Horticulture Exhibiting Guide

Schedule governs: your monthly schedule overrides the NGC handbook where stated.
Print this page for show-table reference.
Quick rule: If schedule and handbook disagree, follow the schedule for that meeting.
Legend
MUST SHOULD Note
September October November
September Schedule — Late-summer perennials and early fall stems; schedule overrides conflicting handbook guidance.
Aster (Symphyotrichum)
Single stem or 3 stems (uniform stage)
MUST Label with accepted botanical name; cultivar if known.
SHOULD Stems proportionate to bloom; foliage groomed and clean.
SHOULD If 3 stems are entered, match stage of bloom and size closely.
Staging Notes
  • Use clear or green bottle as specified by schedule.
  • Support tall stems discretely if permitted.
Note Our September schedule allows either 1 or 3 stems in open classes.
Dahlia
1 stem, disbudded unless specified otherwise
MUST Exhibit in the correct size class if the schedule defines them.
SHOULD Remove side buds; center bloom at prime; foliage fresh.
Staging Notes
  • Collarette types permitted in open class this month.
October Schedule — Foliage interest and late-bloomers; see schedule for stem counts.
Chrysanthemum
As scheduled: sprays or disbudded blooms
MUST Follow the schedule for spray vs. disbudded exhibit type.
SHOULD Uniform bloom stage across sprays; stems straight, foliage intact.
Staging Notes
  • Green bottles only this month per schedule.
Note If uncertain, choose the open class and label precisely.
November Schedule — Cut branches, berries, seed heads; cleanliness and proportion emphasized.
Ilex (Holly) – berried twig
1 branch, max 24" unless schedule differs
MUST Measure branch length if a maximum is stated in the schedule.
SHOULD Remove damaged leaves; present undamaged fruit clusters.
Staging Notes
  • Secure in a stable container; no wobble on the table.
Grasses – ornamental (Panicum, Pennisetum, etc.)
1–3 stems as scheduled
MUST Comply with stated stem count; uniformity if multiple stems are used.
SHOULD Plumes clean and fully developed; no shattered florets.
Staging Notes
  • Use taller container to support inflorescences.
  • Neat, vertical presentation; avoid leaning stems.
Note Native grass