I took a dozen roses. This was one of those shows where almost all roses received a ribbon unless they were disqualified or really not good. My Mr. Lincoln was in the Classic HT class but only got a 3rd place. I also had a Reve d'Or in the climbers, but it receved a 3rd (I don't think it was open enough). I did an arrangement at the last minute, my mentor helped me and gave me two of her roses, but apparently I didn't label it correctly so it didn't get a ribbon. Honestly, the entry of the Prince in the Fragrance category was a last minute decision. The rose didn't want to open so I just said, what the heck, it's pretty fragrant, what do I have to lose. I think the fact that it was up against about 5 Fragrant Clouds and one JPP (that honestly smelled like cat pee to me) and The Prince has a different scent all together is why it won. So I guess the lesson is, just enter everything, know your categories and make sure you label stuff correctly. The judges I was clerking for wanted to disqualify a rose because it was labeled 'Abe Darby' instead of Abraham Darby. The clerking was fun. The judges I was with weren't too talky about why they were picking certain roses. There was another group that I was able to watch while my judges were picking their best HT. They were doing the OGRs, which I had 2 roses in, so I was evesdropping :). The one judge really loved my Lady Hillingdon, and let the other judge know that the nodding was normal. These were the same judges that picked The Prince and the woman judge said she loves the Prince and it's scent, so maybe that worked in my favor. I also spoke a lot to the photo judge and she told me that the backgrounds in my pictures were distracting otherwise they may have won. I guess most people take pictures especially for the show and use backdrops. I just took pictures that I had that I thought were good and entered them. I am still mystified about all the categories, but it makes a bit more sense now. I'm excited about entering again. I don't think I'll grow roses just to show. Those HTs are nice, but not really my cup of tea. I'll just continue to grow roses I like and enter them in the OGR or Shrub categories and see how I do. The prep room was amazing. I had no idea what went into showing. I received a lot of help, mostly from my mentor but also other exhibitors. When I entered Tamora, it had a side bud and I asked if I should remove it and most said it was distracting, so I did. I think that was a good move. I have to say that minis are fabulous, so perfect and so tiny! there was one really tiny one 'Midget' that everyone was going gaga over. And to see the people in the room put them together was amazing. Then to see the judges have to decide between them. It's hard because they are all so good, one could lose out just because the centers weren't perfect or uniform or just because another one was a slightly bit better. One of the people from my Rose Society won the King for mini's and was so excited. It was great to see.

Thank you.

I am so glad to hear of all the successes on shows! Christopher...you are so so right on the tips you gave! I have been doing these shows for 20 years and the BIGGEST and I mean the BIGGEST tip I can give anyone is STAND UP and GREET every and I mean every customer that is at the table! Even when kids come to look, talk to them, they will then go to the parents and ask for money! I am a stickler on that. My Boyfriend of 4 years goes with me and helps me so much. But at the beginning, I had to tell him to stand up, talk to people. NOW, he sees exactly what I mean! I know at the end of the show you will be tired but better to be tired wth a full wallet than relaxed with an empty one! The other thing I HATE is to walk up to a table, and see the Vendor with their mouth full of food. OMG that bothers me. When we eat our lunch or what have you, we walk away from the booth one at a time to eat. My other advice, always straighten up your display! People will pick things up and then almost always not put them back the way they were....I am constantly, when there is not a crowd, re-arranging and straightening out my displays. I have learned in all honestly, that the more items I display, the more I sell. I have things priced from $1.00 to $35.00 and if it wasn't for the smaller priced items at some shows, I'd come out with nothing. Anyway, just a few tips too! I hope you all do well at your shows. I have another show this weekend. It is a smaller one and a first time show for me, so we'll see how it goes. I had nothing else scheduled this weekend so I thought I'd give it a try Wish Me Luck! Marci

CONGRATULATIONS from a full timer! Four figure shows are nice, aren't they? We finished our major show schedule this past weekend just outside of Boston and now have two smaller shows left and then it's in front of the woodstove until late January when shows start again. But I'm dreaming. My wife will have lots for me to do. Chris in VT