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Open to the Public, April 11th, 2025, 10 am - 4 pm

Fields of Gold

Show_Logo_final_copy-1.jpg

A Daffodil Celebration

A Club Flower Show
Prese
nted by the Stonington Garden Club

April 10 & 11th, 2025

Historic Stonington
Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House Museum
40 Palmer Street
Stonington CT 06378

PREFACE

The Garden Club of America is a nonprofit national organization composed of 200 member garden clubs with almost 18,000 club members who devote energy and expertise to projects in their communities and across the United States. Founded in 1913, the GCA is a leader in horticulture, conservation, creative arts, historic preservation, and environmental protection.

 

The purpose of The Garden Club of Americais to stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening; to sharethe advantage of association by means of educational meetings,conferences, correspondence and publications; and to restore, improve and protect the quality of the environment through educational programs and action in the fields of conservation and civic improvement.

 

The purpose of a flower show is threefold: to set standards of artistic and horticultural excellence; to broaden knowledge of horticulture, floral design, conservation, photography and other related areas; and to share the beauty of a show with fellow club members and with the public.

 

Established in 1926, the Stonington Garden Club is a dynamic all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to educate and encourage interest in the environment, conservation, and community projects, and stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening among its members and members of the community.

Timetable for Exhibitors

October 10, 2024

Horticulture - Six-month ownership deadline

 

January 10, 2025

Horticulture - Three-month ownership deadline

 

February 1, 2025       

Registration opens for all divisions

 

March 1, 2025           

Floral Design and Photography registration deadline

 

March 10, 2025         

Photography entry delivery deadline

 

March 15, 2025         

Photography entries passed

Thursday, April 10th, 2025

8-10 AM       

Floral Design and Horticulture entries accepted and passed

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11:30 AM     

Judges & Clerks Lunch

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12:45 PM     

Judges briefing

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1:00 PM     

 Judging begins

Friday, April 11th, 2025

10 AM-4 PM     

Show Open to the Public  TBD - Ian Cooke presents “Spring Fever: History of Daffodils”​

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4 PM                 

Show Closes

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4-4:30 PM         

All entries must be removed

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Flower Show Committee

CHAIR

Pamela Wright

wrightjpamela@gmail.com

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CO-PRESIDENTS

SCHEDULE

DIVISION CHAIRS

DIVISION ONE

FLORAL DESIGN

Shonah Drakos

ssdrakos@gmail.com

DIVISION TWO

HORTICULTURE

Laura Hall

lefrommer@gmail.com

DIVISION THREE

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jill Corr

jillcorr22@gmail.com

AWARDS

Susan Alston

sjasgc@gmail.com

JUDGES & CLERKS

HOSPITALITY

GRAPHICS

PHOTOGRAPHER

.

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GCA Rules

1.  Please carefully read and follow GCA Flower Show Rules, General Information, and Division Guidelines. All rules as stated in The Garden Club of America Flower Show and Judging Guide (FS & JG), 2024 edition, shall apply.

 

2.  All plant material must be correctly identified with the botanical and common names, if possible. Accepted references for nomenclature are:

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a. Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder at                    https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/plantfindersearch.aspx

 

b. Royal Horticultural Society - Find a Plant at https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/search-Form

 

c. Botanical Nomenclature - GCA Flower Show Committee

 

4.  The Garden Club of America expects all exhibitors to be aware of the need to promote the conservation of endangered and threatened plants. Plants collected in the wild and listed by the Connecticut Recreation and Natural Heritage Trust Program may not be exhibited in any flower show sponsored by a GCA club. Cultivated plant material listed by Connecticut’s Recreation and Natural Heritage Trust Program may be exhibited if accompanied by a typed card stating that it has not been collected from the wild or that it was collected out-of-state and giving information concerning its cultural requirements and methods of propagation. The Recreation and Natural Heritage Trust Program lists of endangered plant material will be available before and during the show from the division chairs and are available online at https://portal.ct.gov/deep/plants/plants

 

5.  Plant material showing evidence of insects or disease must be removed immediately from the exhibition area. This rule will be enforced at any time during the show, whenever the problem is identified.

 

6.  Use of the following items is not permitted in Floral Design and Horticulture, locally endangered or invasive plants, diseased plant material, artificial plant material, live animals of any kind, taxidermy, natural birds' nests, feathers of any kind, coral, hooves, horns, fur, hair (except wool), shells (sea, turtle, egg, etc.) The Photography Division is exempt from this rule, but all photographs must show respect for the natural world and be taken in an ethically responsible way. Information on invasive plants is available online at https://portal.ct.gov/deep/invasive-species/invasive-species

General Information

1.  Entries are open to all Stonington Garden Club members including Candidates, New Members, Active, Friends and professionals in their disciplines, except as noted in the schedule. 

 

2.  All designs must be the original work of the exhibitor(s). Although techniques and components may be inspired by other designs, the application of the techniques and components must create an original design that is distinct from the inspiration.

 

3.  Registration is required for all classes, except for those in the Horticulture Division that are weather-dependent (cut specimens, etc.). 

 

4.  Classes will be filled in the order registration emails and/or requests are received by Division Chairs.

 

5.  Entering a show constitutes permission to use images of the exhibitor's work in all GCA channels of communication.

 

6.  While The Garden Club of America, Stonington Garden Club, and Historic Stonington will exercise due caution in safeguarding exhibits, responsibility for damage, loss, or personal injury cannot be assumed.

 

7.  Any clarification or change in the rules, as originally stated in the schedule, shall be communicated promptly in writing by the division chairs to all exhibitors in the class and, at the show, to the judges and the passing committee.

 

8.  An entry card must accompany each entry. Entry cards will be available at the show and upon request from the division chairs in advance of the show. Information required on the entry card can be printed or completed in black waterproof medium. If a sample or key card will be displayed with the entry, it is acceptable to write "See Key card" in lieu of listing plant material on the entry card.

 

8.  The passing committee must pass each entry before the exhibitor(s) may leave the show area. The passing committee reserves the right to refuse any entry that does not conform to the rules of the schedule. The exhibitor has the option of correcting the entry if time permits. If not corrected, the entry cannot be judged but may remain in place, marked “For Exhibit Only” with a brief, constructively worded statement explaining why it was not judged. Judges may not disqualify any entry passed by the passing committee unless insect infestation or disease is evident.

 

9.  Once an entry is passed, the exhibitor(s) must immediately leave the show floor. The only exception will be the flower show committee members who have entered and been passed according to the timetable. A passed entry may not be touched again by the exhibitor until after judging and then only to carry out necessary maintenance.

 

10.  Only participating judges and clerks will be allowed on the show floor during judging. Flower Show and Division chairs should remain nearby but off the show floor until needed.

 

11.  Containers and accessories should be inconspicuously labeled with the exhibitor’s name.

 

12.  A statement of intent, if required by the class, must be submitted at the time of passing. The statement must be no more than 25 words, typed or printed in black waterproof medium on a 4" x 6" white unlined card.

 

13.  All Judges' decisions are final.

 

14.  All exhibits must remain in place and in show condition until the closing time of the show.

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15.  All exhibits must remain in place and in show condition until the closing time of the show.

Division One - Floral Design

FLORAL DESIGN GUIDELINES

1.  Please carefully read and follow the GCA Rules, General Information, and Timetable for Exhibitors.

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2.  Advance registration is required by March 1, 2025.

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3.  An exhibitor is permitted only one entry per class but may enter two classes. 

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4.  The exhibitor(s) under whose name(s) the entry has been registered must create and complete the design. All participants must be listed on the entry card. Only listed exhibitors and show personnel may be on the show floor at the time of entry.

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5.  No more than two exhibitors may execute a design unless otherwise stated in the schedule.

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6.  If forced to withdraw, an exhibitor must notify the division chair and class consultant and find a substitute unless there is a waiting list for the class.

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7.  Designs may be executed off-site and brought to the show completed.

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8.  All entries must include fresh and/or dried plant material. Fresh plant material must be in water or conditioned in such a way as to remain in pristine form while on exhibition. Rooted plant material is allowed, provided no soil is attached, with the exception of pot-et-fleur classes.

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9.  Mechanics should not be visible unless they are an integral part of the design.​

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10.  Anything not prohibited in the GCA Rules, Floral Design Division Guidelines, or individual class descriptions is permitted.​

 

11.  Although permitted, the use of cut fruits and vegetables is discouraged and should be undertaken only with proper treatment to prevent spoilage and insect contamination.

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12.  Accessories are permitted unless otherwise stated in the class description.

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13.  Staging restrictions and pertinent paint color information will be available from the division chair after the registration form is received. 

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14.  Questions regarding class requirements may be directed to the division chair.

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15.  Judging will be based on the principles of design (balance, contrast, dominance, proportion, rhythm, and scale) and the elements of design (light, space, line, form, color, texture, pattern, and size). Creativity, distinction, conformance to and interpretation of the class and schedule are also considered.

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16. Scale of points by which the classes are to be judged: (as per FS & JG Book 4, Judging at Flower Shows, 2024 edition).

Floral Design Classes

Class 1: Soothe Your Spring Fever                                      4 Entries

Herbal teas have been used as natural remedies for hundreds of years. They are made from dried flowers, spices, and herbs. Create a design using fresh and/or dried flowers, spices, and herbs. All designs should be in a cup and saucer. Designs not to exceed 8 inches in height, width, or depth. Designs will be staged on a mantel, 10" in depth x 46" in height with a black background, viewed from the front.

 

Class 2: Lemon and Honey or Cream and Sugar?             4 Entries

Find your favorite flavor and enjoy! Create a monochromatic design in a cup and saucer. Designs not to exceed 8 inches in height, width, or depth. Designs will be staged on a mantel, 10" in depth x 46" in height with a black background, viewed from the front

 

Monochromatic Design: a design incorporating plant material of just one color, including the shades and tints of the hue. A small amount of green foliage is allowed with the chosen single color. A small bit of attached non-conforming floral parts is permitted, e.g., the yellow center of a purple aster. The container, base and/or stand does not need to be the same color.

 

Class 3: Easter’s On Its Way!                                               4 Entries

Create a vibrant living Easter basket using a Pot-et-fleur arrangement. While Daffodils must be incorporated, they do not need to dominate the design. Baskets must not be larger than 12 inches and include a handle. Designs will be staged on a 30" high, round table, draped in black. Viewed on all sides.

 

Pot-et-fleur: a combination of rooted plants (in or out of pots) and cut flowers and/or foliage (in water or conditioned to last for the duration of the show) assembled in a container.

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Class 4: Spring has Sprung!                                               4 Entries

Celebrate early spring by creating a parallel design. Designs not to exceed 12" in length. Designs will be staged on a 30" high table, draped in black. Viewed on all sides.

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Parallel Design: a design in which plant material (and other components, if not prohibited) are placed in strongly parallel groupings with open space between; may be vertical, horizontal, or diagonal. Additional components may be placed at any angle at the base as connectives. Multiple containers may be used, but the design must appear as a single unit.

Division Two - Horticulture

HORTICULTURE GUIDELINES

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1.  Please carefully read and follow the GCA Rules, General Information, and Timetable for Exhibitors.

 

2.  Advance registration for classes 15, 16 & 17 is required by April 4, 2025. No penalty for withdrawing registration at the last minute.

 

3.  An exhibitor may submit more than one entry per class, provided each is a different species or cultivar.

 

4.  Entries must have been owned and grown by the exhibitor for a minimum of three months unless otherwise stated in the schedule.

 

5.  All rooted entries propagated by the exhibitor must be identified with details of the method and relevant date(s) on an accompanying propagation card. This rule applies to classes 15, 16 & 17. Please contact division chair for questions.

 

6.  Mats, stands, saucers, stakes, ties, etc., are allowed if unobtrusive and don’t detract from the exhibit.

 

7.  Classes may be subdivided, and entries moved and/or reclassified at the discretion of the show committee and/or the judges. 

 

8.  Containers are measured at the diameter or the diagonal of the widest point on the inside of the rim at the soil line.

 

9.  Container-grown plants must be exhibited in containers that are clean, unobtrusive, and compatible with the exhibit. Terracotta clay pots are preferred. Disguised double potting and top dressing are permitted; top dressing must not float when watered.

 

10.  The committee will provide containers and wedging materials for all cut specimens. The Exhibitor may use their own clear, transparent bottles for cut specimens.

 

11.  Scale of points by which the classes are to be judged: (as per FS & JG Book 4, Judging at Flower Shows, 2024 edition).

Horticulture Classes

Narcissus: (Division refers to RHS Horticultural Classifications)

There are thirteen descriptive divisions of daffodils.  Miniatures have the same descriptive divisions as standards, only with smaller blooms, usually less than 2 inches.

 

One stem is exhibited in a clear glass bottle/vase provided by the exhibitor or committee. Wedging material will be provided by the committee. Classes 1-14. Classes 1-13 are to be judged by members of the SGC Horticulture Committee.

 

Class 1.   Division 1 Trumpet Daffodils

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Class 2.   Division 2 Large-Cupped Daffodils

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Class 3.   Division 3 Small-Cupped Daffodils

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Class 4.   Division 4 Double Daffodils

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Class 5.   Division 5 Triandrus Daffodils

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Class 6    Division 6 Cyclamineus Daffodils

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Class 7.   Division 7 Jonquilla Daffodils

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Class 8.   Division 8 Tazetta Daffodils

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Class 9.   Division 9 Poeticus Daffodils

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Class 10. Division 10 Bulbocodium Daffodils

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Class 11. Division 11 Split Corona Daffodils

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Class 12. Division 12 Miscellaneous Daffodils

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Class 13. Division 13 Daffodils are distinguished solely by Botanical Name

 

Class 14. Miniature Daffodils (GCA Judged)
Miniatures have the same descriptive divisions as standards, only with smaller blooms, usually less than 2 inches (50mm) in diameter.

 

Class 15. Club Challenge Container-Grown Dwarf Narcissus ‘Elka’ (GCA Judged)

5 bulbs per suitably sized container. Bulbs and containers provided by SGC.

 

Class 16. Container-Grown Narcissus, Exhibitor’s Choice (GCA Judged)

8-12 inch diameter container

 

Class 17. Indoor forced daffodil single bulb with roots attached in soil or water. (GCA Judged)​

Division Three - Photography

PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDELINES

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1. Please carefully read and follow the GCA Rules, General Information, and Timetable for Exhibitors.

 

2.  An exhibitor is permitted only one entry per class but may enter up to two classes. 

 

3.  Registration opens 2/1/25. Registration closes 3/1/25. Delivery of digital photographs is required by 3/10/25. Contact division chair for further instructions.

 

4.  Digital photography entries must be named as follows: LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_CLASS#_.JPEG. For example: CORR_JILL_CLASS2.JPEG.

 

5.  If forced to withdraw, an exhibitor must notify the division chair and find a substitute unless there is a waiting list for the class.

 

6.  A photograph previously entered in any GCA, GCA Major, Sanctioned non-GCA Major flower show, or a GCA Focus online contest may not be entered again even with slight alterations and/or reprinting. The same photograph may only be entered in one show at a time. If a photo is not advanced as a finalist in juried judging, it may be entered into a second juried flower show, a GCA flower show, a GCA Major flower show, or a Club flower show. Editing is allowed.

 

7.  A photograph previously entered in a Club flower show may be entered into a GCA, Zone, GCA Major, or a Sanctioned non-GCA Major Flower Show unless that photograph was submitted for publication in the Focus photography gallery or a printed issue of Focus.

 

8.  All elements in photographic images must be created by the exhibitor. The composition must have been photographically captured by the exhibitor and not an AI generator. No third-party images, stock, or AI-generated images or elements are allowed in entries. Non-representational commercial overlays and textures are permitted. 

 

9.  Editing must be the work of the exhibitor. This includes enhancement for color or clarity, removal of a part of the image, combining images, or distorting the original subject. In manipulated photographs, any added imagery must be the work of the exhibitor.

 

10.  Mounting and printing will be done professionally by an outside source for all entries. 

 

11.  Plant material is required in photographs. Photography entries are limited to subjects consistent with The Garden Club of America’s interests such as horticulture, floral design, gardens/landscapes, conservation, the environment, historic preservation, civic improvement, and the natural world.

 

12.  For sizing and mounting instructions, contact division chair.

 

13.  A title or brief statement of intent is required on the entry card.

 

14.  Photographs will be hung on a panel and displayed in the Palmer House. Contact division chair for further inquiries.

 

15.  Digital photographs must be received no later than March 10, 2025. For instructions contact division chair. 

 

16.  All entries will be passed by two members of either the Photograph Committee and/or the Photography judging program to verify class specifications have been met. If a photograph is not passed, the exhibitor will be notified and allowed, if time permits, to send a replacement photograph.

 

17.  Only the photography committee may reclassify an entry, and only with the exhibitor’s permission. 

 

18.  Only appropriate images of a child or children should be submitted to, passed, and exhibited in the Photography Division and published in Focus.

 

19.  Photographs winning Best in Show can be submitted for inclusion into the Focus Gallery. Rename your image to: FlowerShowName-YourFirstNameYourLastName.jpeg (ex. GardenofSplendor-JaneStory.jpeg). Please submit it as a JPEG file size 1-5 MB using the Focus submission form on the Photography Committee page. 

 

20.  Scale of points by which the classes are to be judged (as per FS & JG Book 4, Judging at Flower Shows, 2024 edition).

Photography - Classes

Class 1: Golden Trumpets                                        4 Entries

Description: Showcase a floral bloom. Focus on capturing a flower’s unique structure, vibrant color, and fine details.

 

Macro or close-up color photograph of a flower, emphasizing details of individual blooms.

 

Class 2: Fields of Sunshine                                       4 Entries

Description: Celebrate the collective charm of flowers and trees in their natural or cultivated settings.

 

A color landscape photograph, featuring fields, gardens, or naturalized clusters of flowers or trees.

 

Class 3: Spring’s First Glow                                      4 Entries

Description: Capture the essence of renewal and joy of early spring. This category can include flowers paired with morning dew, sunlight, or pollinators.

 

A color photograph, integrating flowers within a springtime setting.

 

Class 4: Dancing in the Breeze                               4 Entries

Description: Show the dynamic interaction of any aspect of nature, such as leaves, flowers, grasses, etc., with their surroundings, whether it’s gentle motion or interplay with light.

 

A color photograph that evokes a sense of movement. Creative techniques are encouraged.

Club Show Flower Awards

Best in Show, selected from among the first-place winners, may be awarded in each division.

 

Judges’ Commendation(s) may be given to an entry, class, section, special exhibit or other aspect of the show that is of exceptional merit.

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