Division J – Flowers & Plants 2026

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 14 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 or dried flowers. Fresh Flowers should not be purchased from any source.
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.

1. NO LEAVES should be in the water.
2. Wedging is encouraged to help specimen stand straight.
3. To wedge- Use a piece of Styrofoam or packing peanut.
4. No foil, handi-wrap, or crisscross tape.
5. Could possibly use a 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 the 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. In the Jr. Show, fresh flowers should not be purchased from any source.
10. Preliminary work on tables, niches, and mantels may be done 5-8 PM, Wed, July 15.
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, European morning glory, Field bindweed, Horse Nettle, Leafy spurge, Perennial peppergrass, Russian Knap weed, Buckhorn, Palmer amaranth, and all other species of thistle belonging in genera of Cirsium and Carduus.

SECONDARY NOXIOUS WEEDS
Butterprint annual, Cocklebur annual, Wild mustard annual, Wild carrot biennial, Buckthorn perennial, Sheep sorrel perennial, Sour dock perennial, Smooth dock perennial, Poison hemlock, Multiflora Rose, Wild Sunflower annual, Puncture vine annual, Teasel biennial, and Shattercane annual.

Iowa Weed Law, Chapter 317, Code of Iowa 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.
A stem is only one flower, a spray is one stem with multiple flowers. Specimens 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 specimens should be exhibited in CLEAR glass bottles or jars provided by the exhibitor. NO VASES. No leaves in the water.
Premiums: 1st-$1.50 2nd-$1.00
List No.
1. Marigolds (over 3 inches) 1 bloom
A. Yellow
B. Orange

2. Other
   2. Marigolds (1 1/2″ to 3″) 3 blooms
   A. Yellow
   B. Orange
3. Other
   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. Petunias
   A. Single, 1 stem or spray
   B. Double, 1 stem or spray
   7. New 2026 Flower
   BEST OF CLASSES 4-10…………..ROSETTE
   8. Hydrangea, 1 bloom or spray
   A. Pink
   B. Blue
   C. White
   D. Other than named
   BEST HYDRANGEA…………..ROSETTE
   9. Hostas, Measure across leaf
   A. 1 leaf, over 10”
   B. 3 leaves, 4” to 6” of same variety
   C. 3 leaves, 6″ to 10″ of same variety.
   D. 3 leaves, mini under 4″ of same variety.
   BEST HOSTA………………….ROSETTE
   10. Zinnias, Lime/Green 3 blooms any size
   11. Zinnias, 3 blooms, over 3”
   A. Red
   B. Other colors
   12. Zinnias, 3 blooms, 2” to 3”
   A. Red
   B. Striped
   C. Queeny
   D. Other
   13. Zinnias, 3 blooms, under 2”
   A. Purples
   B. Pinks
   C. Reds
   D. Other
   BEST ZINNIAS…………………ROSETTE
   14. 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
   15. Celosia, 1 stem
   A. Crested
   B. Plumed, Red
   C. Plumed, Other color
   BEST CELOSIA…………………ROSETTE
   16. Daisy type, 1 stem
   A. Shasta daisy
   B. Gaillardia or Blanket flower
   C. Cone flower
   D. Rudbeckia
   BEST DAISY TYPE………………ROSETTE
   17. Dahlias, 1 bloom any color or variety
   A. Under 4”
   B. 4” to 6”
   C. Over 6” to 8”
   D. Over 8” and over
   BEST DAHLIA………………….ROSETTE
   18. 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- flowers should face forward
   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
   19. 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
   20. 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- Bloom/ Single Stem
   1. White
   2. Pink
   3. Other than name
   BEST LILY – LILIUM………………………ROSETTE
   21. Tiger Lily, 1 stem
   22. Calla Lily, 1 stem plus a leaf
   23. Canna Lily, 1 stem plus a leaf
   BEST LILY – Classes 30-32……..ROSETTE
   24. Ornamental Grasses, 1 stem fresh
   A. Stem without plume
   B. Stem Blooming with plume
   BEST GRASS…………………..ROSETTE
   25. Any Perennial other, 1 stem – single bloom
   26. Any Perennial other, 1 stem
   27. Any Annual other, 1 stem – single bloom
   28. Any Annual other, 1 stem – multiple blooms
   BEST OF CLASSES 25 – 28……….ROSETTE
4. NEW Sunflowers
5. Single Bloom 7” and under one stem
6. Single Bloom 8” and over one stem
7. Multiple Blooms 7” and under one stem
8. Multiple Blooms 8” and over one stem

BEST SUNFLOWER……………..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 glass 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 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, only on the tags.
List No.
30. Salvias
31. Petunias
32. Zinnias
33. Marigolds
34. Snapdragons
35. Dahlias
36. A. Celosia, plumed variety
B. Celosia, crested variety
37. Gladioli
38. Lilies/Hemerocallis
39. Other than named (One Variety)
40. Mixed garden annuals- 5 different varieties
41. Mixed garden perennials- 5 different varieties
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.
42. Flowering Begonia in bloom
43. Tuberous Begonia
44. Geranium, Vining
45. Geranium, any other type
46. Cactus
47. Succulents
48. Coleus
49. Pothos or Philodendron, plain or Variegated
50. Caladium (one or more per pot)
51. African Violet – Any color – Blooming or not
52. Fern, any variety
53. Ivy, any variety
54. Rare or unusual plant, other than named, specify variety
55. Other than named, blooming plant, not hanging, specify variety
56. Other than named, foliage plant, not hanging, specify variety
57. Patio planter- one or more plants
A. Single variety
B. Multiple varieties
58. Hanging container, blooming or budding plant(s), other than named
59. Hanging container, foliage plant(s), other than named
60. Any plants grown in novelty container
BEST POTTED PLANT (#42 – #56)….ROSETTE
BEST POTTED PLANT (#57 – #60)….ROSETTE

ARRANGEMENT CLASSES
Theme: “Star Spangled Birthday”

*Use free standing flags only. Please remember rule #3, fresh flowers should not be purchased from any source.

CLASS 4- ARRANGEMENTS
General Rules Apply
Premiums: 1st-$3.00 2nd-$2.00
Accessories optional in all lists
List No.
61. “Amber Waves of Grain”- Dried
62. “Proud to be an American”- Silk
63. “Sweet Land of Liberty”- Fresh
64. “Veteran Hero”- Fresh
65. “Fireworks in Flowers”- Fresh
66. “Only in America”- 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.
67. “United We Stand”- Vertical- Fresh
68. “Mighty Mississippi”- Using Water- Fresh
69. “Stars in the Garden”- Using a Lights- Silk
70. “God Bless America”- Mass- Silk
71. “Sunrise- Sunset”- Horizontal- Fresh
72. “Marching on”- In a Boot – Dried
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.
73. “Independence Day Picnic”- Using paper- Fresh
74. “Stars and Stripes”- Formal- Silk
75. “Happy Birthday Hero’s”- Designer’s Choice
76. “Timeless Tribute”- Casual- Dried
77. “Thanks for our Blessings”- Formal- Fresh
78. “Spirit of 76’”- Fresh
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 Class 7
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

For full size and mini niches the judge will also choose a third place and will receive $4.50 by an anonymous donor.

Plant material in arrangements as stated with each list. 16 full size niches provided are 18″ deep, 24″ wide, 26″ high approximately.
The mini niches are 10″ deep, 10″ wide, and 11” high approximately, 12 are available.

FULL SIZE NICHES
List No.
79. “Fly Like an Eagle”- Dried
80. “Courage and Sacrifice”- Fresh
81. “Born in the USA” – Silk
82. “In God We Trust”- Fresh
83. “The Mayflower Sails”- Silk
84. “President’s Day”- Fresh

BEST FULL-SIZE NICHE………….ROSETTE

MINI NICHES – Limited to 3 exhibitors in each title
List No.
85. “Yankee Doodle”- Dried
86. “Home Sweet Home”- Fresh
87. “I Pledge Allegiance”- Silk
88. “Let Freedom Ring”- Fresh
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.
89. “The Red, White, and Blue”
90. “My Country Tis of thee”
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.
91. “Purple Mountain’s Majesties”- Fresh
92.”America the Beautiful”- Fresh
93.”America’s Pastime”- Silk
94.”Saulte to those who have served”- Fresh
95.”US Monuments”- Silk
96. “By the Dawn’s Early Light”- Silk
BEST MANTEL………………….ROSETTE

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

CLASS 10- NEW CLASS- Decorative Front Door Planters
General Rules Apply
Premiums: 1st-$4.50 2nd-$3.50
List No.
97. “Freedom Blooms”

BEST DECORATIVE PLANTER……..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 11- JUNIOR HORTICULTURE
General Rules Apply
Premiums: 1st-$1.50 2nd-$1.00
Exhibitors must be 18 years of age or under. Flowers should not be purchased from any source. They should be grown in a home garden. Variety names must be listed on the back 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. Collection, one or more varieties (minimum of 5 blooms –
A leaf is NOT a flower) -Do not use oasis- using glass container- NO VASE.
JR11. Other than named, 1 bloom, stalk or spray
JR12. Other than named, Multiple Bloom
BEST JUNIOR HORTICULTURE………ROSETTE

CLASS 12- 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. Fairy Garden, accessories acceptable, must contain fairy. Must have plants in them.
BEST JR. CONTAINER- GROWN PLANT…ROSETTE

CLASS 13- JUNIOR TAPESTRY & ARRANGEMENTS
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 from a floral shop. 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.

Use a 9×9 cake pan filled with wet sand, and then use the blooms from the flowers in the cake pan and make your design.

Ages 7 and under Place settings:
List No.
JR15. Age 4 “F is for Flag” (Tapestry)
JR16. Age 5 “F is for Flag” (Tapestry)
BEST JUNIOR PLACE SETTING JR15-JR16…ROSETTE
List No.
JR17. Age 6 “4^th of July” (Tapestry)
JR18. Age 7 “4^th of July” (Tapestry)
BEST JUNIOR PLACE SETTING JR17-JR18…ROSETTE

Ages 8-18: Arrangements only. Please keep accessories to 3 or less
List No.
JR19. Age 8, 9, 10 “Let’s Celebrate”- Fresh
JR20. Age 8, 9, 10 “Let’s Celebrate”- Silk
BEST JUNIOR ARRANGEMENT JR19-JR20… ROSETTE
List No.
JR21. Age 11, 12, 13 “Red, White, and Boom”- Fresh
JR22. Age 11, 12, 13 “Red, White and Boom”- Silk
BEST JUNIOR ARRANGEMENT JR23-JR24… ROSETTE
List No.
JR23. Age 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 “Made in America”- Fresh
JR24. Age 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 “Made in America”- Silk
BEST JUNIOR ARRANGEMENT JR23 – JR24…ROSETTE

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. 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 14, 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 14 – JUNIOR NICHES
Exhibitors must be 18 years of age or under. Flowers could be grown in a home garden and NOT purchased from a floral shop. Exhibitor can do one or both mini and full-size niche.

List No.

JR25. Mini Niche “Happy Birthday USA”- Fresh
JR26. Mini Niche “Happy Birthday USA”- Silk
BEST JUNIOR MINI NICHE……ROSETTE

JR27. Full “Surfin’ USA”- Fresh
JR28. Full “Surfin’ USA”- Silk
BEST JUNIOR FULL SIZE NICHE……..ROSETTE

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

CLASS 15 – JUNIOR SEGMENT TABLE SETTING
Exhibitors must be 18 years of age or under. Flowers should be grown in a home garden and NOT purchased from a floral shop. An 19” wide space is provided. Just fold tablecloth into a square to fit the space. Add plate, glass or cup, napkin and YOUR ARRANGEMENT.

List No.
JR29. “Independence Day Picnic”- Fresh- May use paper
JR30. “Independence Day Picnic”- Silk- May use paper
BEST JUNIOR TABLE SETTING……ROSETTE

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

CLASS 16 – DECORATIVE CUP
Exhibitors must be 18 years of age or under. Flowers should be grown in a home garden and NOT purchased from a floral shop. Decorative cup must use fresh flowers or greenery with either silk or dried added.

List No.
JR31. My Hero- could be police, firefighter, or any branch of military.
BEST JUNIOR DECORATIVE CUP……ROSETTE

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

CLASS 17- PROFESSIONAL DESIGNER

This is not a judged class but a people’s choice award.

You must be a full-time professional floral designer and make your living doing as such.

Winner to be announced on Saturday July 18^th at 1pm.

Again, this is a people’s choice award- please vote for your favorite one.

P1- “Star Spangled Birthday”