Design Exhibit Schedule
GARDEN CLUB EXHIBITS THEME 2026-2027
THEME: Musical Inspiration of the 20th Century
Each month we will express our interpretation of different musical genres of the 20th century through floral design. Let the rhythm and emotion of music through the decades influence your creativity when designing your arrangement. Think of “Attributes of Design” such as expression and harmony, “Elements of Design” such as use of color and advancing and receding colors, and “Principles of Design” such as balance and contrast, while you listen to music for inspiration.
Join the fun by participating in the Design and/or Horticulture Exhibits. We look forward to seeing what you have grown, nurtured and created this season!
EXHIBITING AT MONTHLY MEETINGS
Challenge Class is open only to those members who have won the Jean Evans Artistic Bowl Trophy at least once and have completed the intermediate class requirements of 16 points.
Intermediate Class is for those members who have successfully completed the Novice Class requirements. To move from Intermediate to Challenge, it is necessary to earn at least 16 points during the current year in this class and to have won the Jean Evans Artistic Bowl Trophy at least once.
Novice Class is open to members who have not entered in previous club years, or who have not yet successfully completed the Novice Class requirements in past years. To move up to Intermediate, it is necessary to earn at least 12 points and a single Blue Ribbon in the current club year.
Open Class is for all members. They may submit one entry per person that suits their creative imagination in floral design and is not related to the evening’s design theme. Points do not accrue to any other class or award.
The 2017 Handbook (2025 revision) for Flower Shows contains all the rules and information required for exhibits. If you do not wish to purchase the Handbook, it is now offered as a free download: National Garden Club – Handbook for Flower Shows. Please also review the MGC Yearbook’s ‘Artistic and Horticulture Division Rules’ on pages 13-16 as well.
September
Theme: Roaring 20s Swing Music
Challenge: Creative Transparency Design, see Handbook, pp.72,77.
Intermediate: Creative Line-Mass Design, see Handbook, pp.72,74.
Novice: American Traditional Mass – Asymmetrical L-Shaped Triangle Design, see Handbook, pp.70-71.
Open: Designer’s choice (one entry per member).
Artistic Design Exhibits – Please read “Artistic Design Rules” beginning on page 13 of the MGC Yearbook as well as Chapter 7 of the 2017 revised edition of the Handbook for Flower Shows.
Horticultural Exhibits – Please read “Horticulture Division Rules” beginning on page 14 of the MGC Yearbook as well as Chapter 6 of the 2017 revised edition of the Handbook for Flower Shows.
1. Tomato (maximum 3 varieties per member); if Cherry Tomatoes, must have minimum of 5 of each variety on separate plates
2. One small bouquet of herbs of a single variety, must be fresh herbs and tied together
3. Zinnia, 1 cut stem in a clear glass vase/container
4. Open (maximum 2 entries per member)
October
Theme: 1930-40s Jazz
Challenge: Creative Abstract Design, see Handbook, pp.72,77.
Intermediate: Creative Angular Design: Obtuse Angle, see Handbook, pp.72-73.
Novice: American Traditional Line: Mass Design – Vertical Line, see Handbook, pp.70-71.
Open: Designer’s choice (one entry per member).
Artistic Design Exhibits – Please read “Artistic Design Rules” beginning on page 13 of the MGC Yearbook as well as Chapter 7 of the 2017 revised edition of the Handbook for Flower Shows.
Horticultural Exhibits – Please read “Horticulture Division Rules” beginning on page 14 of the MGC Yearbook as well as Chapter 6 of the 2017 revised edition of the Handbook for Flower Shows.
- Coleus, 1 cut stem displayed in a clear glass vase/container
- Squash or Pumpkin, 1 small to medium sized specimen
- Dahlia, 1 cut stem displayed in a clear glass vase/container
- Open (maximum 2 entries per member)
November
Theme: 1950s Rock ‘n Roll
Challenge: Creative Spatial Thrust Design, see Handbook, pp.72,75.
Intermediate: Creative Illuminary Design: Symmetrical Triangle (isosceles triangle), see Handbook, pp.72,74.
Novice: American Traditional Line: S-Curve Design, see Handbook, pp. 70-71.
Open: Designer’s Choice (one entry per member).
Artistic Design Exhibits – Please read “Artistic Design Rules” beginning on page 13 of the MGC Yearbook as well as Chapter 7 of the 2017 revised edition of the Handbook for Flower Shows.
Horticultural Exhibits – Please read “Horticulture Division Rules” beginning on page 14 of the MGC Yearbook as well as Chapter 6 of the 2017 revised edition of the Handbook for Flower Shows.
- Autumn Foliage, branch or stem not to exceed 24”
- Root Vegetable, 3 of one variety on a plate
- Grass: Ornamental, 3 stems of one variety in a clear glass vase/container
- Open (maximum 2 entries per member)
December
Theme: 1960s Country
Challenge: Mono-Botanic Design – Designers’ Freedom of Choice, see Handbook, p.79.
Intermediate: American Traditional Line – Mass Design: Horizontal Line, see Handbook, pp.70-71.
Novice: American Traditional Line: Crescent Design, see Handbook, pp.70-71.
Open: Designer’s choice (one entry per member).
Artistic Design Exhibits – Please read “Artistic Design Rules” beginning on page 13 of the MGC Yearbook as well as Chapter 7 of the 2017 revised edition of the Handbook for Flower Shows.
Horticultural Exhibits – Please read “Horticulture Division Rules” beginning on page 14 of the MGC Yearbook as well as Chapter 6 of the 2017 revised edition of the Handbook for Flower Shows.
1. Schlumbergera syn. Zygocactus species (Christmas or Thanksgiving cactus), potted, pot not to exceed 10” in diameter
2. Begonia, potted, pot not to exceed 10” in diameter
3. Ilex (Holly) branch, not to exceed 24”
4. Open (maximum 2 entries per member
January
Theme: 1960s Flower Power Folk
Challenge: Creative Tapestry Design, see Handbook, pp.72,79.
Intermediate: American Traditional Mass – Petite Design, not to exceed 12”, see Handbook, pp.71-l72.
Novice: American Traditional Mass: Symmetrical Triangle (isosceles triangle), see Handbook, pp.70-71.
Open: Designer’s choice (one entry per member).
Artistic Design Exhibits – Please read “Artistic Design Rules” beginning on page 13 of the MGC Yearbook as well as Chapter 7 of the 2017 revised edition of the Handbook for Flower Shows.
Horticultural Exhibits – Please read “Horticulture Division Rules” beginning on page 14 of the MGC Yearbook as well as Chapter 6 of the 2017 revised edition of the Handbook for Flower Shows.
1. Amarylis, 1 variety potted, pot not to exceed 10” in diameter
2. Pothos plant, potted, pot not to exceed 10” in diameter
3. Sansevieria (Snake Plant), potted, pot not to exceed 10” in diameter
4. Open (maximum 2 entries per member)
February
Theme: 1970s Motown
Challenge: Cascade Design, see Handbook, p.73.
Intermediate: American Traditional Line – S-Curve Design, see Handbook, pp.70-71.
Novice: American Traditional Mass – Right Angle, see Handbook, pp.70-71.
Open: Designer’s choice (one entry per member).
Artistic Design Exhibits – Please read “Artistic Design Rules” beginning on page 13 of the MGC Yearbook as well as Chapter 7 of the 2017 revised edition of the Handbook for Flower Shows.
Horticultural Exhibits – Please read “Horticulture Division Rules” beginning on page 14 of the MGC Yearbook as well as Chapter 6 of the 2017 revised edition of the Handbook for Flower Shows.
- Forced Bulbs, 2 or more of the same variety, potted, pot not to exceed 10” in diameter
- Orchid, potted, pot not to exceed 10” in diameter
- Vining Plant, potted, pot not to exceed 10” in diameter
- Open (maximum 2 entries per member)
March
Theme: 1970s Disco
Challenge: Creative Armature Design, see Handbook, pp.72,77.
Intermediate: Creative Reflective Design, see Handbook, pp.72,75.
Novice: American Traditional Mass: Sphere Shape, see Handbook, pp. 70-71.
Open: (maximum 2 entries per member)
Artistic Design Exhibits – Please read “Artistic Design Rules” beginning on page 13 of the MGC Yearbook as well as Chapter 7 of the 2017 revised edition of the Handbook for Flower Shows.
Horticultural Exhibits – Please read “Horticulture Division Rules” beginning on page 14 of the MGC Yearbook as well as Chapter 6 of the 2017 revised edition of the Handbook for Flower Shows.
- House plant blooming, potted, pot not to exceed 10” in diameter
- Bromeliad, potted, pot not to exceed 10” in diameter
- Iridaceae (Crocus), potted, pot not to exceed 10” in diamete
- Open (maximum 2 entries per member
April
Theme: 1980s Pop Music
Challenge: Creative Duo Design, see Handbook, pp.72,78.
Intermediate: Creative Parallel Design, see Handbook, pp.72,75.
Novice: American Traditional Line: Vertical Design, see Handbook, pp. 70-71.
Open: Designer’s choice (one entry per member).
Artistic Design Exhibits – Please read “Artistic Design Rules” beginning on page 13 of the MGC Yearbook as well as Chapter 7 of the 2017 revised edition of the Handbook for Flower Shows.
Horticultural Exhibits – Please read “Horticulture Division Rules” beginning on page 14 of the MGC Yearbook as well as Chapter 6 of the 2017 revised edition of the Handbook for Flower Shows.
1. Hyacinth, 1 cut stem in clear glass vase/container
2. Helleborus (Lenten Rose), 1 cut stem in a clear glass vase/container
3. Flowering Branch, not to exceed 24”
4. Open (maximum of 2 entries per member)
May
Theme: 1990s Hip Hop
Challenge: Abstract Assemblage Design, see Handbook, pp.72-73,77.
Intermediate: Creative Multi-Rhythmic Design, see Handbook, pp.72,75.
Novice: American Traditional Line: Zigzag Design, see Handbook, pp. 70-71.
Open: Designer’s choice (one entry per member).
Artistic Design Exhibits – Please read “Artistic Design Rules” beginning on page 13 of the MGC Yearbook as well as Chapter 7 of the 2017 revised edition of the Handbook for Flower Shows.
Horticultural Exhibits – Please read “Horticulture Division Rules” beginning on page 14 of the MGC Yearbook as well as Chapter 6 of the 2017 revised edition of the Handbook for Flower Shows.
1. Perennial, 1 cut stem in clear glass vase/container
2. Iris Flower, 1 cut stem in clear glass vase/container
3. Vegetable, 1 Tomato seedling, any variety, started by exhibitor from seed
4. Open (maximum of 2) entries per member