46 THE BOOK OF THE FLOWER SHOW 



DELPHINIUMS 



Although the grace, stateliness, and beauty of 

 Delphiniums are appreciated only when the plants flower 

 freely in large groups, the display of spikes at Flower 

 Shows serves to increase the interest in a useful family 

 and indicate the best varieties. Tall vases are the best 

 receptacles, and classes for six or nine distinct varieties 

 are sufficiently large. Six varieties, three spikes of each, 

 would form a fine class in some districts. 



Merits. Large spike, branched at the base; large 

 flowers, evenly disposed so as to form a well-furnished 

 and pleasing spike ; large numbers of expanded flowers 

 on a spike j flowers that are well expanded and do not 

 droop. 



Faults. Weak, thin spike ; absence of branches ; few 

 expanded flowers ; weak colouring. 



Hints. Show varieties as distinct from each other in 

 colour shading as possible ; tie each spike to a long 

 slender cane or stick for travelling, and place the cut 

 end in a vase or tube of water, wedging it in firmly ; 

 carry in an upright position. 



GLADIOLI 



These stately flowers are most effective at late 

 summer and autumn shows, and when well staged they 

 are certain to be much admired. The early-flowering 

 varieties of the COLVILLEI group are rarely staged alone, 

 but in large bunches they enhance the value of a 

 collection of herbaceous flowers. The GANDAVENSIS 

 varieties are the most popular for exhibition, but 

 LEMOINEI and NANCEANUS varieties are generally 

 admissible, as the Schedules rarely stipulate for any 

 particular section. 



They are frequently exhibited in the boxes or stands 



