NATIONAL SWEET PEA SHOW.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 21, 23 November 1910, Page 44

NATIONAL SWEET PEA SHOW.

The following notes on the forthcoming National Sweet Pea Show, to be held on December 7 and 8 at Palmerston North, have been forwarded to us for publication, and will be of interest to intending exhibitors:—Ample staging room will be provided at the Agricultural Hall so as to do away with crowding. To class 28 for table decorations (no table centres and clear glass vases only ), is allotted the New Zealand championship trophy (value sgs), presented by the ladies of Palmerston North. The regulations governing this class are similar to those adopted by the English society, which provides vases for the purpose, the idea, of course, being to put all entrants upon an equality as regards casual material. Most societies nowadays follow this plan, but there are still many lady decorators who prefer to use their own vases and table centres, and unquestionably the beauty of the receptacles much enhances the general effect. I remember seeing at a country show in England a table arranged with William Allen Richardson roses, tawny russet autumn foliage ami trailing honeysuckle, set up in greenishbronze rustic vase, the holders so har-

monising with the colour scheme as to make the tout ensemble magical. In class 29 (any vases, any table centres), those who prefer to introduce interesting ornaments to complete the symphony of their table decorations, will have latitude to illustrate their views in this most difficult art of flower arrangement. A bowl, a vase, and an epergne of sweet |>eas have each a place in this group, with a prize of halt a guinea to each. A bowl of dark blue flowers is always charming. Captain of the Blues. Mid Blue, or Lord Nelson will look well in great masses, and the effect is enhanced by the addition of such a pale blue as Flora Norton Spencer affords. Vases and epergnes are more kittle-cattle things, demanding great skill in their composition, and above all graceful and appropriate grasses and foliag»‘ to sustain the airy character of lightness, the "Sweet peas on tiptoe” "winging for a flight” sort of effect—a difficult impression to create, but those who do succeed are true artists in their line. Exhibitors in these fascinating classes will have the satisfaction of knowing that their efforts will be approved or reprobated by one of the best judges in New Zealand—Miss Mur-

ray, to wit, the well-known florist of Wellington. By all accounts all the sweet pea amateurs of New Zealand are breathlessly awaiting the “th and Bth of December, and most, if not all. will be represented in exhibits or in person. Intending members would do well to communicate at once with the secretary, and forward their annual subscription, as full membership will be requisite at the first annual meeting to enjoy voting power. A Wellington enthusiast, writing on the 16th inst.. says: “No sweet peas are out yet; the season for same has been a late one with us.”