A Great Opportunity

The Federation Of Connecticut Garden Clubs performs an invaluable service to all garden club members by presenting two Flower Show Courses a year. There are four courses in all and they are conveniently , ( for us ) held at the AG Station . The courses cover everything you need to know about Flower Design, Horticulture and Flower Shows. One day is devoted to Flower Show Procedure and Design and the next day is devoted to Horticulture. These courses are given as training for those members who wish to become judges but ANYONE may apply and take advantage, and learn !

The instructors must study and pass rigorous exams in-order to teach in these schools. They are accomplished and knowledgeable people with teaching skills as well. The schools are typically held twice a year in the Spring and in the Fall. Those who want to become judges will sign up for the full course with an exam taken after the conclusion of the two days. One may become a Student Judge after taking two courses (they don't have to be taken in order ) but a student must complete all four courses before becoming an Accredited Judge.

The Spring set of courses for Course One will be held this May on the 13 through the 15th. Typically registration begins at eight and the lecture begins at nine. There are breaks and lunch if you order it (provided by Spring Glen Garden Club) The afternoon session lasts until 3. The exam is held on the morning of the third day at 9 am.

Included in this Springs course will be Flower Show Procedure, a study of violas/pansies and tulips; design instruction on selecting containers, mechanics, and plant materials; introduction to the Elements and Principals of design, and a study of American Traditional Line, Line Mass, and Mass designs. Judging vocabulary, design scale of points, and a demonstration of oral point scoring of the designs studied in this course.

The Federation this Spring is offering a special bonus to anyone taking this course. You can sign up to take the complete course (two days ) and bring a garden club member along for Free! She won't be eligible to take the exam but will bring helpful information back to her club. I will be taking the full course and therefore can bring along an interested member. I'm looking forward to this learning experience and hope that we will have several others from our club along as well. Watch for the registration form which will appear in the green Federated April Newsletter.

Signed, Vicky Arkins