Garden Exhibition Application Form

Welcome to Stanford in Bloom 2025 – A Celebration of Flowers, Community & Creativity

In 2024, the village of Stanford proudly hosted the first-ever Stanford in Bloom Festival, in partnership with the Chelsea Flowers in Stanford exhibition, sponsored by Grootbos. 18,000 visitors came to experience the charm of our town and the beauty of the festival.

Now, with South Africa winning Gold at the 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show for its stunning fynbos display by Leon Kluge and Tristan Woudberg, the stage is set for an even more exciting year.

This year’s Stanford in Bloom will bring together the best of what the region has to offer—markets, music, food experiences, special events, and a brand-new landscaping exhibition featuring VIP judges. The theme is flowers, plants, and gardening, and we invite vendors to embrace this spirit with creative, themed offerings.

Showcase your garden in a vibrant, family-friendly, and creatively charged environment. Set against the stunning backdrop of Stanford’s heritage charm, this festival offers a unique platform to grow, engage, and thrive.

Join us for a blooming fantastic experience—we’d love to have you with us!

Stanford in Bloom welcomes landscapers, garden designers, community groups, and garden enthusiasts, to enter the garden design show which offers an opportunity to highlight talent, promote green living, and inspire the public with unique living installations.

Entries are judged on creativity, use of plant materials, sustainability, and overall visual impact—bringing the essence of Stanford in Bloom to life.

Stanford in Bloom, Garden Design Show, where brilliance takes root with your creativity and teamwork to make this a truly impressionable experience for all.

Note: if you have trouble filling out the form online, a hard copy is available at Stanford Tourism office or Opwipwinkel Deur Antjies - both located on Queen Victoria Street in Stanford.

*All gardens will be on pallets covered in sheets of plastic, which will be provided by event organisers.

Garden Exhibition Terms and Conditions

1.     Open to individuals, professional landscapers, community groups, schools, garden clubs, and local businesses.

2.     All entrants must register in advance and receive approval before beginning installation.

3.     All entries must align with the spirit of Stanford in Bloom, reflecting nature, creativity, seasonal renewal, environmental awareness, and community engagement.

4.     The submission of the application does not mean that you have been selected to take part.

5.     The registration fee to secure your space is non-refundable.

6.     Space will only be confirmed once registration fees are paid in full.

7.     Interpretations of the theme can be literal, abstract, artistic, or educational.

8.     Each participant will be assigned a specific outdoor space by the event organisers.

9.     Entries must be primarily plant-based, incorporating flowers, greenery, shrubs, or other natural elements.

10.  You may include decorative or structural elements (e.g., signage, sculpture, seating), but these should enhance—not dominate—the planting.

11.  Designs must be safe, family-friendly, and stable in outdoor conditions.

12.  Use of sustainable practices is strongly encouraged. This includes:

a.     Drought-tolerant or indigenous plants

b.     Organic or recycled materials

c.     Minimal water or energy use

d.     Avoid using artificial turf, plastic decor, or non-biodegradable materials.

13.  Participants are responsible for installing and maintaining their display throughout the event period.

14.  Stock to be replenished (if needed) daily between 8:00-9:45 am.

15.  Central water point will be available to water your area – however it is your responsibility to bring your own watering cans.

16.  All installations to be built on pallets, with plastic sheeting laid atop—this is required to protect both pallets and turf. The event organisers will provide pallets and plastic sheets.

17.  Participants must take all necessary precautions to prevent harm to the field’s grass, soil, irrigation systems, and installed features.

18.  Entrants must remove all materials after the event unless otherwise arranged.

19.  Heavy vehicles may not enter or drive onto the competition field

20.  During show – foot traffic only

21.  Entries will be judged on the following:

a.     Creativity and originality of the design

b.     Interpretation of the Stanford in Bloom theme

c.     Use of plant materials and horticultural quality

d.     Environmental/sustainable practices

e.     Overall visual impact and appeal

22.  Winners will be announced on day 4 of the event.

23.  Prizes or certificates may be awarded in categories such as:

a.     Best Overall Design

b.     Most Sustainable Garden

c.     Best Community Entry

d.     People’s Choice

24.  All installations must be structurally sound and safe for public interaction.

25.  Timeslots for buildup will be allocated before the event date, starting from the 6th of September. All gardens to be completed by 16:00 on the 9th of September.

26.  Installations must be kept in good condition for the duration of the event.

27.  Any use of electrical components, tools, or potentially hazardous materials is to be disclosed and cleared with event organizing committee in advance..

28.  All items are displayed at the vendor's own risk, and Stanford in Bloom accepts no responsibility for damages or loss of any items, personal or display.

29.  Stanford in Bloom reserves the right to determine the layout of the market.

30.  The Event Organizer shall not be held liable or responsible for any delay, rescheduling, or cancellation of the event due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, weather conditions (including rain, storms, high winds, or natural disasters), government restrictions, or other unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, the Event Organiser reserves the right to reschedule, modify, or cancel the event without liability for any refund or compensation.

31.  By attending or registering for this event, you acknowledge and accept that weather-related disruptions may occur and that the Event Organiser is not responsible for any resulting costs or damages, including travel or accommodation expenses.

32.  Stanford in Bloom will not be liable for any injury to staff, or attendees during the event, including setup and breakdown times.

33.  By entering, participants grant permission for their garden displays to be photographed and used in event marketing, publicity, and social media.

34.  You are encouraged to share your participation and process with your own networks.

 

We look forward to seeing your creativity in full bloom and celebrating the vibrant beauty you bring to our village!