CENTENNIAL OF CHRISTCHURCH

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26204, 30 August 1950, Page 6

CENTENNIAL OF CHRISTCHURCH

Floral Procession In

February

START BEING MADE WITH PREPARATIONS

During the next few weeks seeds will be sown for many of the flowers that will adorn the floats in February’s centennial floral procession in Christchurch. The Director of Parks and Reserves for the Christchurch City Council (Mr M. J. Barnett) said yesterday that plants which were susceptible to frost, such as African marigolds and zinnias, would have to be sown later, but, because they grew quickly, planting could be delayed even until the end of November. Asters were a little more difficult, in that they required a longer period to reach the flowering stage. More than 4.000,000 flowers would be used in the procession, said Mr Barnett. Of these, about 800,000 would be grown outside Christchurch. Seed for the flowers was ordered in Britain and America months ago. Big Flower-growing Effort A large section of the reserves department’s nursery and some other areas will be used to grow flowers this summer. This will be the biggest flower-growing effort yet made by the department, although during the last two years extra -growing was undertaken. in the first instance for the Otago centennial celebrations, and later in expectation of a visit from the King and Queen.

The North Canterbury Hospital Board. Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln, and commercial growers will supplement the reserves department’s efforts, and they will be provided with seeds. Mr Barnett said yesterday that the reserves department greatly appreciated the co-operation of outside interests. Although it was not possible to supply seed to the general public, it was hoped that private persons would also assist in growing flowers, as even two dozen flowers from each of several hundred gardens would be a very valuable contribution.

The support of everyone who grew dahlias was needed for producing the floral carpet, which wobld be placed on a lawn in the centre of Christchurch in February, added Mr Barnett. The -.entire carpet would be made of dahlias.