The stem should be held upright. As I said, wipe the stem with a cotton ball. Look at the spaeth & smooth it out with your fingers. If it is starting to get brown, you can trim it with small scissors. Practice at home with ones you are not taking to the show. If you tell show people that you are new to showing, they may show you how. Or they may get competative & not show you. You may have friends there. Or take a couple of your seedlings. They are not groomed so they can be evaluated & you can watch others groom. The schedule will show the classes. Originally shows were color classed & now they are sections (TB, IB etc). There may be specials (best pink etc). this year we are trying 'challenge' classes which are added to the regular. TB 'Ink Patterns' & IB 'Star in the Night'. I took one of the IBs since I didn't think the TB would be in bloom here. We Each took a new plant of each one which the club provided & grew it for the show. Note: when trimming, follow the shape of the spaeth , don't just whack it off. That is why you practice at home.
