GARDEN NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2671, 24 May 1905, Page 10

GARDEN NOTES.

CHYRSANTHEMUMS. The Dunedin horticultural show will he

held in the Garrison Hall on Wednesday, 24 th inst., when a large display of plants and blooms is anticipated. Tho date of the show is much further on in the month than usual, and this" change does not meet with the approval of many experts. However, the delay appears to have been unavoidable.

Notwihtstanding the high, state- of cultivation which this favourite plant has attained, its large hosts of fanciers seem resolved to attain a yet higher state of perfection. A congress at Montpelier had the following among other questions submitted for discussion and opinion : —

1. The effects o.f sulphide of copper on the foliage. 2. The influence of an excess of nitrogenous manures on the general condition. 3. Sports — their characteristics, means of producing, and fixing them. +. Transport of plants and flowers to and from the exhibitions.

5. Effects of bisulphide of carbon on the eel-worms at the roots.

6. Effect of sterilisation of the soil en chrysanthemums. 7. Insects or diseases attacking the chrysanthemums. Several other questions were expected to be brought up for discussion, but •&> enumerate them would be tedious, and probably not appreciated by general readers. The discussion which ensued occupied a considerable time, and the reports brought up are of special interest to experte, but aretoo technical and intricate to be appreciated by the majority of readers. The enthusiasm displayed in the cultivation Of the chrysanthemum, instead of abating, appears to be becoming far more widely spread, and,, as might be expected, the gay and fashionable city of Paris takes the lead. Its exhibition occupied a wide extent of space, and is carried out with all the devices which the art of man can suggest- In a -very large glass structure put up for the exhibition Messrs Vilmoxin and Audrieux had in the dome o£ this structure a very large display, and others contributed largely to new varieties, many of which obtained certificates. One new idea was displayed by several specimen plants being trained in standard form, and containing on one stem as many as "nine or ten. distinct varieties, all ingeniously grafted on one stock, and which, all being in flower together, presented a noteworthy spectacle. In the native home of the plant exhibitions are regularly held, of which we have occasional reports. Many curious combinations take place among the exhibits, which it is impossible intelligently to describe without peculiar illustrations. Perhaps one of the most striking features in connection with this exhibition was the specimens in pots grown in bush form, each stem profusely covered wifeh healthy leaves from its base, not an objectionable one to be seen amongst them. The number of exhibitions taking place annually in' Britain and the Continent is remarkable. With us matters are different, as the country districts as a rule do not have special chrysanthemum shows, their exhibitions being kept more to the front only in and around the larger centres. Nothing need prevent those having a taste for improving the plant to obtain and raise -the best sorts and try experiments in the culture. An importation of new varieties raised in Hobart has been received for exhibition at our show, and it will probably attract, considerable attention. The weather during May has been very favourable fo. outdoor plants, and it is to be hoped the exhibition opening, to-day will excel in attractions any of its predecessors, both as regards flowers and fruit. Being Empire Day and a statutory holiday, it only requires -fine weather to ensure success. The publio at large will no doubt give their patronage liberally in the daytime, and the only incident likely to interfere with the evening attendance is the proposed visit of the Premier, Mr Seddon, to address a meeting in. the Princess Theatre. —I. M. I.