HORTICULTURAL SHOWS

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIX, Issue 13, 26 March 1913, Page 38

HORTICULTURAL SHOWS

STRATFORD. The opinion generally expressed at the ojiening of the Stratford Horticultural Show, held in the Town Hall on the 6th inst.. was that the exhibits, especially in cut flowers, were a great improvement upon previous years. Perhaps the strongest feature of the show was the very fine display of sweet peas and cactus and paeony dahlias. Mr. <l. T. James again annexed the New Zealand North Island challenge shield and medal for twelve bunches of sweet peas, which were very’ well staged. The exhibit embraced most of the latest varieties in commerce, and the blooms were large and fresh. Mr. James was. in addition, successful in winning the Mercer Challenge Trophy and the Stratford Sweet Pea Cup. Several other prizes were also awarded to Mr. ■lames. Other prize-takers in sweet peas were Mr. B. T. Hume, Mrs. Rogers. Mrs. C. I). Sole. Mrs. Arden. Mrs. Reader. Mrs <». T. James, ami Miss Fitzherbert. For cactus dahlias Mrs. Laurence secured four first prizes. Mrs. Arden three, ami Mr. F. Davis three. Mr. Newton King exhibited some choice blooms of the new pu-oiiy dahlias (not for competition) which were greatly admired, the general opinion being that these beautiful blooms will soon take the place of the cactus dahlia. The cut flowers were a prominent feature of the show. Mr. Percy Thomson in this class annexed no less than nine first ami several second prizes; Mr. F. Arden came second with eight first and

second prizes, and Mrs. S. A. Mann third with seven. Messrs T. Reader and W. 11. Bisley each scored four wins. The principal exhibitors and prize-takers in the decorative section were Mesdames Reader. Janies, Arden, Middleton, Lawrence. and the Misses Scott and Curtis. For the first time the catalogue contained two new features—farm and cottage garden exhibits. Mr. T. Reader’s exhibit in the farm class was really splendid, and he was awarded first prize, Mr. W. S. Cato being a elose second. Mr. F. Westbury, thei judge, made special mention of some very fine silver beet grown by Mr. Percy Thomson. He stated that the exhibit was one of the finest samples he had ever seen. The cottage section attracted considerable attention. Most of the prizes were secured by Mr. A. Spilman. LEVIN. The autumn show of the Levin Horticultural Society was held in the Century Hall on the 7th and Sth inst., the opening ceremony being performed by the Hon. H. D. Bell, who journeyed specially from Wellington for the occasion. There were numerous entries for cut flowers, pot plants, and fruit, and a very pretty display in the decorative section, but the feature of the show was the very excellent exhibit of vegetables. The chief prize-winner was Mrs. R. Prouse for fxit plants. The same lady carried off several prizes for cut blooms. Tn the same

section Mrs. R. Bevan secured six first and Mrs. C. Nees seven first prizes. In the fruit section Mr. H. B. Blackburn secured most honours by carrying off no less than seven first and several seconds for a fine display of apples. The other prize winners in the fruit section were Messrs W. Laing, R. Prouse, F. O. Smith, L. Arcus, T. G. Vincent, M. Fosetti, T. A. B. Hudson, and A. Sobye. ERICA, PERSOLUTA ALBA. For florists’ work this heath is of great value for making buttonholes, bouquets, etc. It is easily grown either in pots or out of doors. Given a peaty soil with some sharp sand, it will do well in almost any garden. The ericas should be planted very firmly, and kept free from weeds, but the soil should not be dug around it. Many people kill their ericas Iby kindness—digging close to the roots and manuring. No manure should be applied near to the roots, and the soil should not be interfered with. There are numerous varieties, and the one under notice is rather slow in growth, but the dainty sprays are very beautiful. MR E. WHITE’S CARNATION CATALOGUE. Mr Edwin White, F.R.H.S., of Henderson, has sent us a copy of his new

catalogue for the coming season. This grower makes a specialty of carnation growing, and offers several varieties of merit raised by himself. The list includes a good collection of spring flowering varieties, and a selection of the best perpetuals. Mr White also offers gladioli and lilies in great variety. Prices quoted are reasonable, and copies of the catalogue can be had on application to Mr White, at Henderson, near Auckland. LIPPIATTS ROSES. Mr W. E. Lippiatt, the well-known rose-grower, of Otahuhu, near Auckland, has issued his catalogue of roses for the coming season. A perusal of the list reveals a most up-to-date and comprehensive collection of the queen of flowers. Amongst the novelties offered this season are: Sunburst, King George V., George Dickson, and British Queen. The prices quoted are very moderate. Mr Lippiatt states his stock of rose plants exceed 80,000. In addition to roses, Mr Lippiatt offers many sterling sorts of fruit trees, some novelties in nectarines of his own raising, and the new grape vine King George. Azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons are also grown for sale. Rose-growers, especially, should possess a copy of this catalogue for reference. It can be obtained free on application.