The C D G held the first competitive show for the 2019 spring on Tuesday 13 August . After a week of very wet weather , a cloudy , overcast day welcomed 16 exhibitors and supporters to a new venue , the Manakau Community Hall , just off State Highway 1 , about 4 miles north of Otaki . A very suitable size , good facilities and well maintained as it is used daily by the nearby Primary School .
Most agreed that the season is running about a week ahead of normal , few frosts but a lot of recent rain . Locally we have had 8 inches already in August – flowers are tall, good size but a little light on substance , – more sunshine please . We welcomed Graham and Bronwyn Phillips from Hamilton and locals widespread from our area .The big flowers were from the Waikato and Reg and Rita Cull from Foxton .It was interesting to see some newer varieties on the benches and a good display of local breeders efforts . All were involved in panel judging , with senior judges completing the premiers and champs . As expected , the tazetta and doubles classes were the most supported but we had an interesting mix across most divisions .We had 32 vases of 3 and 55 singles , plus 2 pots and a lot of vases staged for interest . Very pleasing and thanks to all who made the effort .
Champion Bloom – 1Y – Y , CHIEF EXECUTIVE , Reg and Rita Cull . A good sized bloom , mid yellow , proud stance , eying the judges .Not seen a lot , it is a Peter Ramsay flower ; The name is appropriate as we all remembered Peters recent passing . Also very pleasing for Reg and Rita who made a good effort after recent health hiccups . A popular winner .
Reserve Champion 6Y – Y RAPTURE , Diane Irwin . As neat and as smooth as Rapture can be ; best of quite a few here on the day .A good reward for our hardworking secretary .
Premier 1W – Y , ARVID , Graham Phillips , – Good size , even trumpet and rim .
Premier 1W – O , WHITFORD SUNSET ; – Graham Phillips . Graham bought 3 of this Max Hamilton registration down for the show . they stood out with their glowing trumpets , smooth but narrow perianth but probably still the best Kiwi in this challenging division .
Premier 2Y -R , WHITFORD RED , – Graham Phillips . Very bright colours , to be registered , one of the last from Max ; eyecatching .
Premier 2Y – Y , G P , I – 25 – 10 . , Graham Phillips . A neat , round flower , even mid – deep yellow .
Premier 2Y – P , G P , W – 15 – 1 , Graham Phillips ; A chunky , squatter flower , good perianth , attractive colours .
Premier 2O – O , LA POINYA , Graham Phillips ; Big flower , even colour saturation , very round and a standout ; in contention for top honours .A new flower to me in a colour that is challenging ; I was impressed .
Premier 2W – P , G P , W – 23 – 2 , Graham Phillips , A big bloom , heavy substance , attractive pink from Grahams favourite colour code .
Premier 2W – W , G P , L – 23 – 4 ; A clean white , many comments on the true green throat .
Premier Division 3 , G P , G – 7 – 9 , Graham Phillips , The only div 3 at the show . A seedling from Grahams Ramar line , tall , good size .
Premier Div 4 , BALLISTIC , – John Mclennan , – Not a big bloom , very round , a little young .
Premier Div 8 , AVALANCHE , – Reg & Rita Cull , – The best of many tazettas , clean and well staged .
Premier Div 11 , GOLD LAKE , – Reg & Rita Cull , Round , clean flower , tall and O K neck for this cultivar .
Premier Historic , RUGULOSIS , pre 1819 , – Reg & Rita Cull , A nice 3 heads on this oldie ; very clean , even colouring .
Premier Vase 3 , LEMON and BARLEY , – 8w – y , — Brian MacKenzie . A well staged set from the very well contested tazetta classes .
Thank you for sharing! Stunning flowers !
Many thanks for this.
Margaret S
Thanks John, lovely photo’s, good on you Graham, Dave Watson
Thank you John. Looks like the start of a great season.