A NEW TULIP.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 144134, 2 July 1913, Page 5

A NEW TULIP.

TEN YEARS’ CARE TO PRODUCT

A new colouring in tulips mis been achieved at the Wifcbech Nurseries. It secured au award at, the Horticultural Hall, Westminster,. when the Royal Horticultural Society held its show for tulips, Christoned the “Missihet,” the tulip lias an emerald green base, with an electric blue ring which shades to a purplish line; externally the petals have a pink finish upon fawn. Mr. 0. W. Leak! the manager, stated that tho bloom had taken ten years to produce, and incidentally he mentioned that tho fashion in tulips is constantly changing, and fresh favourites are sometimes discovered in humble surroundings. “In the .cottage gardens near .Wisbech,” ho said. “I- have found several tulips which were fashionable two iir throe decades ago, but have since been forgotten. There is never any trouble in obtaining the bulbs from the cottagers, but often what they will sell for a mere song will prove a fortunate investment fdr the horticulturist. One intense yellow bloom which I purchased in. this-way and cultivated fetched 7s a dozen at the cznith of its popularity.” The firm have a bulb ready for the market, which Mr. Leak saw growing in a Cambridgeshire garden three years ago, and they expect it to be very popular. . A prominent bench in the show was that of Misses Dixon and Eve, of Edenbridge. Miss Dixon expressed the view that horticulture is au excelleilt jirofession for ladies provided they nave sufficient capital, are businesslike, and are prepared for hard work. “In the busy season,” she said, "my day begins before five o’clock, and is not ended until 'dusk, and there are occasions when Miss F.ve and myself will stand for nine hours potting plants. It is laborious work, and a woman must be physically strong to stand tho strain.”

At Edenbridge these ladies,have two acres under cultivation, 400 ft. being under glass, and the duties are divided between them, a boy. and any pupils that may bo under tuition at their nursery. • •