DIVISION OF HORTICULTURE 313 



SESSIONAL PAPER No. 16 



FLOWERS. 



The season of 1912 was most favourable for flowers. From early spring until 

 the late autumn the grounds at the Experimental Station were adorned with a pro- 

 fusion of bloom. In the early spring the crocuses and squills unfolded almost in the 

 snow; these were followed by great beds of tulips and narcissus, which bloomed to 

 perfection in this moist climate. As the season advanced, irises in great clusters, 

 then pseonies, great balls of beauty, many coloured, came and went, their beautiful 

 foliage lasting throughout the summer. The annuals all came into competition with 

 the roses, whose period of bloom extended from July 4 until November 16. Each 

 had its own. particular beauty ; the Perpetual roses being to many the greatest wonder. 

 Eighty-one varieties of sweet peas that were sown April 17, began blooming July 7, 

 ami ccntjnued until NoveuiVcr 4. The average height attained was iwer 8 ' feet. 

 Among the many other flowers deserving special mention, the beautiful collection of 

 carnations, which had wintered outside, should have first place. The perennial 

 phlox and asters during their season were very attractive. In the pond to the west 

 of the barn the Kentucky water lilies covered a portion of the surface with their 

 beautiful glossy leaves intermingled with large pink and white blossoms. 



Detailed records of all flowers grown were kept for reference. 



