Individual & Club Entries

Individual gardeners and garden clubs from around the world come to the Show to compete in the Competitive Classes. Entrants showcase their prized plants and flower arrangements, all vying for prestigious ribbons. Over 3,000 entries are displayed each year.

There are two primary groups of entries within the Competitive Classes: Artistic and Horticulture. Click here to read stories about two inspiring gardeners.

The Artistic classes are where exhibitors compete in various design classes. Entries in the artistic classes must include fresh or dried plant material (no artificial plant material is permitted), and the emphasis should be on color. Classes are varied and include table design, dried plant, room design and pressed plants. Many entries require considerable advance planning and all entries must be pre-entered in writing by January 11.

The Horticulture classes feature expert and novice gardeners who enter potted plants for judging by the nation’s most distinguished horticulturists. The horticultural competitions are among the most popular exhibits at the Show and their history can be traced back to the first Flower Show in 1829. Hundreds of “classes” allow for thousands of individual entries each year. Requirements for each class are specific and include size, health and appearance. Most entries should be submitted in writing by January 31, but can still be brought in, or “passed,” at the Show on the day of judging. Bulbs, orchids, hanging containers, succulents, ferns, topiary, herbs, and unique “challenge” plants make up some of the categories where entrants can present their specimens.

To enter, an individual chooses a “class” described in the Flower Show Exhibitor's Guide.