Suggestions to Judges

(adapted from the Alpine Garden Society and revised 2002)

Judges have the power to withhold any prize if the exhibit 
is not considered worthy, 
or to award multiple firsts, seconds, thirds, honourable mentions, 
or any combination thereof.

Judges are requested not to open ID cards to ascertain 
exhibitors' names prior to judging.  
Judges will mark ID cards with appropriate prize ie 1st, 2nd etc.  
Clerks will then fold out the ID cards to display exhibitors' names.

When a single-pan class includes many genera, 
and there are five or more entries from the same genus, 
each such group shall be judged as a separate sub-class.

10 points should be awarded on the following basis: 
(though this number is not recorded - it is just to assist in your decisions) 

a.) 4 points for choice of plant - 
	2 points for suitability 
	and 2 for rarity in cultivation.  
b.) 6 points for cultivation

It is undesirable to allocate the points exactly, 
but importance should be attached to:
	i.) the plant being "in character" 
		 i.e. its character in nature, so not obviously forced
	ii.) the plant being in flower or in berry 
		if primarily grown for those purposes
	iii.) success in overcoming known difficulty of cultivation

Other things being equal, 
preference should be given to species or natural hybrids 
over garden hybrids.

Special Classes of Plants:

Cushion Plants  (class 22 ) should be close and firm.  
Being in flower is of secondary importance, 
though it may show a higher standard of cultivation.

Dwarf Conifer or Shrub (classes 26 to 28) 
should, wherever possible, be on their own roots and not grafted. 
The shape should be characteristic of the cultivar. 
The plants must not have been artificially dwarfed or clipped.  
In general, the older the plant the better.

Primulas
Exhibition Gold-Laced Polyanthus, 
Show Auriculas and Exhibition Alpine Auriculas 
(classes 58, 61, 62, 63, 64) 
are judged according to British show standards. 
 
All other Primulas (classes 45 to 57, 59, 60, 65) 
are judged according to alpine garden standards.

Bonsai  (classes 66 to 70) 
are judged according to bonsai standards.  
If a judge is not familiar with these standards,  
the entries should be judged for artistry.

Troughs and Miniature Gardens (classes 71 to 74)  
preference should be given to exhibits in which the plants 
are well-established. 
 The general effect and variety  of plants used is of importance.