Judges

The AHS has two types of daylily judges. Those that judge plants as they grow in the garden are called Garden Judges. Those that judge daylilies at accredited daylily shows are called Exhibition Judges.

Garden Judges

Garden judges learn to perform consistent and impartial evaluation of daylily performance in garden settings. Based on observations in their own region or a national convention, garden judges vote the AHS Awards and Honors ballot. Results of this voting focuses attention on daylilies which many garden judges consider outstanding garden performers in their regions.

Garden Judge Resources

If you are highly interested in daylilies and want to learn more about them, you should consider becoming a garden judge. Garden judges learn to look at the “whole plant” in evaluating what makes a great garden plant. Some of the areas judges are trained to evaluate are: foliage, plant vigor, scape height, bud placement, overall beauty and distinction of the bloom and plant, resistance to disease, form, and bloom substance. As a garden judge, you are encouraged to grow a representative sampling of all forms and types of daylilies so that you can better train your eyes to recognize outstanding plant performance as well as gain knowledge of the various forms of daylilies.

  • You must have been a member of AHS for at least 12 continuous months to begin training. To become a garden judge, you must have been an AHS member in good standing for 24 continuous months.
  • You must successfully complete both Workshop I (classroom) and Workshop 2( garden).
  • Once you have completed Workshops 1 and 2, complete a one page application to become a garden judge and send that to your Regional President.
  • You must state (on your application to become a judge) that you are growing a representative sampling of award eligible daylilies and are regularly seeing large numbers of award eligible daylilies by visiting other gardens.
  • You must have attended at least one Regional meeting that includes garden tours or the AHS National Convention within the previous three years.
  • You must acquire and become familiar with the contents of the latest Garden Judges Handbook “AHS Garden Judges.” (any AHS member can download this handbook for free from the AHS Members Portal Garden Judges Materials page.)

You may contact the Garden Judges Records Chair ([email protected]) or if you know your AHS region, you can contact your Regional garden judges liaison.

Exhibition Judges

Exhibition judges are also known as “flower show judges”. They judge at Accredited AHS flower shows and work with other panels of judges (usually in groups of three or four) to evaluate various sections of a show as assigned. These judges maintain active memberships in the AHS, attend two classes, fulfill several pre-requisites and take written exams to become certified. Judges are passionate about the daylily and the standards to which they are registered. They are great students themselves, and are representatives of the AHS in every

Exhibition Judge Resources

If you have a high interest in daylilies and want to learn more about the characteristics of daylilies, including bloom size, bloom form and are interested in learning what makes a great show flower or what is considered a fault in an exhibit, then exhibition judging is for you! Many hybridizers and enthusiastic exhibitors also find that taking the judges training gives them an advantage in exhibiting and registering exceptional daylilies. Judging Daylilies is a wonderful study of the daylily on a very intimate, detailed level. A keen eye and ethical mind are required!

  • You must be an AHS member in good standing for at least two consecutive years to start judges training.
  • You must successfully complete two clinics. These clinics may be offered by clubs in your area or at Regional and National meetings.
  • To become a Senior Exhibition judge, you must satisfy several practical hands on requirements, all described in the Exhibition Judges handbook.
  • AHS members may download the Exhibition Judges Handbook for free from the Members Portal Exhibition Judges Materials page.

You may contact the Exhibition Judges Records Chair ([email protected]) or if you know your AHS region, you can contact your Regional garden judges liaison.