Dahlia Shows 175 



is poorly set up. Where but three or four flowers 

 are needed, face them all directly toward you. 

 Three or more should be arranged so that some 

 stand above the others, placing them in a group 

 rather than in a row. They should be firmly 

 held in place in the vases, yet not strangled. A 

 bit of excelsior tucked in between the stems will 

 hold them well. Put most of it in front, shoving 

 the stems back, holding the heads well up. 

 Some people use paper, but I find that it becomes 

 saturated quickly and loses its grip. Do not use 

 old leaves and stems. They decay and poison 

 the water, and your beautiful flowers soon be- 

 come wilted. 



If foliage is permitted in the vases, as in the 

 show of the American Dahlia Society, choose 

 what will best act as a background and what 

 will be most becoming to the flower, bringing out 

 its best points rather than that which will only 

 make a pretty arrangement. Remember that it 

 is the dahlia which is to be judged. 



In placing your vase of dahlias in its group or 

 class, try to choose its neighbours, so that both 

 colour and form may be enhanced. Bring your 

 flowers early so that you may have plenty of 

 time to arrange them, and remain in the room 

 until the judging commences, to see that your 

 exhibits are not pushed out of the way. 



