Metropolitan Lawn and Garden ShowThe latest trend in gardening is urban farming and the gardening gurus at
Powell Gardens will turn part of the American Royal Center into the Garden of Eatin' for the 2011 show. Whether it's a community garden, backyard plot or a handful of plants in pots, people are looking to grow more of their own fruits and vegetables.
Spurred on by the growth of local produce found in grocery stores or at farmers markets, more and more homeowners are dabbling in their own version of urban farming in increasing numbers. Some do it to save money or for the homegrown taste and satisfaction in the plants they grow. Others find growing their own fruits and vegetables gives them an inroad to organic products, while others use it as a learning experience for their children.
Powell Gardens, known for its Heartland Harvest Garden, will provide detailed information on all elements of growing fruits, vegetables, herbs and other crops in an urban setting. These information stations will explain soil preparation, seed selection, watering and sunlight, fertilization, pest and fungus control, and eventually, harvesting.
The Garden of Eatin' is perfect for all the Adams and Eves looking to supplement their menu with home-grown produce, or for those who just want to add a little spice to their meals with a landscaped herb garden.
The array of ribbons and trophies adorning orchids and exhibits can be
baffling to first-time visitors to orchid shows. Some exhibits are covered with ribbons, while others have only a few. An unimpressive orchid may have a blue ribbon, while the beautiful orchid next to it has none. All those ribbons are the result of a system that groups similar orchids and other entries, so judges compare "apples to apples" when they judge the orchid show.
This orchid show uses the Mid-America Orchid Congress Entry Schedule to register all items entered for show judging. The entry schedule has 120 entry classes. Judges may award 1st (blue), 2nd (red) and 3rd (white) place ribbons in each class. Of the 120 classes, there are 105 classes for orchids. The classes are divided into groups by the type or orchid, for example, Cattleya, Paphiopedilum or Phalaenopsis. Each of these groups is divided into classes for species (types of orchids that occur naturally in the wild) or hybrids (types of orchids created by people). The species and hybrid groups may be further divided into more classes based on the color or other common characteristics of the flowers. In the end, all white Cattleya hybrids compete against each other and not against pink Phalaenopsis hybrids.
In addition to ribbons, judges also may award "Best of Class" trophies. These trophies go to the best of the blue ribbon winners in a group of closely related classes. For example, a Best of Class trophy is awarded for Classes 29-41, which include all Paphiopedilums.
Several special trophies also will be awarded in this orchid show. Each special trophy has its own specific criteria for determining the winner.
Finally, a few orchids in this show may receive prestigious awards presented by the American Orchid Society. These awards recognize flower quality, excellence of culture, advancements in hybridizing, botanical interest and other recognition-worthy aspects. They are awarded in accordance with rules of the American Orchid Society.
For the Orchid Show schedule click here.
