The term ‘kind’ is intended to cover all varieties of a genus. For example, all gladioli or all lilium, whatever their colour, are considered to be one kind.

Pot sizes given are internal dimensions.

Blooms are best cut in the early morning, and put straight into a bucket of water at least 12 hours before they are intended for exhibition, during which time they should be kept in deep water in a cool place.

Always try to show a fully developed flower, remembering it is better to show one that has not quite reached its best, rather than one that is just past its best, beginning to fade and showing the centre disk.

Select blooms that have freshness and that are uniform, not only in size but also in colour.

Practise staging at home. Try setting up 5 blooms in a vase with 3 blooms at the back fairly high up and the two at the front with slightly shorter stems. Aim for a well-balanced effect overall, with blooms set slightly apart.

Some flowers are not good at taking up water when cut and it is advisable to crush or scrape the ends of all ‘woody’ stems so that a good supply of water is assured.