Floral Design Division
Rules & Guidelines

1. Design Classes are open to all on a first-come basis. Designs may be the collaboration of more than one exhibitor. An exhibitor/s may enter only one class in the Floral Design Division. Exhibitor may be placed on a waiting list for an additional class, if desired, and will be notified by May 15 if space is available.

2. Fresh plant material must predominate unless otherwise stated. No cut fresh vegetables/fruit or prepared food products will be permitted.

3. No artificial flowers, foliage or vegetables will be permitted.

4. Accessories are permitted but should be used with discretion.

5. All containers must be labeled with the exhibitor’s name and address. Staging may not be altered or moved unless stated in the schedule.

6. Mechanics should not be visible unless they are an integral part of the design.

7. Designs may be partially assembled prior to show with finishing touches done onsite.

8. Exhibitors are allowed on the floor per the schedule, Thursday, June 19, 2025. Your Class Consultant will pass each exhibit before the exhibitor leaves Flower Show area. Design may not be altered after passing. Only required personnel may remain in the exhibit area after 1 pm.

9. Judging will begin at 1 pm on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Show opens to the public at 8 am on Friday, June 20, 2025.

10. All plant material must be correctly identified with the botanical and common names, if possible. A complete list must be emailed to your Class Consultant by Wednesday, June 11, 2025. A copy of the list will be submitted to the Passing Committee.

Please note: Additions or deletions to the prepared list may be made once the design is installed at the Show to accurately reflect the materials used in the design. Horticulture reference materials will be available at the Passing Committee table to identify unknown plant material.

The Royal Horticultural Society Horticultural Database is available online at www.rhs.org.uk/rhsplantfinder/plantfinder.asp.

No plant material listed on the Rhode Island Endangered Species list may be used. A complete list of endangered species is available at https://plants.usda.gov/rarity-search.

11. Once an entry is accepted, if the exhibitor must cancel, he or she must find a substitute unless there is a waiting list for that class.

12. Fresh plant material must be in water or be conditioned in such a way as to remain in pristine form while on exhibition. An arrangement not maintained in show condition may have its award removed. Show management may, at any time, remove an exhibit if deemed necessary.

13. Exhibitors are responsible for maintaining their exhibit, but are cautioned not to over water, which may cause seepage and/or damage. Maintenance by the committee may be done if prior notification is made on the Refreshing Form previously shared with you. Extra forms are available onsite or by email from your Class Consultant. You should bring sufficient flowers to refresh your design for all three mornings. We ask that you complete the Refreshing Form and leave it on your pedestal. Flowers will be stored downstairs, and your bucket should have your name on it.

14. All maintenance may begin at 7 am and must be completed by 8 am each morning. Parking restrictions will be in place after 8:30 am each day.

16. Exhibitors are responsible for the complete removal of their exhibits at the close of the Show on Sunday, June 22, 2025, between the hours of 4 pm and 5 pm. Removal may begin as soon as the last guests have exited the house. Contact your Class Consultant if you need assistance with entry removal. We are happy to accommodate.

17. While the Design Committee and The Preservation Society of Newport County will afford the best possible protection to all exhibits, they distinctly disclaim all liability for loss or damage to exhibits and personal property belonging to exhibitors.

18. Upon receipt of the entry form, designers will receive confirmation of receipt by email. The Exhibitor’s Packet will be mailed. The packet will include your entry number, a plant list form, a copy of the floor plan at Rosecliff and, where applicable, a paint sample. If an exhibitor has requested a badge for a helper in advance, this will also be included. Badges must be worn at all times.

19. Entry numbers will be pre-assigned by the Entry Chair on a first-come basis. If you are unsure of your entry number, please contact your Class Consultant.

20. Novice and New Exhibitors will be eligible for specific awards. Please designate on the entry form if you belong to one of these categories. A Novice is an exhibitor/s who has never won a blue ribbon in a major show. A New Exhibitor is a person or group who is entering The Newport Flower Show for the first time.

21. If you are supplying a Statement of Intent, it should be emailed to your Class Consultant no later than Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Email addresses are listed next to Class descriptions.

22. Designers are requested to enter through the front entrance of Rosecliff. Aides will be available to assist with unloading of plant materials and supplies and guide you to your exhibit location.

23. Those wishing to receive a letter about shopping for flowers at Carbone’s Wholesale Supply should request the letter through the Class Consultant.

24. You must request timed tickets through Kate Lowis at KLowis@NewportMansions.org. We anticipate the show will sell out. Please order as early as possible to ensure you can get your preferred date- and time-specific tickets. Each Exhibitor may request two daytime tickets. Please note there are limited tickets per session and while we will try to accommodate preferred times, it may not be possible.