2024

Muscatine County Fair Book - Division J – Flowers & Plants

Division J – Flowers & Plants

Check-In Time

5pm to 8pm Wednesday, July 17th 8am to 10:45am Thursday, July 18th (A 10-minute unloading zone will be available near the flower building)

Judging Time

Thursday, July 18th 12:30 - – Jr. Place Settings (12, 13, 14), Arrangement Classes (4,5,6,7,8,9), 2:00 – Jr. Horticulture (10 & 11), Plants (3), Horticulture (1 & 2)

Superintendents

Tammy Dietz, Muscatine 563-260-3827
Robynn Anderson, W Liberty 319-321-3880
Betty Elder, W Liberty 319-627-2097
Karen Britcher, Muscatine
Angie Dickey, Atalissa
Mary Eichelberger, Muscatine
Syrena Even, Atalissa
Joyce Gauger, Lone Tree 319-330-5235
Susan Johnson, W Liberty 563-299-5035
Bill Koellner, W Liberty
Steve Koopmann, Bennett
Vince Ottaway, W Liberty
Debra Dolleslager, Nichols
Lynn Longstreath, Fruitland

Release Time

4pm to 5pm Sunday, July 21st

Rules

ALL EXHIBITS MUST BE TAGGED AND IN PLACE AT 11:00 AM TO BE JUDGED.
NO EXCEPTIONS. PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE SO SUPERINTENDENTS CAN PREPARE FOR SHOW. NO ENTRIES WILL BE RELEASED BEFORE 4:00 AS VISITORS ARE STILL VIEWING THE EXHIBITS. MAKE ARRANGEMENTS AHEAD OF TIME IF YOU NEED SOMEONE ELSE TO PICK UP YOUR EXHIBITS. THANK YOU.

Advance reservations are required for tables, mantels, and niches. Reservations are due by Tuesday July 16th at 6:00 P.M. at the Fair Office on an entry form. Please mail or bring into office by this deadline. Spaces will be assigned as they are reserved in the entry book, until all spaces are filled. Notify the Fair office if cancellation of reservation is necessary. If you did not make a reservation and space is available you may enter then. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE OFFICE TO RESERVE SPOTS. To help when entering horticulture specimens have entry form already filled out.

RULES:
1. The purpose of this flower show is for the enjoyment and education of all who view the show as well as the exhibitors.
2. This division is open to amateurs only. A professional is defined as one who earns his/her livelihood from their skills.
3. All arrangement classes will be listed as to requirement for fresh flowers, dried flowers, or silk flowers. There will be seven classes that will specify list numbers for silk flowers.
4. Proper flag etiquette should be followed if the American Flag is used in an exhibit.
5. Exhibitors may enter ONE item per list number.
6. Specimens are to be exhibited in clear glass bottles or jars provided by exhibitors in Class 1. (No vases). This will be strictly enforced. A jar or bottle is a container that originally had a screw on lid or cap. This keeps all exhibits on the same judging plane for the judge. Specimens are judged on flower, leaves (when applicable) and stems. No leaves should be in the water. Wedging is encouraged to help specimen stand straight. To wedge, use a piece of Styrofoam or a packing peanut. No foil, handi-wrap or crisscross tape. Could possibly use tiny piece of wood. Wedging should be very unnoticeable. Fillers must not be used in bottom of container. A good idea is to have the stem of specimen touch the bottom of container, no matter its size. Consider the neck of container for specimen. Daylilies should touch bottom of container.
7. The name(s) of the variety MUST be written on front or back of entry tag in classes 1, 2 & 3 to be eligible to be judged for a blue ribbon. This is to be done by the exhibitor on the tag, NOT on the entry form. Be sure the judge can read this.
8. Added foliage materials are permitted in all design classes (Classes 4,5,6,7,8,9 & 11).
9. Classes 10, 11, 12, 13, & 14 – Junior Show, are open to exhibitors 18 years of age and under and unmarried. In the Jr. Show, flowers should not be purchased.
10. Preliminary work on tables, niches, and mantels may be done 5-8 PM, Wed, July 17.
11. Flowers in all arrangement classes may be replaced for freshness by the exhibitor Superintendents may remove or exclude any exhibit or part thereof, which is unsightly.
12. If more than 8 per class, the class will be divided, as it was entered into the book.
13. NO NOXIOUS WEEDS MAY BE USED IN ANY ENTRY IN THIS DIVISION.

PRIMARY NOXIOUS WEEDS
Quack grass, Perennial sow thistle, Canadian thistle, Bull thistle, Field bindweed, Rose nettle, Leafy spurge, Perennial peppergrass, Russian Knap weed, Buckhorn, and all other species of thistle belonging in genera of Cirsium and Carduus.
SECONDARY NOXIOUS WEEDS
Butterprint, Cocklebur, Wild mustard, Wild carrot, Buckthorn, Poison hemlock, Sheep sorrel, Sour dock, Smooth dock, Puncture Vine, Teasel, Wild Sunflower, Wild Queen Anne’s Lace.
ANY EXHIBITOR USING ANY OF THE ABOVE PLANT MATERIAL WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.

HORTICULTURE CLASSES

CLASS 1- HORTICULTURAL SPECIMENS
All general rules apply. Review Rule #6.
Exhibits must be labeled by the exhibitor with name on front or back of the entry tag (not on the entry form) to be eligible for a blue ribbon. All exhibits should be exhibited in CLEAR glass bottles or jars provided by the exhibitor. NO VASES. No leaves in the water. SEE GENERAL RULE 6.
Premiums: 1st-$1.50 2nd-$1.00
List No.
1. Marigolds (over 3 inches) 1 bloom
A. Yellow
B. Orange
2. Marigolds (1 1/2″ to 3″) 3 blooms
A. Yellow
B. Orange
3. Marigolds (under 1 1/2 in.) 2 sprays
A. Predominantly Yellow
B. Predominantly Orange
BEST MARIGOLDS………………..ROSETTE
4. Coleus – 3 cuttings (not rooted)
5. Herbs, 3 cuttings, all different
6. Asters, 3 blooms
7. Pansies, 3 blooms
8. Nasturtiums, 3 blooms
9. Petunias
A. Single, 1 stem or spray
B. Double, 1 stem or spray
10. New 2024 Flower
BEST OF CLASSES 4-10…………..ROSETTE
11. Hydrangea, 1 bloom or spray
A. Pink
B. Blue
C. White
D. Other than named
BEST HYDRANGEA…………..ROSETTE
12. Hostas, Measure across leaf
A. 1 leaf, over 10”
B. 3 leaves, 4” to 10” of same variety
C. 3 leaves, mini under 4” of same variety.
BEST HOSTA………………….ROSETTE
13. Zinnias, Lime/Green 3 blooms any size
14. Zinnias, 3 blooms, over 3”
A. Red
B. Other colors
15. Zinnias, 3 blooms, 2” to 3”
A. Red
B. Striped
C. Queeny
D. Other
16. Zinnias, 3 blooms, under 2”
A. Purples
B. Pinks
C. Reds
D. Other
BEST ZINNIAS…………………ROSETTE
17. Hybrid Tea Rose, 1 bloom
A. Red
B. Pink
C. Yellow
D. White
E. Any other color
F. More than one color
BEST TEA ROSE………………..ROSETTE
18. Grandiflora Rose, 1 bloom or spray
19. Floribunda Rose, 1 bloom or spray
20. Climbing Rose, 1 bloom or spray
21. Miniature Rose, 1 bloom or spray
22. Rugosa, Shrub, Old Fashion or Buck
Roses, 1 bloom or spray
23. Knockout Rose, 1 bloom or spray
BEST ROSE (CLASSES 18 TO 23) ……ROSETTE
24. Celosia, 1 stem
A. Crested
B. Plumed, Red
C. Plumed, Other color
BEST CELOSIA…………………ROSETTE
25. Daisy type, 1 stem
A. Shasta daisy
B. Gaillardia or Blanket flower
C. Cone flower
D. Rudbeckia
BEST DAISY TYPE………………ROSETTE
26. Dahlias, 1 bloom any color or variety
A. Under 4”
B. 4” to 6”
C. Over 6” to 8”
D. Over 8” to 10”
E. Over 10”
BEST DAHLIA………………….ROSETTE
27. Gladioli, 1 spike, 3 ½” & over width. Spike
should be straight & rest on bottom of container
1/3 open blooms, 1/3 near open and 1/3 buds
A. Red, Maroon, Blacks
B. Pink, Rose, Mauve
C. Yellow
D. White
E. Blue or Lavender
F. Peach or Orange
G. Multi-Colored
H. Other than named
I. Miniature Glad, any color under 3 ½” width
BEST GLAD……………………ROSETTE
28. Daylilies, Hemerocalis, 1 stem Limit 25” high
should have one or more open blooms and several
buds to show promise of bloom in next 3 days.
Stem should rest on bottom of container.
A. Red, Maroon, Blacks
B. Pink, Rose, Mauve
C. Yellow
D. White
E. Purple
F. Peach, Orange
G. Contrast Colored Ruffled Edge
H. Contrast Eye Zone (not throat)
I. Two Definite Contrasting Colors (This is the whole petals)
J. Double any color
K. Other than named
BEST DAYLILY…………………ROSETTE
29. Lily – Lilium. These may/should be pruned.
A. Pinks
B. Yellows/Golds
C. Whites/Creams
D. Peach or Orange
E. Other than named
F. Double Flower
1. White
2. Pink
3. Other than name
BEST LILY – LILIUM………………………ROSETTE
30. Tiger Lily, 1 stem
31. Calla Lily, 1 stem plus a leaf
32. Canna Lily, 1 stem plus a leaf
BEST LILY – Classes 30-32……..ROSETTE
33. Ornamental Grasses, 1 stem fresh
A. Stem without plume
B. Stem Blooming with plume
BEST GRASS…………………..ROSETTE
34. Any Perennial other, 1 stem – single bloom
35. Any Perennial other, 1 stem
36. Any Annual other, 1 stem – single bloom
37. Any Annual other, 1 stem – multiple blooms
BEST OF CLASSES 34 – 37……….ROSETTE

SCALE OF POINTS
Cultural perfection (form, color, substance, size, abundance of bloom, foliage and stem………..60
Distinction of species or varieties………………………………………………………………..20
Condition………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………20
TOTAL POINTS 100

CLASS 2- COLLECTIONS
Premiums: 1st-$1.75 2nd-$1.25
(List name of variety on entry tag)
General Rules Apply
A collection is a species of a plant containing five stalks in one container. The exhibitor has the choice of any type of container or vase. Entry may have one or more varieties or colors. Entries will be judged for cultural perfection and educational value, with artistic effort secondary. All varieties MUST be named by the exhibitor on the front or back of the entry tag to be eligible to be judged for a blue ribbon. No leaves in water. Do not write variety names on the entry form.
List No.
38. Salvias
39. Petunias
40. Zinnias
41. Marigolds
42. Asters
43. Snapdragons
44. Dahlias
45. A. Celosia, plumed variety
B. Celosia, crested variety
46. Gladioli
47. Lilies/Hemerocalis
48. Other than named (One Variety)
49. Mixed garden annuals- 5 different
50. Mixed garden perennials- 5 different
BEST COLLECTION………………ROSETTE

CLASS 3- POTTED PLANTS
Premiums: 1st-$1.50 2nd-$1.00
All General Rules Apply
Plants must have been grown by exhibitor and been in their possession two months or longer. One or more plants of the same variety to a container, unless otherwise specified. Plants must be groomed and free of all plant enemies. Variety must be named on front or back of entry tag by the exhibitor. Not on the entry form. Plants which have received a blue ribbon at the Fair in the past 2 years are NOT eligible!

List No.
51. Dish Garden- 3 or more varieties
52. Fairy Garden – 2 or more varieties
53. Flowering Begonia in bloom
54. Tuberous Begonia
55. Geranium, Vining
56. Geranium, any other type
57. Cactus
58. Succulents
59. Coleus
60. Pothos or Philodendron, plain or Variegated
61. Caladium (one or more per pot)
62. African Violet – Any color – Blooming or not
63. Fern, any variety
64. Ivy, any variety
65. Rare or unusual plant, other than named, specify variety
66. Other than named, blooming plant, not hanging, specify variety
67. Other than named, foliage plant, not hanging, specify variety
68. Patio planter- one or more plants
A. Single variety
B. Multiple varieties
69. Hanging container, blooming or budding plant(s), other than named
70. Hanging container, foliage plant(s), other than named
71. Any plants grown in novelty container
72. Hanging Pot for Gazebo – These will be left outdoors through the Fair. Seven spaces available. Every exhibit will receive a monetary award. One or more varieties – any color or combination.
BEST POTTED PLANT (#51 – #67)….ROSETTE
BEST POTTED PLANT (#68 – #72)….ROSETTE

ARRANGEMENT CLASSES
Theme: “Country Living or City Lights”

CLASS 4- ARRANGEMENTS
General Rules Apply
Premiums: 1st-$3.00 2nd-$2.00
Accessories optional in all lists
List No.
73. “Turkey Shoot”- Dried
74. “Lover’s Lane”- Fresh
75. “Shopping Spree At The Mall”- Fresh
76. “Harvest Moon”- Fresh
77. “Bicycle Trail”- Fresh
78. “Wi-Fi Hub”- Silk
BEST ARRANGEMENT……………..ROSETTE

SCALE OF POINTS
Mechanics (line-design-construction)………………………………..50
Plant material (compatibility, variety, condition)…………………………..30
Container (suitability & harmony to plant material used)……………….10
Distinction……………………………………………………………………………….10
TOTAL POINTS 100

CLASS 5- INTERPRETIVE ARTISTIC DESIGN
General Rules Apply
Premiums: 1st-$3.00 2nd-$2.00
Accessories permitted in all lists.
List No.
79. “Sears Tower”- Vertical- Fresh
80. “The ‘Ole Swimming Hole”- Water Expanse- Fresh
81. “Summer Breeze”- Showing Motion- Fresh
82. “Daytona 500”- Oval- Silk
83. “Subway Ride”- Horizontal- Dried
84. “Catching Lightning Bugs”- Mass- With Lights- Fresh
BEST ARTISTIC DESIGN………….ROSETTE

SCALE OF POINTS
Design and Color……………………..50
Interpretation and Suitability……..20
Distinction and Originality………..20
Condition…………………………………10
TOTAL POINTS…………………….100

CLASS 6- TABLE SETTINGS
Premiums: 1st-$4.50 2nd-$3.50
General Rules Apply
Accessories permitted and plant materials as stated in this class. Use one place setting or as stated. No silverware or food on table. Fifteen 33” square card tables for List No. 85-90. Card tables have a black finish. Keep in mind if using sheer table coverings.
List No.
85. “Giving Thanks”- Formal- Fresh
86. “Lunch On The Truck End Gate”- Casual- Using Paper- Fresh
87. “Coffee At The Country Diner”- Casual- Dried
88. “Independence Day Celebration”- Casual- Fresh
89. “Concession Stand At The Ballpark”- Designer’s Choice, No Place Setting- Fresh
90. “Bridal Shower Brunch”- Casual- Silk
BEST TABLE SETTING…………..ROSETTE

SCALE OF POINTS
Harmony & attractiveness of overall setting…………………….20
Compatibility of all materials…………………………………………20
Flower arrangement………………………………………………………20
Distinction & originality………………………………………………..20
Interpretation of title………………………………………………………20
TOTAL POINTS………………………………………………………….100

Rules for Classes 7 & 8
No tacks, nails, staples, tapes, or paints may be used in or on any of the niches and mantels. No adhesives.
We recommend…. Cut pieces of paneling, cardboard, insulation board, maybe even old barn boards; anything to put inside of your niche. This may cover only the back or could be trifold to cover 3 sides. This, then; can be covered with cloth, wallpaper, contact paper, paint; the options are really endless. When fair is over just pull your backdrop out ready for you to use over and over at many fairs to come.
Niches and mantels will be painted white, so you may choose to not use any covering or backdrop; especially in the mini niches.

CLASS 7- NICHES
General Rules Apply
Premiums: 1st-$6.50 2nd-$5.50
Plant material in arrangements as stated with each list. 20 full size niches provided are 18″ deep, 24″ wide, 26″ high approximately.
The mini niches are 10″ deep, 10″ wide, and 11” high approximately.

FULL SIZE NICHES
List No.
91. “Growing Up With 4-H”- Fresh
92. “Lazy Days of Summer”- Fresh
93. “Star Gazing” – Silk
94. “Chores On The Farm”- Fresh
95. “Staten Island Ferry”- Fresh
96. “Golden Gate Bridge”- Dried

BEST FULL-SIZE NICHE………….ROSETTE

MINI NICHES – Limited to 4 exhibitors in each title
List No.
97. “My Favorite Pet”- Fresh
98. “Country Church”- Dried
99. “Clothesline In The Backyard”- Fresh
100. “Taxi Ride”- Silk
BEST MINI NICHE………………ROSETTE

SCALE OF POINTS
Design & Color…………………………………25
Suitability & Interpretation of theme…..25
Distinction & Originality…………………….25
Condition………………………………………….25
TOTAL POINTS………………………………100

Class 8– DESIGNER’S CHOICE- Mixed Arrangement in Container
General Rules Apply
Premiums: 1st-$6.50 2nd-$5.50
Using fresh, dried, silk or any combination; MUST USE 2 OR MORE. Must specify on back of entry tag combination used.

List No.
101. “Open Fields”
102. “Beauty In Central Park”
BEST DESIGNER’S CHOICE……………ROSETTE

SCALE OF POINTS
Design & Color…………………………………25
Suitability & Interpretation of theme….25
Distinction & Originality……………………25
Condition………………………………………….25
TOTAL POINTS………………………………100

CLASS 9- MANTEL DECORATIONS
General Rules Apply
Premiums: 1st-$4.50 2nd-$3.50
Accessories may be used. The 14 mantels provided are 48″ long & 15 1/4” deep.
List No.
103. “Working In The Garden”- Fresh Vegetables Can Be Used- Fresh
104.”Tractor Pull”- Fresh
105.”Times Square Lights”- Using Lights- Silk
106.”Farmer’s Market”- Fresh
107.”The County Fair”- Fresh
108. “Balcony Barbeque”- Dried
BEST MANTEL………………….ROSETTE

SCALE OF POINTS
Design & Color…………………………………25
Suitability & Interpretation of theme….25
Distinction & Originality……………………25
Condition…………………………………………25
TOTAL POINTS………………………………100

JUNIOR DIVISION
Please read all rules and descriptions for all exhibits carefully!

CLASS 10- JUNIOR HORTICULTURE
General Rules Apply
Premiums: 1st-$1.50 2nd-$1.00
Exhibitors must be 18 years of age or under and unmarried. Flowers should not be purchased. They should be grown in a home garden. Variety names must be listed on front of the entry tag to be eligible to be judged for a blue ribbon. Use the name on the seed package.
List No.
JR1. Marigold, 3 blooms
JR2. Zinnias, 3 blooms
JR3. Gladioli, 1 spike
JR4. Dianthus, 3 blooms
JR5. Rose, 1 bloom
JR6. Dahlia, 1 bloom
JR7. Petunias, 3 sprays
JR8. Celosia, crested or plumed,
1 bloom or stalk
JR9. Sunflower (1 bloom)
A. Up to 10 inches
B. Over 10 inches
JR10. Bouquet, one or more varieties (minimum of 5 blooms –
A leaf is NOT a flower) -Do not use oasis
JR11. Other than named, 1 bloom, stalk or spray
JR12. Other than named, Multiple Bloom
BEST JUNIOR HORTICULTURE………ROSETTE

CLASS 11- JR. CONTAINER- GROWN PLANTS
General Rules Apply
Premiums: 1st-$1.50 2nd-$1.00
Plants must have been grown by exhibitor and been in their possession 2 months or longer. Extra consideration given if variety named.
List No
JR13. Patio planter – single variety one or
more plants. Suitable for outdoors.
JR14. Potted plant, grown for the bloom or
foliage
JR15. Fairy Garden, accessories acceptable,
must contain fairy
JR16. Terrarium, any container, designer’s
choice of plant(s) and accessories
BEST JR. CONTAINER- GROWN PLANT…ROSETTE

CLASS 12- JUNIOR PLACE SETTINGS & ARRANGEMENTS
-NOTE THE CHANGES-
Premiums: 1st-$3.00 2nd-$2.00

RULES: Displays are to use FRESH flowers in a vase or container to coordinate
With the theme. No purchased flowers allowed. We encourage exhibitors
To put together their own place settings and arrangement.
Hint: use a piece of fabric, place mat, doily, etc. under the display.

Ages 7 and under Place settings:
Use toy dishes (NO PAPER PRODUCTS)
Size is limited to 12 by 12”. Keep accessories to 3 or less.
List No.
JR17. Age 4 “Playful Kittens” (place setting)
JR18. Age 5 “Merry-Go-Round Fun” (place setting)
BEST JUNIOR PLACE SETTING JR17-JR18…ROSETTE
List No.
JR19. Age 6 “Sidewalk Games” (place setting)
JR20. Age 7 “Tractor Ride” (place setting)
BEST JUNIOR PLACE SETTING JR19-JR20…ROSETTE
Ages 8-18: Arrangements only. Please keep accessories to 3 or less
List No.
JR21. Age 8 “Biking To The Park”
JR22. Age 9 “Biking To The Park”
JR23. Age 10 “Biking To The Park”
BEST JUNIOR ARRANGEMENT JR21-JR23… ROSETTE
List No.
JR24. Age 11 “Waterpark Fun”
JR25. Age 12 “Waterpark Fun”
JR26. Age 13 ”Waterpark Fun”
BEST JUNIOR ARRANGEMENT JR24-JR26… ROSETTE
List No.
JR27. Age 14 “Daily Chores”
JR28. Age 15 “Daily Chores”
JR29. Ages 16-18 “Daily Chores”
BEST JUNIOR ARRANGEMENT JR27 – JR29…ROSETTE

NOTE CHANGES… THIS IS A NEW CLASS… FULL SIZE NICHE and MINI NICHE
Full size niches are 18” deep, 24” wide, 26” high approximately. Mini niches are 10” deep, 10” wide, 11” high approximately. Fresh flowers only; NO purchased flowers allowed. NO tacks, nails, staples, tape, paints, adhesives should be used in the niches. Backdrops can be made by cutting cardboard, paneling, barn boards, etc. to fit inside the niche. They may cover the back or trifold to cover three sides. They can be covered with fabric, paper, paint, the options are endless. When fair is over just remove your backdrop and it is ready to use for future fairs. Niches are painted white so you may choose not to use any covering or backdrop. Advance reservations are due Tuesday, July 16, 6:00pm on an entry form at the fair office. You can mail entry form or bring entry form to the fair office by this deadline. Only 4 niches for both full size niche and mini niche will be assigned as they are reserved in the entry book at the fair office.

CLASS 13 – JUNIOR NICHES
Exhibitors must be 18 years of age or under and not married. Flowers should be grown in a home garden and NOT purchased. Exhibitor can do one or both mini and full-size niche.

List No.

JR30. Mini Niche “Sidewalk Chalk”
BEST JUNIOR MINI NICHE……ROSETTE

JR31. Full “Barnyard Pets”
BEST JUNIOR FULL SIZE NICHE……..ROSETTE

BEST JUNIOR NICHE……ROSETTE

SCALE OF POINTS
Design & Color………………………………….25
Suitability & Interpretation of theme……25
Distinction & Originality…………………….25
Condition………………………………………….25
TOTAL POINTS………………………………100

CLASS 14 – JUNIOR SEGMENT TABLE SETTING
Exhibitors must be 18 years of age or under and not married. Flowers should be grown in a home garden and NOT purchased. An 19” wide space is provided. Just fold tablecloth into a square to fit the space. Add plate, glass or cup, napkin and FRESH ARRANGEMENT.

List No.
JR32. “Fair Food”- Using Paper
JR33. “Prom Night”
BEST JUNIOR TABLE SETTING……ROSETTE

SCALE OF POINTS
Design & Color………………………………….25
Suitability & Interpretation of theme……25
Distinction & Originality…………………….25
Condition………………………………………….25
TOTAL POINTS………………………………100

Presets Color

Primary
Secondary