Exhibitor Schedule

Competitions are the categories that make up the Show. The New England Fall Flower Show: Growing Together has 5 competitions that are open for entry:

• Amateur Horticulture

• Junior Horticulture [ages 18 and under]

• Floral Design

• Botanical Arts

• Photography

Each of these competitions contains its own set of rules and requirements, in addition to the general New England Flower Show rules outlined at the beginning of this document. Please read both the general rules and the competition rules carefully when deciding to enter. 

A class is a specific category within a competition that is defined by the type of specimen or design that is exhibited. Exhibits are then judged either against each other or against perfection, then assigned awards by Flower Show judges. 

Exhibit refers to the plants, design, or photograph you are entering into the show. You are the exhibitor.

For Amateur and Junior Horticulture, entries are accepted at the Garden at Elm Bank during the week of the Show (Wednesday, September 16 from 4-7pm and Thursday, September 17 from 6-9am), and pre-registration is not required. Please note, however, many classes have a length of ownership requirement, which requires you to have owned a plant before a certain date in order for it to be accepted. There is no limit to how many people can enter or how many specimens you can enter.

For Floral Design and Botanical Arts, pre-registration is required and class space is limited. To enter, please read the competition rules and guidelines, review the specifications of the class, and fill out the registration form for your chosen class. Reach out to the Class Consultant (listed in the class or competition) with any additional questions.

For Photography, pre-registration is required. The Photography competition is a juried show, which means that a selection of entries will be chosen to be reviewed by a panel or jurors who will then decide on a smaller selection of exhibits ("finalists") that will be displayed and judged at the 140th New England Fall Flower Show. 

For additional questions about exhibiting in the 140th New England Fall Flower Show: Growing Together, please contact the Class Consultant listed in the class or competitions of this schedule.

Please refer to the Class Consultant for the class you're interested in entering or learning more about. Contact information can be found within the Class or Competition listing in the schedule. 

The Competitions of the New England Fall Flower Show are open to all interested individuals and garden clubs.

Any amateur gardener who does not grow or sell plants for the major part of their livelihood may exhibit in Horticulture. 
Any amateur floral designer who does not design or sell flowers for the major part of their livelihood may exhibit in Floral Design. 
Any amateur photographer who does not sell their photos for the major part of their livelihood may exhibit in Photography. 

Exhibitors are responsible for identifying every plant with the correct botanical and common names. Accepted references for nomenclature are: Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder and Royal Horticultural Society - Find a Plant. 

Drop off times for the 140th New England Flower Show are Wednesday, September 16 from 4-7pm and Thursday, September 17 from 6-9am. Drop off will be at the Garden at Elm Bank, 900 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA.

Exhibiting in the New England Flower Show is an opportunity to connect with gardeners of every experience level, challenge yourself, and appreciate the process of growing. 

When dropping off your plants or setting up your design, you'll meet lifelong Flower Show volunteers and first-time exhibitors alike, all who embody the sentiment of Growing Together. Join a community that celebrates the beauty of what we grow when we grow together!

Exhibits can be awarded first place, second place, third place, honorable mention, and special awards. Exhibiting gives you the chance to receive awards and constructive advice from national Flower Show judges.

Additionally, exhibitors receive a free ticket to visit the Flower Show from Friday, September 18 – Sunday, September 20 to shop vendors, listen to demos, and see the hundreds of plants and flowers that make up the New England Fall Flower Show.