GARDEN CIRCLE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 124, 27 May 1937, Page 18

GARDEN CIRCLE

ORANGES GROWN IN YORK BAY

Garden Circle members of the Pioneer Club assembled for their meeting . and monthly lecture recently, when Mr. F. W, ■ Ashby, one of Wellington's prominent amateur. chrysanthemum growers, gave a very interesting talk on- "Chrysanthemum Culture." ~'■ .

Mr. Ashby stated that the chrysanthemum was a flower which had been known for 2500 years, but, it was not until 1764 that it was first introduced to Great Britain, The, first double variety was grown at Kew towards the end of the 18th century. The chrysanthemum was the "Golden Flower" of the East. There were eight hundred named varieties in, cultivation. After a summary of the practical side of growing this flower, questions were answered- . ',

Miss M. Cooper, who presided, expressed .appreciation of the lecturer's address.'

The competition for the .afternoon was for a basket of berries with autumn ioliage. This display was indicative, of the value of gardening lectures at the club, as the exhibits were

charming. Mr«, A. R. Gower, Lower Hutt, was awarded the first prize, which was a fine plant of ' ( 'Gricaautumnalis." Mrs. E. J. Righton, York Bay, received the second prize of eight tulip bulbs. Mrs. J. J. Reich, Belmont, donated both prizes. , ' Mrs. Righton's basket contained two oranges grown and ripened: in her garden at York Bay/which is noted for its warmth and.genial climate, the right kind for producing iove-of-the-sunshihe fruits and flowers. Mrs. R. C. Kirk, on behalf of the circle, presented a collection of travel books to Miss Cooper in appreciation of her guidance as acting president, and as a farewell gift before she leaves for a holiday in Java and Singapore. Mrs. Righton1 pinned a shoulder posy of berrie.s on.Miss Cooper's smart mushroom suit wishing her a pleasant holiday. ' The acting president thanked memberß for their cordial remarks and gifts. . '■.■■■ ■ A delightful afternoon tea was then served.

The first planting of the season on the Hutt Road area allotted the circle by the Wellington , Beautifying Society took place during the month, when shrubs from Mesdames H. D. Vickery, A. J. Dv Pont, and Miss E. Isaacs were planted. The 300 karaka seeds sown last year were found to have germinated satisfactorily, and are now sturdy little plants. / '• ; . ..