THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 13948, 2 January 1909, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

Is reviewing the past year's operations and results and making comparisons, conditions throughout the twelve months just ended have been exceptionally favourable* for horticulture in all its branches. That all important factor, the weather, has smiled upon us most propitiously, and is -mainly accountable for the superabundance of growth that everywhere exists, and for the wealth of bloom, verdure of the grass, and plentiful crops of fruits and vegetables that we have been ablo to utilise and enjoy at the various seasons, and with which our gardens a™ now stocked in their different stages of maturity and development. The winter and spring of 1908 have been the best for general gardening pursuits ever experienced in this portion of the Dominion. Ideal conditions have prevailed, hence the bright prospects that herald tho advent of the new year. It is needless to particularise, as all varieties of trees, shrubs, and plants have revelled in the benefits the good God of nature has so liberally bestowed upon them. In taking {'. brief retrospective glance upon the achievement of the past, year it is gratifying to note the impetus that is given to horticulture as a result of the many fruit and flower shows that are held all over our province. The spirit of emulation and competition compels growers to keep abreast of the times by providing themselves with the best and most up-to-date varieties, and in using the most skilful methods of cultivation in bringing the various subjects, whether flowers, fruits, or vegetables, to the highest state.'of perfection. Progress in floriculture still proceeds with unabated vigour. Hybridists and specialists are mote busy than ever in raising seedlings, each year producing a fresh batch of new creations. The previous year's novelties _ are soon superseded with others of superior qualities, either as regards the flower or habit of growth of tho plant. The rose still reigns supreme amongst flowers, the new creations are remarkable for the lovely and distinct shades of colour of the flowers, and the habit of growth of the plants. The greatest enthusiasm is evinced in the sweet pea, marvellous productions being obtained. Tho craze for the daffodil is greater than ever. The cactus dahlia still merits a fair share of attention. Tho perfection attained in annuals places them in the front rank amongst flowering plants for garden decoration. Rapid steamer communication and increased transit facilities enable us in the antipodes to obtain the latest novelties shortly after they are offered by the raisers, accounting for the large number of new varieties that were to be seen the exhibition boards at our various shows during the past year. Too much credit cannot bo given to those who foster flower growing amongst children, as the cultivation of flowers trains the young mind and increases the lovo for the beautiful, besides encouraging habits of thrift and self-reliance, and makes the boy or girl a better citizen, hence the value of children's flower shows so ably advocated and provided for by tho Auckland Horticultural Society. The" City Council must bo accorded the warmest thanks of the community for their forward policy in appointing a thoroughly capable and up-to-date landscape gardener, and inaugurating a policy for the laying out and improvement of our many beautiful paddocks and pleasure grounds, which should' easily make Auckland the garden city of the Dominion. Altogether lovers of horticulture can look back with pleasure upon the past year, particularly the latter months, when flowers have been so plentiful and all nature so fresh and beautiful. The prospect ahead, too, could not be more promising, as our gardens and grounds are so delightfully fresh with luxuriant growth. Kepos.