So last year you walked through the Flower Show area during the N.C. State Fair and surveyed the competition. And you thought, “wait a second, I’ve got flowers that look as good as these,” or you questioned, “Why one plant won a blue ribbon versus a second-place red ribbon?”
This all got you thinking that it would be fun to enter the flower show competition.
So here’s a reminder that is not too late to enter this year. Exhibitors for the flower show actually have until Oct. 2 to pre-register for the competition.
There are more than 280 entry categories in the N.C. State Fair Flower and Garden Show.
You can find an entry form in the back of the State Fair premium book, which can be found online here, or can be picked up at the fairgrounds office near gate 11.
As added encouragement this year, flower show organizers are offering a workshop for first-time competitors that will give you pointers on the entry and judging process. The workshop will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Flower Show Building on the State Fairgrounds.
All kinds of plants and plant cuttings are eligible for competition, including pampas grass, herbs, roses, hanging baskets, flower arrangements and potted plants.
The flower show competition is the fifth most popular based on the number of exhibitors. In 2008, 517 exhibitors competed in the flower and garden show. There are more than 280 competition categories, and a total of $31,169 in prize money up for grabs this year.
Now is a perfect time to get out in your garden and start planning what you are going to enter!
