A LOCAL NURSERY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1068, 25 February 1913, Page 3

A LOCAL NURSERY.

It has previously been pointed out in these columns that the soil in and around Foxton is admirably adapted for the pursuit of horticulture, and since the advent of the local Horticultural Society this has been amply proved by the very excellent exhibitions of fruit, vegetables and flowers that have been exhibited at the different shows under- the auspices of the Society. There is no doubt that since the formation of the local society the interest taken by residents in the pursuit of horticulture has increased wonderfully. In the past the chief disadvantage under which Foxton lovers of gardening have been labouring has been that there was ho nurseryman in the town, and those requiring seeds and plants were thus put to the trouble of sending away for them. This will now be obviated, as Mr A. S. Walsh, of Coley Street, has / launched out in this business, and is in a position to supply anything required in the line. By the in; vitation of Mr Walsh, oar representative had a look over the garden the other day, and was agreeably surprised to find that Foxton possessed such an up-to-date nursery. From what he saw, there is no necessity for anyone to send out of town for anything of -this description. Mr Walsh imports his seeds from all parts of the world, and is therefore ia a position to supply the latest varieties. He is specialising in cactus dahlias and sweet peas, and at the present time has a really splendid show of the former, including the Gwendoline Tucker, Crystall, Prima Donna, Kingfisher, Pearl, Golden .Eagle, and others, all beautiful show blooms, which have been specially imported and bear the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Merit. The seedlings from these, which Mr Walsh is prepared .to supply at 15s per dozen,, will be ready for replanting in November. Ordinary cactus dahlia seedlings can be supplied at xos per dozen, but anyone desiring something out of the ordinary should not fail to see these while they are in bloom. In sweet peas he has a lovely collection, all show strains, and imported last year, the price of seeds of six varieties being 2S fid. Mr Walsh has at the present time SQjpettiiog over a quarter ot an

acre in flowers, including phlox. Chinese and German asters, snap dragons, single and double larkspur, Californian poppies, petunias, verbenias, African daisy (imported by Mr Walsh from Central Africa), and many others, all in flower, which, with their rich variety of colours, present a very pleasing appearance indeed. He has a great quantity of seedlings of all, descriptions in various stages of cultivation, which will be ready for re-planting in August and September, The glass-house contains a large variety of specimen plants, from which the seedlings can be selected or, for those whose do not wish to go to the trouble of growing their own, matured plants can be supplied. The garden throughout is up-to-date in every particular, and there is no excuse for anyone to send out of Foxtou for anything in this line. Mr Walsh does not confine his energies to flowers alone, :md is in a position to supply cabbage and other vegetable plants in season. Cut flowers, for table decorations, etc., can also be obtained at any time. The grounds are always open, and the residents of the district are at liberty, and will be welcomed at all times, to walk through and inspect the flowers.*.