READYING PLANTS FOR ROCK GARDEN SHOW by Carl Gehenio

 

The Annual Rock Garden Plant Show and Sale is only several weeks away. Though there are some plants that may take a year or more of coddling and special care to result in prime condition for a given show, there are very many that can still be selected and groomed for a blue ribbon in the time frame remaining before the event. 

 

Classes that require plants to be in flower may be a little tricky due to vagaries in the weather and the timing of the show. However, there are many that may be in prime condition that can be safely lifted, potted, and groomed within a few days of the show.  Fibrous rooted sorts respond best to this treatment. Most primulas, many species of which are in peak flowering condition at this time do not resent lifting and potting.  Huge multi-stemmed 'cabbages' of the candelabra types, such as P. japonica may require a correspondingly huge pot while those of the efarinose section can be comfortably accommodated in a tiny 2 ½” or 3” pot.  Other easy do-gooders are the micro mini phlox hybrids which bloom right on target most years. Sizeable cushions from the garden (4” to 6”) or the previous year cuttings in a 3” pot can well be blue ribbon contenders. A list of other do-gooders is quite extensive.  

 

Tap rooted plants such as pulsatilla are difficult to accommodate on short notice and may need a whole growing season to attain a presentable condition.  Bulbous and rhizomatous plants are always more appealing when presented in groupings of three or more rather than single stem specimens. 

 

Do not overlook the common and ordinary.  Properly groomed and presented, they can gain

premier awards. Houstonia caerulea – growing abundantly along roadsides, pastures, and open woodlands took blue ribbons in the wild flower class several times. 

 

Some plants can be forced to flower several days or weeks earlier than normal by supplying extra light and warmth. I tried this with Arisaema candidissimum but there was no way it could be induced to come along early. 

 

Non flowering plants grown for their form and foliage are well within the range of possible entries for every member. Sempervivums and sedums, ferns, dwarf trees and shrubs, and conifers are foolproof and can be readied early or just before show day. 

 

Presentation - This is where even mediocre plant species can outshine a 'crème de la crème'.

Starting with the container in which the entry is presented—clay, plastic, ceramic, wood, etc.—it should be of a size that comfortably accommodates the plant selected. All good plants deserve a good clean container.

 

Grooming is another essential for presenting a plant at its best. With some it is a simple matter while with others it can be tedious and time consuming. Off color foliage and spent flowers should be removed. Inspect for any possible insect presence or damage. Some preliminary grooming can and should be done on the likes of ferns, where if done near show time the tender fronds can be easily damaged. 

 

When the final grooming is finished, any exposed soil surface should be covered with a complimentary topping that is fitting for the plant. Use moist peat moss or rubbed leaf litter for woodland or shade lovers, pine needles for conifers and some acid lovers, and natural tone gravel for a wide range of alpines. Steer clear of the brightly colored aquarium gravels and the glaring, white decorative stone mulches.  Small flat stone inserted under small cushion plants can be both attractive and beneficial to the plant.  Labels should be clearly printed on a horizontal plane and inserted at the edge of the container. 

 

The day before the show, soak the plants and allow for any excess water to drain before packing entries in sturdy containers for transport to the venue.