UNFORMILY HIGH STANDARD

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21745, 30 March 1936, Page 9

UNFORMILY HIGH STANDARD

FACTORY GARDENS COMPETITION

WINNERS OP BOTH CLASSES

ANNOUNCED

A uniformly high standard is revealed by the judges, Messrs J. A. McPherson, George Mazey, and H. L. Darton, in their report on the factory gardens competitions conducted under the auspices of the Canterbury Horticultural Society. The general standard, they state, is very high, and the number of factories that are showing a keen desire to improve their surroundings is steadily on the increase. In class A there were four entries, and all were of outstanding merit. The judges found it extremely difficult to select the best garden in this group, but eventually the Canterbury Milling Company’s Challenge Cup was awarded to T. J. Edmonds. Ltd.

During the year this garden has been extended to include the section on the east side of the property,” states the judges' report. "Two dwellmghouses were removed, and the new

area was planned in conformity with “W. original design, leaving the office buildings and the factory in the middle of the area. The wonderful improvement made in the general design rcwt be a P]Went to everyone. when the newly-planted shrubs have made a little more growth the whole layout will be one of which any factory—and, indeed, the city—may be justly proud. The lawn is a feature in itself, while the lily pond in the centre, with a pergola in the background, completes a wise and harmonious design. Two plant-houses, with their wealth of flowering subjects, were in perfect condition when the inspection was made, end a credit to the gardener in charge.” The report praises the other gardens entered in class A: Fleming and Company, Ltd., the Davis Gelatine Company, and Aulsebrook and Company, Ltd.

Class B Competition A distinct improvement in the gardens entered in class B was noticed by the judges. There were eight entries for this section. “One of these gardens, although comparatively young, stands out from others on account of its extent and for bright floral display. This is the garden of the factory of the Sanitarium Health Food Company in Papanui,” continues the report. This garden was awarded the first prize in this section, the T. J. Edmonds, Ltd., Challenge Cup. “Those responsible for the general layout have shown excellent judgment,” says the judges’ report, in describing this garden. “And they have also shown themselves wise in the selection of subjects employed, and in their correct placement The extensive lawns in which the flower beds are placed are a pleasing feature. The whole area is not over-planted, and many very choice specimens of herbaceous plants and flowering shrubs adorn the ground. The roses and hydrangeas were particularly noticeable. The annuals, also, were very bright, one bed of salvia bonfire being a ‘picture.’

“The remaining gardens in this class are good without exception, the standard in every case being a credit to the factory managers. Visits of inspection were paid to the New Zealand Refrigerating Company, Ltd., the Belfast Freezing works, Thomas Borthwick and- Sons (A’asia), Ltd., the Christchurch Gas Company, the Zealandia Flour Mills, and Messrs Wood Brothers.”