THE DAFFODIL AS A GARDEN FLOWER.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVI, Issue 1, 5 July 1911, Page 40

THE DAFFODIL AS A GARDEN FLOWER.

Il is quite in keeping with tin* trend of pul lie opinion that an effort should l>e ma !<• to popularise the daffodil as a garden llovver. and it is appropriate that the king of raisers, the Rev. G. 11. Engle heart, should he the first to draw atten tion to this phase of the dillodil. In his opening remarks anent the progress of the daffodil. alter the dinner given b\ Mr. Robert Sydenham in connection with the Midland Daffodil show. Mr. Engieheart made out a good case tor the retention of those new varieties which, though not up to exhibition standard, are nevi rtlndess excellent for garden pur poses. Mr. Engieheart made it quite clear that he did not in the least depreciate the refinement and form that were essential in the exhibition llower. but he thought there was some danger of good garden varieties living lost. There have been indications for some time past that raisers are devoting their energies to the production of lirst-class exhibition llowers. many of which it is wadi known a re practically worthless for the garden, and the sooner raisers realise the fact that the general public are the final adjudicators as to what they require, the better will it he for the pro gre-s of the daffodil and all concerned. In these days of fancy prices and high ideal- the ordinary mortal may wadi be excused for standing aloof from all daffodils. It ought not to be dillicult for -m h a socict \ as that at Birmingham to publish a list of those varieties which, though not good enough for exhibition, ire nevertheless freedlowering, of good •onstit ution and possess good colours, md are therefore ideal for planting in the outdoor garden. We think that raisers would also do wadi to carefully consider the advisability of naming new varieties similar in most respect to tho-e already in exist cnee. Already there are a number of varieties. particularly in the Poeticus

section, in which an ordinary grower of llowers can detect no appreciable difference. and it seems probable that in a few years' time the large daffodil societies will have to follow the lead of the National Sweet Pea Society and publish a list of too-much-alike varieties.—“ The 1 »a rden."