CHILDREN’S GARDEN CIRCLE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 66, 19 March 1938, Page 13

CHILDREN’S GARDEN CIRCLE

Dcat' Members,—A splendid meeting of parents was held this week to arrange matters for better working of our movement. With the continual growth of the C.G.C. it has been found advisable to make alterations from time to time. One of the most important changes is the closing of our year on March 31 each year. - This means that our operations can commence early in April instead of being delayed until June. Last year the new committees were quite unable to give as many demonstrations as they would have liked. This year we will have a full six months to prepare for our Wonder Show, and 1 am sure the Demonstration Committee will be able to give to the members much assistance during that time. Another important change in the administration is that a representative from each district is to be appointed to the executive. In the past some districts have not been functioning properly through not having a representative on the executive. It is hoped that by the time the annual meeting is called that committees will be formed in each district and a representative appointed. Now members, it is most important that all parents, who can, will aet on a district committee, and 1 ask for assistance from all who have our movement at heart. I will be glad to hear from any senior member, or parent or triend who would care to assist. Thanking you all, “CARNATIO.”

A PRIZE BLOOM Members, you can grow blooms like the above if you follow the instructions given by the Wanganui Chrysanthemum Club. NEW MEMBERS Nola Day, Fordell. Doris Rose, Fordell. Tom O’Hara, Fordell. John Lynch, Fordell. Edna Brown, Fordell. Don Gillespie, Fordell. Janet O’Keefe, 8 White St. Allan Angus, Brunswick Road. Aileen Day, Fordell. Thelma Edwards, Fordell. Shirley Williams, Fordell. Polly Anderson, Fordell. Doris Asken, Fordell. Marie Lysol, Fordell. John Burnett, Fordell. Laurie Nisbet, Fordell. Pat O’Hara, Fordell. Trevor Williams, Fordell. Richie Bayley, Deniair. Mae Higgle, Deniair. Seniors Jean Wells, Marton. Mona Young, Marton. Isma Wells, Marton. Mary Trigg, Marton. Jean Gordon, 33 Bignell St. SENIOR MEMBERS Well, members, I am going to try and suggest some of the jobs we can all do in connection with this Garden Circle of ours. Last Saturday Mrs. Shanks and myself journeyed out to Fordell. Mrs. Shanks was to judge at the flower show and I went out to see,the show and take daffodils and seeds to the children. After what I saw in the decorative section Gonville will have to work really hard to hold that shield. It was a good section. Some days before the show “Carnatio” and “Aunty” went out to the Fordell district, ‘Carnatio” to help and suggest in all the ways he can and ‘Aunty” filling a breach and showing the children lots of things in connection with decorative work. I was only isorry she was not there to see the I results'of her efforts. Well done, Fordell. Well, Gonville children, go to Mrs. Hood and see what she has in the way of daffodil.-. These are for I last year's new members and Wanganui East children may call at my house and get their daffodils. | Now I wonder how many of you are acquainted with the aims and objects of the Circle What about a bunch of flowers or a hospital box for that sick friend. “Aunty” is working hard in this connection and I would suggest, that junior and senior members write to her and see to what extent she can be helped in that mission to the sick. If any of our members want help there is quite a big committee here all ready and waiting to advise and assist. Why not let them help you as they expect you to help them? There are still seeds here for th childrn who like to send a stamped envelope to J. A. Shanks, 67 Young St. SOCIAL AFTERNOON We regret that the social afternoon that was to be held at Mrs. Moorby’s is postponed. We hope to hold the outing at a later date and arrangements for same will be given later.

CHRYSANTHEMUM NOTES Chrysanthemums are now at the i interesting stage with the buds developing and growers are advised to watch carefully for caterpillars every day as a bud lost now is a bloom less for the show.

Feeding with liquid cow manure about the strength of weak tea) three times a week and about a quart to each plant is absolutely necessary for good blooms. Water the plants first before feeding. Spray with arsenic of lead to check caterpillars. Several chrysanthemum beds of members were visited by some members of the Chrysanthemum Club on Sunday last at Wanganui East and City. Gonville and Aramoho will be visited next Sunday weather permitting. Good progress has been made by the C.G.C. chrysanthemum growers ' and some beds were well timed and showing very good promise of some excellent blooms. Go to it, members, with the good work as we want that cup back from the Palmerston North junior members this time. It was very Interesting to see so many C.G.C. members present at the Chrysanthemum Club's outdoor lecture last Thursday evening in Keith St. You can gain a lot of information from these, lectures. Look out for the next one in April. Some preparation should be made now for covering your plants near the end of the month. Get your frame and cover ready and your supervisor will give you more details as the time comes.—On behalf of the Wanganui Chrysanthemum Club, C. KIMBIE. MANURING SECOND SERIES, As all vegetable and animal matters contain the same elements, it is clear that all such matters must make good manure; though it is equally clear that they must be decomposed—that is, separated into their original elements—before they can be available as the food of plants. Stable manure, containing as it does botn animal and vegetable matter, is admirably adapted for this purpose, when sufficiently decomposed to allow the plants, with the assistance of light and heat, to assimilate the elemests of which it is composed; and ' decayed vegetables are equally so, as iof course they contain all the comi ponent parts required to form other I vegetables. Both stable manure and I vegetable refuse ferment when they | are decaying; and as this fermentation 1 generates heat, that heat—when it I can be applied to plants---stimulates I their vital action, :o as to force them, ! in the absence of light, to form roo.s; I and this is the use of hot beds:. As i hot beds; are required to stimulate the plants grown in them by their heat, they should be made with manure that is only partly decomposed; but it will first require to be turned over tend it of some of its caustic gases. Stable manure particularly, contains a great, deal of ainmentaeal gas, which, though it is of the greatest value as a manure, ;.1 highly stimulating as to become caustic if applied in large quantities, and hence it. is dangerous: to make stable manure into a hot bee till the heat produced by fermentation has begun to abate, as the gas first avol-cd would burn the plant that is, would shrivel them up and destroy them were it permitted to come in contact with them.

Liquid manure and its application will be dealt with next week. ENQUIRES. GLADIOLUS. J. 8., Taihape.—Though the true blue gladiola has still to be created, there are some splendid blue shades now to be had. The best of the mediumpriced ones are Peligrina, Is 6d, a pure dark violet blue, lower petals somewhat darker; Milford, Is 6d, a most delicate and lovely shade ol blue, slightly darker toward the edges, but without any blotch or dark markings in throat; Aida, Is, rich dark violet blue, lower petals having two red lilac blotches; Blue Triumphator, Is 6d, the largest light mue yet Introduced; Blue Danube, 2s, a line pure amethyst blue with deeper blotch. Ol the newer varieties listed, Blue Wonder, ss, medium light blue, perfect exhibition form; Tunias Blue, 10s. Both the latter have not yet been sufficiently tested in New Zealand, and like many other “blue varieties" are always high priced. To name 12 good exhibition varieties raised in New Zealand. Miss New Zealand anil Takina are two of the most wonderful gladioli raised for * many years. Of the others, Maunga (pure white), Rangitira Whero (scarlet), Rangitata (mid-scarlet), Waiata (La France pink), are of recent introduction and likely to rank with the best yet produced. Older varities are Betly (orange rose), Commander Koehi (rich red), Coryphee (rose pink), Jessie (pretty rose, white blotch), Mother Macree (lavender grey), Mrs. S. A. Errey (salmon), Red Lory (orange cerise), Schawabem Gir

(pure pink), Queen Mary (creamy white), R. Y. Mair (crimson scarlet/. All the above are good standard varieties. In the priniulinus class we find our dainty spikes for decorative work. The more delicates shades are also to be found in this class, some of the colours blending beautifully.

REPORT OF ANNUAL MEETING OF W.B.C.G.C. Brunswick, March 14, 1938. On March 10 a meeting was held at the residence of Mr. R. Anderson, Brunswick, for the purpose of electing a committee and arranging the activities of the local C.G.C. for the coming year. Those present re-elected last year's committee and passed votes of thanks to the chair, the secretary, and to the representative on the executive. Several apologies for non-attendance were received. Mrs. Brownlie was the acting-chair-woman; Mrs. Norris was re-elected president; Mrs. Anderson secretary; Mrs. Barnes assistant secretary; Mr. Hiles Smith the representative on the executive. We reviewed quite a successful past season and the following motions were passed That we have boys’ and girls’ classes entirely separate in future. That the note-books be further encouraged. That we continue with the bring-and-buy stall. That we conduct a concert and dance in April. That we engage the hall for our monthly meetings on the first Saturday of each month, the first meeting to be in April, and that Mr. Fear be asked to demonstrate. That the co: petitions for April be as follows: (1) For boys and girls, a collection of berries arranged in either a basket or a vase, judged for variety; <2) For boys and girls, the most perfect flower you can find. Named varieties of daffodils have been distributed to members and seeds ot named varieties of sweet pea:, and stocks have been ordered and will be distributed at the April meeting. Th committee are looking forward to a. series of interesting monthly meetings and they would be pleased to welcome any of the executive. We were to have held our first meeting in March but each Saturday this month is booked lor different

functions so that we have to cancel our little competition lor the flowers produced from the last distribution of seed. H. ANDERSON, Hon. Sec., W.B.C.G.C. LETTERLAND. Dear Shirley,—You will be pleased to hear that we are forming a branch of the C.G.C. in Marton. Miss Margaret Conway c/o Nga Tawa School has been appointed convenor. If mother would care to help would she kindly communicate with Miss Conway. The seeds and bulbs will be posted to you.. Dear “Aussie,”—Your bulbs have been posted to-day so look out for Mr. Postman. It is very good of you to take your flowers to your little friend in hospital. Dear Margaret,—Sow the seeds of antirrhinium, mignonette and ranunculus now. I am glad to see you so interested. Fordell Members,—A hearty welcome to you all to our big gardening circle. Also congratulations to all those members who made such a wonderful display at the Fordell show recently. We hope to again visit you and teach you some more interesting things. Dear Allan Angus,—A hearty welcome to you Angus. The seeds and bulbs will be sent to you immediately. You must ask some of your little friends to join our gardening circle. Sow your seeds, also plant your bulbs as soon as you receive them. Dear Enid, —I have heard some quite good reports about you and hear you are very keen on your garden. You must ask your little cousin to join our movement. SPECIAL MESSAGE. I extend an invitation to the execuaur faoui eq saa;)tiumoo-qns pus ext; at 7.30 p.m., Tuesday 22, in the Co- | operative Rooms, Earle’s Buildings, to I discuss nominations for positions on i the executive and future operations of I the C.G.C. • P. J. COX, ' Organiser.