The third annual Window Box Competition was held again at the 2008 Springfest Flower and Garden Show, March 6th to the 9th at the Sussex County Fairgrounds.  The window boxes were featured in the entrance to the show.  This year the window boxes were painted different colors to enhance the look of the entrance and have a pergola overhead.
 
Internationally known garden writer and speaker, Ken Druse with garden writer Vicki Johnson,  judged and critiqued the window box displays again this year.  They commented that " It was so hard to decide. All of the entries this year were stellar! "

Start thinking of creative and beautiful ways to adorn the windows boxes at the 2009 Springfest Flower and Garden Show.
           

Blue Ribbon Winner 2008 by The Branchville Do-It's

• Only one entry per organization/individual- Boxes will be assigned by luck of the draw.
• Fresh plant materials must be used in all arrangements.  Forced plants must predominate and the emphasis should be on color. Silk or artificial flowers will disqualify your entry
• All exhibits must be kept is show condition. Unsightly or wilted plant material must be replaced.
• No coloring or embellishment of live plant material
• All plants must be correctly labeled on 3x5” cards using botanical & common name (and cultivar if know). (INCLUDE NAME OF INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP ON THE CARD & CONTACT PHONE #) Please do not mount card in or on the display.
• No wild or collected plants no endangered or threatened species.
• Dimensions of window boxes:  36” wide x 5.1/2” high  (wedge-shape) 7”wide at bottom, 8 ½” wide at top.
• A “lawn” will be planted in front of the window boxes.  The height from the bottom of the box to the lawn will vary.  We will contact you later with the exact heights.
• No accessories. Mechanics must not show unless they are an integral part of the design.  Accessories will disqualify your entry. 
• Painting or embellishment of box is prohibited.  Please do not change the color of the box
• Light weight potting mix only: be mindful of the final weight of the display
• Lining material may be stapled inside the box. It is recommended that forced bulbs etc. remain in pots.  May be covered with sphagnum or deer moss.
• Mechanics to train plants to façade must be temporary; surface must remain intact.
• Window boxes will be watered by Springfest staff and wilted or damaged plants removed.
• Window boxes can be organized around a theme. An example would be  “Shady Window Box” or “ Kitchen Box”, etc.  There is no specific theme for the show.
• Exhibits are restricted within the allotted frame
• Exhibitors are encouraged to maintain courteous relations with neighbors.
• Entries will be judged: Blue ribbon = 1st place, red ribbon = 2nd place, yellow ribbon = 3rd place.  Note: More then one 2nd or 3rd place award may be given at the discretions of the judges.  There will also be a ribbon for honorable mention.