There are two divisions in this contest - Black Tie Formal and Casual Dress. One plant may be entered in each division per entrant.

 

Black Tie Formal is the division for big beautiful specimens, which must be entered in plain black plastic pots just like in the Seedling and Sport Competition. The winner will most likely be the most spectacular entry, but with attendee voting there is no way to predict the winner. Plants should be grown in pots, not just dug and stuffed into one. Any hosta can be entered here, and this is the place to show your well-grown examples of the varieties that are not eligible for the Competition.  

 

Casual Dress is for the most creative display and can include virtually anything. Entries in the past have been remarkable in their cleverness and whimsy. Have fun with this one, and we recommend themed entries as a good way to start. One winning example was Nancy Solberg's 'Cracker Crumbs' planted in a Campbell's Soup mug with napkin, spoon, and placemat. Attendees also choose the winner, so you want to catch their eye and make them smile.

 

Brand new and exciting for First Look 9 is this great new contest brought to you by Bob Adams. We guarantee pretty much any Adam or Eve will be able to find some modesty with these leaves! The contest will have four categories - green, blue, gold, and variegated. Contestants may enter one leaf in each category for a total of four leaves maximum. 

 

Grooming or holiness is not an issue here - we want to see the big ones whatever they look like. Contestants must bring their own vases. Any type will do but the Simply Limeade or Lemonade bottles are a good size and Carol thinks they taste really good too! Petiole length will not factor into the final decision and only the leaf size will be measured.

 

We do not recommend taking leaves off a plant that only has a few leaves at this time of year. This may set your plant back considerably. Please pluck responsibly - your hostas will thank you for it!    

 

This contest, sponsored by Kent Terpening, places ten reasonably well-known hostas on a table. The rules are pretty simple - just guess what they are and write the names down on your entry slip. One entry per attendee. If you're good at recognizing hostas, or just feeling lucky that day, you can win a very nice hosta from Kent. Entries will be tallied and the one with the most correct answers will win.

 

This contest is for those weird and unusual leaves and plants that occasionally turn up in the garden. Leaves, scapes, or entire plants may be entered. The only rule here is that it must be natural in origin - no glueing leaves together or painting them red! Some truly weird things have turned up here in past contests, and the attendees will decide which one strikes their fancy and is the weirdest of all. Past entries have included very leafy flower scapes, doubled leaves, and even one mostly white leaf that had curled into something very like a calla bloom. Sponsored by Bill Meyer.