Palmerston North Garden And Flower Circle

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 230, 30 September 1935, Page 2

Palmerston North Garden And Flower Circle

MR E. PEMBROKE WARD THE SPEAKER “Gladioli, Their Care and Attention,” was the subject of Air E. Pembroke Ward, noted gladoli specialist, who was tho speaker for the evening at the monthly meeting of the Palmerston North Garden and Flower Circle, which was held in the Baptist schoolroom on. Friday evening. -Mr J. Adamson presided in the absence of Air A. W. Just, who is indisposed, and introduced Mr Ward.

Tho gladiolus was well known in the very early stages of history, said Mr Ward, and in Biblical records they would And it mentioned. "Gladoli” was tho Latin name for sward .lily, and hadnlso been known as tho corn lily, as it had been found growing cultivated land. Thcro wero 150 to 155 different and distinct species known to botanists, 15 only not being indigenous to South Africa. The gladiolus of tho early history of botany was known to extend through Mesopotamia, the Mediterranean, and Southern Europe. The species were of no practical use to modern hybridists, and the colours had been drab. In South Africa gladioli were to be found flowering during every month of the yoar, and most of. tho modern gladioli had originated from African species. The spelter dealt with some of the species. Gladioli for show culture needed something that would stand absolutely straight in all weathers, said Mr Ward. Gladioli should not be grown only for tho show bench; it was ideal for decorative and cut purposes. In this country, said the speaker, the people did not know what a wonderful gardening flower the gladiolus was. They had a. wonderful rhngo of colour. A hybridist was fortunate if ho obtained ono outstanding seedling out of 1,000. The speaker dealt clearly with the cultivation of gladioli, and passed cm a good deal of valuable information. Questions were answered to the satisfaction of all those present, and coloured paintings passed round. The vote of thanks to the speaker was proposed by Mr P. Black, and warmly carried. Tho monthly competition for the best use of flowers was decided by popular vote as follows: —Mr G. H. Stockdalo (tulips) 1, Mr H. J. Ogier (frecsias) 2, Mrs D. James (rununculas) 3. There were nine entries.