Fantasies in NZ

Introduction 

Over the years the N.Z.N.C.S. has had a struggle to maintain numbers of Fantasy entries on the show benches. From time to time, we have had a few growers who have specialised in the Fantasies. We generally had to rely on growers who specialise more on other types and have a limited number of Fantasies as well. Another problem has been in the past that many of the cultivars tended to be late in flowering.

New Zealand Classification 

To encourage more Fantasies on to the show benches at National and local Club level, two approaches have been taken. All Fantasies are now classified together so that the N.C.S. types (sections 10a to 10c) can be shown in the fantasy classes together. Our N.C.S shows now include classes for 1 bloom, 3 blooms of 1 cultivar and 5 blooms of one cultivar.

As well, we have 3 cultivars one of each in 3 vases, 3 cultivars - 3 of each in 3 vases. The biggest class is 6 cultivars - 3 of each in 6 vases. This approach means that many fantasy blooms good enough to show are benched and not left at home because there would be no place for them because classes have been too restrictive. 

The single stem classes are well filled and show up well on the show bench. The N.Z.N.C.S. and other club or society shows have a very special class made up of 1 Large Exhibition, 1 Medium Exhibition, 3 Exhibition Incurved of one cultivar, 1 vase of Decorative of 3 blooms plus any two vases of Fantasy, Anemone Centred, or Singles each 3 blooms. 

Those exhibiting in these classes grow some fantasies for it and have left over fantasy blooms which have a place on the show benches.

Judging 

Here, pointing of entries is not normally done but where it is very close, judges will revert to pointing of these entries. 

The N.Z.N.C.S. points system was very close to the N.C.S. U.K. and some years ago we decided to adopt the points system for section 10. In fact New Zealand adopted the whole N.C.S. system with the exception of the Large Exhibition where 5 points is for staging only. Here foliage can be shown on Large Exhibition but it must be its own foliage and still attached but it is not essential.

Distance is an issue

Travelling very long distances makes it impossible with all the foliage attached. Growing and attaching stems of other foliage is quite unacceptable here and would make it far more difficult to encourage new growers/exhibitors of the Large Exhibition when it is difficult enough anyway. Our Large Exhibition classes still look good.

NCS U.K. Judging Manual

The N.C.S. (U.K.) manual lists 10c Spoons. These are not exhibited in New Zealand. They are only seen in commercial pot plants or florists as cut flowers. While most of the points made in the N.C.S. Judging manual are relevant, the form, depth, openness will vary depending on the cultivar. That is why a very good knowledge of the cultivars is required to judge well.  Aspects like freshness, foliage, presentation, adequate centres and size are the same for all of New Zealand. In the South Island of New Zealand they have been allowed to have supports on the fantasies on the bench. It is optional. These have been made of fairly fine wire attached to the stem with about a 4" hoop under the petals holding them up - this is very effective with the fine fountain like Fantasy blooms. In our North Island it is not considered necessary.

Transporting to the show

Transporting Fantasies to the shows can be easier than other types. They can be carried with collars pegged up under the blooms as can be done with Anemone Centred and Singles. The other way is to hold the flower upside down and carefully bring the petals down together and roll them in paper. They can be laid flat and packed together. Some exhibitors have damp pack over the bottom of the stem or put them in little plastic water containers. If they travel out of water they need to be vased up in water as soon as they arrive at the show venue. Their recovery can be quite remarkable. The collars are taken off before rolling up or put back at the show.

Make it easy for new growers 

The important thing is to make it easier for the growers to become exhibitors of Fantasies. This can be achieved by not making rules and regulations so restrictive they become discouraged. 

Some of these points may be helpful in increasing the interest in Fantasies in the United Kingdom. 

A.K. Booth Chairman N.Z.N.C.S. 2004 Management Committee