That judges’ comment was perhaps born out of pure jealousy. They probably tried to grow it, likely more then once, and quite possibly killed them OR failed to bloom it.
Try not to take it to heart.
People still try to pump up their own failures by bringing others down!
I hope it was an innocent comment based on their own frustration. Don’t let it keep you from attending. The Judging Chair should take that judge aside if that type of stuff goes on in their center. It should be addressed by a phone call. If that stuff continues, that judge could be given a time out so to speak.
Well anyway, that’s what I would do.