The Royal Horticultural Society of Aberdeen

 

1) Clean vegetables by holding them under a cold water tap using a sponge to remove the soil.    Never use a brush.
2) Never use any oily substance to clean vegetables. Occasionally carrots are cleaned with butter but it is easily seen and a judge will down point them.
3) Where a root vegetable is white it is advisable to leave lifting to the very last moment, particularly in the case of parsnips.
4) Consider size when showing potatoes. Balance your exhibit with tubers uniform in size, free from blemish and typical of the variety.
5) When showing a collection, arrange your box so that the vegetables are presented in the best possible combination of colour and size.
6) Present your vegetables with the best side to the judge, first impressions can help a lot in the final decision.

 

1) All flowers should be shown when they are at the peak of their flowering and not looking tired.

2) Pull a day early and immerse the stems in water up to and almost touching the flowers. This makes certain the stems are fully charged with water and that no "flagging" takes place.

3) Present the vase so that as much of the flower as possible can be seen by the judge.

4) Never crowd a vase by gripping the stems together.

5) When showing a number of vases together give them space so that they can be seen.

6) Remove all damaged petals and damaged leaves.

 

1) Show in the correct size of pot.
2) Make certain the pots are washed.
3) A pot plant is judged on the quality of its foliage as well as flower.
4) Stake to show plant to best advantage, but hide stakes as much as possible.

 

1) Show fruit of good colour and form.
2) Fruit should be firm in texture.
3) The use of Virginia Creeper leaves placed on the plate helps the presentation of the fruit.

 

1) Read the rules of your schedule carefully. Allow yourself plenty of time to stage the exhibits.
2) Before leaving, count the number of blooms, fruit or vegetables in each receptacle and make sure that they are according to schedule.
3) If in doubt consult the Convener or Show Manager, whose help could save you from being
disqualified.