Question: The N.C. Mountain State Fair starts the first week in September, and I see there are two different flower shows — the standard flower show and a flower show. I’m pretty new to gardening but would like to enter. What’s the difference between the two? And can anyone enter?

Answer: There are two separate flower shows this year, and although any gardener may enter either or both shows, I feel that you might fit well into the second one, designated the flower show. For this show, entry is on Sept. 13, and judging will be Sept. 14.

It is very easy to enter. Bring your cut specimen or container plant to the Flower and Garden Exhibit Tent on the entry day. Bring along clear glass containers to enter those specimens; they will not be provided for you. Parking is great, right in front of the tent. There will be Cooperative Extension master gardeners there to help identify your flowers and assist you in entering them into the correct category. There’s no fee to enter, and there are cash prizes and ribbons if you win first, second or third place

For the standard show, entry is on Sept. 7, with judging the following day. The difference is that judges for the standard flower show are accredited judges sanctioned by the Garden Clubs of North Carolina Inc., with many years of training and experience. The second show is judged by horticulturists and experienced gardeners who work in the trade, such as the Biltmore Estate, the N.C. Arboretum and private nurseries.

Anyone can enter. There are many categories and classes such as annuals, perennials, cut foliage, roses, dahlias and container-grown — 291 categories to be exact.

For more information or a catalog, you can call 687-1414, Ext. 210, or go online at: www.ncagr.com/markets/fairs/mtnfair/index.htm.

See you at the Fair, which runs Sept. 8–17.

Pat Barnes is a master gardener volunteer with the Buncombe County Cooperative Extension office. Contact the master gardener hotline at 255-5522.