COTTAGE GARDENS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 623, 29 November 1913, Page 5

COTTAGE GARDENS.

AWARD OF JUDGES. It is very gratifying to note such a marked improvement in the friendly rivalry among the amateur gardeners in Ts Kuiti. There were a great many entries thn year for the cottage garden competition. The premier positon falls to Mr V. Kirk, whose small plot is in the pink of condition, being well kept and very tastefully laid out. with pretty little lawns and beds filled with a galaxy of beautiful nowers. The vegetable section was well forward, containing quite an excellent variety. Mr Kirk deserves great kudos for hid good taste and industry. Next in turn is Mrs Williams. This lady does all the work in the garden and has laid out a very artistic little plot tilled with the choicest of flowers, and shrubs, but not such a variety o? vegetables as the previous garden. The paths and beds are beautifully kept. Mrs W. Adams comes in for a strong third place, and it is regrettable this does not carry a prize. The garden is in excellent trim. The position of this garden places Mrs Adams at a great disadvantage, an it is exposed to every bleak wind. Great praise is due fur her pluck, perseverance and industry. There were .quite a lot of pretty gardens judged, most of which have not been long m existence, and, of course, could not be expected to show their best form as the older ones did. However, they have made a start and an early bid for a place. Let'us hope some of these new arrivals will meet with success at next show. On our drive round we noted no end of pretty lawns and tastefully laid out garsens and orchards in every"direction. In the near future Te Kuiti should look very picturesque with its gardens and pretty villas. Gardening is truly a grand occupation, both healthful and instructive, one can study nature, learn perseverance, patience, and to bear disappintments, which are many ,when the blight or rains spoil the crops. One of our competittors had quite a lot of his garden covered by the flood In the stream. He was downcast, but no doubt will still battle along and come up smiling when the weather takes up.