Don’t forget to bring entries to the Wheat Land Communities’ Fair

Do you have some beautiful Dahlias this year? Maybe Gladiolas or Petunias that catch your eye?

This might just be a good year to plan on entering flowers in the Wheat Land Communities’ Fair.

There are really two or three important things to remember when deciding what flowers to bring to the fair.

Judges do follow the directions that appear in the Exhibitors’ Guide.

For example: Dahlias should have two or four leaves and no buds. Utilize a clean knife to remove side buds well before showing.

The center of the flower should show in a single or collaret variety.

Will your flower be at the proper stage of bloom when the judge sees it? At the Wheat Land Communities’ Fair, entry date is Wednesday, Sept. 2. Judging starts early on Thursday, Sept. 3.

If you have roses that look good on Tuesday, pick them, plunge them into room temperature water, and put in a cool, dark place.

Please don’t wait until Wednesday afternoon to pick in the heat of the day!

Roses, stocks, snapdragons and chrysanthemums need 24 hours to soak up enough water.

Perennials partially opened, some buds showing color. Spike flowers as in gladiolus, the lower florets opened, upper florets in bud, showing color.

Discard mutilated leaves, and be certain that the blossom shows no insect damage, discoloration or moisture stain.

Superintendants want happy exhibitors. We hate saying, “this is too far gone” or “there are no leaves” or “ these leaves have been chewed!”

Read the rules, if you are entering some other fairs, their rules likely will differ.

Try to be aware of the class you are entering, sometimes when many people come at the same time it can be frustrating, try to come prepared.

You are more than welcome to get exhibitor numbers, tags and computer cards ahead of time.

For leaves and vines to be used in arrangements immerse the entire spray in water for several hours. Strip the foliage to above water level and cut stems at an angle. Cut two or three vertical slits in woody stems such as mums, shrubs or evergreens.

One-eighth teaspoon of boric acid to each quart of water retards bacterial growth and may be used on any plant material. One tablespoon of sugar to a quart of water is beneficial in hardening Asters, Petunias, Sweetpeas, Verbena, Gailliardia and Daisies.

One of the prettiest Gladiolas I ever grew, broke off as I turned a corner on the highway in too much of a hurry, so brace them, maybe even with a dry cleaners bag or something that is waterproof.

Then enjoy admiring everything everyone else has brought to the Fair.