SWEET PEA AND CARNATION FANCIERS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 23, 7 December 1910, Page 41

SWEET PEA AND CARNATION FANCIERS.

OUTING IO TAKAPUNA. On Saturday, Nov. 25, a number of enthusiastic growers went over to Devonport, and from thence were conveyed to I-ake Takapuna with the object of inspecting Mr. Brett’s tine collections, that gentleman having very kindly extended san invitation to the party to visit his grounds. On arrival the party were met at the gate by Mr. Brett, who personally conducted them over the beautiful and extensive grounds. The first part of the visit was devoted to an inspection of the earnations, and although the visit was rather early in the season for seeing all varieties in bloom, there were some grand specimens in flower. Mr. Brett, who knows a good carnation, only grows the best, and the plants are grown on raised beds, a good method especially for young iplants during winter and spring, when so much rain falls. The young plants, many of them recent importations, had not made much “ grass,” but looked healthy, nnd showed abundance of flower buds. The finest flower in bloom we saw was named Eros, a large, perfeetly-formed yellow Self, with good calyx and grand substance. This flower was examined again and again by the visitors, anC some old carnation hands reckoned it to be the finest thing they had seen. Mrs. Robert Gordon was another fine bloom, pink colour. A fine row of Florence Davis, an American perpetual scarlet, called forth expressions of delight from the visitors, and Mr. Brett informed them he had only recently imported th : s variety from Canada. A noble white flower named Takapuna, and raised from seed by Mr. Brett, was much admired by all present. It is a real good flower of great size and splendid substance, and lasts a long time when cut. 11. C. Bradford and Grandee were also good flowers, but time was passing quickly, as it generally does when enthusiasts get discussing the good points of various blooms, and the Sweet Pea men were eager to get amongst their favourites. So" Mr. Brett led the way to the sweet pea rows, and here indeed was as fine a sight as one could wish—rows upon rows, in the aggregate about 2000 feet in length all named, well staked, and growing about 10 feet high. Here the sweet pea men and women simply revelled in the enjoyment of seeing their favourite flower well grown. Mr. Brett only grows the best varieties, and here were to be seen some of the latest introductions, and, “ tell it not in Gath,” some not yet in commerce. It is wonderful how an enthusiast manages to get hold of the good things. Nancy Perkin was here, and though no shade was up. the blooms were wonderfully good. Syeira Lee, the wonderfully fine cream pink raised by Mr. Aldersey, was to be seen here in splendid condition. The variety, like many other good sorts, sports very considerably, but one must put up with that in order to secure a few of the real Mackay. Mrs. Geo. Charles, the new Spencer Lord Nelson, was in full bloom; it is quite distinct, but not a very taking flower. The finest crimson in Mr. Brett’s big collection was undoubtedly Mr. Sydenham’s Sunproof Crimson, raised by Mr. Holmes. There was not the slightest mark of scald or burn any of the huge blooms we examined, and in our opinion it will oust the King and King Edward Speneer quite out of the market. The introduction of this fine pea—who, by the way, was the first to send out the famous original Countess Speneer?—is known amongst his friends as “Uncle” Robert; and we suggest that the Sunproof Crimson should be rechristened “ King” Robert! There was a long row of white and primrose Spencer, which Mr. Brett informed the party was grown from seed of his own saving, and, seen alongside of imported Borts, they were quite equal to, if not Superior in free flowering qualities and rigorous growth to any imported. Queen of Norway, a new mauve sent out by Jlr. Bolton, was much admired, whilst Miss Hemus’ famous Paradise Ivory was in splendid form, long stalks showing plenty of fours. Nubian, the giant maroon sent out by Messrs. House and

Son, who also raised Imrd Nelson, vi* one of the best of its class in Mr. Brett’* collection. Marie Corelli, sent out t>y Burpee, is a good fixed stock, and was seen here in goodjform, but in our opinion it very much resembles Albert Gilbert and Majory Willis, and also Lady Farren, and we can see no necessity for such a multiplicity of names. One of these is quite sufficient in any collection, and we expect the famous Marie will oust all the others. Mrs. Hugh Dickson, St. George, and hosts of other varieties, all came under criticial observation, but time went by so rapidly, justice could not possibly be done in the way of a critical inspection, and comparison of the many fine varieties in Mr. Brett's extensive collection. As some of the visitors had to catch the boat and train, the very pleasant outing had to end. Afternoon tea was served on the verandah, and after very warmly thanking Mr. Brett for his kindness, all betook themselves for their several homes, delighted with what they had seen. The whole arrangements were carried through by Mr. G. W. Plummer, who is our most enthusiastic and hardworking sweet pea grower in the province, and that gentleman is deserving of the best thanks of all who so thoroughly enjoyed this outing. We expect there will be more of them to other gardens should the peas hold out.