454 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER 
May  27,  1897. 
aqmilegifolium  roseum,  Pyrethrum  Florentina  and  Niveum  plenum. 
Aquilegias  of  mixed  strains,  Phloxes  divaricata  and  The  Bride, 
Delphinium  Belladonna,  Lupinus  arboreus,  Eurybia  Gmnniana,  Antberi- 
cum  liliastram,  Geum  miniatum,  and  others.  The  flowers  are  arranged 
with  ta8te,  and  not  unduly  crowded. 
Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons,  Crawley,  are  responsible  for  a  diversified 
exhibit  of  rock  plants,  flowering  shrubs,  and  Violas.  Amongst  the  latter 
are  Archie  Grant,  Bridesmaid,  Crimson  King,  Trentham  Purple,  Ardwell 
Gem,  Blush  Quetn,  Bullion,  and  Colleen  Bawn.  Following  these  is  an 
artistic  rockery’ furnished  with  Phloxes  of  many  varieties,  Cheiranthus 
alpinus,  Aubrietia  Leitchlini,  Veronica  rupestris,  Lithospermums 
prostratum  and  others,  this  part  of  the  exhibit  being  followed  by  hardy 
foliage  and  flowering  shrubs,  including  Acers,  Genistas,  Lilacs,  Rhodo¬ 
dendrons,  perhaps  a  little  too  crowded  in  arrangement. 
Those  whose  taste  leads  them  in  the  direction  of  the  ever-popular 
Sweet  Pea  may  find  them  in  the  exhibit  of  Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co  , 
Rothesay.  Dahlias  in  May  are  quite  extraordinary,  yet  this  enterprising 
firm  has  them  in  such  varieties  as  Miss  Webster,  Earl  of  Pembroke, 
Cannell’s  Gem,  Matchless,  Countess  of  Pembroke  of  the  Cactus  types, 
and  singles  Kenilworth,  Lady  Rowena,  Alice  Lee,  and  Anne  of  Geirstein. 
Turning  to  the  Violas  the  visitor’s  interest  is  centred  on  such  charm¬ 
ing  varieties  as  Blue  Cloud,  Rob  Roy,  White  Bedder,  Iona,  Wonder, 
Lavender  King,  Dandie  Dinmont,  White  Flag,  George  Lord,  Peter 
Barr,  Ardwell  Gem,  George  Abbey,  Prince  of  Orange,  Lemon  Queen, 
True  Blue,  and  others,  all  in  the  pink  of  perfection. 
Mr.  J.  R.  Box,  Croydon,  has  a  group  of  Begonias  quite  up  to  his 
usual  standard.  Both  double  and  single  forms  are  well  represented,  the 
flowers  in  all  cases  being  large,  and  plants  of  healthy  sturdy  character. 
Amongst  the  former  the  blooms  of  Diamond  Jubilee,  Princess  of  York, 
and  Queen  of  Queens  are  exceptionally  tine,  the  latter  being  of  a  most 
effective  colour.  The  single  forms  extend  over  a  wide  field  of  colour, 
and  the  exhibit  is  one  of  the  best  of  its  kind  in  the  show. 
Carnations  also  come  from  Mr.  Geo.  Stevens,  Putney,  who  shows  a 
diverse  collection,  which  includes  Mrs.  Geo.  Stevens,  Mrs.  Whittle, 
Miss  L.  Stevens,  Ruby  Primrose,  and  G.  Pike.  Mr.  C.  Blick,  gardener 
to  Martin  R,  Smith,  Esq.,  The  Warren,  Hayes,  has  plants  of  a  tine  white 
Carnation  called  Bondsman,  another  one  of  the  same  colour,  EIAd,  and  a 
border  variety,  Artemus.  Mr.  W.  Bull,  Chelsea,  sends  plants  of  Ficus 
radicans  variegata,  Davallia  epiphylla,  Anemia  rotundifolia,  and  Crinum 
Moorei  variegatum  ;  and  from  Mr.  Moser,  Versailles,  are  plants  of  a 
pretty  striped  Clematis  Nelly  Moser.  From  Mr.  H.  Howell,  Hammer¬ 
smith,  there  is  a  small  but  effective  exhibit  of  Ferns,  including  Pteris 
Howelli  and  Caladiums.  Mr.  R.  Dean  Ealing,  sends  plants  of  new  dwarf 
bedding  Violas  growing  in  pots,  among  which  are  included  Fascination, 
Hetty,  Tiny,  Dorothy,  Regalia,  Lavender,  Ladas,  and  Little  Tich. 
A  pleasing  collection  of  hardy  flowers  hails  from  Mr.  B.  Ladhams, 
the  Shirley  Nurseries,  Southampton.  Their  appearance  is  fresh,  and  not 
overcrowded.  Amongst  many  others  Heuchera  sanguinea,  Lupinus 
arboreus  and  arboreus  albus,  Centaurea  montana  rosea,  Papaver  orien- 
tale,  Aster  alpinus  superbus,  Senecio  Doronicum,  with  single  and  double 
Pyrethrums  and  Irises  in  variety,  are  very  effective.  From  the  Ichthemic 
Guano  Company,  Ipswich,  is  a  collection  of  Azaleas  and  Pelargoniums. 
From  Messrs.  Gregory  &  Evans,  Sidcup,  are  specimens  of  yellow  Calceo¬ 
laria  Victoria. 
Messrs.  R.  Wallace  &  Co.,  ColcheBter,  are  represented  by  a  unique 
exhibit,  which  includes  miniature  hardy  Cypripediums,  snow  white 
single  Paeony  Mrs.  Robert  Wallace,  Brodirea  capitata,  diminutive 
Calochorti  in  variety,  and  an  elegant  group  of  Spanish  Iris.  In  addition 
to  the  above  are  Liliums  of  many  kinds,  including  umbellatum,  Sappho, 
longiflorumgiganteum,  Dalhouseianum,  tenuifolium,  and  others.  Graceful 
Ixias  claim  the  attention  of  visitors,  and  another  pretty  flower  is 
Ixiolirion  Pallasi.  Camassia  esculenta  is  included  in  the  group,  and  among 
the  array  of  Irises  are  lupina  variabilis  Raphael,  Queen  of  May, 
florentina,  and  flavescens. 
Strikingly  beautiful  is  the  display  made  by  Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  and 
Sons,  Chelsea.  Phyllocactus  are  in  themselves  a  feature,  but  their 
beauty  seems  dimmed  by  the  glorious  array  of  Gloxinias  and  Strepto- 
carpus.  Among  the  former  are  to  be  seen  fine  plants  of  Gomez,  Eclatant, 
Adela,  and  Virginalis,  and  others,  and  in  the  collection  of  the  latter  Mr. 
Heal,  Messrs.  Veitch’s  well  known  grower  and  hybridiser,  does  himself 
great  credit.  Amongst  the  hybrids  shown  are  numerous  shades  of 
purple,  violet,  pink,  and  rose.  Others  are  pure  white,  and  in  the 
exhibit  one  sees  a  perfection  in  Cape  Primroses  that  were  little  thought 
of  a  few  years  ago,  and  the  healthy  appearance  of  the  plants  denotes 
high  cultivation. 
Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading,  made  a  splendid  feature  with  their 
large  exhibit  of  Gloxinias.  There  are  over  400  plants,  remarkable  for 
their  floriferousness,  colour,  and  erect  habit.  Among  the  diversity  of 
forms  are  Her  Majesty,  a  fine  white  variety ;  Empress  of  India,  an 
imposing  flower  of  rich  purple  ;  Reading  Scarlet,  which  in  colour  is  true 
to  its  name,  and  spotted  hybrids,  the  delicate  markings  of  which  are 
worthy  of  close  attention.  The  famous  Reading  firm  occupies  the  greater 
portion  of  one  of  the  middle  tables  with  Gloxinias,  following  which  a 
fine  group  of  Sutton’s  Giant  Mignonette  tells  its  presence  by  the  huge 
flowers  and  delicious  odour.  Toe  plants  are  fine  examples  of  good 
culture,  being  of  compact  and  sturdy  habit.  Oa  beds  in  the  gardens  are 
groups  of  Sutton’s  bedding  Begonias,  which  well  illustrate  the  useful¬ 
ness  of  the  strain  for  the  adornment  of  flower  gardens. 
Messrs.  Fisher,  Son  &  Sibray,  Sheffield,  have  a  small  exhibit  of 
Croton  “  Her  Majesty,”  a  graceful  variety,  with  green  and  yellow 
foliage,  Outside  the  teats  the  firm  has  a  large  group  of  plants,  com¬ 
prised  chiefly  of  Acers,  Elders,  Cornuses,  and  Euonymuses.  The  plants 
are  tastefully  arranged,  and  though  outside  they  are  no  less  a  feature. 
Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons  had  a  group  of  hardy  flowering  shrubs 
outside  the  tents,  and  Messrs.  John  Waterer  &  Sons,  Bagshot,  bad  an 
interesting  group  of  Japanese  Maples— dwarf  plants  of  all  the  best 
varieties. 
Floral  Designs. 
In  this  section  the  palm  ia  unreservedly  given  to  Messrs.  Jas.  Carter 
and  Co.,  High  Holborn,  who  are  to  be  commended  for  leaving  the 
trodden  path  and  introducing  a  new  feature.  The  exhibit  cccupies 
the  whole  of  the  centre  table  in  tent  No.  1,  and  is  remarkably  fine. 
In  the  centre  is  a  floral  design,  surmounted  by  a  crown,  and  below  this 
hangs  a  floral  V.R.,  this  being  in  close  affinity  to  the  Diamond 
Jubilee,  Asparagus  plumosus  and  flowers  are  judiciously  employed, 
tbe  result  being  a  most  effective  arrangement.  Underneath  are 
magnificent  Calceolarias  of  a  superb  strain,  and  following  these 
one  sees  Gloxinias,  Petunias,  and  Mimuluses  of  immense  size  of 
flower.  Lilium  Harrisi  and  Shirley  Poppies  stand  at  one  end  of 
the  table,  and  further  on  are  masses  of  the  dwarf  Sweet  Pea  Cupid, 
Pyrethrums,  Nasturtium  Empress  of  India,  Narcissi,  Tulips,  Lupins, 
Irises,  Pansies,  and  Sweet  Peas  in  pots  dotted  about  amongst  vegetables 
of  superb  quality..  In  the  exhibit  the  Holborn  firm  has  surpassed  any 
of  its  former  efforts. 
Mr.  L.  H.  Calcutt,  Stoke  Newington,  has  floral  designs  in  the  form 
of  wreaths,  crosses,  harps,  arches,  bouquets,  and  bo  forth.  Choice 
flowers  are  displayed  with  taste,  and  elegant  arrangements  are  the  result. 
Orchids  are  used  in  conjunction  with  Irises,  and  white  Pancratiums 
and  scarlet  Carnations  also  go  together.  Blue  Cornflowers  and  scarlet 
Geraniums  are  largely  used  in  the  varied  designs.  Baskets  of  choice 
Orchids,  bouquets  of  Carnations,  harps  of  stove  flowers,  and  designs  of 
Roses,  Carnations,  and  other  flowers  are  admirably  shown  by  Messrs. 
Jones  &  Sons,  Shrewsbury.  Asparagus  plumosus  is  largely  used,  its 
feathery  lightness  blending  pleasingly  with  the  flowers.  The  whole  is  a 
splendid  display  of  the  florists’  art,  and  is  much  admired.  Miss  May 
Foden,  Hemel  Hempstead,  has  a  pleasing  decoration  for  dinner  table, 
formed  of  Spanish  Irises,  with  Grasses  and  Ferns  ;  and  near  at  hand 
Mrs.  W.  Green,  Romford,  has  made  a  pleasing  arrangement  with 
Aquilegias,  Smilax,  and  Marguerites  shown  in  elegant  glass  stands. 
The  exhibit  of  Mrs.  Phippen,  Reading,  is  extremely  effective,  though 
a  little  too  crowded.  In  the  centre  is  a  huge  cross  of  scarlet  Pelargo¬ 
niums  and  Anthuriums,  and  on  either  side  are  designs  of  Roses  and 
other  flowers,  stars  of  Lily  of  the  Valley,  bouquets  of  Orchids  and  Roses, 
with  lyres  and  harps  of  extreme  beauty,  and  displaying  much  taste.  Mr. 
H.  C.  Garford,  Stoke  Newington,  has  a  large  decoration  of  choice  flowers 
and  elegant  foliage. 
Mr.  J.  Prewett,  Bayswater,  W.,  shows  floral  designs,  which  illus¬ 
trate  ways  of  decorating  a  dinner  table  in  an  easy  and  effective  manner. 
Roses  and  Orchids  are  principally  used,  with  Fern  and  other  light 
foliage.  Moyses  Stevens,  Belgravia,  has  beautiful  display  of  wreaths, 
crosses,  and  bouquets.  Conspicuous  in  the  exhibit  of  Messrs.  Perkins 
and  Sons,  Coventry,  is  an  immense  crown,  formed  of  yellow  Roses, 
crimson  Carnations,  and  Ericas,  which  is  very  effective.  Baskets  of 
Roses  and  Orchids,  with  bouquets  and  other  designs  of  surpassing 
elegance  on  either  side,  are  quite  worthy  of  the  high  reputation  of  this 
firm. 
Certificates  and  Awards  of  Merit. 
Anoectocliilus  Sanderianus  (F.  Sander  &  Co.). — A  peculiarly  pleasing 
colour  is  the  leaf  of  this  plant.  The  green  is  wonderfully  bright,  while 
the  brown  and  rose  venations  are  very  conspicuous  (award  of  merit). 
Azalea  rustica  ff.-pl-  Freya  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — A  surprisingly 
floriferous  variety  of  the  best  habit.  The  colour  is  rose,  with  a  very 
slight  suspicion  of  orange  (award  of  merit). 
Azalea  rvstica  fl.-pl-  Bibera  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons).  —  This  is  so  free 
flowering  that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  see  the  leaves.  The  colour  is 
white  suffused  with  rose  (award  of  merit). 
Begonia  Diamond  Jubilee  (J.  R.  Box). — A  pure  yellow  double 
variety  of  the  best  quality  (award  of  merit). 
Begonia  Queen  of  Queens  (J.  R.  Box). — A  beautiful  flower  of  a  soft 
apricot  colour  (award  of  merit). 
Caladium  Lady  Stafford  Northcote  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — This  is 
probably  one  of  the  best  varieties  in  cultivation.  The  leaves  are  true 
crimson,  aDd  the  habit  of  the  plant  is  very  good  (award  of  merit). 
Caladium  Mrs.  McLeod  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — Belonging  to  the  dwarf 
section,  this  is  one  of  the  most  charming  in  the  show.  The  colour  is 
crimson  (award  of  merit). 
Canna  Comte  de  Bouchard  (H.  Cannell  &  Sons  and  Paul  &  Son). — 
The  scarlet  spots  on  tbe  yellow  ground  of  this  variety  are  very  fine. 
The  flowers  are  large  (award  of  merit). 
Carnation  Artemus  (C.  Blick). — A  crimson  flake  fancy  of  splendid 
substance  (award  of  merit). 
Cattleya  Mossier.  Empress  Queen  (L.  Linden). — A  massive  flower  in 
all  respects  of  the  most  pleasiDg  type.  The  sepals  and  petals  are  clear 
rose,  while  the  broad  fimbriated  lip  is  white  at  the  outside  with  a  crimson 
centre.  The  side  lobes  are  yellow,  ds  is  the  front  portion  of  the  throat 
(award  of  merit). 
Cattleya  Schilleriana  Hardy's  variety  (T.  Stafford). — This  may  be 
most  comprehensively  described  as  a  very  much  improved  form  of  the 
type  (first-class  certificate). 
Cattleya  Mendeli  Madonna  (W.  L.  Lewis  &  Co.).  —  The  broad 
sepa's  and  petals  of  this  beautiful  form  of  Mendeli  are  pure  white,  save 
