The Clove Carnation.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 933, 17 January 1890, Page 4

The Clove Carnation.

‘ Now, Mr Barr, will you please tell me how the clove carnation is turned into those large magnificent blossoms which are shown at all exhibitions of the dianthus tribe, and which figure so largely in the button-hole 3 of the masher ? I suppose those very large ones are only two or three blossoms tied together?’ : * Ndj~no, they are single flowers, which by careful cultivation have acquired the size. There are carnations, such as the salmon-coloured “Mrs Jolliff,” which measure five inches across, but there is also an artificial way in which the flower can be somewhat enlarged. For instance, you must not imagine that all the perfect specimens shown In shop windows and at shows have grown just as you see them. Flowers which are quite perfect are very rare, but there is a special little instrument by means of which each imperfect petal is pulled out. Each row of petals is then accurately arranged round the centre ; so many petals to each row, and the result of it all is a flower perfect in form and colouring. Again, in order to prevent the green covering which holds the blossom from bursting and thus destroying the symmetry of the flower, it is tied round with a thin thread when the bud begins to open, and there are many other little tricks by which the perfection of tho flower is ensured.’—Visit to Messrs Barr & Son’s Garden, in Pall Mall Gazstte.