HORTICULTURAL WEEK

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 103, 25 January 1933, Page 3

HORTICULTURAL WEEK

Dominion Conferences Open in Wellington ADDRESS FROM MINISTER Hope for stabilisation of trade during the coming year was expressed at the annual conference of the New Zealand Institute of Horticulture which was officially opened yesterday morning. Representatives of the New Zealand Horticultural Trades Association, New Zealand Association of Parks and Gardens, and the Horticultural Seedsmen of New Zealand, supported by officers and members of the Wellington and Lower Hutt Horticultural Societies, to the number of over 70, were present from all parts of the Dominion. In the absence of the Mayor, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, Cr. F. W. Meadowcroft extended delegates a cordial welcome to Wellington on behalf of the municipality. The conference was opened by the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. C. E. Macmillan, who said that the institute could at all times rely upon the support of the department. The work of the institute was of great national value, and although the Government was not in a position to be of much assistance, there were many directions in which co-operation was possible. He expressed the hope that the conference would be most successful. Necessity for Legislation. Mr. F. J. Nathan, who presided, said that the institute could not have kept the flag flying but for the Government subsidy of £lOO a year, which it was hoped would be continued. Me stressed the necessity for legislation to protect the grower of new plants. A man who put in much work and forethought in producing some new and valuable plant had at present no protection. Legislation had been enacted in Canada to meet the position, and something of the kind was needed here. The conference of the institute was adjourned until this afternoon. The annual meeting of the New Zealand Horticultural Trades Association was presided over by Mr. V. C. Davies, The report of the executive, which was adopted, stated that horticulturists were no worse off than other traders or primary producers, traders of all classes having had difficulty in adjusting themselves to the altered conditions. The world outlook was changing and appearances were far from hopeless. The main difficulty experienced by members of the association was the getting in of the cash earned. Wider Regulations Advocated. The report expressed the hope that the Urban Rating Bill would become law this year, thus affording relief to many members. A widening of the plant registration regulations was advocated, as it would, it was maintained, materially assist in the production of good and clean stock of all classes. Research work was still being carried out, and the establishment of reliable pedigree trees of all kinds for the supply of propagating materials was a matter to be kept steadily in view. The report stressed the importance of growing forest and shelter trees, and satisfaction was expressed at the growing national realisation of this importance. The State Forest Service, stated the report, had many legitimate functions which should commend it to the Government, and the feeling of a good many of the nurserymen was that it should be maintained as a separate department. A Nomenclature Board. Mr. J. A. Campbell, Director of Horticulture, said that to protect the hybridist, the Trade Marks Act could be invoked, but that would not iirotect a grower selling the same plant under another name. A nomenclature board should be set up, and it should be made a penal offence to sell any plant under any name except that authorised by the board. The question had been considered by the Government, which declined to incur the expense of setting up a board. If the horticultural bodies guaranteed the small cost of the board and relieved the Government of any liability, something might be done. A resolution was passed expressing regret at the action of the Wellington Horticultural Society in connection with the national flower show, and endorsing the attitude adopted by Messrs. Waugh, Dallinger, and McMillan, representatives of the association on the Wellington show executive. Mr. Davies was re-elected president for the ensuing year. The conference was adjourned until this morning. GARDEN SEASONS Garden pictures are the aim and joy for which we all strive, and at this season the foundations should be laid for next summer’s bloom. Gardening requires planning ahead. We don't buy gardens ready-made like a suit of clothes; rather they are individually made to meet our particular needs and tastes. And individual-made articles call for intimate knowledge and attention to details. Every season of the year has its own particular detail that must receive attention. Spring calls for cleaning up and planting, summer for additional planting and seasonable work, cultivating, spraying, and dusting, the autumn brings cleaning-up time and preparation for next year. Winter has most to do with study and planning though the fore-handed gardener often finds much outside work that may be done. EASY TO GROW SHRUBS Among many attractive and easilymanaged shrubs, which flower in early spring may lie mentioned the pretty yellow Forsythia, and broom (Cytisus). These are followed by Crataegus, the double white Deutzla, the yellow laburnum and the lilac. November brings with it azaleas—mollissinensis hybrids—with creamypikn, pale rose or yellow blooms according to variety. The Diervllla (Weigela) also bears its white, pink or red blossoms in November, ■while many rhododendrons bloom then. In summer comes Buddleia variabilis Veifchiana (purple); Hydrangeas; Olearia Haastii (white) ; Philadelphus or Mock Orange (white) and Choisya ternata (white). Splendid autumn-blooming shrubs are the pinky-white Viburnum Tinus, the pinky-white Ahelia chlnensis, the white Osmanthus ilieifolia and the yellow or red Chimonanthus fragrans. For winter flowering choice lies between Daphne Mezereuin—purple, rose or white; Rhododendron praecox—rose; Laurestinus—white, and Ribes sanguineum—rose, crimson or white.