WONDERFUL FLOWER SHOW

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 238, 6 April 1912, Page 1 (Supplement)

WONDERFUL FLOWER SHOW

TO BE HELD IN LONDON. This year will be remarkable as a flower year. Gardening, which has been steadily gaining favor during the past decade, will receirve a tremendous impetus when, after an interval of forfysix years, an International Horticultural Exhibition will be held in London in the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, from May 22 to 30. Some details of the show, which will cover twenty-one acres and embrace exhibits from all parts of the world, have already been given. The schedule of classes has been issued, and this, when compared with the 1866 "International" shows in a striking manner the »stonishing progress which horticulture has made meanwhile.

For instance, in 1866 there were in all 220 classes, as compared with 428 in 1912. In the same period the orchid classes haveg rown from nine, in which the largest class was one for 60 plants, to 29, which includes two classes for groups of 500 square ft. each. Rosts have increased from 8 classes to 26, the latter not including the novelties. In 1866 the largest class for roses was 20 plants in potß Bin across; in 1912 prizes are offered for groups not exceeding 500 square ft. Rock and water gardens were unknown in 1860, whereas several acres will be devoted to thorn at Chelsea.

Thirty-eight fine cups, including one given by the King for the most meritorious exhibit, are offered in addition to money prizes at the forthcoming exhibition. The total value of the prizes will exceed £4OOO, while the cost of organisation will not be less than £20,000. The guarantn fund already reaches about £17,000.

The outstanding feature will be the orchids, carnations, roses and herbaceous flow rs, which will nil be prominent.