Help make the horticultural show blooming marvellous!
If the blooms in your garden are your pride and joy, why not enter them into one of the flower classes at the Slough Horticultural Show on 17 August.
There are many classes to choose from, and lots of different flowers can be entered from sunflowers to sweet peas, chrysanthemums to cactus!
And, if you have creative flair, there are classes for flower arranging and pot plants.
The classes are open to all levels of competitors including individuals, flower and garden clubs. Floral art is also a class in the junior section of the show.
Here are some useful tips to help you get the most out of your plants and flowers when preparing them for the show:
Before cutting
• 2 – 3 weeks prior to show, keep soil moist
• Remove any unwanted, weak sideshoots or buds to help develop the main flower
• If possible protect blooms from damage caused by rain and splashing from the soil
Cutting
• Check the show schedule for requirements of the class you are entering
• Cut for the show in the evening or early morning – when the flowers and foliage are cool
• Flower stems should be cut as long as possible
• Make a slanting cut at the end of the stalk as this will assist the uptake of water
• Avoid handling the flowers more than is necessary
• Carry the cut stems with the blooms facing downwards keeping the plant away from draughts or bright sunshine as much as possible
• Try to cut sufficient flowers to allow some choice in your final selection
• Remove unwanted undeveloped sideshoots, unopened buds and some of the lower leaves as these will divert water from the stem and flower
• The cut stems should be plunged upright, up to their necks in deep containers of clean, cold water – preferably overnight. Place in cool position away from light because stems are drawn to the light and can become curved.
Remember that a judge will evaluate the stem and foliage, the flower, the container, the arrangement and uniformity of the flowers.
Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We are committed to creating an attractive environment for residents and visitors. It’s fantastic to see so many residents grow their own plants and flowers to make the borough look bright. The flower classes are a key part of the show and I look forward to seeing what residents have been growing in their gardens.”
Haley Baldwin, from Slough Allotment Federation, said: “This is one of my favourite classes of the show. Last year’s entries brought an assortment of colours to the judging marquee and showcased some hidden talents and we hope to see more this year on 17 August.”
The Slough Horticultural Show takes place on 17 August in Lascelles Park from 11am to 5pm. For further information, email sloughhorticulturalshow@gardener.com or visit the Slough Horticultural Show website to submit an online entry form and read more about the classes available.
There are many classes to choose from, and lots of different flowers can be entered from sunflowers to sweet peas, chrysanthemums to cactus!
And, if you have creative flair, there are classes for flower arranging and pot plants.
The classes are open to all levels of competitors including individuals, flower and garden clubs. Floral art is also a class in the junior section of the show.
Here are some useful tips to help you get the most out of your plants and flowers when preparing them for the show:
Before cutting
• 2 – 3 weeks prior to show, keep soil moist
• Remove any unwanted, weak sideshoots or buds to help develop the main flower
• If possible protect blooms from damage caused by rain and splashing from the soil
Cutting
• Check the show schedule for requirements of the class you are entering
• Cut for the show in the evening or early morning – when the flowers and foliage are cool
• Flower stems should be cut as long as possible
• Make a slanting cut at the end of the stalk as this will assist the uptake of water
• Avoid handling the flowers more than is necessary
• Carry the cut stems with the blooms facing downwards keeping the plant away from draughts or bright sunshine as much as possible
• Try to cut sufficient flowers to allow some choice in your final selection
• Remove unwanted undeveloped sideshoots, unopened buds and some of the lower leaves as these will divert water from the stem and flower
• The cut stems should be plunged upright, up to their necks in deep containers of clean, cold water – preferably overnight. Place in cool position away from light because stems are drawn to the light and can become curved.
Remember that a judge will evaluate the stem and foliage, the flower, the container, the arrangement and uniformity of the flowers.
Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We are committed to creating an attractive environment for residents and visitors. It’s fantastic to see so many residents grow their own plants and flowers to make the borough look bright. The flower classes are a key part of the show and I look forward to seeing what residents have been growing in their gardens.”
Haley Baldwin, from Slough Allotment Federation, said: “This is one of my favourite classes of the show. Last year’s entries brought an assortment of colours to the judging marquee and showcased some hidden talents and we hope to see more this year on 17 August.”
The Slough Horticultural Show takes place on 17 August in Lascelles Park from 11am to 5pm. For further information, email sloughhorticulturalshow@gardener.com or visit the Slough Horticultural Show website to submit an online entry form and read more about the classes available.
