Encouragement of Horticulture

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 13, 11 October 1929, Page 4

Encouragement of Horticulture

Attractive "Lecture from 3YA NOTHER of the series of lectures arranged by the 8YA Productions Committee was given from 3YA on October'3, entitled "Aims and Objects of Horticulture Societies." The speaker was’ Mr. O. W. B. Anderson, chairman of committee, Canterbury Horticulural Society, who gave a fascinating exposition of garden lore, from artistic, decorative, and commercial standpoints. Introducing his talk by remarking that the society’s aim was a tall order, the lecturer’ explained that horticulture is concerned not only with cultivation of flowers and fruit, but also embraces soils, manures, insects, hybridisation, and also the scientifie side. Its advancement, he emphasised, calls for educative work that is practical and also scientific, and for the collection of experimental results in handy form for the average man. In outlining the work of the Canterbury Society, Mr. Anderson mentioned its desire to encourage people to grow flowers, vegetables,-and trees, because of the immense pleasure to be derived therefrom. There were many, of course, who wished to grow products that were finer than others, and exhibitions were therefore necessary for competitive purposes. Shows of this kind had educative value, and provided a meeting ground where those with new, rare, well-grown flowers could put them on view. The society carries on its work in a series of lectures, where competent speakers impart know-’ ‘ledge, and non-competitive exhibits are on view. In the future the society proposes to. break new ground, which may become semi-scientific; and in this connection its journal, "The City Beautiful," disseminates knowledge: concerning new plants, its pages proving a meeting-place for the scientific man, the semi-scientific, the practical horticulturist, and the keen observer of nature. The opportunity provided in those pages for botanist, hybridist, and practical man to exchange views, Mr. Anderson believes, will prove the fore-runner of conferences in years to come. Can anyone estimate the value -to the country, he inquired, in thus uniting efforts of those continually. striving to give the earth’s products a greater market value, larger yields, longer periods of usefulness, improved size and quality, and greater immunity from disease? This useful society encourages the hybridist to produce better plants and flowers, cups and donations being received for new daffodils, lilies and chrysanthemums; and any enthusiasts belonging to it can rely upon assistance on application to members who are more experienced than themselves. . Mr. Anderson cited experience as a sweet pea grower, mentioning that he found seeds raised in Central Otago. better than those received from England or America, In his opinion there is no reason why New Zealand should not become one of the premier seed and plantproducers of the Empire. Much money has been spent by the Government in this direction, avith, beneficial results to the whole community. When it is considered, however, that agriculture deals with but a few dozen varieties of plants, whereas the horticulturist treats many thousands from all over the world, varying in requirements of treatment, soil, pruning, and so on, the conviction is forced that much greater help should be given to this art and the development of the seed and plant industry. A large amount of capital is invested in the nursery business, the nurseryman on his part owing obligation to the society and to the public to keep. up-to-date in every respect, supply plants well-grown and healthy, and in planting new gardens strive to achieve a "big show at the earliest possible moment,

Gardening is one of the oldest of the arts, being in existence over 2000 years ago. Our early pioneers ‘brought with them a love of gardening, many trees and shrubs of great beauty testifying to the industry and knowledge of our fathers. In deploring the gradual disappearance of large gardens, the lecturer said that since the system of rating upon unimproved value has been in vogue, the holding of large sections has become expensive, and it has been possible to retain only a small area, where little can be attempted in the way of layout. In passing, Mr. Anderson spoke of the station gardens, which he felt sure were admired by the travelling public, who appreciated the efforts of station-masters and. their staffs, who cultivated their plots with such success. In a resume of possible future activities, the speaker thought that fgeilities for horticultural education should 2x tended, careful thought being neceshwry in | this direction. He suggested that for reserves and parks an: adequate glass-house system is required for .propagation of plants, making it possible for practical training to be given to promising gardeners, with at the same time arrangements: for scientific teaching, the ideal being to have ground fit for educational work, and also experiments and investigations. Mr. Anderson concluded: "We are a brotherhood of kindred tastes, we are all aiming at higher standards for the future, for which we hardly know how to aspire. But horticulture is useful, elevating, healthy and progressive, and it is our whole aim and object to help all who are engaged in the work."