SPRING BLOOMS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24421, 5 October 1940, Page 4

SPRING BLOOMS

CHAMPION NARCISSI HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S SHOW Spring flowers in profusion were on display in the Pioneer Hall yesterday when the Dunedin Horticultural Society's show was opened, and although the mild winter and fine > spring has brought blooms in much earlier than usual, with the result that exhibitors have found it difficult to keep their blooms in good condition for the show, the quality of those forward is outstanding. Numerically the entries are smaller, but quantity has given place to quality. The narcissi, always a feature of the society's spring show are unusually good and thev made a brave showing on the benches, while tulips, hyacinths, cinerarias, polyanthus, pansies and even some magnificent early yellow gladioli added to the colour of the show. The competitive classes included several strong sections, but undoubtedly the most outstanding feature was the comprehensive exhibit staged by Mr G. Lewis, the well-known Christchurch grower. Hundreds of beautiful narcissi, of all colours and shapes, included some high quality blooms of Papanui Queen, Wedding Ring, Outowin, a bi-colour Barrii, Warpaint. Crown Jewel and Silver Tide. Narcissi Classes Heading the open classes for narcissi was Mr G. H. Brownlee's entry of 18 varieties, which won the Cadbury Fry Hudson Cup. His exhibit included the premier yellow trumpet, a magnificent specimen of Nokomai, Glendermid and Trevisky. The competition for 12 varieties was" won by Mr T. H. Clark, whose exhibit included a» red and white Incomparabilis. Jean Hood. Mr Clark was also successful in the classes for Incomparabilis. Messrs S. C. Gaspar, C. de Berry and T. G. Anderson were also prominent competitors in the open section. The amateur championship, for 12 varieties of narcissi, went to Mr A. Smith, whose Sunset, Rethel and Royalist were typical specimens in a outstanding competition. Mr C. B Hall met with considerable success, taking no fewer than eight firsts and one second. Mr J. A. R. Brown was prominent in the single vase section. Three cups were competed for in the open or amateur class, Mr H. T* Trevena winning both the J. T. Gray Challenge Cup and the B. S. Irwin Cup. In the former competition he benched six even specimens of New Zealand catalogued and raised daffodils, amcng them being Papanui Queen. Wedding Ring and Golden Jewel, all beautiful blooms. Denton Giant, Kennegie and Mrs E. C. Mudge were outstanding in his entry for the Irwin Cup. The Burns Cup, for six varieties of New Zealand raised daffodils, was, won by Mr A. Smith, whose exhibit was composed almost entirely of unnamed seedlings. Mr S. Lewis's six distinct seedlings, raised by the exhibitor, included the premier incomparabilis, Gold Tray, while his entry of three distinct seedlings was also outstanding. All the premier blooms were magnificent, but the champion of champions, Mr S C. Gaspar's barrii, stood out among them. A vivid red and yellow bloom. Seraglio, it commanded instant attention. Other premier awards were: Incomparabilis, Mr G. Lewis; Leedsii. Mrs J. Masterton; trumpet. Mr G. H. Brownlee: barrii. Mr S. C. Gaspar. Other Sections While the other sections in the show were overshadowed by the narcissi the colourful cut flowers were excellent. Mrs R. S. Glendining was prominent with, some outstanding collections, while Mr T. Montgomery's premier pansy and Mr K..S. Ramsay's premier viola were noteworthy blooms. The decorative classes were small, but the quality was there, and Mrs P. Middleditch made practically a clean sweep of the open section, while Mrs R. S. Glendining met with most success in the open or amateur class. The sections for pot plants and children's classes were poor.