DISPLAY OF BEGONIAS.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 12442, 3 March 1906, Page 3

DISPLAY OF BEGONIAS.

Whilst there can be no doubt as to the right of the rose to.the title of the Queen of Flowers, that of Emperor of Bkssoms describes with equal fitness the glorious beauty of the begonia. The pleasure which is at all times associated with a visit to tho nursery of Messrs Nairn and Sons is enhanced at present, owing to the fine display of begonias of all hues, which may be seen there in bloom. The bouse which contains the plants prceonts a beautiful appearance, ths'varied tints of deep scarlet, soft ■yellow, vivid red. rosy cerise, and pure white, having been most skilfully and artistically blended. Messrs Nairn and Sons have recently introduced .some new singles and doubles, the noticeable features of which are the size of the flowers, great depth of colouring, and erectness. In the singles Alice Hampton is a magnificent oalrnon colour, as also are Snperbum and Ariadne, the latter having a t.nge of pink. Ot th<» scarlet* thrre is a splendid variety, including Bad*?n-Powell. the blooms of which are large and wonderfully deep in colour; Harry Tucker, which is exceedingly brilliant, and Splcnderis. The last is perh.Tpß the most perfect specimen of the deep colouring to be wen. The pure white blooms stand out very nuticeably in the midst of so much brilliancy, and of these Bexley White and Candida arc very line indeed. In nve pink and cerise Leonora and L'ldeal may be noted as very fine, especially the latter. One of tho most charming of tlie yellows is Nivalis, which has Tcmarkablo depth of pure golden colour. In the doubles noticeable for their perfect camelia form, two splendid scarlets are Dr. Nanscn and Dr. Thelmerdcno. Another fine bloom of this colour is Lord Rosebery. a crimson scarlet of perfect camellia shape. Climax is a. beautiful cerise-coloured bloom, with white centre, forming n pretty combination, and Florence Parker, a ros<v-colcured camellia-shaped bloom, ;k noticcab'.o for the size nnd beauty of the flowers. There is also a very fine show of gloxinias, noticeable for uprightness and beautiful combination- of colour. Altogether tho display is well worth a visit.