Staging blooms

STAGING CHRYSANTHEMUMS FOR SHOWS

We spend 8 to 9 months growing plants to produce our best blooms to bring to the show bench where we hope to do well in a competitive environment amongst our friends. Some do well consistently while others may have done better if a little extra attention had been given to the task of staging the entries. How often have you walked down the show benches and saw lots of good blooms that just didn't look right. Maybe the judges felt the same.

So let's try and identify a few areas where close attention to detail may give us the winning edge. Some examples of problem areas are:

BLOOMS STAGED WITH BRUISED OR DAMAGED PETALS

Even with the greatest of care blooms can be damaged between the garden and the show bench. Sometimes the bruising will take some time to show so be sure to have a close look prior to staging and judging.

BLOOMS STAGED WITH PETALS THAT ARE DAMAGED OR DAMPING.

Damp or damaged petals really do stand out from all other petals of a nice bloom. Damping often appears on the show bench just when you don't want it. Maybe the warm temperature inside the hall speeds up the problem.

BLOOMS STAGED WITH APHIDS OR OTHER PESTS.

Fortunately we don't often see aphids on staged blooms but all would agree they are not a welcome sight so be sure to have a close look.

BLOOMS STAGED WITH VISIBLE INSECT DAMAGE TO PETALS OR FOLIAGE.

Damage to petals from earwigs is perhaps the most common thing to look for. If any petals are found they must be carefully removed. Badly damaged leaves also detract from the pleasing look of an entry and maybe these leaves should be removed.

BLOOMS NOT STANDING VERTICAL IN THE VASE.

A bloom which has a straight stem and is standing vertical in the vase will definitely get more attention than one which is leaning to one side.

BLOOMS NOT FACING THE FRONT.

All blooms have a best side which should face the front. Turn the entry around until you find the best position.

UNWANTED PETALS LEFT ON THE BLOOM.

When you stand back and look at a staged bloom you will invariably see a few petals that are spoiling the globular or desired shape of the bloom. Carefully remove these petals which spoil the pleasing appearance of your entry.

ARRANGEMENT OF 3 BLOOMS IN A VASE.

It is often difficult to stage 3 blooms to a vase and have them look right even though you have some very good blooms. Try and get 3 evenly matched. The most common arrangement is to have two up and one down in the front. The blooms should not touch each other and the gap between the blooms should be even.

UNWANTED FOLIAGE.

Wen looking from the side it is desirable to see the complete outline of the blooms. Any leaves that are touching or pressing the blooms into the blooms should be removed.

The above are a few items that come to mind when thinking about staging blooms. No doubt others could also prepare a list that they think about when staging their blooms.