Iris Show
It is possible to have an approved, judged iris show at your
school with the help of your sponsoring iris club. But an
informal, unofficial classroom show is fun and requires less work.
The needed Equipment is listed below and a picture of the Entry tags (to
the left below).
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- Containers -- wine bottles in various sizes work well
(soak off labels)
- Water to fill contaiiners
- Carpet padding cut into 1: x 2" pieces
- Pruning shears, scissors or knife for cutting iris
stalks
- Q-tips; small, soft paint brush; rubber bands; paper
punch
- Entry tags (available from sponsoring iris club)
- Ribbons, Blue = 1st, red = 2nd, white = 3rd, pink =
Honorable Mention medium purple = Best of Section, and
the large purples = Best of Show. Make these from
paper and string.
- Tables
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Procedure:
- Choose a deadline for entries (example, 9 AM)
- Fill containers with water. Students should
carefully cut iris stalks at ground level and place in a
container. Discard bottom leaves. Carry bottle
inside.
- Wedge carpet padding in top of container so stalk stand
straight.
- Groom iris. Remove dirt and insects using Q-tip or
brush. Carefully remove any spent blooms and trim
brown leaf tips. Use a Q-tip to wipe off fingerprints
from the stalk.
- Fill out entry tag and place it on the container with
a rubber band.
- Place irises on table in alphabetical order. Group
into tall bearded, median, beardless, species, etc.
- 15 - 25 stalks would make a good show. A student
may enter several stalks but only "1" of each named variety.
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Judging:
- Each named variety is judged on its own merit.
Judging is based on 1) Cultural Perfection (75%) and 2)
Condition & Grooming (25%)
- Choose 3 students to be judges and 2 students to be
clerks. Judges may not touch entries but clerks may
turn containers so judges can see all sides of the iris.
Clerks do not speak unless asked. One clerk punches
entry tag and the other places ribbons over entry tags as
directed by judges.
- Irises are judged in order with judges taking turns
speaking. Any number of blue ribbons may be awarded,
but only one to each named variety.
- After all stalks are judged, pick best of each section
(issue medium purple ribbons).
- After all section awards are decided, choose best of
show (issue large purple ribbon).
- When judging is complete, invite guests to see the iris
show.
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