BCSS Judges Course

[ChrisR]

My opinion is that competitive shows have had their day anyway. Non-competitive displays or exhibitions are the way to go IMO. Do growers really need cups and trophies as an incentive any more?

[dalesmatt]

Interesting reading.

I've contemplated the judges course but rejected it at least this year even though I have the time off. Theres no way i could feel expert enough to identify at sight so many species in order to spot a NAS plant with erroneous label etc.

It seems a nice enough sounding weekend but having spent rather a lot on plants this year plus attending the international convention I'm not going to get Mrs approval! I do think the premise of having judges qualified to a standard is good but but for me the be all and end all.

For some the competitive spirit is higher perhaps, certainly as I amusingly overheard my Agave V-R being run down to the judge by another entrant after having a first given it, but I walked on by chuckling. What's the point in discussing it!? Does the course teach judges about competitor disagreement?

I would have liked a chat with the judge but he was somewhat busy so maybe another time. I deliberately took a few venerable but slightly scruffy plants because they look more like youd find in habitat purely because it's what I enjoy because I'm more intetested in promoting growing the plants that strictly growing them in top show condition.

Biggest issue I see for newer members - and I consider myself a society newbie as I'm under 45 (just!) - is the way one's plants are received, if having a young collection no matter how proud of it the owner may be, I heard words like immature, young, new and not show standard applied to some plants at the last show I went to. It may be true but not very pleasant and even disheartening for an entrant, specially as soon as winning one class means being barred from.novice sections. I see non competitive shows having a greater interest for that reason possibly. Maybe there could be both? Perhaps a thread on exactly what the course attempts to impart would be useful?

I can say I am glad to receive a generally favourable reception from the respected 'old guard' at my branch, and the show. Theres some kind knowledgeable people out there who have shared hints and tips with me. It can be daunting since it may seem a bit like a group of old friends who all know one another and you're an outsider though!

[Terry S.]

I agree with Chris that non-competitive shows can be far more interesting. People exhibit plants of many different species that would not be considered "suitable" for a competitive show. Even blemished plants can be interesting to see.

With regards to Matt's comment about competitive shows, should we consider adopting something like the AGS system where there are separate beginner, intermediate and advanced sections. You have to get a certain number of firsts (10, then 15) to advance through the sections. This could be applied at a local or national level with perhaps certain shows being recognised for the system. One certainly would not want firsts at a little local show to count towards such a system. You even get medals for attaining the required number of firsts.

My apologies that I am deliberately trying to do a bit of stirring in this thread, but it is bringing out some interesting and valuable comments. Thank you to those who have contributed.

[juster]

I have read the above discussion with some interest, as I have been involved in my Branch shows for many years and have attended the Judges' course in the past. I take my proverbial hat off to those who judge; they are individuals who will have different growing experiences and different opinions. I have always considered this part of the interest of entering shows. Unfortunately there are some individuals who always think their plants should win and who can be thoughtless, even aggressive, with their comments. I always try to encourage newer members to 'have a go' and to I try to find something positive to say about their plants, I'm sure many others do the same. At Croydon we have classes especially for new growers, which can help people to get started. Personally I think there is still a place for competitive shows, it encourages good cultivation and also encourages members to grow plants from different genera; shows are great advertisements for our hobby. Competition exists in many different aspects of life, from pub quizzes to a competition about to start in Russia. The attitude of those involved makes Show day enjoyable, or not!

[Ian Thwaites]

As the new incoming chairman I am very interested in all the views being expressed and clearly the society has to move forward but there is also an argument for letting people do what they enjoy.

To answer some of the earliest questions the judges course was and still is there to help train new / existing judges and support them going forward. As Terry states he is an expert in some genera but others he has less knowledge about. The judges course helps you develop skills that can be applied across a broad spectrum of plants and even if you do not have personal experience of a specific species you will be equipped with the skills to make an informed judgement. Furthermore, regular attendees get the opportunity to hear experts in many fields give some inside information on specific groups.

I agree that displays are also important in todays world and both shows and displays are the society window to the world. I want to support branches and zones and help them stage shows / exhibits in prominent locations so that they receive maximum public exposure.

I would also like to address the competitive element. I attend all the RHS shows in my profession and everything is judged whether its a show garden through to a nursery exhibit or trade stand. The general public like to see which one is the best and so do a lot of members as it can give a target to aim for.

Whilst I am in office there will changes but I want to retain what we all enjoy at the moment and ADD to this. I want to support members that go to branches and local shows but also those that choose to enjoy the hobby on-line and in social media. My objective is to grow the society for everyone to enjoy whilst increasing members and supporting more conservation and research projects. I want the BCSS to be synonymous with the growing of Cacti and Succulents world wide!

[Tony R]

Well said, Ian, and all the other contributors to this thread.

At our village Horticultural Society meeting last month we had a speaker who is the owner of a local chain of garden centres.
Apart from it having been a desperate start to the gardening year for them because of the weather, she said that bedding plants are definitely OUT and cacti and other succulents are most definitely IN.
Here is an opportunity for us to grab in every way possible.