CHILDREN’S GARDEN CIRCLE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 100, 30 April 1938, Page 13

CHILDREN’S GARDEN CIRCLE

Bear Members, — When Anzac Day came I thought that I should tiy anu write you something about it this week. Underneath is a ' et'se from a very beautiful poem written by an Australian soldier. It was when he saw all the battlefield covered with red poppies that he got the inspiration. Once before, the flowers had g r( J' VI J there in France, that was before the war. The farmers tilled the land and sowed wheat and when the time came when the wheat stood waving and golden, red poppies would grow in among it making a wonderful picture. Then came war the farmer no longer tilled his lands and sowed wheat. The machine of war destroyed the crops leaving but a barren, wasted land behind The fields turned to mud, bleak and desolate, scarred by explosives. , . , , . And behind it, like the land itself, the people had changed because war will always bring misery. But then the Armistice was signed and war was over. It was then that all o\ er the battlefields of Flanders that the little red poppy again grew as if to hide the hart and to beautify the memory of those who had died there It was there where man had fought to kill each ether- In that place of bloodshed and human misery nature painted her picture of beauty and peace with that little red flower. Perhaps the little red poppy was trying to show man that there was still beauty for him to seek. “CAKNATIO.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS In Flanders fields the poppies blow. Between the crosses row on row That mark our place and in the sky, The larks still bravely singing fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. SEEDS FOR MEMBERS Our seed distributor, Mr. J. Shanks, advises that he has still a quantity of hand for members. This seed is sWible for present planting and applications should be made immediately. If any member desires any just a stamped addressed envelope to Mr. J. Shanks, 67 Young Street, Wanganui East, will bring you some seed for your flower garden. WANGANUI EAST MEETING A very strong committee met at Mr. J. Shanks’ residence on Tuesday last under the convenership of Mr. F. Allcock. Mr. Les Bensen was appointed the secretary for this district, ft was very soon agreed upon to hold a plain and fancy dress ball on May 17 in All Saints' Hall, Moana St. This was to be a night for both senior and junior members of all districts, who are all invited. This is sure to be a wonderful success for the Wanganui East district if all the members rally around. Next week we shall publish more details. At present, if you wish to know anything about it apply to Mr. Allcock, 36 Jones St. ST. JOHN’S HILL Zill parents and friends interested In the formation of a committee in the above district are invited to meet at the residence of Mrs. F. Carpenter, 12 Brassy Road, on Monday, May 2 at 3 p.m. It is pleasing to note from the above that at least some districts are on the move individually; it is hoped that many of the other districts will follow suit. Both the secretary, Mr. J. Shanks, and the organiser, Mr. Cox. are willing to attend any district meetings or to help and give advice in any way. Already Wanganui East has formulated plans. It is up to the others to keep the ball rolling. Please remember all notices, etc., if sent in will be published. WREATHS FOR ANZAC DAY On Anzac Day many different movements contributed towards different duties during the day. The C.G.C. contributed in an appropriate way with flowers in the form of two beautiful wreaths, one of which was sent to the Maori service and the other to the Pakeha service later in the day. THE ROMANCE OF FLOWERS Many are the legends, stories and histories about flowers and it is in these articles that I wish to tell you of some of them. Firstly, how did the dandelion come to get its name? If you look at the flower you will kotice that the petals are irregular ind spiky. It is these petals that resemble the teeth of a lion. And so it was the French who named it in French ‘‘tooth of lion” or ‘‘the lion’s teeth.” “Dent” is French for tooth and "de" means of, and so from this we have gradually got the name of dandelion.

In Palestine, dates are one of the main items on the daily meal. Plantations of date palms are grown and at the present time a large amount of the fruit is exported to other countries. But here is the difference in date palms: Most trees have flowers of two kinds on the one tree, that is. male and female. The pollen from the male flower is used to form the fruit on the female flower, but with dates, all female flowers • are on one tree and all male flowers are on another. And so when planting, one male tree has to be planted in the centre of about twenty female trees, tn the times of the wars in Palestine when one tribe would attack another, one of the things that the enemy ■would aim at was to cut down all the male trees and so it was that when fruiting time came the other trees would bear no fruit.

Next week I will tell of some more histories of flowers, but I am sure all members know of some little facts which are interesting. If this is so and they like to send them in to “Camatio” he will be pleased to publish them.

There is a story about one of the i smallest flowers we find in our garden, I the tiny blue forget-me-not. This is the story, and whether it is true or | not we shall never know, but after you have read it I am sure you will I always remember it when you see a I forget-me-not. The forget-me-not is a i plant that likes to grow in a cool, ’ damp place and so it is that we find j it growing in swamps. One swamp> where it grew was very treacherous I and it was here one day that two j

lovers were crossing when the man slipped and fell into the quicksands. Help was not to be had and all the time he was sinking more and more into the swamp. But just before the sands drew him altogether from sight he clutched some little blue flowers and holding them to his sweetheart cried, “Forget me not.” And ever since then this tiny flower of the rarest blue has been known as the "For-get-me-not.”

ATTENTION, SENIORS At the annual meeting Mrs. McLeay, 67 Heads Road, was elected to be convener of the senior committee and so the first meeting of this new committee will be held at the residence of Dorothy Smith, 2 Taw'a St. (corner of Koromiko and Tawa Streets) next Friday, May 6, at 8 p.m. As the winter is now coming on it is hoped to arrange a social a week or so after this meeting. The possibility of a visit to the Marton members in the near future will also be discussed and the results will be published as soon as possible. —. LETTERLAND Dorothy White, —Please send your full address. A parcel awaits posting to you. Enid Birch.—lt was nice to hear from you so soon again and I am pleased to know about your sports. All the rain this Easter will soon make your bulbs shoot up. At present I see them all coming through in the gardens. All bulbs are beautiful and I hope you have some good blooms.

Claude Becker.—You should have no trouble with hydrangea cuttings flowering. However, sometimes after flowering one year they will not do more than make growth the next. This is better for the plant as it makes it into a bush which is sure to produce better flowers when it Is ready and for this one must wait. The madonna lily was evidently shifted out of season, which has set it back for a year. Do not give them any lime. Last Saturday’s paper had in the week’s guide an article on lilies which yoo could read. I am very pleased to hear of your success with the seeds sent to you. It is nice to know how keen you are. I am sure you deserved the prize.