GORE GARDEN CLUB

Southland Times, Issue 21579, 17 December 1931, Page 4

GORE GARDEN CLUB

CHOICE OF BEST DISTRICT ROSE I SHOT SILK PLACED FIRST. The competition promoted by the Gore Garden Club among its members for the purpose of selecting the most suitable rose for Gore aroused considerable interest, no fewer than 40 papers being received, while as many as 106 varieties were mentioned. The result was announced at Tuesday evening’s meeting of the club, and was as follows (the number in parentheses representing the first placings given to each bloom): — Shot Silk (28), Madame Edouard Herriott (20), Betty Unrichard (15), Lady Hillingdon (13), Hugh Dickson (13), Caroline Tcstout (13), Golden Emblem (12), Margaret McGready (11), Mabel Morse (11), Mrs Herbert Stevens (10), General McArthur (10), Isobel (7), Chateau de Clos Vouget (7), Lady Inchiquin (7). There was a large attendance of members, over whom Mr J. G. Duncan presided. The roses made a delightful display and occasioned much admiration. In order to further the general knowledge of local amateurs on the subject of roses, two members of the Invercargill Garden Club, Messrs P. Plumer and L. Lennie (president) were present by invitation and gave interesting addresses on toscs. Mr Plumer remarked that the rose was the emblem of love and was a flower of great antiquity. One of the most celebrated facts in history was that relating to the rose gardens of Paestrum in Lucania, which flourished about the commencement of the Christian era. Greek nistory books mentioned a rose with 60 petals. These were highly prized, and it was the custom to bestow these petals on the heroes of the day, a custom continued to the present time. Nowadays, petals were still essential, but the main aim was to secure a good eye centre. The Romans also were fond of roses. When the end of the Roman Empire came, the rose most established was one named Campanian, or the Rosa Provincae (Provincial Rose). This along with Rosa Damascus, one which had been held in high esteem for nearly 2090 years, spread along <he Mediterranean lands to France and to England, and both undoubtedly were the stock from which pre-sent-day varieties had sprung. There were three main roses—bush, climbers and ramblers. Mr Plumer gave some interesting advice concerning successful growing and propagation of these roses. Position, soil and stock were the main considerations. Shelter from wind was essential. Bush roses flourished in clay soil which held the moisture well. A point stressed by Mr Plumer was that growers should get the bast stock. In regard vo planting the individual had to use his own good judgment, but much could be learned by studying the gardens of those with experience. It was a good policy in a rosebed to plant the stronger varieties at the back and the weaker at the front. Mr Plumer then gave many practical hints on disbudding, covering for show purposes, climbers, ramblers, pruning, manuring and diseases.

Ai the conclusion of his address Mr Plumer was asked to give his comments on the placing of the best roses for Gore. He remarked that local conditions played a big part in the selection of roses. What suited one climate would not suit another. Shot Silk well deserved first place, but he was surprised at Mme. Edouard Ilerriott coming second. This rose had wonderful colour, but a bad fault was that it would not hold up its head. Betty Uprichard was an excellent bloom, as also were Margaret McGready and Caroline Tcstout. Mr Lennie confined himself to dealing with roses from the nurseryman’s viewpoint, and interspersed his remarks with many humorous anecdotes which greatly amused his listeners.

On the motion of Mr J. Spedeu, both speakers were accorded a heart}' vote of thanks, which was carried by acclamation. Subsequently Mr Plumer was asked to pick out what he considered was the best bloom on display. Mr J. G. Duncan winning with a Una Wallace bloom. At the conclusion of the business Mr Duncan extended seasonal greetings to the members.