SHOW: Pipe Dream
- Subject: SHOW: Pipe Dream
- From: v* l*
- Date: Thu, 21 Feb 2002 14:31:59 -0800 (PST)
David Silverberg <sil1812@molalla.net> wrote:
We no longer use bottles for shows. What we use instead are display units
constructed of PVC pipe of appropriate diameter to fit "almost" every size
stalk with the exceptions of those that are <<too fat to fit into the
bottle.>> The pipe is inserted into a wide, stable wooden base drilled to
the proper diameter and all of which have been stained the same color. For
the smallest of stems (i.e. MDBs) we use small, clear green plastic florist
tubes inserted into a suitably sized hole in the same wooden base. After the
initial expense of manufacture there is no additional cost and one needn't
be concerned about the inevitable breakage and possible personal injury from
broken glass. As an added bonus to this system the amount of water used is
greatly reduced when compared to that required for glass bottles whatever
the size. It also makes show "set up and take down" much easier. The pipes
and bases are separated and stored in boxes after the show and all the units
for a large show (about 500 stalks) can be transported in the trunk of the
family sedan.
Dave Silverberg
Molalla, Oregon USA zone 7/8ish
V. sez:
Look, I can't help it if ABBEY ROAD grows so well...
Around here, the decision to use pipe or bottles is set by the club, not the individual. The local clubs say it has to be green bottles. I have judged/ entered shows that used pipes also. I actually prefer the bottles:
No matter how hard you try, some pipes will be "leakers".
Unless you have a perfectly straight stalk, it will lean in a pipe. The bottle is wide enough that this can be corrected.
The lack of water can be a drawback - I have seen shows where the tables were in a glassed in area that got full sun, and the flowers were definitely droopy by the afternoon. I don't think it was because of the pipes themselves - rather, the smaller volume of water heated up quicker.
If you have your own bottles, you can place and prep the stalks at home, so all you have to do is place the bottles when you get to the show. With pipes, you have to build your assemblies (base, pipe, water, cotton, tag), then position and groom the stalks just before the show. Much less hectic to do it in advance.
No one has to worry about where to store a truckload of pipes and bases. Since everyone is bringing their own bottles, they only have to store enough for themselves - usually 1-2 dozen.
Gotta run. My prune juice is kicking in...
Vince Lewonski
Zone 6B
Secane, PA
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