When it comes to flowers, there are two main cate-gories at shows: exhibition blooms, and floral arrangements.

Exhibition flowers

Good flowers come from good seeds, so the first tip is to always sow good-quality seeds and bulbs. You also need to sow varieties suitable for exhibiting. Be sure to get your hands on the schedule of classes in time, as that will help you decide what classes to enter.

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When it comes to the actual entry, be sure you only enter the number asked for. If the class says three blooms, then that’s what it is: and no more or less.

When it comes to show dahlias, they should be firm, circular and with a perfect centre, not daisy eyed. They need to be arranged in a vase containing oasis, so all the blooms face in the same direction. Some dahlia foliage at the base is also required.

Sweet peas for show should have strong stems. Generally you need to show four well-spaced blooms that are secured in a vase with oasis. This helps ensure that all blooms can be seen clearly and makes for an attractive exhibit.

Flower arranging for shows

Again if you are entering a floral arrangement, make sure to read all the classes well. Each class has a title, so make sure your arrangement interprets that title. The size refers to the space you can use for your arrangement. Use all the space, but do not go over it – if you do, you will be disqualified. Even a single leaf over the limit and you are gone.

Make sure all foliage is fresh and in perfect condition. It goes without saying that the flowers must be top class too. When the class calls for garden flowers and foliage, make sure they are out of the garden and not shop bought. Do not use artificial flowers or foliage.

Always make sure the oasis is well covered, especially at the back of the arrangement. And finally, when the class says miniature, that’s exactly what it means. The arrangement must be very, very tiny, as shown here. The best of success with your entries.

These tips have been compiled by Ethel Mitchell of Castle Flowers, Moate, and her brother Reggie Mitchell, who has judged horticulture at the Tullamore Show for 25 years. If you’d like more advice on preparing your plants and produce for competition, why not come to the indoor workshops on the day of the Tullamore Show. Ethel Mitchell and Richard Haslam, known as the “King of Floral Arranging”, will be incorporating the themes from the talks into magnificent flower arrangements.