You will love being a certified National Garden Clubs Flower Show Judge. In addition to gaining a vast wealth of horticultural knowledge and gardening skills, you’ll meet lots of interesting people and become part of a vibrant community of plants lovers.
The first step is easy – simply join a garden club, such as the Coronado Floral Association! Then you’ll need to complete four (4) Flower Show School Classes within a two-year period. The accreditation process will demand your focused effort but the reward will be great both in knowledge gained and friendships made.
BECOME A FLOWER SHOW JUDGE
1. NGC Membership
Obtain a National Garden Clubs (NGC) membership by joining a NGC garden club, such as the Coronado Floral Association.
2. Flower Show School
Attend and complete Flower Show School (FSS). The requisite textbook is NGC Handbook for Flower Shows, 2007 edition. Candidates must complete each of three (3) FSS subject areas:
- Horticulture Curriculum
- Design Curriculum
- Flower Show Procedure
Candidates must complete subject areas at least six (6) months apart, but not necessarily in order.
3. Exhibition Credit
Earn a total of five (5) exhibition credits:
Three (3) blue ribbons in design and two (2) blue ribbons in horticulture – OR – two (2) blue ribbons in design and three (3) blue ribbons in horticulture
These may be earned at any major horticultural show or fair. No more than one design ribbon and one horticulture ribbon can be earned from the same event. Proof of exhibition credit consists of signed and dated entry tags (stating class and category) and judge’s signatures.
4. Judging
After the third (3rd) Flower Show School (FSS), the student may judge with a certified or accredited judge. This provides valuable hands on experience. Proof will be the show schedule, with the sections judged marked and signed by the supervising judges. Five (5) Judging Credits are required.
5. Write a Schedule
After the success completion of the fourth FSS, write a Flower Show Schedule. This FSS is based on the individual directive given to the student at the completion of the fourth course.
6. Take Exam
After completing all above-listed requirements, take a Handbook Examination. Four (4) months must be allowed between attending the final course and the Handbook Exam.
7. Judging
After the third (3rd) Flower Show School (FSS), the student may judge with a certified or accredited judge. This provides valuable hands on experience. Proof will be the show schedule, with the sections judged marked and signed by the supervising judges. Five (5) Judging Credits are required.
8. 5-Year Timeline
Complete all requirements from beginning to end within a five (5) year period.