HOMES OF FLOWERS

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 22, 27 January 1931, Page 11

HOMES OF FLOWERS

FORGOTTEN SOURCES

ACCLIMATISED EXOTICS

■ A tribute to the value of hortieul» ture in introducing beautiful plants and flowers was paid by the Hon. J. G. Cobbe (Minister of. Defonee) ' opening the National Horticultural Conference to-day. . . : : ' ' "The public generally do not recognise'the valuable work that Has been done by those interested in horticultre, both amateurs and others/ said Mr. Cobbe. "They do.not realise that most of the flowers,- plants, and fruits that beautify our gardens and enrich our orchards originally came from fardistant countries, brought by -enthusiastic, but long-dead,, horticulturists, whose works live,. after them.' Such eyery-day shrubs and- flowers as ;the laburnum, lilac, hollyhock, and- sunflower originally came from .the Continent of Europe, China, and the U.S.A. Tuberous begonias, calceolarias, petunias, monkey..puzzles, and many varieties of fuchsias . came from the Andes. South Africa contributed: gladiolus, pelargoniums, and the arum lily,' Asia Minor and the Mediterranean daffodils, pinks, and carnations. Tulips, although we now associate them with Holland, originally' came from. . Central Asia. China and Japan sent us crysanthemums. Mexico,'although chiefly noted for revolutions, contributed, cosmos and dahlias. Practically all our fruits originally came from other countries, Asia contributing the more delicate sorts. "New Zealand is, on account of its climate, admirably adapted for the successful cultivation of almost eveiy sort of plant or shrub.'! As an ..instance, it may be noted that heather, which, is supposed to flourish only in parts of Europe/ especially in Ireland and Scotland, and at the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, yet grows profusely in the National Park.in our .own Dominion." ■ . . \ ~'.', '.. On the Continent of Europe, said Mr. Cobbe,, and also in Jersey and: in.Eng; land, the production of fruit, flowers, and vegetables was an industry of enormous, importance. In, England the value of flower's, grown in the open1 for market, was estimated at''£4oojooo. annually, while the value of those grown under glass for market amounted to £1,350,000 —or a total annual value of ,£1,750,000. In 1925 the value of ordinary fruit and nuts produced in or: chards of one acre and over, in. England, was £6,310,000, while small fruits were worth £3,170,000. In Holland there were about 15,000 acres under bulbs, while America had some 40jO00 j acres devoted to4he Bame purpose. , . ■■' ' '.The growing of plants, trees, and seeds is a most important branch of horticulture," said Mr. Cobbe, "and I 1 must, say the Dominion nurserymen do supply plants and trees true to name and in every way satisfactory, showing that growers possess skill and knowledge,, keep. abreast of the times, and watch the latest horticultural developments.. Great attention is now being given to the growth 'of seeds, and the experiments that have been carried out, and the modern, methods of .testing must greatly enhance the'already high reputation of our New Zealand seeds." '