Outdoor flowers to end

Press, 1 June 1989, Page 14

Outdoor flowers to end

Most outdoor flower crops ended this week, the snow, hail and frosts claiming the last of them. The only exceptions were those flowers growing in more sheltered areas but flower market auctioneers said supplies would still be limited.

Spring bulbs such as sol d’ors; erlicheer, romans, stars and paperwhites, however, would not be as greatly

affected because they were just beginning to sprout. Those at the blooming stage were the worst affected, an auctioneer said. Flowering foliage and shrubs such as erica, leucodendron and protea were only slightly damaged but most had survived. Flowers being grown in glass and tunnel houses were also scarce because

most of the heating cultivating these crops was now artificial. Carnations, spray carnations, roses, lilies, irises and standard and spray chrysanthemums were among those in short supply.

The local flower market is still selling large quantities of polyanthus, pansies, cyclamen, camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons, conifer and perennials in plants.