As many of you know, from April 14 till 17, 2026 the annual FFGC Convention took place in Kissimmee, FL. Every other year FFGC also organizes a Flower-show in connection with the Convention. This year’s Flower-show was held from April 14 till 16. The FFGC Flower-show attracts participants from all over Florida.
I love participating in Flower-shows and entered 13 plants and plant parts in Horticulture Division of the show. Entries are judged by certified judges and each plant can earn a maximum of 100 points. There are 8 aspects of the plant that earn between 5 and 20 points each. My entries earned 5 first prizes, 4 second prizes and 3 third prizes in a variety of categories. Of my second prizes 3 were rated at 90+ points. That means they were of high quality, but there was one in that category with more points and earning first prize. There were hundreds of plants competing.
Having plants and plant propagation as a hobby give me great joy. Earning the recognition of the quality of my plants in a contest, is the cherry on the cake.
I encourage all members of the garden club to participate in a Flower-show. It is fun and very rewarding. If the show in Kissimmee was too far to bring your entries before the show and requiring a second trip to pick your babies up after the show, why not try out the show next week in St Augustine by the local garden club, April 24-25?
Here is the link to all info around the show: St Augustine Flowershow
Download the Flowershow Schedule, that gives you all details about submitting your plants for entry. Deliver your plants on the day before the show, April 23. Judging is April 24, AM. The show starts PM.
If you are not ready to participate, be sure to visit the show and enjoy the plants. There will also be a Design division, displaying beautiful creations by the Arrangers.
Article and photos by Marínus Grootenboer
P.s.
Members of the Palm Coast Arrangers Guild might also consider to participate in St Augustine!!