HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Evening Star, Issue 19710, 10 November 1927, Page 13

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

SPECIAL SHOW An excellent display of late spring and early summer blossoms pleased a large gathering of keen amateur gardeners in the Y.M.C.A. lecture hall last evening, when the first of a series of special shows organised by the Dunedin Horticultural Society was held. The success of the evening quite exceeded the expectations of those in charge of the arrangements, and the showing made by many generous contributors was remarkable for its beauty and variety. For some time the members or tne society have considered the desirability of holding a show evciUng between the dates of tho well-known annual fixtures. It lias been agreed that such an evening would provide a valuable opportunity for the display of flowers which were at their best between the regular seasons—rhododendrons, azaleas, and the like. The display that resulted last evening proved tho popularity of the innovation among growers and the interested sections of the public. The attendance numbered upwards or -00, and no fewer than six large tables of flowers were arranged for their beuoht. Many of the specimens produced were fine examples of their particular varieties, and all were greatly admired. So many vases made their appearance that the section of tho hall reserved tor the show was none too large, and it is sate to predict that in the future provision will have to he made for still more comprehensive displays. One excellent table had been selected from the garden of Mr S. Solomon, who had contributed many of tho bcantilnl rhododendrons for which his garden is so widely noted; while Mr D. Tannock, of the Botanic Gardens, had arranged an attractive table containing many varieties. Other large displays came from the gardens of Mr B. S. irwin and Mr E. I. Halsted. Many other contributors were represented m worthy fashion, and among the exhibits ol special interest were several bcauti-fully-decorated baskets. The greater portion of tho evening was devoted to addresses on the culture and habits of rhododendrons by Mr Tannock and Mr Solomon. Both dealt interestingly with tho particular branches of the subject selected by them, and both stressed the desirability of cultivating rhododendrons in Dunedin because of the remarkable suitability of the climate. Air Tannock referred to the chief needs of the plant —good drainage, a retentive subsoil, plenty of moisture, and plenty of organic matter in the soil—all of which were amply available in Dunedin. Mi Solomon made a special plea for the recognition of azaleas, which, he said, wore hardy and particularly attractive in flower. , , . _ Mr F. W. Exler also spoke briefly, and a vole of thanks to. the speakers was proposed by tho chairman, Mr H. T. Trcvcna (president of the society).