A.F.G.C. AWARD GUIDELINES  (Website information)
(Revised May, 2007)

Plan to share the great things your club has done and apply for an award or awards.  Some awards require a book of evidence and some do not.  The following guidelines are suggestions that might be helpful when applying.

Facts you should know:

  1. Eligibility:  Only federated clubs, members of those clubs, and groups of federated clubs in good standing are eligible to apply or sponsor applicants.
  2. Awards Year:  Generally based upon work completed or planned for completion during the current garden club year.
  3. Send Entries to:  A.F.G.C. Awards Chairman unless otherwise stated.
  4. Deadline:  All deadline dates are printed in the “Awards” section of the Club President’s Directory.  Consult directory for the current club year to confirm deadline dates.
  5. Entries:  Can be continuing projects, but must include some work in the current awards year.
  6. Application forms:  Complete the AFGC Awards Application form and send with your book of evidence.  If applying for an NGC Award, you may find the application form on the NGC website  -  www.gardenclub.org.
  7. Application requirements:  (Book of Evidence)
             a.   Data should be brief and concise.  Material should be attached to 
                   8 ½ “ X 11” sheets of paper and secured in a theme type binder.  
                   No loose materials.  An entry may not exceed five (5) pages, (using 
                   front and back that is a total of 10 surfaces).  Plastic protective page
                   covers are good.
             b.   On the cover, place a card (approximately 3X5), print the award # (if
                   applicable), and name of the award.  Include name of club, city, 
                   state, and # of members.
             c.   Application form should be completed and copied, one permanently 
                   attached to inside cover and other paper clipped inside the cover.
             d.   No title page.  No table of contents.  No summary is needed, as it 
                   appears on the awards application form.  Page numbering is not 
                   needed.  No yearbooks or yearbook documentation is needed.
             e.   Top of first page should include award # (if applicable), name of 
                   award, name of club/s, and number of members. 
             f.   Written text should be concise and cover all requirements in the 
                   award description and Scale of Points. 
             g.   Photos of before and after (if applicable) add interest, as well as 
                   publicity if available.  (We know that it is often difficult to have news 
                   placed in your local papers, so do not let this discourage you in 
                   preparing a book of evidence).

Reminder:

The AFGC Awards Chairman sends eligible material to the SCR* Awards Chairman for the next level of competition.  The only Adult awards book of evidence sent to the National level from SCR is the Press Book.

If you desire to apply for a National Award, prepare an additional book of evidence following the guidelines in The National Gardener, (Fall issue, odd numbered years), or study the NGC* Website,  www.gardenclub.org.  Mail to AFGC Awards Chairman, paying close attention to deadline dates printed in Club President’s Directory.  This chairman has to have them to the National Awards Chairman by Jan. 15.  (Exception to this date is the Press Book).

 

*SCR  (South Central Region)               *NGC (National Garden Clubs)

AFGC Numbered Awards:

#1,  CIVIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD ($25 sponsored by Judi Davis), to the individual club that has completed an outstanding Civic Project.  May cover 1 or 2 years.  Application form required with book of evidence.  (SCR #3).    
    Scale of Points  
     Worthiness of project  -  reason for project  25
     History  -  how project was financed  15
     Permanent improvement  25
           Degree of improvement                       (15) 
           Provision of sustained maintenance   (10) 
     Use of plant materials  25 
            In relation to project                              (20) 
           Use of native plants                          ( 5) 
     Presentation of entry   10
 

 TOTAL 

 100


#2,  AWARD OF MERIT, may be given to a club, or group of garden clubs for sponsoring a Flower Show School or Landscape Design School.  Application form required.


#3,  JO KRALLMAN CIVIC BEAUTIFICATION AWARD, ($25 sponsored by Riverdale Garden Club), for the best effort on a completed beautification project to provide continuing maintenance.  Application form required with book of evidence.


#4,  JEAN GIPSON BUILD-UP/REACH OUT AWARD, ($25 sponsored by Kitty Dye), to any club sponsoring a new garden club.  Application form required. No book of evidence needed.


#5,  EVALYN KIRKWOOD THERAPY AWARD,  ($25 sponsored by Nancy Voyles), for the best work with the handicapped in an institution.  Application form required with book of evidence.  (SCR #10).


#6,  HENRIETTA KELLY NICHOLS WILDFLOWER AWARD, in memory of Mrs. Nichols sponsored by Kim Reddmann.  Application form required with book of evidence.

         A.  $10 to an individual member for the most outstanding collection of 15 pressed specimens.

         B.  $15 offered to a club for most outstanding collection of many specimens – 1 example of each.

Requirements: Collection presented in theme folder or similar type; specimens mounted on 8 ½” X 11” botany paper covered with transparent contact paper; each entry labeled with family, botanical & common name of collection and name of collector.

        C.   Scale of Points: 
                Artistic eye appeal 30
                Neatness 30
                Completeness of requirements 40
                                                  TOTAL100 
  
                                      
#7, HAZEL WELLS MEMBERSHIP AWARD, ($100, divided, sponsored by Bobbie Verser), for the club/s with greatest percentage of new members.  (Ex.  If 3 of your members moved and you have 4 new members, you have an increase of 1). Send a list of members from previous year who no longer belong.  Send a list of new members.  (Winning clubs will be contacted so that additional information may be provided to SCR for Award #15).


#8,  JEAN SLEEPER AWARD – NATIONAL GARDEN WEEK, ($50 sponsored by Village Pines Garden Club), for the best celebration of National Garden Week.  Send to AFGC National Garden Week Chairman.  Application form required with book of evidence.  (SCR #16).


#9, VERA KEY HORTICULTURE AWARD, ($25 sponsored by The Garden Club of Rogers in memory of Vera Key), to the club scoring highest number of points on the Vera Key Horticulture rating sheet.  Complete the “Vera Key Horticulture Award” form found in the club President’s Directory and mail to AFGC Awards Chairman.


#10, STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE WITH GREAT HONOR AWARD, ($25 sponsored by Pat Haering in memory of Louie Sanford), to the club scoring highest number of points on the Standard of Excellence with Great Honor.  Scores from President’s Report form will determine winner.   Mail President’s Report  to your District Director by Feb. 1.


#11, INDIVIDUAL SERVICE AWARD – An award given each year in each district to a member who has made an outstanding contribution to the Garden Club program in his/her district.  Each club may make a nomination on the President’s Report.  If more than one nomination is received in a district, the District Director appoints a committee to select winner from that district.  Each District Director submits the name of the person to the Executive Committee of AFGC for a final decision.

         a.)     Club presidents send a nomination to the District Director in the
                  President’s Report along with a letter listing qualifications; (book of 
                  evidence not required).

         b.)     Members of the AFGC Executive Committee are not eligible for this award; 

         c.)     Each District Director notifies the AFGC Awards Chairman of the
                  district’s winner so that a certificate may be prepared.

 

#12,  PHYLLIS BYRUM LANDSCAPE DESIGN AWARD, ($25 sponsored by Phyllis Byrum), to a single club for beautification of either public or private grounds.  Judging based on quality of design, arrangement of plant material, and the functional choice of plants for easy maintenance.  Application form required with book of evidence.  (SCR #12).
     Scale of Points  
     Design                                      35 
     Suitability of plant material  30  (include list of plant material)
     Color & textural harmony  15
     Before and after pictures  10
     Publicity    5
     Presentation    5
 

 TOTAL

 100 


#13,  ARBOR DAY AWARD, ($25 sponsored by Jeanette Golden), to the club planting the most trees or the club with an outstanding Arbor Day activity.  (May be observed on any appropriate day, weather or circumstances permitting and may be new or continuing project).  Application form required with a book of evidence if describing an Arbor Day program or activity.  (SCR #1, if book of evidence submitted).


#14,  PUBLICITY AWARD, ($25 sponsored by Northwest District in memory of Hali Smith), to best Press Book from the top 3 winners in the state.  (Categories are Small, Medium, and Large Clubs).  Mail to Press Book Chairman.  (Guidelines are included in the club President’s Directory).  (Eligible for SCR Press Book Award and NGC Press Book Award).


#15,  THE TURTLE AWARD, ($25 sponsored by Eleanor Dodds in honor of Myrtle Cox).  Given to the oldest member of an accredited club who is a first time winner of a blue ribbon in the design division of a Standard Flower Show sponsored by a club or group of clubs, during a current garden club year.  No application form necessary.  Flower show entry card must be completely filled out and signed by one judge and the chairman of the show.  The birth year and the date of the entrant must be submitted.  Mail to AFGC Awards Chairman.


#16, JUDGES COUNCIL FLOWER SHOW ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS, sponsored by Arkansas Judges Council.  (Eligible year is Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, of a given year).  Application form required along with a Book of Evidence to be submitted to AFGC Awards Chairman.  (Winning application must score 95 or more for any one award).


#16-1, ($25) to a garden club sponsoring a Standard Flower Show, (club having 25 or more members).


#16-2,  ($25) to a garden club sponsoring a Standard Flower Show, (club having less than 25 members).


Use theme folders (no ring binders) with no more than 5 sheets, (front and back of sheet may be used making 10 surfaces, no loose items).  Use protective plastic covers except for the application form.  Completely fill in the NGC Flower Show Achievement Award Application form. (Permanently attach this form to inside front cover with a duplicate form attached with a paper clip).    Include only items needed.  Keep it factual, simple, neat, and concise.

Suggestions for Book of Evidence with points used in judging:

         A. Cover Label: (5 pts.) Award # and name (or vice versa), state,  show sponsors, & show site. 
         B. Pages: (5 pts.) Avoid crowding, use attractive spacing, legible printing & drawing.
         C. Contents: (80 pts.) divided as follows:

               Title Page: (3 pts.) Award number and name, (1 pt.); Sponsoring  organization with city/state (1 pt.); 
               Applicant contact with address, (President, Director, General Chairman),  (1 pt.).

               Table of Contents: (3 pts.) List items by page number.

               Show Description:  (5 pts.)  300 words or less.  Text includes: title, size, scope, type of show, 
               theme & division staging & special features.

               Show Data: (14 pts.) This information must appear in the body of application as well as on 
               NGC Flower Show Achievement Award application form.

      1. List of sponsoring club or organization, (1 pt.)
      2. # of club members in club or organization, (1 pt.)
      3. # of participating members; or if council, district or state organization, list # of participating garden clubs, (2 pts.)
      4. % of participating club members or garden clubs, (2 pts.)
      5. Total # of exhibits in Horticulture ___, Design ___, and
        Special Exhibits ___, (3 pts.)
      6. List of Top Exhibitor Awards offered, note if not given, (3 pts.);
        Horticulture ___, Design ___, Special Exhibits ___.
      7. Source of flower show funding (2 pts.)

               Schedule:  (20 pts.) Include one schedule in envelope in inside back cover (2 pts.); 
               Correctness of text and all necessary inclusions (18 pts.).

               Photographs:  (10 pts. total); Need not be professional pictures. Omit people, if possible.  
               Top Exhibitor Award winners in all divisions, (4 pts.); Each picture labeled with Division, 
               Section, Class, Award  & brief description, (6 pts.).

               Publicity: (5 pts.)  Newspaper or other publications, with name and date of publication.  
               Scripts or schedules from radio/TV broadcasts, flyers, etc. City/county newspaper publicity
                preferred, but not required.  Scripts or schedules from radio/TV broadcasts, flyers, and pictures 
               of posters displayed in public buildings are also acceptable.

               Staging:  (15 pts.)  Theme staging and actual staging with overall views within each division; 
               also staging of individual sections in all divisions.

               Conformance:  (5 pts.) Adherence to the sequential order and requirements requested.

         D. Distinction: (10 pts.) Evidence of quality exhibits, creative staging (appropriate to site),  overall unity,
              plus special features.


#16-3, INNOVATIVE FLOWER SHOW STAGING ($25); Must score a combined average (with above) requirement of 95 or more.  (SCR #9)

Book of Evidence should carefully conform to above rules plus include the following:

  1. Floor plan (or scaled facsimile) must be included, giving approximate space for easy flow of traffic.  *If larger than 8 ½ “ X 11”, plan may be folded and placed in plastic protective cover or folded to page size).
  2. Six or more photos to reveal the “picture” of different, unusual type of staging.
  3. A complete description of each type of material & how used.  List the outstanding feature new to the club.

     SCALE OF POINTS 
     Horticulture Division  25
     Design Division  25
     Special Exhibits (may include commercial)  20
     Youth & Special invitational  15
     Overall artistic appearance &/or effect  15
 

 TOTAL

 100


#16-4,  FLOWER SHOW SCHEDULE, ($25), to promote well prepared Standard Flower Show Schedules:  Handbook for Flower Shows, 2007 revised edition and changes, NGC., Inc.  (SCR #8A and #8B)
     SCALE OF POINTS 
     Format: Sturdy, neat, complete information for use by both exhibitor & judges 10 
      Rules:   Concise, specific, correct terminology. Includes General Rules, Award
                  Rules & Division Rules		 
 20
      Required Divisions: Horticulture/Design: Minimum 5 classes in each division.
                  At least ½ of the classes must be in horticulture
  30
      Special Exhibits:  May include Educational Exhibits, Youth Groups, Sponsored
                  Groups, Artistic Crafts, Gardens, Commercial, “Word Pictures” 
                  statements clearly written to allow understanding, scope, & nature of 
                  exhibits

  30
     Theme:  Original/Distinctive – used effectively throughout the Schedule  10
 

TOTAL     

 100


#17, BRAVO AWARD, ($25) sponsored by Village Pines Garden Club.  Club President will nominate a member of his/her club for this award.  For rating purposes use the point system shown below and include a one page written description of the nominee’s contributions.  Insert in a theme binder or report cover along with an application form.  The nominee should be someone who willingly and frequently says “okay” to committee service, shares his/her knowledge with other club members for the good of the club, and quietly serves without “accolades”.
    SCALE OF POINTS  
     Length of membership 25
     Attendance at meetings 20
     Generously shares knowledge 15
     Service on committees 25
     Friendly, cheerful, good attitude 15
 

 TOTAL

100 


#18, LITTER BUG BEWARE AWARD, ($25) sponsored by Harrisburg Garden Club in memory of Norma Weems to the club having the best anti litter activity involving the community.  Application form and book of evidence required.  (SCR #14).


#19, PETITE STANDARD FLOWER SHOW AWARD to be given to a club for having a Petite Standard Flower Show.  (To be eligible the show must qualify as a Petite Flower Show in Horticulture, Design, & Special Exhibits Division). Eligible year is Jan. 1, -Dec. 31, of a given year.  Application form required along with a Book of Evidence to be submitted to AFGC Awards Chairman.  Winning application must score 95 or more for any one award.


#19-A, PETITE STANDARD FLOWER SHOW, ($25) sponsored by Jo Krallman, to a club having the best Petite Standard Flower Show.  See Award #16 for rules on compiling Book of Evidence.  Show must have 5 or more classes in the Design Division, and 5 or more classes in the Horticulture Division.  Special Exhibits Division should have at least 1 class.


#19-B, PETITE SMALL STANDARD FLOWER SHOW, ($25) honoring Pat Haering, sponsored by Designing Women Garden Club of Hot Springs Village, goes to a club having the best Petite Small Standard Flower Show.  See Award #16 for rules on compiling book of evidence.  The show must have 12-19 entries in the Design Division and a minimum of 5 classes in Horticulture Division.  Special Exhibits Division, optional.

 

OTHER AFGC AWARDS:

Presidential Citations:  The AFGC President may present Special Citations to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the work of the Federation.


100% National Gardener Subscription – every dues paying member in a club must receive The National Gardener for a club to receive this citation.

            A member may receive his/her copy through the following:

    1. Paid subscription
    2. Free copy to club president, state president, Editor of The Arkansas Gardener, and National Life members.

            Evidence that all members (copy of cancelled check to NGC Member 
            Services), must be sent to the AFGC National Publications Chairman, who 
            will inform Circulation Dept. of NGC requesting certificates.


Yearbook Awards:  Send to AFGC Awards Chairman.  Guidelines are in Club President’s Directory.  Pay close attention to deadline dates.


History Book Awards:  Send to AFGC Awards Chairman. Guidelines are in Club President’s Directory.  Pay close attention to deadline dates.


Press Book Awards:  Send to AFGC Press Book Chairman. Guidelines are in Club President’s Directory.  Pay close attention to deadline dates.