Please carefully read and follow the MFAH Rules, GCA Rules, General Information, Division Guidelines, and Timetable for Exhibitors.
Ownership Requirements
1. Entries must have been owned and grown by the exhibitor for a minimum of six months (October 16, 2018), unless otherwise stated in this schedule. Exceptions are as follows:
- Classes 13–16, Class 27, Classes 30–32; three-month ownership, January 16, 2019
- Classes 33–35; nine-month ownership, July 16, 2018
- Classes 36–46 and Class 49; one-year ownership, April 16, 2018
- Class 70; Provisional Challenge is excluded from the six-month
ownership requirement.
2. An exhibitor is permitted up to three entries per class, provided each is a different species or different cultivar.
Plant/Specimen Requirements
3. The maximum length of an entered cut specimen is 26” measured from the lip of the container to the end of the vine, branch, or leaf, unless otherwise specified in the class description. Exceptions apply to: Classes 6, 24, and 30–32 may not exceed 34”.
4. All cut specimens must be in show condition at the time of judging. Wilted specimens are subject to removal by the Horticulture Committee. See GCA Rules #4, regarding condition of plant material.
5. Leaf polish or other commercial foliage enhancers are not permitted.
Container Requirements
6. Containers and wedging materials will be provided for all cut specimens, with the exception of classes 6, and 30–32.
7. Containers are measured at the diameter or the diagonal of the widest point on the inside of the rim at the soil line. Containers may not exceed 10”. Exceptions apply to:
- Classes 45, 55, 60, and 61 not to exceed 8”
- Classes 38, 46, 62–65, and 77 not to exceed 14”.
8. Container grown plants should be exhibited in terra cotta clay pots that are clean. Disguised double-potting and top dressing are permitted. Plastic pots, if used, must be double potted inside a terra cotta clay pot. Top dressing must not float when watered. Sphagnum moss and Spanish moss are not permitted as a top dressing.
9. To designate a preferred exhibiting side, exhibitors must mark the center back of the container with a white chalk mark “X”.
10. Mats, stands and saucers are not allowed. If an entry is staked (such as a forced bulb or orchid), the support must be as unobtrusive as possible.
Entry Cards
11. Entry cards are available for download at flohouston.org, from the Division Chairs or the Horticulture Committee in advance of the show, and at the show.
12. An entry card must include the name of the exhibitor, division, class, botanical an common names, length of ownership, and if applicable, propagation method and relevant dates of propagation. Entry card and key card must be printed (by hand or computer) in black waterproof medium. Entry cards printed from flohouston.org should be printed on white cardstock.
13. A key card (diagram or plant list) is required when multiple species or cultivars are exhibited in the same container, a collection of containers, and/or propagation information is applicable. Entry card and key card must be printed (by hand or computer) in black waterproof medium. A 4” x 6” photograph with identifying marks may be used to supplement the white card.
14. Entries eligible for the Elizabeth Platt Corning Medal and/or the Louise Agee Wrinkle Horticulture Propagation Award must have been grown by and in the possession of the exhibitor for at least six months (October 16, 2018) and will be identified by a check mark on the entry card. Plants grown using sustainable practices, and those eligible for the Novice Award will also be identified by a check mark on the entry card.
Entry Process
15. Only GCA club members, Museum personnel, and plant experts approved by the Horticulture Division Chairs may be in the passing area of the Show. Only GCA club members may participate in the entry process. Each exhibitor bears the ultimate responsibility for their own entry.
16. Plant Inspection is the first station in the physical entry process. Plant Inspection closes at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16, and no entries will be accepted at Plant Inspection after 9:oo a.m. Any entry presented at Plant Inspection after 9:00 a.m. may not be entered into the show.
17. A dot with the entry number will be affixed to the container, to the entry card, and to the key card (if applicable) in order to ensure accurate staging and judging.
18. Once an entry has been passed, it may not be touched by anyone other than the Placement Committee, the Horticulture Chairs, the Show Chairs, or the Clerks.
19. Classes may be subdivided and entries moved and/or reclassified at the discretion of the Horticulture Committee, the Show Chairs, and/or the Judges.
Judging
20. Entries will be judged for horticulture achievement and conformance to schedule. For the scale of points for Horticulture, please refer to the GCA Flower Show and Judging Guide Chapter V, Section XIII, or follow the link at flohouston.org.
Removal
21. All entries must be removed on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, between 5:15–6:00 p.m. At 6:00 p.m., horticulture cut specimens, member challenge entries, and Provisional challenge entries will be discarded if not removed by the exhibitor.
INQUIRIES
By e-mail at any time. By telephone weekdays, 9:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. Central Time.
Margaret Pierce, margaret.m.pierce@icloud.com, 713-854-8049
Marilyn Gregg, mmgregg@att.net, 713-553-3616
A TIME TO REAP – CUT SPECIMENS (Classes 1 – 32)
Classes 1 – 4. TIME AND TIME AGAIN – Perennials
Grown primarily for flowers and must have at least one open bloom.
Single stem
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Three stems, same species or cultivar, in a single container.
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Grown primarily for foliage.
a. Non-variegated
b. Variegated, green and white
c. Variegated, green and one color other than white
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Three stems, same species or same cultivar, in a single container.
a. Non-variegated
b. Variegated, green and white
c. Variegated, green and one color other than white
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Classes 5 – 6. DAWN OF TIME Ferns
Single stem
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Collection of three or more different species or different cultivars arranged in a clear glass container provided by the exhibitor. May not exceed 34” from the lip of container to tip of specimen. Key card required.
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Classes 7 – 8 TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE Roses
One stem or spray with attached leaves.
Old Garden Roses (prior to 1867)
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
a. Floribunda
b. Grandiflora
c. Hybrid tea
d. Miniature
e. Shrub
f. Climbing
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Classes 9 – 12 DOWN TIME Bulbs, Corms, Rhizomes, and Tubers
One specimen with or without attached foliage.
a. Amaryllis
b. Iris
c. Narcissus
d. Other
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Corm
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Rhizome
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Classes 13 – 16 HERE TODAY, GONE TOMORROW Annuals
Three-month ownership requirement (January 16, 2019).
Grown primarily for flowers. Must have at least one open bloom.
Single stem
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Three stems, same species or same cultivar, in a single container
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Grown primarily for foliage.
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Three stems, different species or different cultivars, in a single container
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Classes 17- 19 IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING Trees
Single branch – not to exceed 26” from lip of container to tip of branch.
Flowering. Must have at least one open bloom
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Foliage
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Berried/Fruiting
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Classes 20 – 22 SHORT ON TIME Shrubs
Single branch – not to exceed 26” from lip of container to tip of branch.
Flowering. Must have at least one open bloom
a. Rhododendron
b. Gardenia
c. Hydrangea
d. Other
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Foliage
a. Non-variegated
b. Variegated
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Class 23 – 25 SOCIAL HOUR Climbers and Vines
Flowering, 7” or less from lip of container to tip of specimen. Must have at least one open bloom.
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Flowering, longer than 7” and up to 34” from lip of container to tip of specimen. Must have at least one open bloom.
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
a. Non-variegated, 7″ or less from lip of container to tip of specimen
b. Non-variegated, longer than 7″ and up to 26″ from lip of container to tip of specimen
c. Variegated, 7″ or less from lip of container to tip of specimen
d. Variegated, longer than 7″ and up to 26″ from lip of container to tip of specimen
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Classes 26 – 27 THE TIME IS RIPE Fruits and Vegetables
Fruit (attached to stem, all stages eligible). Citrus may not be transported in or out of Harris County, TX
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Vegetable – Three-month ownership requirement (January 16, 2019)
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Classes 28 – 29 THYME IN A BOTTLE Herbs
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Three to five stems, different species or different cultivar, in a single container. Key card required.
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Classes 30 – 32 A TIME TO GATHER Cut Collections
Cut specimens from the exhibitor’s garden arranged in a clear glass container provided by the exhibitor. May not exceed 34” from lip of container to tip of specimen. Minimum of three different species or different cultivars. Three-month ownership (January 16, 2019). Key card required.
Flowering; must have at least one open bloom.
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Combination of any specimens collected from exhibitor’s garden.
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
FILLING TIME – CONTAINER GROWN PLANTS (Classes 33-74)
Classes 33 – 35 TIME CONSTRAINTS Trained Plants (Topiary)
Nine-month ownership requirement (July 16, 2018)
Standard topiary; a single straight stem with the crown of growth at the top; topiary should stand straight; unobtrusive staking allowed.
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Trained in the Asian Manner (container requirement waived; no stands allowed).
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Trained topiary: one or more plants trained on two or three dimensional wire frame. Key card required for more than one species or cultivar.
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Classes 36 – 38 SANDS OF TIME Cacti
One-year ownership requirement (April 16, 2018)
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Each in a separate container. Key card required.
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Three to five different species of the same genus, in one container. Container requirement, as stated in Horticulture Guidelines, waived, though may not exceed 14″. Key card required.
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Classes 39- 46 DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME Succulents Other than Cacti
One-year ownership requirement (April 16, 2018)
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Three to seven different species or different cultivars of the same genus, each in a separate container. Containers may not exceed 8″. Key card required.
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Three to five different species of the same genus, in one container. Container requirement, as stated in Horticulture Guidelines, waived, though may not exceed 14″. Key card required.
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Classes 47- 51 THE TIME HAS COME Plants Grown Primarily for Flowers
One specimen per container
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Gesneriads – single crown
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Orchids – One year ownership requirement (April 16, 2018)
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Classes 52 – 53 TEST OF TIME Plants Grown Primarily for Foliage
One or more plants of the same species or same cultivar in one container
a. Ferns
b. Hostas
c. Others
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
a. Begonias
b. Hostas
c. Others
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Classes 54-55. THYME IS ON MY SIDE Herbs
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
A collection of three to five different species or different cultivars of the same genus, each in a separate container. Container may not exceed 8″. Key card required.
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Class 56-57. TIME OF THE SEASON Fruit
Must be bearing fruit. Citrus may not be transported in or out of Harris County, TX
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Fruit, other than citrus. Must be bearing fruit.
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Classes 58-59. HALF TIME Miniatures
Grown primarily for flowers. Must have at least one open bloom.
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Classes 60–62. TIMES LIKE THESE Collections: Other than Cacti or Succulents
Three to seven different species or different cultivars of the same genus, each in a separate container. Container may not exceed 8″. Key card required
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Three to seven different species or different cultivars, that all share one attribute, each in a separate container. Key card required to identify plants and to explain the shared attribute (i.e. growing condition, texture, color, shape). Container may not exceed 8″.
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Three to seven different species or different cultivars, that all share one attribute, in one container. Key card required to identify plants and to explain the shared attribute (i.e. growing condition, texture, color, shape). Container requirement waived, as specified in Horticulture Guidelines, though may not exceed 14″
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Classes 63-64. OLD TIMERS Plants of a Certain Age
Container size requirement waived, as stated in Horticulture Guidelines, though may not exceed 14”
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Classes 65-67. A TIME TO SOW Propagation
Key card describing detailed propagation process and relevant date(s) on white 4’’x 6” unlined card required.
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Class 68. TWO TIMER Pairs
Two plants of the same species or the same cultivar
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Class 69. THIRD TIME’S A CHARM Triples
Three plants of the same species or same cultivar
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Class 70. BEGINNING OF TIME…
Geraniums to be grown in a clay pot provided by the Committee. Class open only (and mandatory) to the Provisional members of River Oaks Garden Club (2nd-year) and The Garden Club of Houston.
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free
Class 71-73. HAPPY HOUR…
A selection of seeds to be grown in a clay pot provided by the Committee. Class is limited to fifteen members, combined, from River Oaks Garden Club and The Garden Club of Houston. No fee, but registration required. A white unlined 4” x 6” propagation card detailing complete cultural information including dates planted and growing conditions, is required. Seed packets and containers distributed by October 1, 2018.
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: Gallery 222 Fee: Free
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: Gallery 222 Fee: Free
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: Gallery 222 Fee: Free
Class 74. Par(t) Time
An exhibit of exceptional horticultural merit that does not qualify for entry elsewhere in the Horticulture Division. Entries must have been owned, grown,
and in the possession of the exhibitor for a minimum of one year (April 16, 2018). Cut specimens, orchids, or hanging baskets are not permitted. Container
requirement waived, as specified in Horticulture guidelines, though may not exceed 14”.
Division: Division II.A: Horticulture, Prime Time Location: The Audrey Jones Beck Building, Location assigned at check-in Fee: Free