Types of flower arrangements for competition and the supplies you need for arranging.

Additional Design Types from National Garden Clubs

There are many type of designs that are classified for the sake of competition. When competing in a judged show, you should pay close attention to the Schedule, or book of rules for that specific show. The Schedule will spell out the requirements for the design and how it will be judged. Points are generally assigned for

Conformance to these scheduled requirements

Design Elements

Artistic Concept

Expression (your interpretation of the assigned theme)

Distinction (marked superiority in all aspects)

Even though these rules sound intimidating, it is lots of fun to compete. You can build your confidence by attending nearby flower shows and looking at the designs carefully. Pay particular attention to the mechanics, or how the design is held together.
National Garden Clubs, Inc. introduced new suggested design types in their 2007 Handbook for Flower Shows^© and they are briefly described below. These are very cursory descriptions intended to show you the range of possibilities. Other arranging groups have different descriptions and design types. Always check with the groups authorized rules before competing.

Abstract Non-realistic. Components of this design contribute line, form, color, but are not used naturalistically. Floor Design This Creative design is staged on the floor with no height requirement.

Mono-Botanic One of the most interesting and challenging new design types introduced, this requires some knowledge of the botany of the plants, since all live material must be from the same plant or plant family, utilizing the designers choice of roots, stems, foliage, seeds, flowers or fruit. Multi-Rhythmic Two or more rhythms, distinct from one another, characterize this design type.

Tapestry Planes of color, form and texture fill out the closed silhouette of this design. Topiary This design may be constructed on a tree-form or a living tree, but must include a container. Living topiaries without adornment do not display in this class, but in Horticulture instead. OASIS Floral Foam Spheres can be helpful in developing this design.