Flower Show Judges share knowledge and talent

The Malta Dirt Daubers Garden Club sponsored a no host dinner and program on “Flower Arranging” on Monday, March 6th.

Guest speakers were Mary Davis, Master Flower Show Judge and Joyce Hendricks, Accredited Flower Show Judge, both of Billings.

There was a short meeting led by club President Kathy Waters and Toni Ziegler introduced the guest speakers following dinner.

Davis and Hendricks took turns explaining different kinds of miniatures and they had brought several examples of miniature floral arrangements.

A handout of guidelines was shared for small and miniature designs for 8 inch, 5 inch and 3 inch and their examples were given.

Judging is based on a scale of points totaling to 100. There’s 14 points for Conformance, 48 points for Design Principles, 12 points for Artistic Concept, 10 points for Expression, and 16 points for Distinction.

Some good tips given were that no plastic or silk flowers are allowed and that clear glass wasn’t the best choice, unless creating an underwater design.

Another tip was to frame the miniature with a background that brings out the best features of the design, and try different colored backgrounds or textures to draw out the end product.

Davis, Hendricks, and club members had brought items for everyone to try their hand at a miniature arrangement.

Several local ladies did an outstanding first time try. These lessons learned will be helpful in the future for upcoming events like Flower Shows, the Phillips County Fair, or just personal enjoyment.