The focal point of the Show is the Flower and Plant Exhibit where floral and plant displays are judged by accredited judges. Everyone from master gardeners to novices, children and families, are encouraged to enter in our many categories of arrangements, containers, bouquets, and cut flowers, including, of course, the ever popular roses. You do not have to be a member to enter.
ARRANGEMENTS
Our theme this year is
"Silhouettes of the Valley" with 11 Classes of arrangements. We are including resource links below to help everyone with instructions on how to make spectacular arrangements just like a professional.
CLASS ENTRIES
New this year is a return to a featured class from the past: table setting - a setting for two with an arrangement in the center of the table.
Garden Show Rules 2025
Registration Card 2025
Please note that entry cards MUST be printed on white card stock.
Rules and Cards are available at the Carmel Valley Library in early April.
Rules and Registration
General Rules for Exhibitors are available on-line and will be available in print at the Carmel Valley Library in mid April. The rules describe the five (5) formally judged categories (Arrangements, Youth Entries, Container Plants, Cut flowers, and Roses) and their classes and sub-classes, and the one publicly judged category (Fragrant Roses).
Exhibitors are allowed entries in as many classes as desired but only two entries in each class or sub-class, except for succulents and cacti, where three entries are allowed in each class or sub-class.
Entry Cards for Exhibitors will be available on-line in March and will be available in print at the Carmel Valley Library in mid April. One must be completed for each Entry.
Registration for Exhibitors will be at Hidden Valley Music Seminars Friday, May 2, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Drop-off is outside the main Theater. (Check the site map for location)
All exhibits and ribbons must be removed on Sunday, May 4 from 4:10 - 4:40 p.m.
Contact Bart Burrows at 925-899-4229 for more information about our 2025 show.
Awards and Prizes
A first, second, third and honorable mention place ribbon will be awarded in each class or subclass at the judges' discretion. The exception to this is Class 90 Roses, where more than one ribbon may be awarded.
Our Judges for 2025 are all professionally accredited by California Garden Clubs, Inc. They come from the San Francisco region. (2025 judges to be confirmed)
- Kiwi De Voy
- Nancy Martin
- Charlotte Masson
- Shirlene Shufelt
- Barbara Coelho
- Linda Hicks
Ribbons and a prize of $20 will be awarded to each of the Best in Category: Container Plants, Cut Flowers, Iris and Rose.
Ribbons and a prize of $25 will be awarded for the Best Artistic Arrangement and Popular Choice.
Resources and Advice
1. A few helpful notes for all exhibitors:
a. Arrangements are judged for overall design, so spend time thinking about that and watch online videos
b. A bouquet is usually displayed in a vase and the flowers are generally gathered and look like they were dropped in
c. Roses must be labeled accurately; be sure to research the name of your Rose prior to the show
d. To prepare roses, do not remove the sepals, just remove any damaged guard petals
2. For Class 11, Table-setting, 30" tables will be provided. You may bring any type of place setting for two (plates, glasses, tablecloth, etc.). A matching flower arrangement "centerpiece" should go in the middle of the table. Please note there will only be 7 tables and you must register in advance for a table by calling Dianne Woods at 831-277-2670.
3. Here is a page with advice on Arrangements by Kiwi De Voy, one of our judges
4. Excellent video on Creating a Beautiful Flower Arrangement on Youtube
5. The Fundamentals of Floristry Design Video on Youtube
6. See beautiful examples of Ikebana and some Italian Haiku on Youtube
7. On this page of Example Irises and Lillies you will find links to examples of Irises and Lillies from our classification system, e.g., an example of Class 47 "Bearded Iris" to help explain the distinction between the different types of Irises
8. See examples on this page of Garden Show Flowering and Foliage Plants to help with Class 15 and Class 16