1. Chasing the Queen ...and Catching Her!
Don Myers/September 2015

2. 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

3. Pick the Queen 1 2 4 3
To win a queen, you need to know what one looks like!

4. 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

5. 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).

6. 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!

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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!

11. 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.

12. The Intangibles Desire…Carol’s Uncle Joe story The judges goofed! Luck
Fresno story
It only takes one!

13. Your Questions and Comments