Horticultural Perfection: Does it Exist?
PAR Class: Judging Against Perfection
Perfection is defined by Merriam-Webster as freedom from fault or defect, flawlessness.
An entry in the par class is an exhibit of exceptional horticultural merit, which does not qualify for entry elsewhere in the Horticulture Division. Cut specimens are discouraged. Entries are judged individually against perfection.
In Par Classes, entries are judged on their own merits, not competitively. As a result, there can be more than one blue ribbon awards in a single PAR class, as opposed to only one top prize in other horticulture classes.
Criteria for container plants (from the GCA’s Flower Show & Judging Guide)
1. A plant should be well grown and vigorous
a. Good, full, symmetrical shape
b. Compact, not leggy
c. Unless trained, the form should be typical for the species or cultivar
2. Foliage should be healthy in color and texture
3. If class specifies, plant should be in flower
a. With sufficient bloom
b. Fresh and of good substance
4. Damaged leaves and spent flowers should be removed
a. The leaf may be inconspicuously trimmed if removing a leaf would destroy symmetry
b. Deductions of points for damaged foliage should be in proportion to total
c. A small blemish should not take a plant out of competition
i. If it can be determined blemish occurred in transit, no points should be deducted
5. Leaves and/or flowers should be free of
a. Dust or soil
b. Chemical spray
c. Pollen
i. Spent pollen removed from flower parts
ii. Anthers may be removed from lilies
d. Leaf shine or any product that alters the natural character of the foliage
6. Pots should be clean and in proportion to the exhibit
7. Top dressing, if used
a. Should be neatly applied
b. Moss is allowed and not considered a separate species
8. Staking should be unobtrusive
9. Pruning should be precise and as close to the stem or trunk as possible
10. A specimen should be shown at its peak of bloom or growth with sufficient maturity to be appealing on the show bench
11. Distinction that sets an entry apart from the others may be
a. Originality in presentation
b. Aesthetic appeal
c. Good design
12. Rarity and difficulty of cultivation should be considered with discretion
XI. Par Classes
A. Each entry in par is judged individually
1. Against perfection of standard for the specific specimen or cultivar
2. Multiple blue, red and yellow ribbons may be given
3. There are no honorable mentions in par classes
B. Can be anything that grows
1. Container grown plants in
a. Terrariums
b. Troughs
c. Other
2. Pairs, parent and child
3. Bulbs
4. Bonsai
5. Vegetables and fruit
6. Orchids, if owned for minimum of one year
7. Plants owned for 5 years or 10 years
C. Must be of horticultural merit that cannot be entered in another class in the show
D. Cut specimens are discouraged as these should be included in other classes in the schedule
E. All entries must be owned by exhibitor for 6 months or more as specified in the schedule
