Colour And Variety In Flower Show

Press, Volume C, Issue 29666, 9 November 1961, Page 22

Colour And Variety In Flower Show

A reproduction of a rock garden in which about 150 rock plants and apline flowers are shown in an area of only six square feet is the most eye-catching display among the 700 flower* and shrub* in the Canterbury Horticultural Society’s exhibit at the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s show. Designed by Mrs H. A. Hearn, a member of the Canterbury Alpine Garden Society, the garden was built on rocks arranged in contour patterns covered with soft green moss. Flowers, which includes specimens of New Zealand Alpine flora—bletilla, a cycla-men-toned hardy orchid, encrusted saxifraga and iris gracilipes, are scattered in groups on the mounds or nestled in cracks around the rocks. A magnificent display of 184 rhododendrons and azaleas brought from Ham, Timaru and Ashburton, was arranged in a horseshoe formation which showed the colour and quality of the blooms to the best advantage. Organised by Mr J. S. Barker, of the New Zealand Rhododendron Association, the blooms were grouped in five rows of complementary or contrasting colours. Entries in the competitive section of the show were the same as last year—lo 4. However, there was an increase in the number of rose entries, and about 152 were on display. The blue ribbon award for the best rose went to D. M. Mcllroy’s entry, a. beautiful Burnaby of a pale cream colour. Several new rose varieties were shown. These included Silver Lining, on display for the first time. This is a bicolour rose, of deep cerise at the edge of the petals going to pale pink. Bearded irises in ail tunings from the creamy-white of the Wedding Bouquet to the velvety purple-black of Black Taffeta, were shown by Mr P. J. Moore. Also included for the first time was Captain Gallant, a rich bronze tris, and Palomino, which is apricot with an orange beard. Although the dry hot weather had brought most flowers to maturity earlier this year, the judges agreed that the over-all standard of the show was good. “Entries in the decorative section showed some excellent work.” said the judge (Mrs K Scott). “The arrangements, the majority of which were of massed designs, showed excellent choice of colour.” The cut flower section was marked by freah bloom* and

plenty of colour. The Royal Horticultural Society's bronze medal for this section was awarded to Mrs J. C. Fraser for her extremely fine exhibit, which included crimson lupins, pink and orange foxgloves. Result*:— Taylor) Open—Blue ribbon award for beri roce to show: D. M. Mcllroy. D. M. Mclroy, 3 firrii. 1 second; Mr* H. Wile*. 1 first, 1 second; Mr G. Sheldon, 1 first, 1 third; H. N. Pyne. 1 second; Mr* T- Jwudn**. 1 second S. R- Whale. 1 third: Mr* R. I. Lamb, 1 third; Mr* R. A. MacBean, 1 third. Cat newer* (Judge: Mr E. Taylor) Open.—Royal Horticultural Society medal for the most outstanding exhibit: Mrs J. C. Fraser; Mrs M. T. Jennings, - firsts; Mrs I. Wood. 1 first; HAllan, 1 first: Mrs J. C. Fraser. 1 first, 2 seconds; Mr* J. Flecken, 1 first, 2 seconds; Mrs M. Pearce, 1 second: Mr* A. Nicholls, 1 second; J. Byfield, 1 second. Decorative (Judge: Mr* K. Scott) Award for the moat outstanding exhibit: Mr* A. R- Powell; Mr* C. Protheroe, 3 first*; Mrs A. R. Powell, 1 first, 1 second, 1 third; Mrs I* Connor. 1 first. 1 second: Mr* P. G. Benny. 1 first; Miss M. Watllng, 1 second. 2 thirds: Mrs J. Fiecken, 2 seconds, 1 third; Mrs G. H. Kitto, I third. Irises (Judge: Mr D. White) Open.—Blue ribbon award for the best iris: Mrs J. C. Fraser; Mrs H. C. Jennings. 2 first*; Mr* J. C. Fraser, 1 second; Mrs M. Pearce. 2 secondsThe silver challenge cup for the garden club section was awarded to the Stratford Garden Club, which also won the first three places.