Become a Show Judge

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.

Complete Our Show Judging Form at the Bottom of This Page

The Steps To Become a Judge

  • NGC Membership

    Obtain a National Garden Clubs (NGC) membership by joining a NGC garden club, such as the Coronado Floral Association.

    Join Coronado Floral Association

  • 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, and Flower Show Procedure

    Candidates must complete subject areas at least six (6) months apart, but not necessarily in order.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Flower Show Exam

    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.

  • 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-Year Timeline

    Complete all requirements from beginning to end within a five (5) year period.

Show Judge Inquiry Form

For more information on how to become a show judge, please complete our online inquiry form and one of our members will be in touch!