BEGONIA BLOOMS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 January 1943, Page 2

BEGONIA BLOOMS

DISPLAY IN MASTERTON PARK RICH & VARIED COLOURS. FERNERY IN GOOD ORDER. A fine display of richly coloured begonia blooms with a background of maidenhair fern, now to be seen in the Begonia House is the principal attraction in the Masterton Park at present. The house will be open to the public as from tomorrow between 10 a.m. and : 4 p.m. The vivid hues shown off on tiered shelves make a fine impression. From the roof hang pendula or basket begonias which are a mass of dainty pink blooms and sapphire basket lobelias. Around the walls streptocarpus in brilliant shades make a striking display. The begonias, in size and quality are, it is stated, as good as those exhibited in any other centre. The colours cover a wide range which include deep red. pale pink, pink, scarlet, orange, light apricot, cream and white. The varieties include the double, single, heavily frilled, double frilled, fringed and crested. The flowers so far are not quite at their best. The plants will be in full bloom in about a fortnight's time. The park is looking a picture at present and there should be a good display of roses in a week or two. Summer flowering plants in many attractive beds are starting to come out. The fernery is looking particularly well and is stated by visitors to be equal to any elsewhere in the Dominion.

In view of the number of experienced men on the park staff Who have joined the armed forces the state of the park is very creditable to the custodian, Mr F. H. Knowles, and his staff.