HORTICULTURAL NOTES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 19, 10 May 1911, Page 38

HORTICULTURAL NOTES.

Queen Mary will, on the occasion of her Coronation, be presented by tne Worshipful Company of Gardeners, with a bouquet of pink Carnations. Her Majesty having expressed a desire for this flower. Messrs King, of Sweet Pea fame, have named one of their novelties Queen Mary, and the famous Amaryllis growers, Messrs Ker and Son. Liverpool, have also given Her Majesty's name to a magnificent specimen of white Hippeastrum. Horticulturists are loyal to the core! The Duke of Bedford has given £lOO to the Peter Barr Memorial Bund. This fund is to be kept open for some time yet. The Albert Park in Auckland has some splendid examples of "bedding-" this season. The "earpet" bedding is particularly good, and we were delighted with a large bed of tuberous-rooted Begonias, the flowers of which were very rich and varied in colour, and of immense size. Which is the coming flower! The Sweet Pea undoubtedly holds the premier position to-day, but like everything else, it will, by and by, have to take a subordinate position. What will super-

sede it? The Carnation Gladioli, or lie* form* of the old-la'hioned geranium ? The proposal to start a National Daffodil Society in England has. for the present, been dropped. It appears the Narcissus Committee of the R. 11.5. ha* asked the Council for power to hold a two days' -how in April, and to issue a year book annually, and to appoint sub-committees for special purpose*. It is understood the Council will concede the power asked for. and the promoters of the National Society purpose deferring action until this Committee gets to work. The Spring sh->w of th*- 11.U.5., from all accounts received. appears to have been a most successful function. both a* regards exhibits and visitors. On the tirst day there was a crowded attendance. Daffodil-, hardy plant*, tulip*, forced shrub*, and orchid* were the chief features of the event. We are sometime* asked to name a good late-keeping dessert apple, and in reply, say that soil and situation have much to do with the variety. Gladney's Red at the time of writing is just about ripe, and is a good *ort. about the popular size, tine colour, and good flavour It is a great bearer. Dougherty is also a good sort, but must be quite ripe before using. An Australian sort named Statesman we have on trial, and it appears to l>e a good sort, ripening early in May. the fruit being of good size and quality.