Many fine blooms are ruined, enroute to the show, which could have been saved 
by more careful packing. Large, deep, corrugated boxes are commonly used to trans- 
port the flowers. A good layer of shredded wax paper put in the bottom of the box 
will prevent much damage to the flowers. 
Pack 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 box, but 
do not allow the blooms to overlap, or the stems to rub the back of the flowers at the 
other end of the box. A wad of the shredded paper, properly placed, can prevent 
undue rubbing. See that the petals on the backs of the flowers are not folded, as such 
petals will show unsightly bruises shortly after being unpacked. Make sure that the 
cover of the box, if one is used, does not rub against the face of the flowers. 
As soon as the show is reached, unpack, and trim about an inch off the end of each 
stem, just before putting them in water, or better yet, trim the stem under water. 
Allow them to stand for an hour, or so, before setting them up on the show table. 
Wilted flowers will revive during that time. In the meantime, you can be making out 
your entry tags, and taking care of other details, such as checking the schedule . Be sure 
you know the show rules, and what the classes you are entering call for. Many fine 
exhibits have to be disqualified because the schedule and rules are not followed. 
Consult the show superintendent when in doubt. 
Proper staging of the exhibit helps a lot. Try to have proportion of stem, flower, 
and vase. Good flowers, poorly shown, often fail to gain favorable recognition from 
the judges. Ideal stem lengths, are from twenty-four to thirty inches; less than eighteen 
usually detracts from the exhibit. Stems should be straight, and strong enough to 
stand erect without bending. Blooms should face the side or at an up angle; never 
down. Flowers that "hang their heads" receive little consideration from the judges. 
Flowers with “open centers’, or ‘green centers’, have no chance at all. Centers should 
be full, round, and the petals around the center should have a fairly uniform develop- 
ment. Placement of the bloom on the stem is quite important. The visable part of 
the stem, below the flower head, should form a straight line up to the center of the 
flower, when viewed directly from the front. 
It is best to select blooms with a fairly round contour. Many lopsided blooms 
look well at first glance, but will not survive the critical inspection of the judges. The 
most common instances of lopsidedness are found in flowers which have some of the 
upper petals sagging toward the bottom. This is usually caused by wilting, while on 
the plant, or by the weight of moisture from rain, or dew. A waterproof shade during 
the opening period will prevent much of it. Carefully rearranging the petals by hand, 
after cutting, will remedy minor cases of lopsidedness. 
Withered, wilted, or bruised petals on the backs of the flower will score against 
your entry. Blooms from which such petals have been plucked, will be scored as though 
the bad petals were still present. 
Many exhibitors overlook the importance of good foliage, and sufficient foliage. 
Leaves showing insect injury. disease, or mechanical damage are taken into account 
by judges. No foliage is worse than poor foliage. Two sets of leaves usually show up 
the blooms to best advantage. 
Size alone will not win. In selecting blooms for entry, select primarily for perfection. 
You will find that all-around perfection is quite closely tied up with suitable size. 
Remember that judges are judges because of years of experience as growers, ex- 
hibitors, 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 ap- 
proach him until he has finished judging. Do not embarrass him by asking him to 
criticize the placing by another judge. If you wish to ask questions, ask the judge who 
worked that class. 
Above all, be a good sport, win or lose. Remember the old adage: ‘Laugh and 
the world laughs with you;—cry and you cry alone.’ 
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