How to Exhibit Your Own Roses

Now that you have a rose garden you can be proud of, it's time to take the next step and let others judge the beauty of your roses. Rose shows and exhibits are exciting events where you get a chance to see how your roses stack up against other rosarians'. It doesn't matter if you win -- the experience alone will be fun, and you'll learn a lot.

Visit a Rose Show

Before entering your own roses, take the time to visit a few rose shows to see how everything works. If at all possible, try to get permission to enter the preparation room, so you can see what experienced displayers do before the judging begins.

Get The Rule Book

Get a copy of the rule book from the American Rose Society. Visit their web site at www.ARS.org for more information.

When you decide you are ready to enter a show, look for one that's close to home so you can limit your travel time and expenses. Many exhibits offer special judging classes for beginners, so try to find one of those for your first time out.

Follow this timetable and you'll be ready to face the judges on the day of your show:

30 Days Before The Show

Start the process of narrowing down your choices to the 1 rose you will be showing. It's easiest to start by displaying 1 single bloom on a stem. Be sure to select a rose with a sturdy and straight stem.

Begin preparing the rose for exhibit by cutting off all of the buds that are forming on the side of the stem between the top and the leaf. This focuses all the nutrients to the single bloom at the end of the stem.

Support the cane of your selected rose by staking it with a bamboo stake and some rose or twist ties. This protects the cane and helps to support the rose as it grows.

Spray fungicide when needed, and promptly remove any aphids or spider mites. Aphids can be removed by spritzing with soapy water. Spider mites can be lightly sprayed with plain water.

Water your roses as you normally would, and apply organics and fertilizer as needed.

Put together your tool kit for the day of the show. Most experienced rosarians carry the following in their kits:

• Several soft cloths
• Cotton swabs (such as Q-Tips)
• Shears Plastic wrap
• Small, soft artist's paintbrush
• American Rose Society Rule Book

7 Days Before The Show

Cover your selected bloom at night with a baggy that's secured below the bloom with a tie; then remove the baggie before the sun rises in the morning. Do this every night until you leave for the show.

2 or 3 Days Before The Show

Cut the rose following the instructions in our "Tips for Cutting Roses for Display" article. Cut the stem a bit longer than usual, because you will be re-cutting it on the day of the show.

Place the rose in a florist's bucket, cover the bloom with a baggie and tie it off below the bloom. Place the bucket and rose in the refrigerator.

The Morning of The Show

Remove the rose from the refrigerator, place the container and rose safely in your car, grab your kit, and head for the show!