AIM OF THE CHALLENGE

To encourage & foster amateur gardening/growing groups e.g. schools, colleges, horticultural societies and clubs to participate & showcase their work at a national gardening event.

THE CHALLENGE

Entrants are challenged to create & display their own decorative horticultural exhibit which must bear a title, be practical, of strong design & contain predominantly living plant material.

ELIGIBILITY FOR ENTRY

The challenge is open to all Scottish amateur gardening/growing groups, horticultural societies & clubs, schools, colleges & individuals who submit a compliant application form by the advised deadline.

“PALLET” SPECIFICATION FOR PALLET GARDEN EXHIBIT

The “pallet” is a bottomless collar of rigid wood & we offer 3 sizes. A – 195cm x 95c, B – 74cm x 54cm & C – 115cm x 75c x 15cm high.  A pallet collar marked with the entrants’ name, will be provided by the NSGS. These will be located on the designated collar for use by each registered entrant. All pallet collars will be collected by the NSGS at the end of the event.  If entrants wish to supply their own rigid base for their exhibit, it must fit within the internal dimensions of the collar provided.

PALLET GARDEN RULES

The exhibit must fit inside the collar provided by the NSGS. It should not exceed 2m in height measured from ground level. Entrants must not dig into the ground. NSGS will lay a cover over the ground before the exhibits in-fill. Plant material may overhang the collar. The exhibit should be designed to be viewed from a distinguishable front. The use of a backdrop is permitted within the stated dimensions.

CONTAINER SPECIFICATION FOR PLANTER EXHIBIT

Entrants are responsible for providing their own plant container. Maximum permissible dimensions for the plant container are 70cm long x 50cm wide x 70cm high.

PLANTER RULES

Entrants must clearly identify their planter exhibit with their organisation’s name. Maximum permissible height for the planter exhibit is 1.4m measured from ground level. Entrants must not dig into the ground. Plant material may overhang the container.

GENERAL RULES

Each exhibit must consist of predominantly living plant material (can be edible) with hard and soft landscaping components such as rocks, ornaments or other props being kept to minimum. Artificial plant material is not permitted. All material brought onto site by entrants must be free from pests & diseases to avoid contaminating the surroundings & other exhibits. Any infected material which the event organisers notice will be removed from the display site & disposed of appropriately. Entrants are encouraged to provide a leaflet or display board not exceeding A3 size, giving a brief overview of the exhibit including the names of the plants used, & information about their organisation. Entrants are responsible for transporting all their exhibit material to & from the display site & must be available to assemble & dismantle their exhibit in compliance with the requirements & timings specified by the event organisers. Entrants are advised that any items which they bring onto site, either temporarily or for the duration of the event, are left at their own risk. During assembly & dismantling of their exhibit, entrants must keep the surrounding area clean & tidy & be courteous to others working adjacent to them. When dismantling their exhibit, entrants must ensure that the site is left free of debris & that all items which they have brought onto site are completely removed.

NOTE: Pallet Garden & Planter entries are free of charge.

Please register your interest as soon as possible.  Closing date 1^st March 2026