GORGEOUS GLADIOLI

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 28, 3 February 1937, Page 13

GORGEOUS GLADIOLI

MANY BRILLIANT

HUES

TOWN HALL FLOWER SHOW

Today is the occasion of the Midsummer Show of the Wellington Horticultural Society, which is being held in the Town Hall. A year ago the initial show of this kind was held in the Concert Chamber, when, despite a very unfavourable season, the space provided proved insufficient for the number of exhibits entered. It was therefore decided that future shows should be held in the lar£e Town Hall, and the response mads oy exhibitors has fully justified the society's confidence. The number of classes has been increased, but might with advantage be further extended. There is no season of the year when flowers are more abundant, and such favourites as Iceland poppies, scabious;, stocks, geraniums, and a host of others might well be catered for.

The principal exhibits are hydrangeas and gladioli, both comparatively newcomers to the floral world, whose splendid qualities have gained them a place among the aristocrats of the garden. The hydrangea, like many another fine flowering shrub, comes to us from China and the Himalayas. The range of colours (white, pink, and blue) is not great, but ■ the variation from shade to' shade is by most delicate gradations, giving an opalescent effect. Some very fine specimens are on exhibition, both the corymbs and the individual florets being large. _ The colours are clear and finished with a beautiful sheen. The gladiolus (or sword flower), so named from its sword-like leaves, is a native of Africa, the modern varieties having been developed from South African species, j It is very floriferous and remarkable for its form, colour, substance, and good keeping qualities. Few flowers have rewarded the hybridist so generously as the gladiolus, and it now ranks among the most important and popular of garden flowers. It is tall and strikingly graceful in form. The colours range from almost pure white to the bright scarlet, and include lovely shades of orange, salmon, and terracotta. The general effect of the exhibition benches is one of great brilliance, and the growers are to be complimented on the quality and size of the blooms staged. Several of the finest specimens shown have been raised in the Dominion, and it seems that the Dominion's soil and climate are well suited to the requirements of this fine flower. "Miss New Zealand" and some others would be worthy competitors with the best. There are excellent pansies, including some choice new varieties, also sweet peas, begonias, and cut flowers. Dahlias are well represented, the large decorative species predominating, and there is a good display of cut flowers. SOME FINE DISPLAYS. As usual the stand for ladies' decorative work is one of the most attractive in the show. The natural beauty of the blooms is enhanced by the taste and skill of the floral artists. Gracefully arranged baskets, bowls, and other receptacles are a tribute to the ability and enthusiasm of the lady members. Mr. H. A. Fox, Karori, is displaying a collection of very beautiful begonias. They are exceptionally well grown and the colours are remarkably pure and delicate. Mrs. Charles Haines has staged . an interesting exhibit entitled "Jade and Silver." All the specimens were grown in her own garden at Karori. Mr. W. H. P. Barber is exhibiting a collection of cut flowers which includes some very well-grown zinnias. The organ gallery is tastefully decorated with palms, evergreens, and hydrangeas loaned by Messrs. J. N. Anderson and Son, of Napier, and Messrs. T. Waugh and Son, of Wellington. There is also a fine display of begonias from the Wellington Botanical Gardens. The tea rooms.are in charge of Mesdames G. S. Nicoll and G. C. Clarke, assisted by a number of willing helpers. TRADE DISPLAYS. Messrs. Griffiths and Jenkins, of Karori, have staged a large display of magnificent gladioli. All colours are represented and the symmetrical form of the spikes testifies to the care and skill of the growers. Among over 200 blooms, Commander Koehl, Picardy, and D. A. Hay, attract attention. Mr. A. McMillan, of Lower. Hutt, has a good collection of perennial phloxes and dainty pom-pom dahlias. Mr. R. H. Johnson, of Karori, _ is showing a fine collection of begonias and alpine plants. Shailer and Son, of Palmerston North, are exhibiting a large and splendid collection of dahlias including all the popular varieties.

Mr. S. H. D. Peryman, of Johnsonville, has a stand of gladioli. •