Jackson County Master Gardeners are once again sponsoring the Basket of Blooms Contest at the 2025 Jackson County Fair. This will be the 19th years for the contest, and everyone is invited to enter their favorite container of flowers. This includes individuals, as well as 4-H Club members, FFA members, civic clubs, church groups, families, Garden Club members, and Master Gardeners. Commercial entries are not accepted.
Entries will be received Monday, July 21, 2025 between 9:00 am until 11:00 am at the east side of Pearson Memorial Hall in the storage room under the overhead door. Look for the sign with the Master Gardener logo. The Basket of Blooms committee updates the rules each year to keep the contest new and interesting. Classes for this year’s contest are as follows:
Class A: Any container featuring the 2025 fair flower—Coleus. One or more varieties of Coleus may be planted, but only Coleus may be used in this class.
Class B: Unique container—The focus of this class is on the container. Use your imagination for a container that is unusual for growing plants—suggestions are old purses, shells shoes, etc. Plants used are the choice of the exhibitor.
Class C: Vintage—“Old-fashioned” flowers or old container (or both!) Plants suggested are ones we found in our grandmother’s garden, such as nasturtiums, petunias, herbs, etc. An old or antique container could be an old wooden box, white enamel dish pan, etc.
Class D: Theme Garden—Accessories, such as figurines, along with plants, create a theme in this class. Examples of themes are farming, camping, John Deere, fairy, etc.
Class E: Succulent Garden—Any type of container featuring one or more succulents. Only succulents (hen & chicks, aloe, small sedum, small cacti, for example) may be used.
Class F: Exhibitor’s Choice—Maybe you’ve planted a container that really looks nice, but it doesn’t fit the rules for the other classes. Then this class is for you. The container and choice of plants is up to the exhibitor.
Class G: Junior class—the exhibitor is 12 years of age and under. The entry should be from any of the classes listed above (A-F).
Again this year there will be a People’s Choice award. This year the award is in memory of Master Gardener Viola Kilburg. Viola was a very active Master Gardener who served on several committees. Fairgoers are invited to vote for their favorite Basket of Blooms entry as we remember Viola’s passion for gardening. People’s Choice winner will be announced on Sunday afternoon, July 27, 2025.
Exhibitors may enter 2 exhibits in each class. The entries must be light weight enough to be moved by one person. Judges will consider the best use of texture, color, originality, creativity, and condition of plants. Prize money will be awarded in each class. The money is given compliments of the Jackson County Fair Board Association.
Entries will be on display during the fair. Just look for the Basket of Blooms banner to find the display. Entries may be picked up between 7 am and noon on Monday July 28, 2025.
Complete rules for the 2025 Basket of Blooms contest are available at the Iowa State University Extension office, at the fair office and the Iowa Flower Market in Maquoketa. They are also available in Bellevue at Moore Local. Questions can be directed to the Extension office 563-652-4923 and the will contact one of the Basket of Blooms committee members.
