Released: March 04, 2004

4-H State Horticulture Judging Contest To Be Held at Wichita Garden Show

MANHATTAN, Kan. – A change in venue is creating new opportunities for 4-H members participating in the state horticulture judging contest, said Evelyn Neier, associate 4-H youth development specialist and coordinator of the Junior Master Gardener (JMG) program in the state.

Scheduling the judging contest in conjunction with the Wichita Garden Show provides an opportunity for students to see many of the plants they study about, said Neier, who is coordinating the state contest this year.

One hundred and forty-six 4-H members representing 21 of Kansas’ 105 counties are preregistered for the competition. During the contest, the 4-H members are asked to identify 120 different types of plants; foliage; flower, fruit or seed structures. After they complete their entry, each has a free ticket to the show.

The high-scoring senior team (4-H members ages 14 and up) will earn the opportunity to compete at the national contest in Green Bay, Wis. in October.

Judging contests typically test knowledge and decision-making skills. Horticulture judging also prepares participants to be better consumers. In preparing for the contest, 4-H members learn qualities to look for when selecting produce, plants, flowers, trees and shrubs.

“Someday, they may have the best looking lawn or garden on the block,” Neier said.

The 2004 state horticulture judging contest begins at 10 a.m. March 6. After 4-H members have completed their contest entries, the mezzanine area with the plant specimen displays will be open to the public. Neier estimates completion time about noon.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m., she said.

For more information on the state horticulture judging contest, contact Neier at 316-722-0932 or the Wichita Garden Show at 316-946-0883 or 946-0561. The show is held at the Century II Convention Center and runs from March 3-7.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Nancy Peterson
nancyp@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News