STATE FLOWER SHOW SCHEDULE

The following is a somewhat abbreviated schedule for the State Flower Show to be held in August at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Any questions you may have should be referred to the GCI office (630) 617-9269 or e-mail us. You may also contact the Show chairman, Stephanie Greene via the e-mail address in the schedule. In addition, all garden club presidents received full copies of the schedule with scales of points, further information etc.

The Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc.
Member of Central Region National Garden Clubs, Inc.
Presents:

Broadway in Bloom
An Advanced Standard Flower Show

Saturday August 23, 2008: Noon to 5:00 PM
Sunday, August 24, 2008: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Chicago Botanic Garden
The Regenstein Center
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, Illinois, 60022

Free Admission
Non-member Parking Fee - $15 per car

Show Chairman: Stephanie Greene (847) 362-4269 , shgreene@juno.com

SHOW GENERAL RULES AND INFORMATION
Show Theme: “Broadway in Bloom”
All GCI Members are encouraged to enter

1. Horticulture and design entries will be received on Friday, August 22, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM and on Saturday, August 23, from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM. DOORS WILL CLOSE PROMPTLY AT 9:00 a.m. and NO ENTRIES will be accepted after that time.
2. Judging will begin promptly at 9:30 AM Saturday, August 23.
3. Only required personnel will be allowed in the exhibit area during judging.
4. All exhibits must be removed between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM Sunday, August 24. No exhibit may be removed before 4:30 PM
5. Exhibitors are responsible for space reserved in Sections K, L, M, N, and O in Division I and all Sections in Divisions II and III. Exhibitors must provide a substitute if unable to exhibit. Please notify the Section Chairman immediately.
6. Exhibitors are asked to mark inconspicuously personal property with name and address. The committee will exercise reasonable care but cannot be held responsible for loss or damage of items.
7. Plant material on the Illinois Endangered or Threatened Species List may not be used. However in Design, plants on the State Conservation list, grown by the exhibitor or obtained in a legal manner and so noted on a 3” x 5” card, may be used.
8. The use of fresh plant material in all divisions is emphasized.
9. Placement: The Horticulture Placement Committee will place Horticulture entries except in Section O which will be placed by the exhibitor in an area identified by the Placement Committee. Placement of Designs and Artistic Crafts will be by the Exhibitor in an area identified by the Placement Committee.
10. Horticulture entries must pass classification before being placed. Design entries must pass classification before exhibitor leaves the staging area. These Committees are the final authorities on all entries.
11. Judging will be by National Garden Clubs Accredited Judges, in accordance with The Handbook for Flower Shows, 2007 Revised Edition and any subsequent changes as published in The National Gardener. Decision of the judges is final.
12. Required Personnel: Show Chairman, Judges Chairman, Clerks, Horticulture, Design, and Special Exhibits Classification Chairmen, Awards Chairman and Photographer will be in the show rooms during judging.

DIVISION I
Staged in Greenhouse Galleries In Place By 9:00 am

HORTICULTURE RULES
1. Horticulture entries are open to all amateur gardeners. Entry cards will be available at the show and prior to the show from the Horticulture Entries Chairman. Displays, Collections and Hanging Containers ( L, M, N, O) exhibits must be pre-registered with the Horticulture Entries Chairman on, or before August 6, 2008.
2. Horticulture entries must be fresh plant material grown by the exhibitor. Container grown plants must be cared for at least 90 days; combination plantings cared for at least six weeks.
3. An exhibitor may enter as many exhibits in any one class or subclass as the schedule permits. However, each exhibit must be a different cultivar, color, type or species.
4. Exhibitors must complete all the information required on the entry card. Each entry card must include the exhibitor's name, address, garden club, entry class and name of entry. Preparing card ahead and use of address labels or address stamp will help to speed registration.
5. All horticulture specimens must be labeled with their correct botanical name (genus, species, variety or cultivar) when possible. In making awards, all else being equal, the entry with the more botanically correct name will be given preference. To be eligible for top awards, exhibits must score 95 points or higher and be labeled with the correct botanical name. In Section K Outdoor Planters and Section M Collections each specimen must be individually identified on a 3"x5" card placed with the exhibit. In Displays Sections N and 0, the manner of identification of the individual specimens is part of the exhibitor's creativity.
6. All entries must be checked by the Classifications Committee. The Classifications Chairman reserves the right to make necessary changes in the entry's placement in classes and subclasses. Classes in a section may be subdivided at the direction of the Classifications Chairman, and each part of the division shall then constitute a separate class.
7. Each entry must be clean, well groomed and free of pests or diseases. Clear glass containers for cut specimens will be furnished by the show committee. Wedging material, if required, will also be provided. Potted plants should be displayed in clean containers, in proportion to the size of the plant. The exhibitor shall furnish a saucer for each pot. Containers should be no larger than 24” in height or width.
8. Foliage is to be included with the specimen bloom only if it is naturally attached to the bloom stem.
9. No wiring, oiling, spraying, coloring or any other artificial enhancing is permitted.
10. When a class requires more than one specimen per entry, uniformity of size, color and form are important considerations.
11. All exhibits will be judged by the scale of points applicable for the exhibit, as listed in the 2007 Revised Edition of The Handbook for Flower Shows.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Show Committee will furnish clear transparent glass containers for cut specimens, including those leafy vegetables where indicated. The committee will also furnish 9” plates for fruits and vegetables. Any exhibit of fruits and vegetables not listed should fill 2/3rd of the plate. Consult the Classification Committee at registration on the length of any stems required on entries in Section I. The Handbook for Flower Shows provides information on conditioning. The number of flowers for any exhibit of cut specimens not listed shall consist of 1 stem or bloom for large flowers and 3 stems or blooms for small flowers. The length of a floral stem of a cut specimen should be in proportion to the bloom and of sufficient size for the specimen to present a suitable pose or display in scale with the container. With the exception of leaf lettuce, cut specimens should not have any foliage below the water line. The Committee is not responsible for the loss of any horticulture exhibits that remain past the conclusion of the show.

DIVISION I – HORTICULTURE “Your Own Thing”

Section A. ANNUALS AND TENDER PERENNIALS - “Carnival”
(Includes tender perennials grown as annuals in local climate)

Eligible for Award of Merit Cut Specimens, one stem or spray, unless otherwise noted. Entries may be further subdivided by color, type or species.

Class 1 Antirrhinum (Snapdragon)
a. Large flowered-1 spike
b. Small flowered- 3 spikes

Class 2 Begonia semperflorens (Wax Begonia) Three stems in flower, 1 variety/cultivar

Class 3 Celosia (Celosia)
a. C plumosa (Plumed), 3 spikes, 1 variety or cultivar.
b. C. cristata (Crested), 1 bloom head

Class 4 Solenostemon scutellarioides (Coleus) 1 stem of foliage

Class 5 Cosmos (Cosmos), 3 stems

Class 6 Helianthus (Sunflower), 1 stem
a. tall
b. dwarf

Class 7 Impatiens (Impatiens), 1 stem in flower

Class 8 Pelargonium (Geranium)
a. 1 variety/cultivar in bloom, 1 stem
b. Grown for scent, 1 stem

Class 9 Petunia (Petunia)
a. Single, 1 stem
b. Double, 1 stem

Class 10 Salvia (Salvia), 3 stems in flower, 1 variety/cultivar

Class 11 Tagetes (Marigold)
a. Large (over 3" diameter), 1 bloom
b. Small (under 3" diameter), 3 blooms, 1 variety/cultivar

Class 12 Zinnia (Zinnia)
a. Large (over 3” diameter) 1
b. Medium (1” – 3”)
c. Small (under 1” diameter)

Class 13 Any other plant grown as annual, not listed
a. Large flowered, 1 bloom
b. Small flowered, 3 blooms
c. Many small flowered, 1 stem

Section B. BIENNIALS AND PERENNIALS - “Crazy for You”
Eligible for the Award of Merit

Cut Specimens, one stem or spray, unless otherwise noted. Entries will be further subdivided by color, type or species.

Class 14 Artemisia (Artemisia, Dusty Miller) - 1 stem

Class 15 Coreopsis (Coreopsis) – 3 blooms

Class 16 Delphinium (Delphinium) – 1 spike
a. Large
b. Dwarf

Class 17 Echinacea (Coneflower) – 1 stem

Class 18 Hosta (Plaintain Lily) Grown for foliage
a. Large leaf varieties, (Width 6”or more) 1
b. Medium leaf varieties, (Width 3”-6”) 1
c. Small leaf varieties, (Width less than 3”) 1

Class 19 Sedum (Sedum, Stonecrop)
a. Large flowered, 1 bloom
b. Small flowered, 3 blooms

Class 20 Any other perennial or biennial flower, not listed
a. Large flowered, 1 bloom
b. Small flowered, 3 blooms

Class 21 Any other perennial or biennial plant, grown for decorative foliage
a. Large leaf, 1
b. Small or narrow leaf, 3

Section C. BULBS, CORMS, TUBERS, TUBEROUS ROOTS AND RHIZOMES - “Promises, Promises”
Eligible for Award of Merit

If entry is a species, binomial name is used. Otherwise, the genus and cultivar name is sufficient botanical nomenclature. Cut Specimens, one stem or spray unless otherwise noted. Entries will be further subdivided by color, type or species

Class 22 Caladium (Caladium) – 3 leaves

Class 23 Dahlia (Dahlia)
a. Large (over 8”) 1 bloom: 1 stalk with foliage attached
b. Medium (4” to 8”) 1 bloom: 1 stalk with foliage attached
c. Small (under 4”) 1 bloom: 1 stalk with foliage attached

Class 24 Gladiolus (Gladiolus) – 1 spike

Class 25 Hemerocallis (Daylily) – 1 stem in bloom

Class 26 Lilium (Lily)- 1 stem

Class 27 Any other bulb, corm, tuber or rhizome not listed
a. Large flower, 1
b. Small flower, 3
c. Spike, 1

Section D. ORNAMENTAL GRASSES, REEDS, AND SEDGES “A Chorus Line”

CUT FRESH SPECIMENS – 3 stems, maximum length 36”

Class 28 Andropogon

Class 29 Carex

Class 30 Erianthus

Class 31 Miscanthus

Class 32 Panicum

Class 33 Pennisetum

Class 34 Any other grass, reed, or sedge species or cultivar not listed

Section E. HERBS -CUT SPECIMENS & CONTAINER PLANTS “Anything Goes”

The Classification Chairman may subdivide class entries into cut specimens and container plants; further subdivision may be done by size of container, types of use, flavor, color, etc.
CUT FRESH SPECIMENS, 3 stems
CONTAINER PLANTS, Decorative containers permitted

Class 35 Lavandula (Lavender)

Class 36 Mentha (Mint)

Class 38 Ocimum (Basil)

Class 39 Salvia officinalis (Sage)

Class 40 Any other herb not listed, grown for culinary, scent, or medicinal use

Section F. ROSES – “Beauty and the Beast”
Eligible for Award of Merit

If entry is a species, binomial name is used. Otherwise, the genus (Rosa) and cultivar name are sufficient for botanical nomenclature
CUT SPECIMENS

Class 41 Hybrid Tea – 1 bloom grown disbudded

Class 42 Grandiflora
a. 1 bloom grown disbudded
b. 1 spray, more open blooms than buds

Class 43 Floribunda – 1 spray with 2 or more blooms at same stage and also showing several stages of bloom

Class 44 Miniature – 1 spray or single bloom

Class 45 Shrub Roses – 1 spray or 1 bloom without sidebuds, according to cultivar

Class 46 Any other rose not listed – 1 spray or 1 bloom according to species or cultivar.

Section G. VINES (PERENNIAL AND ANNUAL) “Little Shop of Horrors”

CUT SPECIMENS – 1 stem each, 10” length minimum and 15” length maximum

Class 48 Clematis (Clematis), blooming

Class 49 Lonicera (Honeysuckle), blooming

Class 50 Euonymus fortunei var. or cv. (Euonymus)

Class 51 Hedera (Ivy)

Class 52 Any other vine, not listed

Section H. FRUITS, VEGETABLES, AND GOURDS – “Hallelujah Baby!”
Eligible for Award of Merit

Indicate name of variety and cultivar if known. CUT SPECIMENS

Class 53 Fragaria ananassa (Strawberry) – 10 berries

Class 54 Rubus varieties
a. R.ideaus ( Red Raspberries) – 10 berries
b. R. occidentallis (Black Raspberries) – 10 berries
c. Any other variety not listed

Class 55 Vitis Labyusca (Grapes) 3 clusters

Class 56 Brassica oleracea var. italica (Broccoli) – 1 head

Class 57 B. oleracea var. capitata (Cabbage) – 1 head

Class 58 Daucus carota var. sativa (Carrot) – 3 roots trimmed to 1” tops

Class 59 Beta vulgaris var. cicla (Swiss Chard) – 3 leaves in cut specimen container

Class 60 Zea mays var. saccharata (Sweet Corn) – 2 ears, husk open to expose kernels

Class 61 Cucumis sativus (Cucumber) – 1

Class 62 C. melo (Cantaloupe or Muskmelon type) – 1 melon

Class 63 Lactuca sativa (Lettuce)
a. Heading type – 1 head
b. Leafing type, 3 leaves in cut specimen container

Class 64 Allium cepa (Onions)
a. Dry – 3 with dry outer skin
b. Fresh – 5 small green

Class 65 Capsicum annum (Pepper) – 2 large-fruited variety; 3 small fruited

Class 66 Cucurbita (Squash) – 1 large, 3 small
a. moschata (Winter)
b. pepo (Summer)

Class 67 Lycopersicon lycopersicum (Tomato) – 1 large fruited, 3 medium, 5 small

Class 68 Phaseolus lunatus (Beans) – 6 beans

Class 69 Citrullus vulgaris (Watermelon) – 1 melon

Class 70 Any other vegetable not listed – 1 large, 3 small

Class 71 Decorative vegetables & gourds
a. Zea mays var. japonica (Ornamental Corn) 3 ears without husk
b. Brassia olearacea acephala (Ornamental Kale) – 1 head
c. Any other decorative vegetable not listed – 1 large, 3 small
d. Gourds – 1 variety per entry – 1 large, 3 small

Section I. ARBOREAL SPECIMENS (TREES AND SHRUBS) – “Into the Woods”
Eligible for Arboreal Award

Tree branch minimum 24”, maximum 30” except dwarf specimens. Dwarf tree and shrub branch 6” minimum, 12” maximum. The Classification Committee may subdivide all classes by genus, species, variety or cultivar. CUT SPECIMENS

Class 72 Deciduous Shrubs
a. Fruited/Flowering
b. Foliage

Class 73 Deciduous Trees
a. Fruited/Flowering
b. Foliage

Class 74 Broadleaf Evergreens
a. Shrub
b. Tree

Class 75. Needled Evergreens
a. Shrub
b. Tree Section

J. CONTAINER GROWN PLANTS – “Once on this Island”
Eligible for Grower’s Choice Award

One plant per container except where noted. Classes may be subdivided by color, type, species or container size.

Class 76 Fern

Class 77 Orchid
a. Cattleya
b. Phalaenopsis
c. Any other flowering orchid

Class 78 Pelargonium (Geranium)
a. Grown for bloom
b. Grown for Foliage
c. Scented d. Any other

Class 79 Santpaulia (African Violet) May be subdivided by color. Requirement: Single crown except for trailers
a. Single
b. Double
c. Variegated
d. Miniature
e. Any other not listed

Class 80 Any other flowering plant (Must be in bloom) – More than one plant of one variety or cultivar allowed per container

Class 81 Cactus and Succulent
a. Cactus
b. Succulent

Class 82 Trained Plants
a Espaliered
b. Topiary – single stem
c. Topiary – on framework

Class 83 Miniature Landscapes – multiple plants required in combination
a. Terrarium (with cover)
b. Dish Gardens

Class 84 Any other ornamental plant not listed. May be subdivided by fruiting and foliage color

Section K. OUTDOOR PLANTERS – “Sunny”
Eligible for Grower’s Choice Award

Grown for summer season display and decorative effect with multiple plants and varieties. Double pots permitted. Classes may be subdivided by container size. Pre-registration required.

Class 85 Foliage

Class 86 Foliage and flowering

Class 87 Water Gardens

Class 88 Herb

Class 89 Any other outdoor container

Section L. HANGING CONTAINERS – “Peter Pan”

One variety to container – Pre-registration required.

Class 90 Foliage

Class 91 Flowering

Class 92 Fruiting

Section M. COLLECTIONS – “Applause”
Eligible for Collectors Showcase Award

There must be at least 5 items in each collection, linked in one aspect, different varieties of one type, or several types within a species. Each specimen must be named and listed on a 3” by 5” card. Emphasis is on cultural perfection. Pre-registration required. Space allotted 24” wide x 30” deep. Displayed on a table 29” high.

Class 93 Cut specimens

Class 94 Container-grown plants

Class 95 Fruits or vegetables

Section N. DISPLAYS – “Best Foot Forward”
Eligible for Collectors Showcase Award

There must be at least 5 different items in each display, exhibiting cultural perfection and staged in an artistic manner. Underlays are permitted. Each specimen must be named and listed on a 3” x 5” card. Each entry must be on two or more levels. Pre-registration required. Space allotted, 24” wide by 30” deep. Will be placed on a table 29” high.

Class 96 Cut Specimens

Class 97 Container-grown plants

Class 98 Fruits or vegetables

Section 0. DISPLAYS – “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” Club Competition
Eligible for Club Competition Award

There must be at least 7 different items in each display, exhibiting cultural perfection and staged in an artistic manner. Underlays are permitted. Each specimen must be named and listed on a 3” x 5” card. Each entry must be on two or more levels. Pre-registration required. Space allotted, 24” wide by 30” deep. Will be placed on a table 29” high.

Class 99 Cut Specimens

DIVISION II DESIGN

Division II will be staged in the Burnstein Hall All entries must be in place and exhibitor must leave hall on Saturday by 9:00 AM

DESIGN RULES
1. Classes are open to all members of National Garden Clubs.
2. Advance reservations in all design classes required by August 6. For reservation and information contact the Design Entries chairman.
3. A list on a 3” x 5” white card of all plant materials used in an entry must be placed with the exhibit. A second 3” x 5” card of intent is permitted.
4. Entries must be passed by the classification chairman before the exhibitor leaves the floor.
5. The use of artificial plant material and the embellishment of fresh plant material is prohibited. Fresh plant material must NEVER be painted.
6. Dried plant material may be treated, painted or embellished. Contrived flowers or leaves constructed of recognizable plant material is permitted.
7. Cut fruit or vegetables, beverages and/or potted plants in soil are NOT permitted. Living plants with roots attached, e.g. leek, bromeliad, moss are permitted unless prohibited in the schedule.
8. Each design, with the exception of the Club Competition class, must be created by one exhibitor. All designs must be original.
9. Some plant material must be used in every exhibit and need NOT have been grown by the exhibitor.
10. Accessories are permitted unless otherwise stated in the schedule.

Refer to the 2007 Revised Edition of The Handbook for Flower Shows and General Show Rules in this schedule, and The National Gardener for further information.

DIVISION II SCALE OF POINTS
(For all designs except Functional tables, Exhibition tables, Type 1 and Vignettes)

Conformance (to schedule requirements) 20
Design (Elements, Principles) 42
Artistic Concept (selection and or organization) 12
Expression (interpretation of class by exhibitor) 10
Distinction (marked superiority in all respects) 16
TOTAL 100

DIVISION II SCALE OF POINTS
(For Tables)

Conformance (to schedule requirements) 20
Design (Principles and elements of Design) 48
Decorative Unit: 24 points. Each Design Principle worth 4 points
Overall Design: 24 points. Each Design Principle worth 4 points
Artistic Concept 12
Creative and appropriate selection and organization of all Components for their function.
Expression 5
Interpretation of class title or theme through component/s or Design Element/s
Distinction 15
Degree of superiority in all respects. Exceptional qualities negate minor faults. Moderate to Major faults identified in the above qualities negatively Affect Distinction. Craftsmanship, use of mechanics, and Condition of all components.
TOTAL 100

DIVISION II DESIGN “Blossom Time”

Section A “Finian’s Rainbow”

Eligible for Tri Color Award 4 entries in each class

Class 1 “My Fair Lady” A design, using all fresh plant material, to be staged on a black pedestal, 40" high, 20" round, against a white wall. Underlay permitted. Pedestal may be incorporated.

Class 2 “Top Banana” A design incorporating fresh fruit and/or vegetables with a background staged on a table in an area 30"x36". Tables covered in white with green skirting. Underlay permitted. Not to exceed 42" in height.

Class 3 “Joseph’s Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Design, using all fresh plant material. Emphasis on color. Staged upon stairsteps on tables covered in white with green skirting in front of a window. Stairstep unit is 35” wide and 12” high. Steps are available in four colors (pink, red, purple, blue). Designer may select color on a first come, first served basis. Background or underlay permitted.

Section B “Putting It Together”
Eligible for Club Competition Award

4 entries in class 4

Class 4 “Sunday in the Park” Functional picnic for 4 staged on tables 30” wide and 6 feet long. Tablecloth must have no less than a 7” drop.

Section C “Romance, Romance”
Eligible for Table Artistry Award

4 entries in each class

Class 5 “Can Can” Exhibition Table Type I to be staged against a window in an area 30"x36" on a table. Table covered in white with green skirt. Background required and underlay permitted.

Class 6 “Carousel” A Capsule Functional Table for a child’s birthday party staged against a window in an area 30"x36" on a table covered in white with green skirt. Background required and underlay permitted.

Class 7 “A Little Night Music” Functional dinner table for two served on a 44” round table 28” high. Table provided by committee. Cloth must be floor length or nearly floor length.

Section D “Of Thee I Sing!”
Eligible for Petite Award

4 entries in each class

Class 8 “Bells Are Ringing” Kinetic design, 5", using fresh and/or dried material, showing either actual or implied motion, staged on 1/4 of a pedestal, 42" high 20" square, divided in quarters by light blue foam board 8" high

Class 9 “Little Mary Sunshine” Design 8", using fresh/or dried material, staged in a 12” yellow niche provided by committee. Staged on 1/4 of a pedestal, 42" high 24" square.

Class 10 “Pump Boys and Dinettes” Design, 8", staged in a white 12" niche provided by committee, using fresh and/or dried plant material, staged on 1/4 of a pedestal, 42" high 18" square. Background and underlay permitted.

Section E “The Sound of Music”
Eligible for Designers Choice Award

4 entries in each class

Class 11 “Side by Side” Parallel Design staged against a window on a table covered in white with green skirt in an area 30” x 36”. Background and/or underlay permitted. Designers choice of material.

Class 12 “Singing in the Rain” Creative design to be staged on a table covered in white with green skirt in an area 30"x36" Background and/or underlay permitted. Designer's choice of material.

Class 13 “42nd Street” A reflective design staged on a pedestal 40” high 18” square to be viewed from front and 2 sides. Designers choice of material. Underlay permitted, may extend beyond top and/or incorporate pedestal.

DIVISION III - SPECIAL EXHIBITS

To be staged in the Greenhouse Galleries All exhibits must be in place and exhibitor must leave hall on Saturday by 9:00 AM.

SPECIAL EXHIBITS RULES
1. A minimum of eighteen (18) square feet shall be used for each educational exhibit. Space used may be horizontal, vertical or a combination. See the 2007 Revised Edition of The Handbook for Flower Shows.
2. Educational exhibits will be staged on a table 6'x30" covered in white with green skirting.
3. Only one (1) Educational Award may be offered in Section A.
4. Artistic Crafts exhibits will be staged as noted in schedule on tables covered in white with green skirting.
5. All exhibits must include some plant material
6. Only one Artistic Crafts Award may be offered in Section B, classes 5,6 and 7.

DIVISION III SCALE OF POINTS

1. Educational Exhibits
Educational Value 60
Interest to viewers 25
Clear, concise presentation 15
Adequate educational signs, tags 10
Conforms to NGC objectives 10
Staging 20
Craftsmanship, technique 10
Distinction 10
Creativity and Expression 20
TOTAL 100

2. Artistic Crafts
Conformance to schedule requirements 25
Design 30
Applying Design Principles to Design Elements Each Principle worth 5 points
Craftsmanship and technique 25
Distinction 20
TOTAL 100

DIVISION III – SPECIAL EXHIBITS
“Showboat”

Section A – Class 14 Educational Exhibits “Good News”
Eligible for Educational Award 4 entries

Exhibit 1 “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” - Identification of hydrangea varieties, proper pruning and growing techniques
Exhibit 2 “The Producers” - How to shop and identify the best annuals and/or perennials.
Exhibit 3 “Hairspray” - Compost tea for improving soil and plants
Exhibit 4 “Wicked” - Invasive plants and how to control them.
Exhibit 5 “The Secret Garden” - (Invitational) Showcasing Lincoln Memorial Garden

Section B – Artistic Crafts “The Fantasticks”
Eligible for Artistic Craft Award

4 entries in each class

Class 5. “They’re Playing Our Song” An 8 1/2” x 11” plaque staged on a gold easel provided by the committee. Plaque is to incorporate up to three (3) CDs featuring a Broadway musical. Must include fresh and/or dried plant material.

Class 6. “Flower Drum Song” Decorate a round paper lantern 9” in diameter. Some plant material required. Lantern will be suspended by fishing line on an armature supplied by the committee. Committee will also provide paper lanterns in one of four colors (green, yellow, turquoise, and hot pink.) Designer may request color on a first come, first served basis.

Class 7. “Sophisticated Ladies” Decorate a black top hat supplied by the committee. Some plant material required. To be staged on white 24” high hat stands.

Section C – Photography “On a Clear Day You Can See Forever”
Eligible for Show Tony Award

Up to 12 exhibits per class All entries must be an 8” x 10” photo taken by a non-professional garden club member/photographer. Entry is to be mounted on a white 11” x 14” piece of foam core with a white 11” x 14” mat. Only one (1) entry per exhibitor in each class. Judging will be by a committee of professional photographers.

Class 8. “Kiss of the Spider Woman” Close-up of an insect and or arachnid with flora

Class 9. “City of Angels” Landscape or cityscape photo featuring garden(s) with no people shown.

Class 10. “Kismet” Depict single plant/bloom, may use special effects.

WE CONTINUE TO BE “Green”

Long before environmentalism became a household word, garden clubs throughout the nation have been practicing it since National Garden Clubs founding in 1929. Members have been in the forefront of the “Green Movement” by introducing recycling, organic gardening, wildflower gardens, elimination of invasive species, and many other ways to protect the environment in their home gardens and their many civic projects. They continue to do so.

In 1986 the first Environmental Studies School was introduced during the National Presidency of Illinoisan Violet Dawson. Since that time the Schools have been held across the United States under sponsorship of State garden club federations. Here in Illinois a new Series will begin. Prospective students may begin the Series at any time during the four course series.

The “Living Earth” Environmental Studies School Course 1 in the state’s fifth series, will be held this spring on March 5 and March 6, 2008. Course 2 is scheduled for October 1 and 2, 2008, Course 3, March 4 and 5, 2009, and Course 4 October 7 and 8, 2009.

The "Living Earth" Environmental Studies School is composed of a minimum of forty-four hours of study of specific units divided into four courses of eleven hours each. Every course contains nine (9) hours of specified units of study and a two (2) hour tour. At the conclusion of each course a written "Open Book" examination is given. After successful completion of all four courses the student will have earned the designation of Nationally Accredited Environmental Consultant. Students also may join the Environmental Consultants Council that meets on a regular basis for special field trips, speakers and the-like.

For further information on this School and details telephone GCI Headquarters at 630-617-9269 Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10 AM – 3 PM.

NGC’S RECYCLING PROGRAM

Garden clubs throughout the country will be participating in National’s recycling program. Empty ink jet cartridges, laser cartridges, and used cell phones will be collected. Check the NGC website for a list of acceptable cartridges and cell phones. Each state will set up its own chairman and collection sites.

SCHOOL CHILDREN’S GARDENS

Accent on Youth! Introducing more and more children to the joys of gardening will be a goal of garden club members in the next 2 years. The National Gardener (Pages 14-16) provides a list of easy children’s projects that should be helpful.

Children’s gardens are not new, but if you or your club hasn’t tried establishing some gardening activities in your local school, see if the time isn’t ripe for doing just that.

Bull Valley Garden Club’s “Secrets in the Garden” workshops at the public library proved successful. Children created garden plans and kept journals. A second program focused on water.

PLANT “NATIVE”

Emphasis is being placed on the usage and conservation of native plants. Garden club members have long incorporated such plants in their home and civic landscapes. The goal is to save endangered species and recognize the advantage of planting natives when it comes to water conservation, reducing the uses of pesticides and fertilizers, healthy soil building, and re-introduction of beautiful but often forgotten old-fashioned beauties in the garden.

BLUE STARS OVER ILLINOIS BOOK

Blue Star Memorial Markers are now placed at both Illinois fairgrounds, one at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield and the second at the DuQuoin State Fair in Duquoin. First Lady Patricia Blagojevich requested the markers and the Illinois Department of Transportation hosted both dedications this past August. Governmental dignitaries, as well as the state, regional, and national Blue Star chairmen were present, along with First Lady Patricia Blagojevich and GCI President Jody Bailey. Tammy Duckworth, Director of Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs participated in both events giving the Military Tribute. The Springfield Civic Garden Club served refreshments in Springfield and District VII provided refreshments in Duquoin. Beautification of the new Plaza Area, permanent location for the Governor’s and First Lady’s Pavillions on the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds, was a joint effort of a number of garden clubs: Anna-Jo Garden Club, Benton Garden Club, Carbondale Garden Study Club, DuQuoin Garden Club, Eldorado Garden Study Club, Evergreen Garden Club of Carbondale, and Marion Garden Club.

Blue Star Memorial placements continue to grow. Two more By-Way Markers bring the Illinois Marker count to123. Yorkville Garden Club placed a marker at the American Legion Post #489 in Yorkville, and the Wheeling Garden Club will place a Marker later this year in a new park in Wheeling that will be dedicated to veterans.

Photo: Blue star dedication at Illinois State Fair, Springfield. Left to right, Jane Buck, Regional Blue Star chairman, Kathy Rewerts, Illinois Blue Star chairman, Jimmie Meinhardt, National Blue Star Chairman, First Lady Patty Blagojevich, Illinois State President Jody Bailey, and Sally Noble, Springfield Civic Garden Club president.

LET FREEDOM RING AND HISTORIC TREES

"Let Freedom Ring" program established. See Special Projects for information on this and the new Historic Trees program.

Some Illinois Garden Clubs have begun planting Patriotic Trees as part of the National Garden Clubs nationwide program "Let Freedom Ring!" Trees honor those civilian and military persons who provide service to their community and country.

COMMEMORATIVE STAMP PROJECT

As you may already know, GCI has long been involved in saving commemorative stamps for the Illinois Audubon Society. Monies raised from the sale of these stamps is used to purchase property for wiidlife. Kay macNeil serves as GCI's state Birds and Butterflies Chairman. Commemorative stamps for the project may be mailed to her attention at The Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc., P.O. Box 499, Elmhurst, IL 60126-0499 .

Reminder: When removing stamps, please leave a ¼" margin around them. Commemorative stamps are the (usually) larger special stamps printed in limited quantities. The common love, flag, or Christmas stamps are not wanted, but foreign stamps are desired. Local post offices display the newest ones.

DON'T MISS THESE UPCOMING EVENTS

Refer to complete calendar under Calendar of Events.

Check your GARDENGlories for advertisements of Plant sales, garden tours, and flower shows.

Visit Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe and Morton Arboretum in Lisle. Both offer special events and and programs year round. Plan to tour the grounds of these world-famous sites.