Cultivating Knowledge and Growth in Cullman County

FLOWER SHOW at the FAIR! This fall, the Master Gardeners will help the Lions Club bring the flower show back to the Cullman County Fair! The dates for the 2026 fair will be October 15th-24th. Look for details here, as well as on the fair website https://www.cullmanfair.org.

You can register your entries on the Cullman Fair website and then bring them to the fairgrounds at Sportsman Lake Park on October 14, 2026. Our flower show check-in will run the same way crop check-in does. Horticultural specimens are single cut stems that should be brought in a clear glass container (no colored glass). Please read the rules carefully for important information. Entry is at your own risk.

Our flower show is free to enter. Cash prizes will be awarded for each class (category). First place earns $15. Second place earns $10. Third place earns $5.

We plan to have Horticultural Cut Specimens:

FOR FLOWERS:

(Annuals)

Begonia, Celosia, Common Sunflower (helianthus annus), Geranium, Marigold (dwarf single), Marigold (dwarf double), Mexican Sunflower, Petunia, Salvia, Zinnia small (under 2 inches), Zinnia large (larger than 2 inches),

(Perennials)

Aster, Chrysanthemum (garden), Chrysanthemum (feverfew), Gaillardia (blanketflower), Geranium (cranesbill), Gerbera (daisy), Salvia, Swamp Sunflower (narrowleaf sunflower), Verbena

(Arboreal Shrubs)

Hydrangea Macrophylla, Hydrangea paniculata, Ilex (Holly), Pyracantha Firethorn

(Roses)

Rose standard size (single bloom), Rose miniature size (single bloom), Rose standard size (spray), Rose miniature size (spray)

(Bulbs, Corms, Tubers)

Canna, with flower, Dahlia (medium–under 5 inches flower diameter), Dahlia (large–over 5 inches flower diameter), Ginger Lily, Spider Lily

FOR FOLIAGE

(Leaf) Cast Iron Plant, Caladium, Canna, Coleus, Ferns, Hosta (solid color), Hosta (variegated color), Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)

(Vines) (cut to 12-18 inches long)

Clematis, Mandevilla, Sweet Potato Vine

We plan to have Container Grown Plants:

(African violets)

African violets (double blossom), African violets (miniature blossom), African violets (single blossom)

(Combination Container Grown–must contain 3 or more plants)

Dish garden, Combination planter, Terrarium/Desertarium

(Flowering Container Grown Plants)

Begonia, Cactus (flowering), Mandevilla, Succulent (flowering)

(Foliage Container Grown)

Cactus, Coleus, Rex Begonia, Snake plant (Mother-in-law’s Tongue), Succulent

(Orchids)

Cattleya, Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium

Fun categories for container plants:

Heirloom Friends (Bring in a plant with an interesting story behind it. The story should be printed on 8.5 x 11 paper in 20 point font.)

Miniature Potted Plant (The planter is less than 6 inches in height and width.)

Most Unusual Container (with a plant that suits it well)

Most Unusual Plant (Show us that vampire orchid or Venus Fly Trap!)

Upcycled Container (Any plant in a container that could have been trash)

We plan to have Floral Arrangements of Cut Flowers and/or Foliage:

Themes:

In My Yard (a floral arrangement made of plants from your yard)

Monochromatic (a floral arrangement that is focused on a single hue. Ex. All of the flowers are a different shade of pink.)

Cascade (a floral arrangement is designed as a cascade or fall.)

Whimsical (a floral arrangement that evokes whimsy or fun.)

Open Category (floral arrangements that do not fit the other categories)

All Foliage (an arrangement that is all foliage)

RULES for SUBMISSIONS:

1. Cut specimens should not have foliage below the water line, except for Gladiolus.
2. Exhibitors are required to provide clean, clear containers for cut specimens.
   Unobtrusive wedging may be used (i.e., clear plastic wrap, dry oasis, celery)
3. All exhibits must be fresh and grown by the exhibitor. Artificial plant material is
   not allowed in any division.
4. Each exhibitor is limited to one entry per class.
5. Please do not bring exhibits that are not listed in the flower exhibit
6. The decisions of the judges are final. Awards may be withheld if not merited.
7. Plant material must be in its natural state and may not be altered. No wiring is
   permitted.
8. Combination plantings must have been in the exhibitor’s possession for 6 weeks.
   Containers may not exceed 12” in width x 12” in height.
9. Houseplants must have been in the possession of the exhibitor for 90 days.
   Containers may not exceed 14” in diameter or weigh more than 15 pounds.
10. Arboreals must have been in the exhibitor’s possession for 6 months.
    Specimens are not to exceed 30” L and 24” wide and must have a central leader
    with an apical tip and several nodes.
11. No specific invasive plants like Castor bean, Nandina,
    Boston Ivy, or Mahonia are permitted.

Our new high tunnel greenhouse has been installed! A big THANK YOU to the Cullman Lions Club for their partnership with this project!

General Membership Meeting

August 20 at the Agriplex in the Heritage Center

1714 Tally Ho Street, Cullman, AL

Our monthly general membership meeting occurs on the third Thursday of each month. It begins at 10:00 am at the new Agriplex conference room on Tally Ho Street. Join us early at 9:30 am for refreshments and conversation. The August meeting will also be our annual picnic.