed by exhibiter on Sunday, if possible

Class 8 Photo Collage Arrangement “Favorite Garden Images”
Lot 1

Capture your best garden photos and arrange them in one hanging entry.
Submit a photo collage of your favorite images, framed or matted and ready to hang, no larger than 30” in any dimension.
Note: must contain multiple images and NOT exhibited elsewhere at the Fair.

Class 9 Table Setting - ADULT / OPEN [For YOUTH and CHILD Entry – see Class 16 & 17, Lot 2]
The floral arrangement should be a prominent part of this entry.
Furnish a live floral arrangement, tablecloth, napkin and one place setting of dishes.
(No silverware or food). Rectangle Table provided approximate size 40”X24”

NOTE: You must Pre-Register to reserve table (by noon on Friday)
Set up on Sunday from 2-6 PM and option to bring fresh floral arrangement on Monday.

Lot - Select from the following themes, (Requirement - Write the name of your theme on the entry tag):
1. Romantic/Valentine theme
2. Western / Country
3. It’s a Party
4. Cultural Flair – country/region of choice
5. Celebrate / Patriotic

Artistic Floral Design – Class 10, 11 and 12
Rules for Classes 10-12 ADULT / OPEN
1) Flowers must be grown by the exhibitor. (*purchased flowers permitted lots 7 and 17 only.)
2) Figurines, accessories, twigs, seed pods, etc. are permitted in design.
Vase may be used as part of any design but should not dominate the design.
3) Miniature entries are not to exceed 5 inches in any dimension.
4) All entries must fit on 12” shelf (unless designed for hanging).
5) Place your design in the position you want the judges to see. Displays may be adjusted for spacing by staff only. Judge will view directly in front and approximately 3 feet away.
6) Each designer should enter the class experience level for which they qualify:

NOVICE one who has not received a First-Place design ribbon
AMATEUR – one who has received a First-Place design ribbon
PRO-AMATEUR – previous Champion design winner
Class 10 – NOVICE Floral Design Arrangements
Lot

1. Summer Scene
2. Red, White & bloom
3. Shades of green
4. Teeny Weeny - miniature

Class 11 – AMATEUR Floral Design Arrangements (*purchased flowers permitted lots 7 only. All other lots, flowers must be grown by exhibitor)
Lot

5. Summer Beauties
6. In the Kitchen
7. Symphony of color (*)
8. Fantastic Foliage
9. Up in Air (ready to hang)
10. Itty Bitty - miniature

Class 12 - PRO-AMATEUR Floral Design Arrangements (*purchased flowers permitted lots 17only. All other lots, flowers must be grown by exhibitor)
Lot

11. Summer Garden Delight
12. Seeds and more
13. Winter Wonder
14. Leaf Lover
15. Dangling delight (ready to hang)
16. Lovely ‘n Little - miniature
17. A Symphony of Sculpture (*)

Class 13 Natural Wonders (all experience levels)
Hanging or free-standing article chiefly made of, or adorned with, natural and/or dried botanical materials. (Size not to exceed 30 inches in any dimension).
18. Small diameter container (8 in. or less)
19. Large diameter container (over 8 in.)
20. Wreath or Hanging design
21. Gift box or bag
22. Any other design created from allowed materials

Horticulture Display
Class 14 Display Booth or Table
[Please reserve space the week before the fair]
Open to any not-for-profit organization in Mower County actively involved in promoting horticulture. Plant material must be labeled. Judges will critique the display for educational content. Premium award is up to $20.00.

Class 15 Non-Competitive or Commercial Display [Please reserve space week before the fair]
Display a subject of interest to Horticulture Building visitors, such as garden trends, landscaping ideas, rare plants or a subject or demonstration that is related to horticulture. Entries in this class are not judged and there is no premium.

Class 16 Horticulture Contest for YOUTH (ages 13-17)
Class 17 Horticulture Contest for Child (ages 6-12)

Sponsored by the Mower County Horticultural Society
All entries will receive an award ribbon and premium. One top entry in each lot will also receive a monetary award from The Mower County Horticultural Society.
Lot
1. Garden Photography – framed or matted, ready to hang
2. Table Setting – YOUTH - Furnish a fresh floral arrangement, tablecloth, napkin and one place setting of dishes. No silverware or food. (Choose a theme from class 9, Lots 1-5 and write it on the entry tag)
3. Floral Arrangement – Container of flowers and plant material, fresh or dried.
4. Potted or Hanging Plant – flowering or foliage plant, looking its best.
5. Container Garden – fairy garden or patio planter, in a pot less than 18 inches wide.

IMPORTANT:
Please pick up exhibits and premiums Sunday from 6-7:00 PM
or Monday during Fair office hours

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