ANNUAL SHOW SCHEDULE
Download PDF version of the Show Schedule to print your own copy.
Print show entry forms (Note: only TCSC members can exhibit plants).
RULES
1. Classes will be open only to members in good standing of the Toronto Cactus and Succulent Club.
2. For show purposes, a "Novice" is a person who has won less than 10 first place ribbons, when competing against another exhibitor, in Sections 1 through 3 of TC&SC shows (not including mini-shows). Records of first place ribbon winners’ totals are available from the Show Chair.
3. Exhibits must be the property of the exhibitor, and must have been in the care of the exhibitor for a minimum of six months unless otherwise specified in the schedule.
4. All plants must be disease and pest free. Diseased or infested plants will be disqualified by the show committee and removed from the show table in consideration of the safety of other exhibits. Such plants will be referred to the show committee if identified during the judging process.
5. There is no limit in the number of exhibits per class or the number of classes which may be entered by any exhibitor, but each entry in a class must be of a different species or hybrid unless otherwise specified in the schedule.
6. All entries must be staged during a one hour period between 90 minutes and 30 minutes prior to the posted show opening time.
7. Exhibits are to be placed in the sections specified. An entry card must be placed with each exhibit.
8. Exhibitors are responsible for the correctness of their entry cards. Entry cards will be available when entries are received at the registration desk, or may be obtained earlier from the Show Chair for prior completion. Entry cards are part of the exhibit’s presentation and will be judged accordingly; accuracy, completeness and legibility are considered. During judging, on entries where the exhibitor name is missing, that exhibitor risks losing any show points awarded to said entry.
9. The authority for nomenclature and classification of cacti will be The Cactus Family by Edward F. Anderson. The Toronto Cactus and Succulent Club's Show Handbook, available at the registration desk, contains a complete listing of all succulent genera and the classes in which they may be entered. These references are housed in the club’s library. The word "group" in class categories indicates that many genera are included. A listing of groups specified in this schedule follows the class descriptions.
10. If requested, show stewards will assist in determining into which class(es) a particular genus may be entered, but will not participate in the naming of any plant for exhibition. However, the completeness and accuracy of all information on the entry card is the responsibility of the exhibitor.
11. There is no separate class for grafted plants. They are to be entered in the appropriate generic class for the scion.
12. Intergeneric hybrids will only be accepted in a class open to both parental genera.
13. Non-succulent plants/subjects are not allowed in Sections 1, 2, 3, 4 (classes 401-404), and 6. They are allowed in Section 5 but only when used for comparison with succulent plants/subjects. Plant material used in Section 4, class 405 (floral design) may come from any source and may be newly acquired; succulent plant material must predominate (the use of a limited amount of non-succulent material is permitted, but must not predominate).
14. Only one plant per pot/container is allowed in Sections 1, 2 and 3, and Section 4, Classes 401 to 403, unless otherwise specified in the schedule.
15. Bonsai-style Succulent (Section 4, Classes 401 to 403) is defined as: "A succulent plant pruned and trained or shaped to give the appearance of an ancient tree."
16. The size of a pot or container is determined by measuring at the top of the pot/container as follows:
a. for circular pots, the inside diameter.
b. for square pots, the inside measurement between opposite sides.
c. for pots or containers of other shapes, the greatest outside dimension.
17. The Show Committee reserves the right to subdivide or combine classes to present reasonably-sized groups for judging. Each class so modified will be eligible for awards.
18. While judging is in process, members are welcome to accompany judges but they may not discuss the merits of any exhibit with or in front of the judges or clerks.
19. Once judging has commenced, no exhibitor may change or move an exhibit. Exhibits may, however, be moved by the Show Committee to give a more pleasing aspect to the show. Exception: no exhibit in Class 405 may be moved once placed by the exhibitor (not by anyone, including the show committee).
20. Points will be awarded using the following scales of points:
Points
Sections 1, 2 and 3:
Condition ………………………………………………………………………….60
Presentation/ Grooming …………………………………………………..15
Evidence of Flowering ……………………………………………………….10
Maturity ……………………………………………………………………………10
Rarity in the show …………………………………………………………….5
Total: ……………………………………………………………………………..100
Section 4, Classes 401 to 403:
Training/ Shaping and Overall Artistic Effect….50
Condition …………………………………………………………………………30
Presentation/ Grooming…………………………………………………..20
Total: ……………………………………………………………………………..100
Section 4, Class 404:
Design of the Planting ………………………………………………………50
Condition and Grooming ………………………………………………….25
Compatibility of Plants and Suitability of Components…….25
Total: ……………………………………………………………………………..100
Section 4, Class 405:
Design ……………………………………………………………………………….50
Condition and Workmanship ……………………………………………25
Creativity ………………………………………………………………………….15
Compliance/ Interpretation of the Title ……………………………10
Total: ……………………………………………………………………………..100
Section 5:
Educational Merit……………………………………………………………..50
Presentation ……………………………………………………………………..35
Originality …………………………………………………………………………15
Total: ……………………………………………………………………………..100
21. Standard competitive judging is used. One First, one Second and one Third place ribbon are available to be awarded in each class. However, the judges may, at their discretion, withhold any ribbon in any class where the standard of the exhibits is considered to be too low. “Honourable Mention” ribbons may be awarded at the judges’ discretion.
22. The decision of the judges shall be final.
23. Awards will be made as follows:
• The Founders’ Trophy ................................... most points in Sections 1 and 2
• Past President’s Trophy ................................ best cactus in Section 1
• South Bay Cactus Farm Trophy ..................... most points in Section 1
• Irene Moty Award ......................................... best succulent in Section 2
• The Succulent Shield ..................................... most points in Section 2
• Peter Hamann Memorial Award ................... best plant in Classes 206 and 207
• Gerry Schneider Memorial Award ................. best plant in Class 224
• Genis Award .................................................. best decorative entry in Section 4
• Portsmouth Silver Jubilee Trophy ................. best novice cactus in Classes 301 to 309, and 317
• The Bridgemary Trophy ................................. best novice succulent in Classes 310 to 317
• CSSA Educational Plaque............................... best educational exhibit in Section 5
• “Best Plant” rosette ...................................... best cactus in Sections 1 and 3
• “Best Plant” rosette ...................................... best “other” succulent in Sections 2 and 3
• “Best Plant” rosette ...................................... best decorative entry in Section 4.
• An award will not be given if only one entry for consideration (except in Classes 206, 207, and 224).
• The CSSA Educational Plaque, donated annually by the Cactus & Succulent Society of America, is kept by the winner. All other trophies are retained by the winner for one year.
24. Neither show venue’s administrators nor the Toronto Cactus & Succulent Club accept responsibility for the safety of plants or other personal property. All reasonable precautions against damage and theft will be taken, but all exhibits are entered at their owner's risk.
25. All entries must be removed from the showroom within one hour of show closing unless otherwise sanctioned by the Show Chair.
26. Entry in the show constitutes acceptance of these rules.
CLASSES OF COMPETITION
SECTION 1 – CACTUS CLASSES
Class 101 Opuntia group – in a pot not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 102 Opuntia group – in a pot greater than 12 cm.
Class 103 Cereus group – in a pot not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 104 Cereus group – in a pot greater than 12 cm but not exceeding 18 cm.
Class 105 Cereus group – in pot exceeding 18 cm.
Class 106 Cephalocleistocactus, Cleistocactus – any size pot.
Class 107 Echinocereus – in a pot not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 108 Echinocereus – in a pot greater than 12 cm.
Class 109 Acanthocalycium, Echinopsis –in a pot not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 110 Acanthocalycium, Echinopsis – in a pot greater than 12 cm.
Class 111 Mammillaria, Mammilloydia – in a pot not exceeding 8 cm.
Class 112 Mammillaria, Mammilloydia – in a pot greater than 8 cm but not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 113 Mammillaria, Mammilloydia – in a pot greater than 12 cm but not exceeding 18 cm.
Class 114 Mammillaria, Mammilloydia – in a pot greater than 18 cm
Class 115 Acharagma, Coryphantha, Echinomastus, Escobaria, Neolloydia, Sclerocactus, Thelocactus – in a pot not exceeding 8 cm.
Class 116 Acharagma, Coryphantha, Echinomastus, Escobaria, Neolloydia, Sclerocactus, Thelocactus – in a pot greater than 8 cm
Class 117 Echinocactus, Ferocactus, Stenocactus – in a pot not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 118 Echinocactus, Ferocactus, Stenocactus – in a pot greater than 12 cm
Class 119 Astrophytum – in a pot not exceeding 8 cm.
Class 120 Astrophytum – in a pot greater than 8cm but not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 121 Astrophytum – in a pot greater than 12 cm.
Class 122 Matucana, Oroya. – any size pot.
Class 123 Gymnocalycium – in a pot not exceeding 8 cm.
Class 124 Gymnocalycium – in a pot greater than 8 cm but not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 125 Gymnocalycium – in a pot greater than 12 cm.
Class 126 Copiapoa – in a pot not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 127 Copiapoa – in a pot greater than 12 cm.
Class 128 Eriosyce – in a pot not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 129 Eriosyce – in a pot greater than 12 cm.
Class 130 Discocactus, Melocactus, Uebelmannia – any size pot.
Class 131 Ariocarpus – in a pot not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 132 Ariocarpus – in a pot greater than 12 cm.
Class 133 Aztekium, Obregonia, Pelecyphora, Strombocactus – any size pot.
Class 134 Epithelantha, Lophophora, Pediocactus – any size pot.
Class 135 Parodia – in a pot not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 136 Parodia – in a pot greater than 12 cm.
Class 137 Rebutia – in a pot not exceeding 8 cm.
Class 138 Rebutia – in a pot greater than 8 cm but not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 139 Rebutia – in a pot greater than 12 cm.
Class 140 Frailea, Turbinicarpus – any size pot.
Class 141 Epiphyte group – any size pot.
Class 142 Cristate cactus, monstrose cactus – in a pot not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 143 Cristate cactus, monstrose cactus – in a pot greater than 12 cm.
Class 144 Other cacti not included in classes 101 to 143.
Class 145 Six cactus seedlings less than 2 years of age (exempt from rule 3). Seedlings may be of one species or several. May be in individual pots or grouped in one container.
SECTION 2 – OTHER SUCCULENT CLASSES
Class 201 Agave, Sansevieria – in a pot not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 202 Agave, Sansevieria – in a pot greater than 12 cm.
Class 203 Adenium, Pachypodium – in a pot not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 204 Adenium, Pachypodium – in a pot greater than 12 cm but not exceeding 18 cm.
Class 205 Adenium, Pachypodium – in a pot greater than 18 cm.
Class 206 Crassula – in a pot not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 207 Crassula – in a pot greater than 12 cm.
Class 208 Echeveria, Graptopetalum, Pachyphytum, Tacitus – in a pot not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 209 Echeveria, Graptopetalum, Pachyphytum, Tacitus – in a pot greater than 12 cm.
Class 210 Other Crassulaceae (see Other Crassulaceae group) – in a pot not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 211 Other Crassulaceae (see Other Crassulaceae group) – in a pot greater than 12 cm.
Class 212 Euphorbia, Jatropha, Monadenium, Pedilanthus, Synadenium – in a pot not exceeding 8 cm.
Class 213 Euphorbia, Jatropha, Monadenium, Pedilanthus, Synadenium – in a pot greater than 8 cm but not exceeding 12 cm
Class 214 Euphorbia, Jatropha, Monadenium, Pedilanthus, Synadenium – in a pot greater than 12 cm but not exceeding 18 cm.
Class 215 Euphorbia, Jatropha, Monadenium, Pedilanthus, Synadenium – in a pot greater than 18 cm.
Class 216 Aloe – in a pot not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 217 Aloe – in a pot greater than 12 cm but not exceeding 18 cm.
Class 218 Aloe – in a pot greater than 18 cm.
Class 219 Astroloba, Gasteria, Haworthia – in a pot not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 220 Astroloba, Gasteria, Haworthia – in a pot greater than 12 cm but not exceeding 18 cm.
Class 221 Astroloba, Gasteria, Haworthia – in a pot greater than 18 cm.
Class 222 Mesembryanthemaceae group (perennials only) – in a pot not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 223 Mesembryanthemaceae group (perennials only) – in a pot greater than 12 cm.
Class 224 Asclepiadaceae – Stapeliad group (see Stapeliad group) – any size pot.
Class 225 Other Asclepiadaceae (see Other Asclepiadaceae group) – in a pot not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 226 Other Asclepiadaceae (see Other Asclepiadaceae group) – in a pot greater than 12 cm.
Class 227 Cristate, monstrose – non-cactus succulent – any size pot.
Class 228 Caudiciform/Pachycaul succulent other than classes 101 to 227 – in a pot not exceeding 8 cm.
Class 229 Caudiciform/Pachycaul succulent other than classes 101 to 227 – in a pot greater than 8 cm but not exceeding 18 cm.
Class 230 Caudiciform/Pachycaul succulent other than classes 101 to 227 – in a pot greater than 18 cm.
Class 231 Succulent other than classes 101 to 230 – in a pot not exceeding 8 cm.
Class 232 Succulent other than classes 101 to 230 – in a pot greater than 8cm but not exceeding 12 cm.
Class 233 Succulent other than classes 101 to 230 – in a pot greater than 12 cm but not exceeding 18 cm.
Class 234 Succulent other than classes 101 to 230 – in a pot greater than 18 cm but not exceeding 24 cm.
Class 235 Succulent other than classes 101 to 230 – in a pot greater than 24 cm.
Class 236 Six seedlings less than 2 years of age (exempt from rule 3). Seedlings may be of one species or several. May be in individual pots or grouped in one container.
SECTION 3 – NOVICE CLASSES
Class 301 Opuntia group – any size pot.
Class 302 Cereus group, Cephalocleistocactus, Cleistocactus– any size pot.
Class 303 Mammillaria, Mammilloydia– any size pot.
Class 304 Acanthocalycium, Echinopsis– any size pot.
Class 305 Rebutia– any size pot.
Class 306 Gymnocalycium– any size pot.
Class 307 Echinocactus, Ferocactus, Stenocactus– any size pot.
Class 308 Eriosyce– any size pot.
Class 309 Any other cactus– any size pot.
Class 310 Aloe– any size pot.
Class 311 Astroloba, Gasteria, Haworthia– any size pot.
Class 312 Crassula, Echeveria, Graptopetalum, Pachyphytum, Tacitus, Other Crassulaceae group– any size pot.
Class 313 Euphorbia, Jatropha, Monadenium, Pedilanthus, Synadenium– any size pot.
Class 314 Mesembryanthemaceae group (perennials only) – any size pot.
Class 315 Stapeliad group and Other Asclepiadaceae group– any size pot.
Class 316 Any other succulent (perennials only, no cacti permitted) – any size pot.
Class 317 Cristate, monstrose– any size pot.
SECTION 4 – DECORATIVE (no non-succulent plants, unless otherwise specified in the schedule)
Class 401 Bonsai-style succulent – in a container not exceeding 24 cm.
Class 402 Bonsai-style succulent – in any container greater than 24 cm.
Class 403 Miniature bonsai-style succulent not exceeding 16 cm in any direction (including overall height of pot and plant).
Class 404 Bowl or dish garden. Entries shall not exceed a base dimension of 40 cm wide by 40 cm depth. Only natural accessories allowed. All plants should have compatible growing conditions.
Class 405 Floral design. Allotted space is 60 cm in width and 60 cm depth, height at designer’s discretion; designer may use any space within the width and depth dimensions stated. Any type of accessories permitted. Entries in this class must have a title written on the entry card. See additional information in rule 13 and Judging Criteria section.
SECTION 5 – EDUCATIONAL (may include non-succulent and succulent plant material, see rule 13)
Class 501 Display with plants. Not to exceed 92 cm width by 60 cm depth. Backboards/ presentation boards, if used, not to exceed 92 cm in width by 122 cm in height.
Class 502 Display without plants. Not to exceed 92 cm width by 60 cm depth. Backboards/ presentation boards, if used, not to exceed 92 cm in width by 122 cm in height. Parts of plants such as flowers, fruits, seeds, spines, roots, etc. will be allowed.
SECTION 6 – DISPLAY PLANTS
Class 601 Plants will not be judged. No restrictions on pot size.
GROUPS
Opuntia group – Austrocylindropuntia, Brasiliopuntia, Consolea, Cylindropuntia, Cumulopuntia, Grusonia, Maihuenia, Maihueniopsis, Miqueliopuntia, Opuntia, Pterocactus, Tacinga, Tephrocactus, Tunilla.
Cereus group – Acanthocereus, Armatocereus, Arrojadoa, Bergerocactus, Brachycereus, Brasilicereus, Browningia, Calymmanthium, Carnegiea, Cephalocereus, Cereus, Cipocereus, Coleocephalocereus, Corryocactus, Dendrocereus, Escontria, Espostoa, Espostoopsis, Eulychnia, Facheiroa, Haageocereus, Harrisia, Isolatocereus, Jasminocereus, Lasiocereus, Leocereus, Leptocereus, Micranthocereus, Myrtillo- cactus, Neobuxbaumia, Neoraimondia, Oreocereus, Pachycereus, Peniocereus, Pilosocereus, Polaskia, Praecereus, Pseudoacanthocereus, Rauhocereus, Samaipaticereus, Stenocereus, Stephanocereus, Stetsonia, Weberbauerocereus, Yungasocereus.
Epiphyte group – Disocactus, Epiphyllum, Hatiora, Hylocereus, Lepismium, Pseudorhipsalis, Rhipsalis, Schlumbergera, Selenicereus, Weberocereus.
Other cacti – Arthrocereus, Austrocactus, Blossfeldia, Cintia, Cochemiea, Denmoza, Geohintonia, Leuchtenbergia, Mila, Neowerdermannia, Ortegocactus, Pereskia, Pereskiopsis, Pygmaeocereus, Quiabentia, Yavia.
Other Crassulaceae group – Adromischus, Aeonium, Afrovivella, Aichryson, Altamiranoa, Bryophyllum, Chiastophyllum, Cotyledon, Diamorpha, Dinacria, Dudleya, Greenovia, Hypagophytum, Jovibarba, Kalanchoe, Kitchingia, Lenophyllum, Meterostachys, Monanthes, Mucizonia, Orostachys, Pistorinia, Pseudosedum, Rhodiola, Rosularia, Sedum, Sempervivella, Sempervivum, Sinocrassula, Thompsonella, Tylecodon, Umbilicus, Villadia.
Mesembryanthemaceae group – Abryanthemum, Acaulon, Acrodon, Agnirictus, Aistocaulon, Aloinopsis, Amoebophyllum, Amphibolia, Anisocalyx, Antegibbaeum, Antimima, Apatesia, Aptenia, Arenifera, Argeta, Argyroderma, Aridaria, Aspazoma, Astridia, Bergeranthus, Berrisfordia, Bijlia, Bolusanthemum, Braunsia, Brownanthus, Calamophyllum, Carpobrotus, Carruanthus, Caryotophora, Cephalophyllum, Cerochlamys, Chasmatophyllum, Cheiridopsis, Circandra, Cleretum, Conicosia, Conophyllum, Conophytum, Corpuscu- laria, Crocanthus, Cylindrophyllum, Dactylopsis, Deilanthe, Delosperma, Depacarpus, Derenbergia, Dicrocaulon, Didymaotus, Dinteranthus, Diplosoma, Disphyma, Dorotheanthus, Dracophilus, Drosanthe- mum, Eberlanzia, Ebracteola, Echinus, Enarganthe, Erepsia, Esterhuysenia, Faucaria, Fenestraria, Frithia, Gibbaeum, Glottiphyllum, Gymnopoma, Hereroa, Herrea, Herreanthus, Hymenocyclus, Ihlenfeldtia, Imitaria, Jacobsenia, Jensenobotrya, Juttadinteria, Kensitia, Khadia, Lampranthus, Lapidaria, Leipoldtia, Lithops, Litocarpus, Machairophyllum, Malephora, Marlothistella, Maughania, Maughaniella, Mentocalyx, Mesembryanthus, Mestoklema, Meyerophytum, Mimetophytum, Mitrophyllum, Monilaria, Mossia, Muiria, Namaquanthus, Namibia, Nananthus, Nelia, Neohenricia, Neorhine, Nycteranthus, Octopoma, Odontophorus, Oophytum, Ophthalmophyllum, Orthopterum, Oscularia, Ottosonderia, Peersia, Pentacoilanthus, Perissolobus, Phyllobolus, Piquetia, Platythyra, Pleiospilos, Polymita, Prenia, Prepodesma, Psammophora, Psilocaulon, Punctillaria, Rabiea, Rhinephyllum, Rhombophyllum, Rhopalocyclus, Rimaria, Roodia, Ruschia, Ruschianthemum, Ruschianthus, Saphesia, Sarcozona, Sceletium, Schlechteranthus, Schoenlandia, Schwantesia, Scopelogena, Semnanthe, Skiatophytum, Smicrostigma, Sphalmanthus, Stayneria, Sterropetalum, Stigmatocarpum, Stoeberia, Stomatium, Tanquana, Tetracoilanthus, Tischleria, Titanopsis, Trichocyclus, Trichodiadema, Vanheerdea, Vanzijlia, Verrucifera, Wooleya, Zeuktophyllum.
Stapeliad group – Angolluma, Anisotoma, Apteranthes, Australluma, Borealluma, Boucerosia, Caralluma, Caudanthera, Conomitra, Crenulluma, Cryptolluma, Cylindrilluma, Decabelone, Desmidorchis, Diplocyatha, Drakebrockmania, Duvalia, Duvaliandra, Echidnopsis, Edithcolea, Emplectanthus, Frerea, Heterostemma, Hoodia, Hoodiopsis, Huernia, Huerniopsis, Larryleachia, Lavranea, Leptadenia, Lithocaulon, Luckhoffia, Macropetalum, Monolluma, Neoschumannia, Notechidnopsis, Oncostemma, Ophionella, Orbea, Orbeanthus, Orbeopsis, Orthanthera, Pachycymbium, Pectinaria, Pentasachme, Piaranthus, Pseudolithos, Pseudopectin- aria, Quaqua, Rhytidocaulon, Riocreuxia, Sanguilluma, Saurolluma, Sisyranthus, Somalluma, Spathulo- petalum, Spiralluma, Stapelia, Stapelianthus, Stapeliopsis, Stultitia, Sulcolluma, Tavaresia, Tenaris, Trichocaulon, Tridentia, Tromotriche, Tylophora, Whitesloanea.
Other Asclepiadaceae group – Brachystelma, Ceropegia, Cynanchum, Decanema, Dischidia, Fockea, Folotsia, Gomphocarpus, Gonolobus, Hoya, Ischnolepis, Karimbolea, Kinepetalum, Microloma, Pachycarpus, Petopentia, Prosopostelma, Raphionacme, Sarcostemma, Siphonostelma, Stomatostemma, Tacazzea.
DEFINITIONS AND JUDGING CRITERIA
Condition – Is the quality or general appearance of the exhibit at the time of judging and reflects the cultural expertise of the grower. The judge evaluates cultural perfection and will look for evidence of poor cultivation. An undernourished, desiccated plant, an overfed bloated plant, or one which is etiolated as a result of being grown in poor light, will lose points. Likewise will a plant with signs of uneven growth, scorch or cold damage. The colour and appearance of the body, leaves and spines will be taken into account, including physical damage — broken stems, broken or missing spines, damaged leaves, splits and scars.
Evidence of flowering – The judge will consider what can reasonably be expected for a plant based on its maturity and the time-of-year. The evidence may be buds, flowers, flower remains, fruits, areole scars (Echinocereus, etc.), shifted/thickened spines (Parodia), etc. However, completely dried flower remains and aborted buds (e.g. on Echinopsis) should be removed as part of the plant’s presentation. Flowers open on the day of the show will not necessarily be given higher credit than other evidence of flowering.
Presentation/ Grooming – The manner in which an entry is displayed. The exhibitor should present the entry at its best. Grooming is an important aspect here. This includes the cleanup of the plant (removal of completely-dried-up flowers or leaves, spider’s webs, water spotting on leaves, removal of pet hair or other debris, etc.), choice of pot (size, shape, colour), pot cleanliness, the position and level of the plant in the pot, whether stakes/ties are present, the absence of weeds, algae and other foreign objects, the condition of the mix or choice of top-dressing, label is visible, and the entry card’s completeness, accuracy and legibility.
Rarity in Show – These points will be allocated based on the relative rarity of each species in the show. This has nothing to do with rarity in collections or in habitat. It is included to encourage a good representation of different species for display to the public.
Design (for floral designs), Design of Planting (for container plantings) – These points are allocated based on the elements and principles of design. Elements: space, line, colour, form, texture, pattern. Principles: balance, rhythm, scale, proportion, contrast, dominance. The elements and principles are interrelated and used effectively produce a pleasing composition.
The judges will adopt a liberal interpretation of Rule 14 where the plant normally produces secondary growths by means of underground or surface stolons (e.g. Agave, Echinocereus, Sempervivum, etc.), or where the plant forms a mat by rooting branches which may then become detached from the main body (e.g. Opuntieae, Echinopsis, Sedum, etc.).
NOTES FOR EXHIBITORS
The following notes are offered for general guidance:
• Exhibitors should carefully read the Rules and Schedule in its entirety, and verify that each entry is in the correct class. This will help prevent disqualification of the entry.• Novices may enter any class in the show. Look at the other entries in all classes open to you and see where your entry may have the best chance for a ribbon.• Note that immature plants may lose some maturity points.• Where a class calls for more than one plant (seedling classes), greater credit will be given for variety than for an entry consisting of the same species or of similar plants. Sizes should be compatible however.• Plants do not have to be named to be entered in any class, however, for educational purposes it is desirable to have plants named. Be aware that if an incorrect name results in an entry being in the wrong class it will be disqualified. Exhibitors are responsible for completeness, accuracy and legibility of their entry cards.• Plant labels should not be visible. The plant’s name should be clearly written on the entry card so a label in the pot is unnecessary. If you wish to remove the label but are concerned that you may not remember the name of your plant, then either push the label down along the inside edge of the container so it is not visible, or stick a label securely to the bottom of the container.• Clean the plant (grooming) with the aid of a toothpick, tweezers, cotton swab, soft paint brush or blower (a drinking straw is a convenient tool to blow debris from the plant).• Remove old, dried up flower stems, aborted flower buds and old, dried fruits if they pull away easily. But be aware that, with some species, premature or improper removal of these can damage the plant (e.g. by also removing the spine cluster).• If the soil surface is messy or unsightly, you may choose cover it with a top dressing. Some soil may need to be removed first to keep the surface level correct. Fresh soil mix may also be used to refresh the surface.• Clean the pots, removing dirt, water spots, adhesive residue or other staining. For plastic pots, it is acceptable to slip pot a specimen by slipping the specimen pot into a same size and colour pot, which will be very unobtrusive and will save you from cleaning the pot or removing an adhesive label.• Bring materials/tools to the show with you to do final touch-ups after transporting the plants. But be aware, that space for final grooming is extremely limited and all exhibitors will require space to finalize their entries. Major grooming should be done at home.• If repotting, do so early enough to permit the plant to become firmly re-established in its container before the show.• If possible, position the plant in the centre of the pot.• Don't under pot a plant just to get it into a class for smaller plants. Under potting will be considered a fault, just as over potting will.