Fair Flower Arrangement Competitions

What kinds of floral classes are there?

Floral departments often include cut flower specimens, potted plants, dried arrangements and designed arrangements with a theme. Each class describes its requirements, such as a certain number of stems of one type, a size limit or a theme that must be reflected in the design.

Some classes require flowers grown by the exhibitor, while others allow purchased material. This varies by fair, so check the book's rules about plant material and about what must be homegrown.

If you are unsure whether a plant is a cut flower, a houseplant or a specimen shrub clipping, ask which class fits before you enter.

How do I read the schedule?

Look for the allowed container, the size, whether accessories are permitted, whether the arrangement must stand alone and whether labels are required. Note the time window for fresh entries, since many fairs ask you to bring arrangements on a specific day or morning.

Ask the superintendent if the book is silent about a point. Some departments have a separate judge's guide that explains the evaluation criteria, which is worth requesting.

Note whether the fair provides tables, risers or bases. Some do not, and a stable base can affect how the arrangement is seen.

• Container and size limits
• Plant material rules
• Required theme or style
• Check-in time for fresh entries

How do I condition cut flowers?

Conditioning means preparing blooms to last. Cut stems in the cool part of the day, place them in clean water right away, and keep them out of heat and drafts. Remove foliage that would sit below the water line. Extension publications describe methods for specific flower types.

Plan the timing. Some flowers open quickly, some slowly, and a bloom cut too early may not open while one cut late may fade before judging. Practice with the same flowers earlier in the season to learn their timing.

What makes a strong design?

Judges commonly look at balance, proportion, color harmony, focal point, condition of materials and how well the design follows the class. Keep the design in scale with its container and the space allowed. Avoid crowding. A restrained design with healthy materials often reads better than a large cluttered one.

Create your arrangement early enough to adjust, then step back and look from all angles that the display allows. Remove weak or damaged blooms. Remember that the arrangement will be viewed in a fairground hall, so check it in a variety of lights.

How do I transport and deliver arrangements?

Use a box, bucket or crate that holds the container firmly. Wedge it so it cannot tip, and keep it level and cool on the drive. Carry water for topping off if the fair allows it. Allow extra time, since arrangements are delicate and check-in lines can be long.

At the fair, make final adjustments only where permitted, attach your tag as directed and leave the arrangement for the volunteers to place.

Bring simple repair tools such as floral tape, wire and clippers, but only use them where the rules permit. Keep your kit small and neat.

What if I am new to floral design?

Start with a simple class, such as a single type of cut flower, and learn the basics of conditioning and grooming. Local garden clubs, extension volunteers and 4-H floral projects often offer workshops where beginners can practice.

Take photographs of your arrangements and record what you used. Compare them with the ones that placed. Over time your eye develops, and you will see the small adjustments that matter.

Bring a friend or family member to carry supplies and watch for tipping on the way in. Fairgrounds can have uneven ground, and a second pair of hands keeps both you and the arrangement steady.

How do dried and artificial arrangements differ?

Some departments accept dried flowers, silk or fabric material, or mixed media. The class says which is allowed. Dried arrangements are judged on design, condition of material and technique, and they are usually less sensitive to timing than fresh work.

For dried work, store material in a dry, dark place and handle it gently, since petals and seed heads are brittle. Dust can be removed with a soft brush or a low air stream. Avoid sprays unless the class allows them.

For any class, a clear idea behind the design helps. Think of a simple concept, such as a season, a color story or a regional plant, and let each choice support it.

• Check which materials are allowed
• Store dried material dry and dark
• Choose a clear concept

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the County Fair & Rodeo Guide Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.