By John Hefner. This article is from the May 2007 issue of The Rosarian newsletter.

For those of us who grow roses, one of the exciting aspects of our hobby is that we are able to expand areas of expertise whether it is hybridizing, photography, arranging or exhibiting. In rose growing and specifically in exhibiting roses, there is always help available through many types of information sources. You will find that asking other successful exhibitors and reading articles on exhibiting are great resources.

First you must have desire to become successful. You need to grow varieties that are known to have exhibition quality. Regularly maintain your garden and learn to grow healthy plants. Increase your knowledge regarding chemicals and new products as they are introduced on the market. To be successful in exhibiting roses, there are numerous helpful hints and suggestions to make for a more satisfying experience. Knowledge and practice builds confidence.

Beginning approximately two weeks before the show date, daily observations need to be made for potential show specimens and initial planning on entering specific classes should be made at this time. Your spray program must be continued making sure insects will not be a factor in either damaging foliage or more importantly, developing buds. Additional water should be applied to those plants with potential show stems. This will also be a time that some stems may need to be staked for support or straightening. A bamboo stake and twist ties work well. Many times a 12-inch bamboo stake will serve the purpose. During this initial observation and planning stage, keep in mind that if you are planning to exhibit in the box, picture frame or bowl classes that many short-stem specimens can be used since stem and foliage is not a factor in these types of classes.

One week before the show date, bloom protection will need to be in place. To have clean blooms, it is mandatory to protect potential buds from moisture and insects. Effective materials include lightweight fabric products that will shield the buds from both moisture and insects. Many exhibitors use an insect barrier placed over the developing bud secured by a twist-tie. It also may be necessary to bag (cover) potential buds with plastic bags or paper sandwich bags at night to protect from moisture. These types of protection will need to be removed during the day to avoid moisture condensation.

Two to three days before the show date, blooms can be cut and refrigerated. Most varieties can be cut at nearly exhibition stage at this time. However, some varieties will need to be cut somewhat tighter and opened during the preparation period before the morning of the show. This is a learned exhibitor's experience and comes with practice. When cutting blooms for a show, the stem should always be cut under water and then allowed to "harden off" for at least one hour. A five gallon bucket with at least twelve inches of water is ideal for conditioning long stems as it allows both the stem and foliage to absorb moisture. To experience success in exhibiting, proper conditioning is mandatory.

After the condition process, it is desirable to clean the foliage by using a soft cloth and gently buffing the foliage to enhance the natural luster. This is also the time to use scissors to trim foliage so that all initial preparation will be completed before the specimen is placed in the refrigerator.

After providing protection for blooms and having cut potential show winners, it is now time to arrive at the show site properly prepared. Arrive to the show site early as time seems to always be a factor, especially when entering multiple specimens. It is suggested that entry tags be completed with address labels, however, it may be wise to have the class number left blank until it is definite that the specimen will be used in that class. It is also recommended that wedging material be used to better position the stem in the vase. It is very difficult (nearly impossible) to properly display challenge class entries having multiple stems without using wedging materials. Recommended materials are aluminum foil or Styrofoam. Hopefully some pre-planning was done so that certain specimens designed for special classes will receive the most attention

All successful exhibitors have in common some factors contributing to their success. Exhibiting is a constant learning experience. It may appear one exhibitor may have all the secrets but, instead there is a constant sharing of information between exhibitors and it is always wise and acceptable to ask others for advice.

Clean, fresh, blooms are always rewarded and recognized by judges as having an advantage due to the extra effort the exhibitor has taken to enter the specimens at their best horticultural excellence.

Good exhibitors also know and recognize exhibition form. This factor is developed through participating in judging schools, making observations at rose shows, volunteering to clerk and most importantly, asking questions.

Exhibitors must choose how to use each specimen to its best advantage. Choices must be made as to which bloom can be used to best compliment a challenge class entry or it may be considered for a single specimen entry.

Maybe of most importance is to have "variety knowledge." If this grower/exhibitor is knowledgeable about all of the characteristics of the varieties grown, this knowledge can be utilized to improve the exhibitor's skill. Simply knowing opening characteristics, refrigeration qualities, exhibition form for the variety is a definite advantage. Knowledge is invaluable!

Exhibiting is a challenging but rewarding aspect of the rose growing hobby. Experience and knowledge are vital to success; however, advice is always free of charge and is always available. Here's to your success!