DAFFODIL DAY A SUCCESS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22516, 26 September 1938, Page 10

DAFFODIL DAY A SUCCESS

RECORD CROWD IN GARDENS ADMIRATION FOR FINE SHOW OF BLOOMS A record crowd visited the Christchurch Botanic Gardens yesterday to see the fine display of daffodils and other .flowering bulbs on the banks of the Avon. It was the city's first Daffodil Day and the innovation proved a success in every way. The garden authorities stated —on a conservative estimate —that more thai: 10,000 persons saw the daffodils, some of the visitors coming from as far south as Ashburton.

The 10,000 is a record for all time for the Christchurch Gardens and the authorities are very pleased with the success of this new departure. It is thought that Christchurch is the only city in New Zealand to hold such a day, which was arranged at a time when the blooms are at their best. The density of the crowd on the garden-side of the river confirmed the opinion of the Curator, Mr J A McPherson, that from there the best view of the daffodils can be There are 220,000 bulbs now in flower, and making a display of rare beauty. They range from the common varieties to blooms which would grace the garden of an here and there are even a few of the humble snowdrons. All these blooms, ] facing towards the sun, and giving off a fine scent, set in such informal surroundings and with their variations of rich colour, could not but excite admiration. Not far fronf the daffodils there are now flowering in full bloom the lovely Japanese cherries, which stand in an all too short row along the avenue from the hospital. Yesterday, Mr McPherson said later, the huge crowd gave no trouble whatever, keeping to the wide grassy paths which run through the blooms and not interfering with the flower. The Christchurch Municipal Band played during the afternoon.