FLOWER SHOW

Otago Witness, Issue 3333, 30 January 1918, Page 13

FLOWER SHOW

CARNATIONS, SWEET PEAS, AND ROSES. The Dunedin Horticultural Society held its annual show of carnations, sweet peas, and roses in the Art Gallery Hall on the 23rd. The attendance in the afternoon and evening was exceptionally good, and a keen interest was taken in the exhibition. The major portion of the blooms were in tip-top condition, but this applied more particularly to the sweet peas and roses. As regards carnations, most experts were agreed that the show was just a trifle late, as some of the best blooms were to be seen a week ago. Bo that as it may, the quality of the exhibits left little "to be desired. The one regrettable feature was the poor competition in most of the classes. There were many classes which did not attract a single entry. One particularly gratifying fact was that exhibitors were forward from as far south as Gore, while Kaitaugata was most worthily represented, likewise the Seacliff Mental Hospital. It may bo mentioned that last year the show was abandoned owing to the inclement weather having prejudicially affected the blooms intended for exhibition. The sweet pea section was most attractive. In the open competition classes some excellent blooms were staged by Mr R. 3.'- Whiting, gardener at the Seacliff Mental Hospital. He was the most successful exhibitor. In six varieties Mr Whiting's Golden Glory was a particularly good vase, with splendid colour. Competition in the. single open classes was close, and an outstanding vase was Mr E. L. Macassey's Fiery Cross, which gained for this exhibitor premier honours.

Competition in the amateur classes was very keen. Mr G. E. Wright was the •principal exhibitor, and gained first honours in the class of 12 varieties, which included several fine vases* all well grown. In this class was the premier vase "Jean Ireland." An outstanding feature' of the class as a whole was the cleanness and refinement of the blooms. Mr J. D. Duncan (Gore) gained the second prize in this class with blooms which gave evidence of good cultivation. Don Alba, Royal Purple, and May Oampbell wero among the best of tho varieties. The single vase competition in the amateur section was comparatively keenly contested, Mr _ G. E. Wright being the winner in tho pink with a rich vase of Lady Evelyn Eyre. Mr Wright also won in tho crimson, white, and lavender with some excellent blooms, and in tho latter a fine specimen of Robert Sydenham (a difficult variety to cultivate to show quality) was shown. This variety is rarely seen at exhibitions. Dr M'Killop, acting superintendent of Seacb'fl' Mental Hospital, won in the class "for any other colour with a beautiful vase of Dobbie'a Cream. In tho rose section there wero some excellent blooms, but the best wero to bo seen in the non-competitive _ classes, in other Words, wero for exhibition only. Mr H. Olarko (Green Island) was well to tho fore in this section, included among which were Red Letter Day. Florence Forester (one of

the best of the white varieties), Mrs Wcmyss Quin (a new yellow), Mra M'Kellar, Chateau de Clos Vougot', Marquess do Scnity (a heavy orange-shaded cream), and Edward Bohaen. Included in this collection is tho Daily Mail Thousand Guinea Winner, called Edward Herriot. Other good varieties were 11. E. Richardson, Duchess of iSutherland, and 11. V. Machan. Messrs Cousins Bros. (Mosgiel) wqre also extensive exhibitors in non-competitive sections, not only in roses but in other varieties of flowers as well. In roses they have staged over 100 varieties. Of the orange colours Marie Adelaide shows out most prominently, and in the salmon Charles E. Pearson. There are also good blooms of Chateau de Clos Vouget, Florence- H. Veitch (champion at last year's show), H. E. Richardson (one of the best of the reds), Old Gold, Irish Elegance, and Margaret Molyneaux. This firm also had a unique table which included Gerbera Jamiesoni (scarlet Transvaal daisy) and Tamarisk Hispida. Miss Wilmot and Campanula Pulsilla are two plants admirably adapted for a rock garden. The firm also showed a stand of 24 carnations, the most striking being the Bookham White, Miss -E. Elson, King Coffee, Renown/ British Triumph, and Montrose. The Forbury Park Trotting Club made a nice exhibit of seedling carnatjpns. This club has'made a special effort to beautify its grounds, and has named the varieties after well-known trotters, including Arthur Dillon, Moneymaker, Cathedral Chimes, Adelaide Direct, and Erin's Queen. There was a most attractive exhibit from the winter gardens section of the Botanical Gardens, consisting of foliage and plants. Foliage and plants grown for decorative purposes were shown by Mr E. I. Hallcnstein, which included begonias, hydrangeas, and maidenhair. Miss Burton (Alva street) was an extensive exhibitor of flowers and vegetables. The latter exhibit included four varieties of rhubarb of good quality ,two varieties of lettuce, radishes, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers etc. All these vegetables were of excellent quality and reflected greatcredit on the gardener (Mr Fleming). Mr A. K. Wilson had an extensive collection of violas, and the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board (Mr Hollingworth, gardener) staged some fine pot plants. An exhibit of sweet peas, staged by two juveniles, Masters Edward and Morris Hamel, was worthy of special notice. This choioe collection included some blooms of Doris Ussher, Mrs J. Balmer, Hercules, and Duchess of Portland. Miss Dickison had a large vase of Phlox Drummondi, and Mr George Townscnd showed a magnificent specimen of Oleander. A large cabbage grown by Mr Alfred King, of St. Clair, attracted considerable attention. This monster, which appears to be Of the Enfield Market variety, is 4ft in diameter, the heart is 15in across, the -whole weighing 451 b, the heart alone Jbeing estimated to scale 301 b. Tho judges were: Sweet peas, Mr V. Hamel; carnations and roses, Mr H. Clarke ; decorative work, Miss'Reid. Tho exhibition was excellently managed, the officials being most energetic The secretary (Mr R. Hanning) had matters well arranged, and his assistant was most attentive and obliging.