PARLOUR SHOWS

Parlour Shows provide an excellent opportunity to see what others grow. Showing what you grow provides inspiration and learning. Parlour shows are held each month beginning in March and ending with the one in November, which is a special “Home Sciences” show for those who enjoy creating home preserves or baking. The April and September shows are larger than other months and are known as the Spring and Fall shows, respectively.

Novices in both the “General” and “Decorative” categories are encouraged to exhibit. To qualify as a novice, you must be in your first year as an exhibitor at the NHS and have won not more than 4 “firsts” in any Parlour Show (anywhere else), previously. You will find that the Show Steward and other more experienced exhibitors will be glad to help you and offer their support. The BC Council of Garden Clubs “Judging Standards” booklet, available on loan or for purchase from the NHS library, explains the standards and how your entry will be judged. Helpful definitions and “staging” information is also included in this booklet.

Club produced “Parlour Show Handbooks” are available for $ 2.00 from the librarians at the meeting. As well as the monthly schedules, these include many tips, definitions and demonstrations for exhibiting your material.

Experienced Exhibitors are encouraged to keep on showing their flowers and produce. Having Parlour Show-designated categories to work towards challenges our ability to grow new varieties, and contributes to continuous improvement; but, mostly it provides inspiration and beauty at our monthly meetings, for which we thank our exhibitors!

Show Schedules are reviewed annually to ensure they reflect current standards and interests, and the Parlour Show Committee is always interested in considering any ideas you may have for the future. Publishing the “Show Schedule” in advance allows our members to plan ahead, whether it is growing a new cultivar or planting up a pot for a future exhibit. The “Decorative Categories” are meant to stimulate your imagination and encourage you to create beautiful floral designs within the guidelines.

Judges have the necessary training and experience to evaluate our exhibits. When this is not possible, we make every effort to have judges who are experienced gardeners and floral designers. Judging exhibits not only encourages friendly competition, but provides a standard to which members can aspire.

Ribbons are awarded at the regular shows, and rosettes and trophies are presented after the special shows (Spring and Fall) and for cumulative points won over the course of the season or year.

Thanks to our members and guests who have been able to assist us with our judging on a volunteer basis. Training is available for members who have an interest in learning to become judges, and we encourage you to speak to a member of the Executive if you would like to take these courses.