Transcript Chasing the Queen…And Catching Her!

Chasing the Queen
...and Catching Her!
Don Myers/September 2015
Why do we exhibit?
• Because it’s fun!
• Growing the best and sharing them with
others
• For the thrill of competition and victory
• For trophies and recognition
• Out of a sense of duty to the rose society
Pick the Queen
1
2
3
4
To win a queen, you need to know what one looks like!
The Chase for the queen starts in the garden
…50 years of growing plants
…planted first rose in 1964, last one 2015
…30 years of serious exhibiting
Selecting
• Grow roses that win in your area
• Horizon Roses is the best source of
frank opinions about new roses. Read the opinions of
those that you respect or in your geography. A good
rose in CA may not be in the Carolinas.
• Don’t be afraid to try new ones…rose addiction is better
than some other addictions
• Multiple plants of “bankers” can help
• Shovel-prune those that don’t produce winners.
• Know your rootstocks. Fortuniana is a good choice in the
south (very prolific).
The Basics
• Growing-Many means to the same
end…Upgrade your fertilizer program
• Spraying
–
–
–
–
–
Follow a program with purpose
Keep records/when/how much
Use registered pesticides
Be careful with “cocktails”
Safety first!
Getting Ready
• Pruning for a show-Bloom cycling
– 40-45 days for minis
– Bracket the show
– Weather often unpredictable
• Cutting for a show-Do it!!
– Refrigerate, dry wrap (if necessary)
– Maximize what you have!
– Focus on your best/cull the rest…quantity does
not always work
Transporting Your
Roses
• Many large exhibitors have special boxes to
take roses by air or long distances…not the
only way!
• Dry transport is a simple method that
allows you to bring roses safely and
successfully to a national show…it’s as
simple as (1) cutting, (2) sealing the cut
end, (3) tubing, and (4) carrying…in your
suitcase…no muss, no fuss
Preparing
• Read the schedule carefully and know the rules. Get
your tags ready. Organize your time.
• Grooming is the most important
activity that many exhibitors ignore
or do poorly
– Attend to the details-- Wedge, Trim (circular profile, cut
out blemishes). Polish leaves. Make sure the bloom is at
exhibition stage and not really a bud.
– Understand ARS standards and meet them
– If you don’t have a partner, hire one!! Many of the most
successful exhibitors work as a team.
Entering
• Present your entry-Focus and take your
time, plan!
– Enter as many entries that you can handle well.
– Focus on your best and forget the rest.
– Collections require more thought
• color balance and harmony
• shape and placement of the stems
– Know what the judges are looking
for. Become a judge!
At the Show
•
•
•
•
•
•
Compete with grace. Help your fellow exhibitors
Congratulate the winners
If you win, be humble.
Share your methods with others.
Pick up your trophies!
Remember that the rose show should be an
educational experience for you, your fellow
exhibitors, rose society members, and the general
public.
The Intangibles
• Desire…Carol’s Uncle Joe story
• The judges goofed!
• Luck
–Fresno story
– It only takes one!
Your Questions and Comments