The day before the show, examine all the blooms and select the ones which will be 
just right at cutting time. It will save time later, if you label the ones selected. 
Plan to cut the blooms at least twelve hours before time to set up at the show. 
Follow the suggestions on page twenty-three for "finishing" the blooms. 
Many fine blooms are ruined enroute to the show. Use extreme care and patience 
in packing. Large, deep cardboard boxes are very satisfactory, if a layer of shredded 
newspaper, or other soft material is placed on the bottom. 
When packing, place the blooms with the longest stems in the box first, with the 
flower heads at the end, and stems toward the center. Several rows may be placed in 
each end of the box but do not allow the blooms to overlap, or the stems to rub the 
flowers at the other end of the box. See that none of the petals at the back of the 
flower are folded, as such petals will show bruises shortly after unpacking. 
If blooms are to be shipped, or transported long distances, it will be necessary to 
sew the stems to the bottom of the boxes with string. Pre-cooling will be a great help 
to successful transit. 
See that the cover of the box does not rub the face of the flowers. 
As soon as the show is reached, unpack and trim an inch or more off each stem and 
place in deep water for an hour or more to revive the flowers. During this time, entry 
cards may be made out and other details taken care of. 
Don't allow yourself to become excited. Clear thinking is important. 
Be sure you know the rules of the show and what the classes you are entering call 
for. Many fine exhibits are disqualified because the schedule hasn't been followed. 
Are your blooms true to type, and are they properly classified as to size and color? 
If you are not sure, consult the show superintendent. 
Select vases in proportion to the size of the flower and length of stem. Good 
flowers poorly shown often fail to gain favorable recognition from the judges. 
Large specimens should have stems which hold the blooms well above the edge of 
the container. Many show schedules now specify a minimum length for stems. Stems 
should be straight, and strong enough to hold the flower so that it faces at right angles 
to the stem, or so that it faces up to some degree. Flowers that "hang their heads" 
receive little consideration from the judges. 
Flowers with "open centers" or "green centers" have no chance in good shows. 
Centers should be full, round, and the petals around the center should have a fairly 
uniform development. 
It is best to have blooms with a fairly round contour. Many "lopsided" blooms may 
look well at first glance, but they will not survive the critical inspection of the judges. 
The most common instances of "lopsidedness" are found in flowers which have a majority 
of the petals below the center. This is usually caused by the weight of the petals pulling 
them down during periods when the flower is slightly wilted. This fault, as well as other 
disarrangements of petals, can be remedied to some extent, by carefully working them 
back into proper position by hand. 
Withered, wilted or bruised petals on the back of the flower will score against your 
entry. Blooms from which such petals have been plucked, will be scored as though the 
bad petals are still present. 
Many exhibitors overlook the importance of good foliage. Leaves showing insect 
injury, disease or mechanical damage are taken into account by judges. No foliage is 
worse than bad foliage. 
Size alone won't win. In selecting blooms for entry, first select for perfection and 
second, for size. You will find that all-around perfection is quite closely tied up with 
suitable size. 
Remember judges are judges because of years of experience as growers, exhibitors 
and students of dahlia perfection. They know the importance of factors which seem trivial 
to others. Don't criticize them. They make a great many decisions in a very short time, 
and as a whole, have a very small percentage of error. 
If properly approached, most judges will gladly point out the flaws in your entry, 
but do not approach him until he has finished judging. 
Be a good sport, win or lose. "Laugh and the world laughs with you—cry and you 
cry alone." 
29 
