CHRYSANTHEMUMS

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 99, 28 April 1937, Page 13

CHRYSANTHEMUMS

TOWN HALL ..SHOW;

LOVELY.AUTUMN FLOWERS

In autumn Nature tends to don her richest and most resplendent robes, and this verity is wall illustrated by the display of blooms in the, Town Hall today on the occasion of the Wellington Horticultural Society's autumn show. Pride of place is naturally taken by the chrysanthemum. « Because the Mikado incorporated it in his seal many centimes ago, this j noble flower is inseparably associated with Japan, where by royal decree an annual festival in its honour is held in each October. This festival has been observed for more than a thousand years. The flower, however, appears to have originated in Eastern Europe, in the form of a small daisy-like flower and to have reached Japan via China. The skilful Japanese gardeners de-' veloped it considerably. An Englishman, Robert Fortune, rediscovered it on an island off the coast of China and brought it to Europe. Once the English horticulturists commenced to cultivate it, its possibilities were quickly recognised. The petals have been so improved in size, colour, and form that the insignificant flower of the ancient Greeks is now among the most magnificent and stately ornaments of the modern garden. The colours, "rich not gauc\\" range from the purest glistening white through soft yellows, bronzes, browns, pinks, and maroons to ruddy reds. The finish or sheen on most of the exhibits is excellent and reflects credit on the growers; ■

The time for dahlias has almost passed; nevertheless, some .beautiful blooms have been staged. The decorative .variety is most striking, immense, blooms-, on strong, stiff stems. 'The limit of size does not seem ■to ' have been reached yet, but it is just a question whether further development in this direction is desirable. Already there is a suggestion of ungainliness which is foreign to the best conceptions of floral^race and beauty. There are some lovely and elegant cactus dahlias, a variety which is regaining the well-deserved popularity it enjoyed a few years ago. The graceful charm and dainty pompom varieties are "fully represented. The colours are similar to those'of/the chrysanthemum, with the addition of brilliant crimsons and scarlets.

Like the dahlias, the hydrangeas are past their best. Nevertheless there are many-noble trusses on exhibition, illustrative, of the long period during which this handsome flower blooms. 'Quite properly the hydrangea is among the most treasured of garden flowers,'and is splendid for decorative work and. vases. During recent years great improvements have been made in its colours and form. Varieties like "Parsival," a glorious pink, and "Ser/sation," an opalescent ■ blue, are types of a numerous company of handsome and refined blooms. .

The vegetable classes have attracted a large number of entries, toothsome and shapely -examples of the -kitchen gardeners' skill... With the rising cost, of living, vegetable growing is becoming more and more popular and profitable; The show, which was opened this afternoon by the Mayor, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, closes this evening about 9.30 o'clcfk. MANY FINE DISPLAYS. ■ Mr. E. L. Riddiford, of Orongorongo (Mr. T. Clark; .gardener), .is showing;-a collection' of fine single chrysanthemums tastefully arranged and. set off with bright berries. . Mrs. J. J. Reich, of Western Hutt (Mr. W. Cooper gardener), has a charmingly, arranged stand displaying ferns, berries, choice flowers, and autumn foliage. One of the most interesting features of the show is- Mrs. Charles Haines's novel stand. The leading nurserymen Of New Zealand have combined to supply a superb collection of rare exotic plants and flowers. There is also an actual-size water : colour painting by Miss Winnie Anderson of a magnificent new pink Bomarea Carderi, which recently flowered for the first time in the Dominion. It was raised by Mr. C. H. E. Rhodes, of Wanganui, an enthusiastic amateur horticulturist. Mr. F. J. Shanks has supplied several rare lilies, including lilium japonica, , and three species of dwarf wild roses. There is also a really splendid collec- ] tion of fruit grown by Mrs. Haines in | her ortliard at Karon. ' )

The non-competitive. stand is in charge of Mrs. A.' J. Dv Pont. The graceful decorative work evokes admiration and the exquisite exhibits on this occasion are worthy of the close attention of all fiower-loyers. Those contributing to the success of the stand are'Mesdames W. Simm, R. Arlow, A. T. Dv Pont, J. J. Reich, A. R. Gdwer, Eric Johnston, J. M. A. Ilott, and Mr. B. G. O'Connor.' ' . ' "

The, City Council .reserves department has a large show which occupies the whule space in front of the stage. The display includes colens,' dahlias, rex begonias, chrysanthemums, and ,pajms. ' '■..-'" A large stand in the centre of the hall is filled to capacity with-examples, of the ladies' decorative work. Handsome and delicately coloured flowers and' foliage have been arranged in baskets, bowls, and vases with, rare artistry. The mellow autumn, shades haye been used with skilful taste and combine 'in a, most harmonious effect. T-fie'.flpwer&tall is in charge of Mesdam&.^'li feennett and A. J. Dv PoST Tie tearooms are being super.vis^by'Mesaames G. S. Nicoll and W. H. .Graphs and many willing helpers. Tlaa trade* Wsplays are' a conspicuous feature o*f' the show. Amongst :|hem are t%. following:—A. McMillan, Lojver Hu% single chrysanthemums and pomfrom, dahlias; A. J. Shailer and 'Spi| Palmerston North, . double ..and sirigld chrysanthemums; Zenith Seed 'Co;, Wellington, ericas and cretagus; R )S. Johnson, Karori, Alpine and rock plants; H.:Pbole, Lower Hutt, cyclamens and streptocarpus; J. N. Anderson and Son, Napier, chrysanthemums in pots, ferns,, cyclamen, and kented palms; K. G. Wilson, Taradale, single chrysanthemums; S. D. H. Peryman, Johnsonville, miscellaneous; L. Yen and Co., Wellington, collection of wonderful miniature gardens from China.