Handy tips, links & FAQ
Who doesn't want to be a winner? If you are determined to lift the Best in Show Cup, then the RHS has just the guide
"RHS Great British Village Show: What Goes on Behind the Scenes and How to be a Prize-Winner" written by Thane Prince & Matthew Biggs.
For the less serious, here are a few tips & hints:
- Read the rules – if 4 potatoes are asked for, it’s no use displaying 3 or 5. Ensure they are as uniform in size & appearance as possible.
- Don’t display fruit and vegetables which are under or overripe – if you’d cook with them, they’re probably ready for display.
- Don’t overcrowd your floral vases. Whilst the judges are looking for quality of flower, an attractive arrangement will endear you to the judge. Floral foam can be used to hold the stems in place. Try to arrange them for a balanced overall look.
- Don’t enter too many classes. It takes a long time to gather, inspect, choose and stage each exhibit well.
- Pick everything the morning when cells are turgid and everything is fresh. The judge will open pods, and snap beans and will be looking for crispness.
- Look out for pests – gently shake flowers to dislodge flea beetles or place them near a white background to encourage them out. Greenfly infestations can be brushed off stems with a soft paintbrush.
- Root vegetables should be gently washed but not polished.
- You need to provide your own plates/containers to display produce if appropriate (e.g. raspberries will need a plate but beetroot will not).
- If anything is less than perfect don’t display it no matter how proud you are of it. Wilting leaves, marked or blighted veg and dying petals will all lose you points.
- Read up on the rules – if you know what the judges are looking for you are more likely to have the confidence to give it a try.