Auckland Horticultural Society.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVLI, Issue 13, 27 September 1911, Page 40

Auckland Horticultural Society.

DAFFODIL SHOW.

YT’f HERE is something peculiarly atj I tractive about a spring flower I 1 show. This is probably owing to A the delightful freshness and charm which the daflodil imparts wherever shown, and after a long spell of comparatively flowerless months these harbingers of spring are welcomed by all. The veiw line display of blooms which was set up at this event proves that in the Auckland province this favourite Hower is claiming more attention, and those who delight in its culture are increasing. Prof. Thomas, who performed the opening ceremony, claimed that the show was probably the best ever held, and the Professor knows what he is talking about, and we entirely agree with him. We think that Prof. Thomas de serves a large share of the credit for this success, for he has shown by patient, plodding perseverance that the daf fodil hobby is one worthy of study, and ensures to those who will intelligently work on the Hower that satisfaction which a successful exhibitor feels when the products are placed ahead of his rivals. 'Phe chief interest at this show is the competition for the champion daflodil vase, valued at 15 guineas. Prof. 'Thomas was not a competitor in this class, and as 40 distinct varieties are scheduled it is only those who grow on a fairly large scale who can enter the lists. Mr Jas. Kirker, of Ponsonby, and Mr W. F. Buckland, of Cambridge, were the only two entrants, and the judge had no difficulty in awarding the prize to Mr Kirker, whose exhibit was an splendid condition, tastefully arranged and named, and well set up. Specially noticeable among Mr Kirker’s trumpets were Weardale Perfection: Van Waveren’s Giant, a gigan tic flower, bright yellow; Monarch: Kings Norton, rich deep yellow: Alice Knights in fine condition, this beautiful white sent out by Barr and Sons is gaining in favour; Big Ben: John Davidson: Admiral Makaroff: Golden Bell; Admiral Togo; and King Alfred. Other varieties in this lot were White Queen, Ariadne, Bridesmaid. Dr Fell, Almira (very fine). Lady Godiva. Waterwitch, Poetieus, Recurvis and Vna. The second prize lot was not in Mr Buck land’s best style. The Howers were altogether too much crowded and, though many firn* blooms were in the collection,

no attempt had been made to “set them up.” We noti <• 1 good examples of (.lory of Leiden. Empress, Ray Smith, Proserpine, (\ery fine). Fairy Queen, Beauty, Princess Maud. Bridesmaid, White Falcon, Madge Matthew, and Flambeau. BARR (IP. There was only one entry in this class for 30 sorts not over 5/ each in value. Mr. 11. B. J. Bull would have gained the cup but for an error in only showing three blooms in one or two vases instead of five. We understand the schedule last year specified three to five blooms, whilst this year it distinctly specifies five. Of course the judge had no option but to disqualify, but he certified the collection as being worthy of the prize. The committee met subsequently and decided to revoke the decision in the Barr cup competition and award the prize to Mr Bull. It was found that there was a misprint in the catalogue, which had afiected the entry. The award was a very popular one, as Mr Bull’s exhibit was considered very fine. Mr Bull has now won the cup outright. We observed in this lot fine blooms of Lucifer, Poetius Grandiflora, Poetieus Ornatus, (’apt. Nelson. Emperor. P.R. barr. Mdme. de Graffe, Mrs (’amm, and Glory of Leiden. R. SYDENHAM LTD. TROPHIES. For 24 varieties not over 5/ each as listed in Sydenham’s “All about Daffodils.” Mr Bull secured first place with fine blooms of Weardale, Victoria, Mdme. Plemp. Queen of Spain. Mdme. de Graffe,Constellation, Barri, Gloria Mundi White Lady, Lucifer, Autocrat, Red Coat, Mr N. R. W. Thomas was a good second, having amongst others fine clean flowers of Weardale, Empress, Glory of Leiden, Victoria Horsfieldi. Victoria. Helen Barr. Beatrice, Lucifer, and \»..ite Lady. 'Third, Mr LI. E. ‘Snarp: fourth, Mr 11. A. Marriner. Magni Coronati (excluding doubles). — Nine varieties, distinct, five blooms each, first prize seeds of plants, presented by Messis Pilkington and Co. (two entries): R. G. Sharp. 1. Six varieties, distinct, 5 blooms each (5 entries) : N. R. Thomas 1, H. E. Sharp 2. R. G. Sharp h.c. Six varieties. Yellow Selfs, distinct, 5 blooms* each (1 entry) ; IL E. Sharp I. Six

varieties, bi-colour, cream, white, or other type, distinct. 5 blooms ench (4 entries): H. E. Sharp 1, R. G. Sharp 2. Medio Coronati and/or Pavi Coronati. —l2 varieties, distinct, 5 blooms each. First prize, seeds or plants, presented by Messrs. A. Yates and Co. (5 entries): J. Kirker 1. R. G. Sharp 2. Six varieties, distinct, 5 blooms each. First prize, seeds, presented by Messrs. O’Leary Bros, and Dow ns (4 entries) : FL E. Sharp 1. J. Kirker 2. Six varieties, distinct, red

or orange stained cups, 5 blooms each (3 entries): A. E. Grindrod 1, 11. E. Sharp 2. 10 varieties, distinct, 3to 5 blooms each. For those who have not won a prize for Narcissi (1 entry): A. N. W. Thomas 1. Doubles.—Six vases, each containing three blooms of one variety, not less than four varieties (one entry): H. E. Sharp 1. Three vaiieties, distinct, thr; e blooms each (two entries): H. E. Sharp 1. Poetaz (Poetieus X Tazetta). —Six varieties, three stalks each (two entries): Alfred Woodroff’e 1. IL E. Sharp 2. Three varieties, three stalks each (two entries): IL E. Sharp 1. Polyanthus Narcissi.—Six varieties, distinct, three stalks each (one entry): H. E. Sharp 1. Three varieties, distinct, three stalks each (one entry) : H. E. Sharp 1. Other Bulbs and Bulbous Plants.—Anemones, 24 varieties, 1 bloom each (one •?ntray): J. A. Runciman 1. Cinerarias.—fi varieties, 1 truss each (one entry): IL J. Stevenson 1. Camellias, fi varieties. distinct. 1 bloom each (one entry): J. Collins and Son 1. One variety, six blooms (two entries): J. Collins and Son 1. Miss Amy Reynolds 2. Rhododendrons.—Three varieties, on 1 truss each (one entry): W. E. Shrap 1. Miscellaneous Cut Flow ers —Collection 12 varieties (four entries): J. A. Runciman I. W. Glidden Richardson 2. Collection six varieties, amateurs only (four entries): 11. T. Goldie 1. Miss Amy Reynolds 2. Collection 12 varieties pansies prize chrysanthemum plants, presented by Mr W. \\ . G. Richardson (one entry): 11. T. Goldie 1. Anemones, 12 varieties, single, one bloom each (two entries): J. A. Runciman 1. Anemones, six varieties, double, one bloom each (one entry): J A. Runciman 1. Anemones, six varieties. single, one bloom each (two entries): .1. A. Runciman 1, W. Abraham 2. Ranunculi. 12 vaiieties, three bloom each (one entry): W. Abrahams 1 Ranunculi, six varieties, three bloom each (two entries): W. Abrahams 1, ; - A. Runciman 2.2 Any other bulboi or tuberous plants, three varieties, no more than 12 blooms or trusses of ear (two entries): W. McFetridge 1. Cyclamens. Six vaaietios, six to twelve blooms of each (one entry): M McFetridge 1. Three varieties, six t<i

twelve blooms of each (one entry): W. Jlcl'eliiilge 1. roi'OUETS, TABLE DECORATIONS, " v ETC. Basket of spring flowers (4 entries): llti s 1* Bacon 1, Miss A iolet Balmer 2, Mi’s Janet Williams 3. Bowl or vase with any one variety of flowers, w.th _ n v foliage arranged for effect, amateurs onlv (4 entries): Miss D. Bacon 1, Miss Violet Palmer 2, Miss B. Oliphant 3. Hand bouquet of primroses or polyanthus any foliage (2 entries): Miss Violet Palmer L Table decoration, any flowers and foliage, table 4x3, amateurs only first prize donated by Messrs. A. J. Entrican and Co., Ltd. (5 entries): Mrs. E. Taylor 1, Miss V. Palmer 2, Miss M. Oliphant 3. Junior, as above: Miss Isabel Massey 1, Miss Gwen Marriner 2. Vase 2-5 blooms of narcissus, any one variety, any foliage or grasses (2 entric=! ■ Miss B. Oliphant I. TOT PLANTS. Narcissus, Magni, onepot (one entry), .—Miss Mary Oliphant 1. Narcissus,' Medio, one pot (one entry). —Miss Mary Oliphant 2. One Variety Cyclamen, one pot (one cntl \., _H’. Glidden Richardson 1. Three Varieties Primulas, one of each (two entries). — AV. Glinden Richardson I and 2. Six foliage Plants (one entry).—W. Glidden Richardson 1. Three Foliage Plants (one entry).—AV. Glidden Richardson 1. Six Flowering Plants (one entry).—AV. G. Richardson 1. Three Flowering Plants (one entry).— (V. G. Richardson 1. Three Cinerarias (one entry).—AV. G. Richardson 1. GROUPS. Group of Bulbous. Flowering, Foliage, or Decorative Plants, to be arranged for effect (one entry).—lV. G. Richardson 1. VEGETABLES. Collection six Varieties, distinct (one entry).—AV. G. Richardson 1. CHAMPION SINGLE BLOOMS. There was a large entry for champion blooms, and the card for selfs was given to Professor Thomas for one of his own raising, named Warrior, a magnificent flower of fine substance, and bright yellow colour. Warrior has a most formidable ri.al in Lord Roberts, which is a remarkably fine bloom, but comparison on the bench showed unmistakably that AVarrior is the better. Lord Roberts is one of Barr’s raising, and it says a good deal for our local hybridist when he is able to go one better than the Daffodil King. The champion Bicolour went to Weardale, a grand bloom in the pink of condition, shown by Professor Thomas. For Medio Coronati, yellow perianth Professor Thomas’s fine bloom of Southern Queen took pride of place, and for white perianth in this section the same grower again scored, thus annexing all the champion tickets. SEEDLINGS. For 10 varieties raised by exhibitor Prof. Thomas was the only exhibitor. The blooms were very distinct, and were a centre of much interest, the varieties being Dream of Beauty, Felix (bicolour), boutlic, i! Queen, Windermere, Niobe (Pocticus’i i ery fine; Red Fire, somewhat resembles Lucifer (Epsom bicolour); Bonanza, immense yellow trumpet, broad at inouth: Meteor and Prince of Orange. Prefer-or Thomas also showed six varieties n t previously exhibited. These were Dido, beautiful soft primrose trumpet ; Ihilcina, a lovely white trumpet; Along', another fine white /trumpet; (liian 1 >, AVaitemata, and Esmond, a fine olour, pale sulphur trumpet, SOME SPECIAL BLOOMS. If we were asked what variety was riiown in (he best condition and in most Man 1 . , we should say AA’eardale Perfection. This fine bicolour raised by Backhouse i s 110w reasonable in price, and MioulJ be grown by all exhibitors. WarDor, raised and shown by Prof. Thomas, !’ n grand yellow self, but we don’t know ”.,yet procurable. Banzai, shown by Mr. Kirkor, n g Oo j flower. Joy Bells, shown by Mr. H. E. Sharp, Bn 'J Raised locally by Mr. Cranwell, is a s. nking flower, although the bloom f 'iown was past its best. The bloom is P r ‘ n,r <* Bo trumpet, with white in- , quite novel. Homespun was- shown *y several exhibitors. Thia is: one of the Rev. G. h. Engleheart’s Ineompa. n . ,‘ g R flower of fine sobsimter and x dy. Maggie Muy, a beautiful Leedai,

white perianth, pale citron cup, frilled, was shown in good condition. Queen Alexandra, shown by Mr. Kirker, is one of Kendal’s raising; it is a variety between the Incomp, and Parvi, white peri, anth of good substance, wide cup of a distinct orange shade, and can be purchased under 5/.

The charming Barri C'onspicuus and Lucifer were shown On several stands in excellent condition, the red cups being in splendid form. Gloria Mundi was shown but not to the same extent as last season. White Lady was in grand condition, and well-grown, and appeared in a large number of stands. The new Tazetta Hybrid, or bunch flowered, were in evidence, but the blooms were not first class. The date of the show was probably a week too early to catch these at their best. There were one or two vases shown amongst these of Tridymus Hybrids, and wero allowed to pass muster. Tridymus Hybrids are the result of crossing with trumpets and the other with Poeticus. All are interesting and most useful for cut blooms, and the best variety shown was Jaune A’Merveille, a soft primrose. These bulbs are worth 2/C each, but most of the others are only worth 3d to Cd. FOR EXHIBITION ON LA’. Mr. H. Brett always suceeds in putting up some novel and interesting exhibits, and this season he showed a table three tiers high, which was most effectively arranged, and the blooms, such as we seldom see at this season. The Carnations, for instance, grown outside, wers really good, and is a point in favour of growing American‘sorts when blooms can be had at this season. Mr. Brett’s stocks were of the Giant Bomb or Giant Perfection ten-week, and were shown in good colours. The spikes were very large and well-grown. Narcissus blooms were excellent, some fine flowers of Lord Roberts being included, Anemones, Sweet Peas, Freesias, Candytuft, Cyclamen, Hyacinths, and Ranunculus were some of the species which made up a display which attracted the admiration of visitors. SILVER MEDAL. Mrs. H. T. Goldie set up a tastefully arranged table in the centre of the hall, conspicuous amongst the flowers shown were masses of the Argentine Sweet Pea (Lathyrus Pubescens), Narcissus, Winter Flowering Sweet Peas in several shades, Anemones, Linaria — awarded bronze medal. BRONZE MEDAL. Mr. C. Hesketh staged some daffodil blooms. Amongst them we noticed Homespur, Sir Watkin, Waterwitch, and Glory of Leiden. Mr. Rice, gardener to W. E. Hutchinson, showed a collection of Cyclamen in pots. These were nicely grown, and in many varieties. Certificate of Merit. The collection of Spring Flowers from the Mental Hospital comprised some 40 varieties, and secured a bronze medal. Mr. Abraham’s fine exhibit of Ranunculus attracted a considerable amount of attention. The blooms were large, very varied in colours, and fresh. They were nicely set up, and deservedly secured a certificate of merit. A remarkably handsome spike of pure white Brompton Stock was shown by Mr. Runciman. Mr. E. A. Hamel, of Dunfedin, was the judge for daffodils, Mr. Kerr, F.R.H.S., and Mr. Alf. McDonald other cut flowers and pot plants; Mesdames Brown-Clayton, Coleman and Goldie, table decorations and bouquets; and their awards gave general satisfaction. VERONICA.