Guidelines for Battle of the Blooms

Battle of the Blooms: Petals of the Past~Blooms of the Future

Date: Friday Sept 18th

Time: check in 11~ Start time 12 noon

Location: Swan Island Dahlia Farms 995 22nd Ave, Canby, OR 97013

This competition is OPEN TO ALL! You are not required to be a member of AIFD to participate - we welcome new and seasoned professionals, students, hobbyists & all floral enthusiasts! We would love to see what inspires YOUR floral creativity. For the winners of our competition, we have incredible opportunities.

Beginner Competitors: Is open to participants who have never enter a floral design contest and want to give it a try.

Advanced Competitors: Is open to participants who have entered a floral design contest and understand the Elements of Principal and Design.

Please read ALL the contest rules and guidelines BEFORE tapping the button at the bottom to ENTER

AIFD is a nonprofit organization. With the funds raised through events such as this, we are able to create and assist with more educational events and opportunities for those interested in the profession of floral design. Education and continuing education are vital for the advancement of the Floral Industry. NO REFUNDS will be issued after you register.

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Rules and Regulations

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✳︎ Rules and Regulations ✳︎ ✳︎

Theme:

Battle of the Blooms: Petals of the Past~ Blooms of the Future

A composition suitable on a tabletop.

Size: up to but no more that a 3’ Wide x 3’ Tall × 3’ Deep

Your design should be a floral composition that expresses the theme of “Petals of the Past~Blooms of the Future”.

Materials:

We ask that at create a structure at home and bring it with you. 50 various Dahlia colors, sizes and varieties will be provided along with some greens and alternative Flower Varieties

Tools: Bring your own tools.

Entry Fee:

One entry per person with a $50(USD) for Beginners and $75(USD) for Advanced submission cost. All monies collected are for fundraising purposes that benefit scholarships and educational events organized by the Northwest AIFD Chapter. Payments and submissions are to be submitted via our webpage: No REFUNDs once purchased www.nwaifdfloristry.com.

No exceptions will be made after the submission.

TO ENTER: tap the “Beginners” or “Advanced” ” button on the Shop web page. This will take you to the entry fee submission page

*ALL WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED Friday after 4 pm, Sept 18th, 2026

 

Judging Criteria

  • All Category Criteria

    A score of 1-10 Points may be given in each of the 8 category criteria listed below by each of the 3 judges. . Prize packages will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd highest scores and ‘People’s Pick’ will be voted on ticketed ballot system.

  • Theme/Category Development: The design should be a botanical expression that interprets Petals of the Past~Blooms of the Future. Celebrating 100 years

  • Balance/Proportion: Balance should be physically and visually stabilized by placement of flowers, foliage, and other materials. Proportion relates to the comparative size of various components in relationship to other elements within the design. Line/Rhythm/Form

  • Display of Line/Rhythm/Form: The creative use of line within the form should create tension and interest within the arrangement. Rhythm is necessary for the visual flow of all components in relationship to each other. Form refers to the overall shape of the arrangement created.Harmony/Unity

  • Harmony/Unity: Harmony in floral design refers to the aesthetic quality created by the placement of materials. Unity is the cohesive relationship of the materials and elements to each other.Color/Texture

  • Use of Color/Texture: The creative uses of color and texture in relationship to the overall appeal created by the arrangement. Texture should create tactile and visual interest within the design.Aesthetic Value/Originality

  • Aesthetic Value/Originality: The overall impression of sense of beauty, creativity, and the originality inspired by the completed arrangement

  • Now that you have all the specific details, we hope you will join in on the FUN. The most important factor for your creativity to work for you is to find joy in the process! Now, if you are ready to take the plunge, click the button below. You will be able to fill out your entry form and pay your entry fee all in one place at the same time safely and securely. Just be sure to get it all submitted by Sept 1, 2026

Enter the Competition Beginners
Enter the competition Advanced

Design Specifics:

Pre build your structure so all you have to do is place your flowers.

Time: Check in between 11:00-11:45 am

Start Time: 12 noon sharp

Design time 1.5 hours ~ends at 1:30

We encourage the use of natural, sustainable materials as much as possible, as well as eco-conscious mechanics.

Submissions:

  • You and your design will be given a number for a blind Judging process

Judging:

Entries will be blindly judged by three qualified floral design professionals. The winner of the designs will be announced Wednesday, Sept 18th 4 pm

Judging criteria will be based on the AIFD Elements of Principle and Design

Opportunities Awarded:

There will be ONE top award, a runner-up, as well as a “People’s Pick”

Awarded Gifted Opportunities:

(*and please make note of the clauses below)

Top scoring designs:

Top PRIZE: TBD

2ndf place: TBD

Swan Island Staff pick: TBD

People’s Pick:

Each contestant will be given 5 lottery style tickets for their voting box. If contestant friends of family would like to purchase additional ticket they can do so $10 for 10 tickets

All the entries will be eligible to win the ‘People’s Pick’ award. Images of all participants will be featured on our NW AIFD Facebook and Instagram feeds.