August  29, 1895 
JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 
201 
SHREWSBURY  HORTIOULTURIL]  SHOW. 
August.  21st,  22nd,  and  23rd. 
As  was  briefly  indicated  last  week  the  show  held  on  the  dates  named 
was  a  brilliant  success.  It  was  fitting  that  it  should  be  so,  as  it  might 
he  regarded  as  the  celebration  of  the  majority  of  the  Society,  this  being 
the  twenty-first  exhibition  under  the  present  management.  Naturally 
there  have  been  changes  in  the  Committee  during  that  time,  but  the  two 
Hon.  Secretaries,  Messrs.  Ainitt  and  Naunton,  who  have  made  them¬ 
selves  famous  in  the  horticultural  world,  happily  remain  at  the  helm, 
and  judging  by  their  active,  business-like  movements  and  the  ease  with 
which  they  discharge  their  multifarious  duties,  they  seem  equal  to  all 
demands  in  the  same  direction  for  a  generation  to  come.  That  they  are 
masters  in  the  art  of  show  preparation  and  routine  is  indisputable.  They 
appear  to  have  taken  in  hand  what  was  at  the  time  a  collapsed  society, 
and  with  the  aid  of  earnest  and  able  coadjutors  determined  to  resuscitate 
it.  That  they  based  their  action  on  sound  lines  is  certain,  and  on  those 
lines  they  have  continued  with  results  which,  viewing  all  the  cir¬ 
cumstances  of  the  case,  may  be  fairly  described  as  unexampled,  for  here 
in  a  town  of  some  30,000  inhabitants  has  been  established  the  most 
extensive  and  complete  shows  of  horticultural  produce  in  Europe,  if  not 
in  tbp  world. 
The  time  of  year  is  probably  the  best  that  could  be  chosen  for 
securing  the  most  varied  display.  Specimen  and  decorative  plants  can 
be  had  easily  in  the  summer,  especially  Orchids,  and  in  the  cut  flower 
department  Roses  then  make  a  show  in  themselves  ;  but  it  is  not  until 
later  that  fruit  and  vegetables  can  be  brought  out  in  full  force,  and  while 
plants  can  be  had  late  as  well  as  early  in  the  season,  the  autumn  months 
bring  innumerable  bright  border  flowers — Dahlias,  Asters,  Gladioli,  and 
a  multitude  of  others,  affording  the  greatest  number  of  persons  oppor¬ 
tunities  for  competing,  whilst  substantial  prizes  are  bound  to  bring  out 
the  best  of  everything  in  season  that  can  be  produced  by  cultural  skill. 
This  the  Shrewsbury  managers  found  out  long  ago,  and  hence  the  firm, 
clear,  settled  policy  of  generosity  that  was  adopted  and  which, 
steadily  pursued,  has  raised  the  shows  to  the  commanding  position. 
The  prizes  brought  the  produce,  the  great  displays  became  the 
centre  of  a  gala  day,  this  brought  the  people  and  the  people  brought 
the  money,  and  thus  has  the  Society  become  so  rich  and  strong  as  to  be 
able  and  willing  to  dispense  nearly  £4000  in  improving  the  grounds  in 
which  the  shows  are  held,  and  assisting  other  worthy  objects  and  organi¬ 
sations  in  the  town. 
It  may  be  said  that  this  could  not  have  been  accomplished  by  the 
horticultural  show  alone.  It  could  not ;  but  care  has  always  been 
taken  that  the  music  aud  other  features  of  attraction  should  be  of 
the  highest  order  that  money  could  procure,  and  thus  it  has  become 
the  custom — not  for  the  multitude  of  workers  only,  but  equally  so  for 
those  who,  in  hackneyed  parlance,  are  known  as  the  ’‘best  people” 
in  the  district — the  clergy,  gentry,  professional  men,  and  their  families 
— to  assemble  for  a  few  hours  of  genuine  pleasure  and  healthful  whole¬ 
some  enjoyment.  ”  Then  it  is  not  the  flower  show  that  is  the  first 
attraction,”  some  strict  horticulturist  may  ejaculate.  Let  there  be  no 
mistake  about  this.  The  products  exhibited  are  absolutely  the  first 
source  of  attraction,  and  the  fact  is  pressed  with  a  pressure  that  can 
be  felt  on  those  who  try  to  take  a  few  notes  in  the  tents  half  an  hour 
after  the  judging  is  completed.  The  marquees  are  crowded  with 
visitors  at  once,  and  remain  crowded  all  the  time.  It  was  a  sight  to  see 
the  throng  on  the  first  (half-crown)  day,  taking  at  the  entrance  £727, 
while  £500  worth  of  tickets  had  been  sold  three  days  previously.  It  was 
as  assemblage  such  as  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  would  be  proud 
to  see  in  the  Temple  Gardens  on  the  occasion  of  one  of  their  brilliant 
May  shows.  They  came  to  see  the  horticultural  exhibits,  and  could 
return  after  seeing  them  if  they  chose,  or  remain  to  hear  the  Guards 
full  bands,  and  see  what  else  might  be  provided.  They  mostly  remained. 
So  it  was  on  the  second  day,  when  some  50,000  persons  entered  the 
ground,  and  crowded  every  tent — not  a  noisy  reckless  rabble,  but  as  well 
dressed,  orderly,  and  appreciative  assemblage  as  anyone  could  desire  to 
see,  and,  as  a  result,  the  visitors  brought  and  left  more  than  £2000 
behind  them.  That  is  evidence  of  the  attractive  force  of  the  last  and 
greatest  event  at  Shrewsbury. 
Let  us  glance  at  the  exhibits.  Though,  as  stated  last  week,  there 
were  2740  entries,  the  tents  were  cleared  shortly  after  ten  o’clock,  and 
the  twenty-two  Judges  completed  their  work  in  about  two  hoirrs,  and  at 
twelve  o’clock  visitors  commenced  pouring  in.  Only  the  leading  features 
of  chief  general  interest  can  be  noted,  and  possibly  some  of  these  may 
be  overlooked  in  the  bewildering  array  of  produce  and  people. 
Plants  and  Groups. 
The  large  marquee  in  which  the  splendid  specimens  and  beautiful 
competitive  and  other  collections  were  arranged  was  crowded  to  its 
utmost  capacity.  Had  a  covered  space  been  provided  of  at  least  twice 
the  extent,  and  the  contents  been  arranged  in  gardenesque  style,  as  on 
the  Continent,  a  floral  spectacle  of  great  magnificence  would  have  been 
produced,  though,  as  it  was,  it  was  highly  imposing. 
Group  of  Miscellaneous  Plants  Arranged  for  Effect,  300  square  feet 
(five  entr’es). — These  are  always  a  leading  feature  at  Stirewobury,  and 
some  splendid  groups  were  in  competition  on  the  present  occasion  ;  in 
fact,  the  best  we  have  seen  here.  The  first  prize,  £20,  was  worthily 
awarded  to  that  well-known  exhibitor,  Mr.  Cypher,  for  a  well  arranged, 
light,  and  graceful  combination  of  fine-foliage  and  flowering  plants, 
including  some  grand  Orchids,  the  most  pleasing  association  of  flowering 
and  foliage  plants  we  have  seen  for  some  time,  and  almost,  if  not  quite, 
every  plant  visible.  Second,  £16,  Mr.  Edmunds,  gardener  to  the  Duke 
of  St.  Albans,  Bestwood,  Nottingham.  This  exhibitor  has  arranged 
many  grand  jgroups  this  season,  and  has  been  many  times  to  the  front ; 
his  group  was  a  magnificent  one,  but  a  trifle  heavy,  the  former’s  Orchids 
and  brighter  arrangement  gave  him  the  verdict  by  a  few  points.  Third, 
£14,  James  Marriott,  Esq.,  of  Coventry  (gardener,  Mr.  Finch)  was  third 
for  a  group  that  was  highly  meritorious,  but  it  lacked  the  finish  throughout 
of  the  second  group.  This  exhibitor  seems  to  start  well,  but  does  not 
finish  so  well  as  he  might  by  the  exercise  of  a  little  more  care.  Perhaps 
he  is  short  of  time.  Fourth,  £12,  C.  H.  Wright,  Esq.,  Oswestry  (gardener, 
Mr.  Roberts),  and  a  good? fourth,  too.  The  judges  had  some  difficulty 
here,  but  not  many  experienced  judges  would  question  their  verdict. 
An  extra  prize  was  awarded  to  Messrs.  Jones  &,Son9,  Shrewsbury,  who 
were  the  other  exhibitors,  but  were  fairly  outplaced  by  the  other 
magnificent  groups. 
Twenty  Stove  and  Greenhouse  Plants,  Twelve  in  Flower.  —  There 
were  only  two  exhibitors,  the  old  rivals,  Messrs.  Cypher  and  Finch, 
again  meeting,  both  showing  noble  specimens  of  both  foliage  and 
flowering  plants,  the  first  prize,  £25,  going  to  Mr.  Cypher.  The 
following  were  his  principal  plants : — Cycas  circinalis,  Kentia  Foster- 
iana,  K.  australis,  Latania  borbonica.  Crotons  Queen  Victoria  and 
Sunset ;  flowering  plants — Erica  Eweriana,  E.  obbata,  E.  Turnbulli, 
Bougainvillea  glabra  and  B.  Sanderiana,  Clerodendron  Balfourianum, 
Ixora  Williamsi,  1.  Duffi,  Statice  profusa,  Rondeletia  speciosa  major,  Alla- 
manda  nobilis,  Phcenocoma  prolifera.  Seldom  have  we  seen  such  a 
fresh  and  beautiful  exhibit.  Mr.  Finch,  gardener  to  J.  Marriott, 
Esq.,  Coventry,  though  second,  won  £20,  his  principal  flowering  plants 
being  Erica  Marnockiana.  a  perfectly  flowered  specimen,  fresh  and  good  ; 
Dipladenia  amabilis,  Allamanda  grandiflora  and  Hendersoni,  Ixora 
Williamsi,  Statice  Buckeri  ;  his  foliage  plants  were  almost  duplicates  of 
the  first  prize  exhibit,  but  he  was  beaten  by  Mr.  Cypher  by  several  points. 
With  six  flowering  plants  Mr.  Finch  turned  the  tables  on  his  for¬ 
midable  rival  by  a  very  few  poiilts,  both  showing  clean  and  good  plants. 
Second,  Mr.  Cypher  ;  third,  Mrs.  .luson,  Shrewsbury  (gardener,  Mr. 
Farrant).  In  the  class  for  six  stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  open  to 
Salop  only,  Mr.  Lambert,  gardener  to  Lord  Harlaeh,  Oswestry,  was  first 
with  a  creditable  half  dozen.  Second,  Mr.  Farrant ;  third,  Mr.  Burr  of 
Shrewsbury. 
Ferns  were  fresh  and  good.  For  six  exotics  the  first  position  was  won 
by  Mrs.  Slaney  of  Wellington  ;  second,  Mr.  Roberts,  Halston  Hall ;  third, 
Mrs.  Juson,  Shrewsbury.  Crotons  formed  a  new  class,  and  grand,  well 
coloured  specimens  were  exhibited  by  Mr.  Cypher,  fairly  outmatching 
the  second  prize  plants  of  Mr.  Finch.  There  were  only  these  two  in  com¬ 
petition,  and  we  think  the  class  ought  to  be  better  patronised.  A  well 
flowered  Dipladenia  amabilis  from  Mr.  Lambert  easily  scored  for  him  the 
first  prize  for  the  best  specimen  flowering  plant,  open  to  Salop  only.  The 
class  for  six  Orchids  in  flower  only  brought  two  entries,  Mr.  Cypher 
being  easily  first  ;  Colonel  Lloyd,  Aston  Hall,  Oswestry,  second.  This 
gentleman  was,  however,  first  with  four  Orchids  (Salop  only)  ;  second, 
A.  E.  W.  Derby,  Esq.,  Little  Ness.  It  is  strange  that  the  competition  in 
Orchids  is  so  poor  at  Shrewsbury.  True,  it  is  not  the  best  Orchid 
season  ;  still,  the  prizes  are  worthy  of  more  attention.  Six  Dracaenas. 
— A  good  half  dozen  from  Mr.  Lambert  were  deservedly  placed  first ; 
Mrs.  Watkins,  Shelton  Hall,  second  ;  Mr.  Edmunds,  Bestwood,  third, 
with  smaller  plants  fairly  coloured,  bat  lacking  the  brightness  and 
size  of  the  former. 
Caladiums  were  well  shown,  a  half  dozen  from  J.  R.  Greatorex,  Esq., 
Mytton  Hall,  winning  the  premier  prize.  Coleuses  were  represented  by 
fine  pyramids,  especially  from  A.  Myers,  Esq.,  Shrewsbury,  who  was  easily 
first,  as  he  was  also  with  both  double  and  single  Zonal  Pelargoniums. 
Mr.  Scott  was  the  best  exhibitor  of  Fuchsias — not  large — free,  healthy, 
and  well  flo.vered.  Begonias  were  not  of  high  excellence,  the  best 
coming  from  the  gardens  of  the  Hon.  W.  H.  Herbert,  and  well  won  the 
first  prize.  The  prizewinning  six  Gloxinias  were  exhibited  by  Mias 
Cooper  of  Shrewsbury. 
The  classes  for  table  plants  were  very  strong.  A  good  dozen  from 
Miss  Wingfield  was  first,  Mr.  Edmunds  close  second.  Col.  Page,  Cardiff, 
third.  Fifty  miscellaneous  plants  in  5-inch  pots,  not  less  than  thirty  in 
bloom,  is  always  a  well-contested  class.  First,  Mr.  Burr  ;  second,  Jones 
and  Sons,  Shrewsbury  ;  third,  Hon.  H.  Herbert,  with  interesting  and 
diversified  collections.  For  twenty-five  plants,  first,  W.  J.  Scott; 
second,  Mrs.  Wace  ;  third,  Mrs.  Watkin.  These  classes  are  worth  noting 
by  other  societies,  as  they  afford  many  persons  an  opportunity  of 
exhibiting  who  have  not  the  convenience  for  growing  large  plants. 
Cut  Flowers. 
The  display  in  this  section  was  of  great  magnitude  and  excellence, 
the  several  collections  producing  a  beautiful  effect  in  the  capacious 
marquee  in  which  they  were  arranged.  Toe  leading  class  was  entitled  a 
“  Display  of  Floral  arrangements  in  a  space  of  12  feet  by  5  feet  6  inches, 
a  few  small  plants  allow’ed  for  effective  staging.  Any  design  in  flowers 
admissible  entirely  at  the  discretion  of  the  exhibitor.”  The  dimensions 
had  reference  to  the  length  and  width  of  the  tabling,  but  the  back, 
raising  to  a  height  of  some  6  feet,  and  with  the  tables  covered  with 
velvet  cloth  (except  in  one  instance)  was  furnished  also  with  various 
floral  designs.  Three  out  of  the  four  exhibits  were  extremely  beautiful, 
and  the  fourth  by  no  means  inferior.  At  the  first  glance  Mr.  Chard’s 
light  and  lofty  arrangement  caught  the  eye.  but  on  closer  examination 
his  individual  exhibits  were  seen  to  be  less  both  in  number  and  variety, 
also  in  some  cases  quality  than  the  others,  which  were  also  tastefully 
arranged,  so  he  had  to  fall  into  the  third  place.  Messrs.  Perkins  &  Sons, 
Coventry,  and  Messrs.  Jones  Sc  Sons,  Shrewsbury,  being  placed  first  and 
second  respectively  ;  Mr.  Gunn  oeing  fourth.  Almost  every  imaginary 
