Gardening Show Participation: Unforgettable Moments and Tips

Have you ever looked at a local gardening show and thought, “That’s terrifying!” That was me, just a short while ago—curious, terrified, and absolutely clueless! But then I thought, “Why not step out of my comfort zone and give it a go?” So, I entered a local horticultural show for the first time, and let me tell you, it was a day packed with laughs, community spirit, and a few lovely surprises!

Why I Decided to Dive In

Supporting local groups is important, I mean, what’s the point in them organising these events if we don’t show up and have a bit of fun, right? So, this year, I decided to put my money where my mouth is and take part in the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society’s annual show, which was in cahoots with The Federation of Edinburgh and District Allotments and Gardens Associations. Armed with some of my onions and a couple of flowers from my garden, I dove headfirst into the unknown, having no clue what I was doing but feeling excited to try something new!

Gearing Up for the Big Day

If you’ve never entered a gardening show before, here’s a tip: it’s a bit more involved than just turning up with a few veggies in hand! What I needed to do was to display three onions that were as identical as possible in size, shape, and colour. Easy, right? Well, not exactly. My onions were a bit… let’s say, “individual,” but I decided not to let that put me off! I also had to display them in a certain way, with roots and tops visible but not left as nature intended. The reasoning of this is to show homegrown versus bought in your local supermarket.

For my onions, this involved something called “whipping” them. Very weird! It basically meant trimming the leaves and tying them in a specific way with string to make them neat. I can honestly say I laughed so much and so often trying to do this. I suspect it gets easier the more often you do it.

The Day of the Show: Nerves and New Friends

Arriving at the show, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. The place was alive with colour – flowers everywhere, stunning displays of veg, and a crowd buzzing with friendly chatter. And here’s the best part: everyone was so welcoming and supportive, even to newbies like me!

One highlight of my day was meeting Colin, a judge and seasoned member of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society. He shared some pearls of wisdom on what the judges look for:

Uniformity is Everything: Whatever you’re showing, be it onions, tomatoes, or potatoes, they should look like they could be triplets.
Perfection is Great, But Relax: A small blemish might lower your score, but don’t sweat the small stuff.
Preparation Hacks: Colin suggested using curtain rings to keep veg standing upright so that they looked their best. Clever, right?

The Moment of Truth: A Surprise Win!

Imagine my surprise when I won second place for my onions! Yep, you read that right. My first time entering, and I walked away with a 2nd place! It was a fantastic reminder that it’s not about having the perfect veg, but about getting involved, having fun, and being part of a community.

What I Learned (And Why You Should Jump In Too!)

Here are my biggest takeaways:

It’s Not About Perfection: I always thought these shows were about flawless veg, but it’s more about showing what you’ve grown, learning along the way, and having a blast.
Community is Key: The camaraderie was just amazing. It didn’t matter that I was a beginner—everyone was ready to help and share their knowledge.
It’s Surprisingly Addictive! I’m already planning to enter more shows next year, and I’ve got my eye on the upcoming spring bulb show!

Thinking of Entering a Show? Here Are My Tips:

Start Small: Begin with a few simple entries, like onions or tomatoes, to get the hang of it.
Ask for Advice: Chat with the experienced folks—they’re a goldmine of information.
Enjoy Every Minute: Remember, it’s all about the fun and community, not just the competition!

Final Thoughts: Ready to Dive In?

I hope my little adventure inspires you to give it a go. Gardening shows are about more than just showing off your produce—they’re about learning, sharing, and celebrating all the hard work (and sometimes luck!) that goes into growing things. And who knows? You might just walk away with a glowing 1st, 2nd or 3rd card like I did! But even if you don’t, you’ll gain new friends, fresh knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for your local gardening community.

So why not start planning for next year’s show? Trust me, it’s totally worth it!