CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW

Evening Star, Issue 25171, 10 May 1944, Page 2

CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW

BLOOMS OF THREE SEASONS FROM DAHLIAS TO DAFFODILS That winter has its compensations ia evident from the Duuedin Horticultural Society's annual chrysanthemum show, which opened in Pioneer Hall to-day. Although the chrysanthemum is essentially a winter bloom and completely dominated the display to-day, the show was unique in that it included specimens of both summer and spring flowers. These features suggested that the recent season has been unusual, and plants which ere normally most dofinite in their seasonal propensities were uucertain when to bloom. For daffodils and iris to be in b.oom at this time of the year is most unusual, but Mr V. M. Dickenson (Macandrew Bay) was able to display specimens of both bulbs. The daffodil was a particularly lino bloom of the imported Nilkanta, which i» still sufficiently rare to be an expensive variety. It and the delicate blue in* seemed quite out of place in company with bowls of huge dahlias. These plants have c usually been cut back by frost by this time of the vear, but many beautiful specimens were on show in the full glory of maturity and without any sign of weakness or damaged 'petals which normally mark: «nd-of-season blooms. ' ' ■ If the conditions have been favourable for a continuation of summer flowers and ' an encouragement of exceptionally early spring blooms, they have also served the chrysanthemums very well. The display could only be classed as magnificent. One table is heavily laden with the large Japanese varieties. Among the most notable specimens are Sir William McPherson, Patricia Barnett, Cavalier, and Mrs B. 0. Pilling.' •:• LOCALLY-RAISED SEEDLINGS. The single types, which are the favourite! of most growers and particularly of housewives for decorative purposes, are strongly represented. A notable feature of the show, indicating the keenness of Dunedin chrysanthemum growers, is the number of locally-raised varieties. The large bronze single, John Hungerford, raised by the president of the society (Mr H. Hungerford) several years ago, is prominent in the col. lections of several exhibitors. This variety has won high honours. Other .notab.e locally-raised seedlings are two produced by Mr S. J. Webb and exhibited Jor the first time. One is a yellow, which he has named Tripoli, rind a fine cyclamen called Tunisia. Other singles prominently exhibited ere Mary Jamieson Irvine and Phyilis Cooper. The cut flowers and decorative sections are well supported, notable exhibits in these sections being a fine bowl of brilliant salvias and a vase of beautiful geranium*. Mr B. M. Bussell is exhibiting a good collection of hydrangeas with an excellent range of colours. The severely practical gardeners, who concentrate largely on vegetable growing, have contributed a strong section of a good range of greens and roots. In the non-competitiva section of the show is a very fine collection of vegetables • of excellent quality and size grown by e enthusiast, Mr George Thomson, Manor Place.