HORTICULTURAL NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2210, 9 July 1896, Page 8

HORTICULTURAL NOTES.

By J. Gebbie, Jun.

CATALOGUES.

Lovers of horticulture always look forward to the publication and distribution of the nursery and seedsmen's catalogues. To suoh the perusal of a descriptive catalogue affords an indescribable .pleasure which only the true lover of horticulture can enjoy. Several of these publications bave coma to hand this season, and as usual they all more of less oontain a list of so-called novelties in plants and seed?. Very often these novelties, after testing, have turt ed out to be complete delusions and without sufficient merit to deserve continued prominence. However, this does not apply to our colonial tradesmen, whose descriptions oi novelties are of a more modest nature.

NIMMO AND BLAIR'S CATALOGUE.

The present edition of Mesara Nimmo and Blair's catalogue sustains the reputation this firm has long enjoyed for its carefully-pre-pared lists of seeds, plants, and the numerous etceteras of a first-class seed establishment. The style and execution of this lOipage catalogue is equal to, tha best Eoglisu catalogue, and the numerous descriptive notes are of great service to both amateur and professional gardener. Several novelties are described in this catalogue. Ihe rose crimson rambler is one that calls for a few remarks. I have not seen this bloom, but from what I can learn from reliable sources, I believe it to be a decided acquisition to the garden. It is of Japanese origin, and is highly spoken of in English and American horticultural publications as being of considerable merit. Its manner of growth is that of a vigorous climber, but by judicious pruning it may be kept in bush form. E ich truss or panicle is composed of from 30 to 40 blooms in the -way of the old climber called seven sistew. The individual flowers measure l£in in diameter, and the most atriklrg characteristic is the oolour, which is of the brightest crimson, and is retained until the end. Another novelty offered is Winham'6 industry gooseberry. In England, America, and elsewhere this is one ot the most profitable grown, being large, of a dark red colour, fine quality, and very prolific—qualifications to oommend it to all growers of this favourite fruit. Prominence is also given to the Japanese plums. One variety in particular I can recommend -an being first-class in this district is the Ogon — in some catalogues under the name of yellow Nigate. Here it is hardy, robust, and vigorous, The fruit is deep golden yellow in colour, with a most agreeable and lnscious flavour. I cannot speak of the merits of the other varieties, aa I bave not yet seen them fruit. Many other tempting frultp, flowers, and vegetables are effn-ed, but a perusal of the catalogue is recommended, HOWDEN AND MO>ORIEPJ? - S CATALOGUE.

This, like the former, contains a great number of the latest novelties in the various departments, besides the- standard varieties cf sterling merit which are generally grown— fruit trees in great variety, roses of all the leading kinds, chrysanthemums, greenhouse plant*, herbaceous plants and bulbs, with accurate descriptions and prices, are the leading features cf the catalogue, and in its pages there is something for all. BROWNLEE AND GO'S. CATALOGUE.

This Oamara firm is up to tho times with a very smart and at the same time useful catalogue. In this list will bs found the most valuable and useful seeds and bulbs with accarate descriptions, and general information bearing upon garden ■ management, together with a large number of recipes for the destruction of insect peats which infest oar gardens and orchards. These recipes ought to be in the possession of all who cultivate frnit treop, and will be found useful- for reference.

Nairn and sons (Chriatchnrch).

This oatalogne contains lists of trees and general nurse) y stock only, the leading lines being rosee, for which this nursery is famed fruit- trees (includicg the Japanese plums and Japanese walnuts), Japanese acers, tree F&oriia, rhododendrons, herbaceous and bulbous plant?, and a host of other things whioh were lately imported and not to be obtained in any other colonial nursery. Public Gardens, Oamaru,