By: Ted W. Mills, ARS Consulting Rosarian and Judge
One of the most pleasant experiences in growing roses is often missed by countless rosarians. I'm speaking of entering roses in rose shows against competition. Too many excellent rose specimens never make it to the table simply because the rosarian has a lack of confidence in winning. This is a feeling that rose societies need to dispel among their membership.
Exhibiting roses can really be entertaining and very self-fulfilling. Just to see one's rose win a blue ribbon for the first time is exhilarating to the exhibitor. Once the rose makes it to the Queen's Court, the pleasure is magnified and the grower is hooked on exhibiting forever.
There are some basic rules that the novice exhibitor should learn. There is no better source to obtain this information than from a rose show judge. This article is written to provide a simple roadmap for beginners in the art of exhibiting. To know them is a giant step toward successful exhibiting.
First and foremost, develop a strong sense of self-confidence that you are in the game to win and concerted effort will be exercised to accomplish the goal. Don't expect to win at the outset but keep plugging until victory comes your way. Profit from mistakes and hone your skills to become competitive. Always couple the competitive spirit with a sense of unselfishness toward your competitor.
Let's look at certain things that produce winners in a rose show. As we know, the rose show rules are spelled out by the host Society and follow along guidelines set by the American Rose Society. Study these rules and commit them to memory. This will prevent disappointment and ward off discouragement.
As we approach judging, all judges must be cognizant of the basic criteria that spells winners. A point system of 100 points has been established with six growth traits having specific value. It is interesting to know that 60% of the overall points pertain to the bloom itself. This is not to say that foliage and stem are not important. But special attention should be given the bloom. Let's look at each of the six points in judging roses.
First - Form
Form is the most important. By that we mean what growth development has the bloom itself enjoyed. Is the center sharp and does it come to a needlepoint shape? Has it opened to the required 1/2 to 3/4 exhibition state? Have the petals unfurled to a majestic state? Is there lateral form on the lower petals of the bloom? Examine the entry carefully and make sure the very important feature of form is developed properly.
Second - Color
What about the color? Is it pure and brilliant? Has refrigeration caused it to lose its normal beauty? Has excessive rain caused it to fade? Are there streaks in the petals? All of these and other facets require close examination on the part of the exhibitor. Color is important and must be considered with great care.
Third - Substance
What about substance? Has the rose entry lost its vigor and vitality? As the old saying goes: "Does it have tired blood?" Perhaps the rose has been harvested for an extended period of time and this interval has taken its toll on substance. It is important to enter a rose that is full of freshness and does not suffer from substance drain. Harvesting entries as near show time as possible is the best insurance against substance loss. Extended refrigeration is not the answer and a good judge can spot "fridge" damage right away.
Fourth - Stem and Foliage
Now that the bloom has been discussed, what about the rest of the plant? The bloom of itself will not produce a blue ribbon. It takes stem and foliage to complete the scenario. Stem and foliage rank just behind form in point value. Examine the entry and enter roses that have well-developed foliage and stem. Weakness in either of these two will spell defeat at the show, even though the bloom is magnificent. Damaged foliage has prevented good roses from making it to the show table. The foliage should exhibit a healthy state and display no disease or insect damage. It should not be dirty or limp.
Fifth - Balance and Proportion
As a judge examines an entry, one of the determining factors in reaching a conclusion lies in the balance and proportion of the specimen. This factor is often used when two or more entries are close in competition. One example encountered deals with a small rose perched on a robust stem with bountiful foliage. The bloom may be a thing of beauty, but the balance and proportion factor will cause it to lose. View the entry and make sure that the balance factor is in line.
Six - Size
Although the point value of size is low when compared to other requirements, it is still important in judging. There have been times when two entries are close in point accumulation and size has become the deciding factor. More than likely the specimen that presents the greater size will win. So, if the exhibitor has two roses of the same variety and is in a quandary as to which to enter, the one with the greater size stands the better chance, all other facets being equal in the entry.
Now that we have covered the six facets of judging roses it is well that we mention a few facts that will help the exhibitor. In preparing for a show make advance preparations. Fill out entry tags, secure vases, read the rules, and pinpoint specimens in the garden as to possible entries. Once a sure "queen" is spotted, guard against damage caused by rain or excessive sunlight. Pamper your entries with loving care and don't forget to groom. Grooming is so very important. Cleaning of foliage (but not with disqualifying foreign substances such as oil) is essential. Give special attention to blooms and their petals that may be in suspect. Leaves often need the scissor treatment. Handle this operation with care. If blooms require grooming, be sure to remove foreign materials such as Q-tips or cotton balls from the petals. Perfectly good roses have lost because of exhibitor negligence.
One other aspect of exhibiting should be mentioned. All too often the specimens are not displayed correctly in vases. They are simply pushed too far into the container or foliage is allowed to be forced into the vase. This is a "no no" to the observant judge. Exhibit the rose in its rightful fashion. A fresh, colorful, substance-filled bloom, coupled with luxuriant disease-free foliage that is supported by a strong stem, will be hard to beat come show time.
The reward is soul satisfying - go for it.