The Central Daffodil Group opened the 2021 Show season with a small , very social and enjoyable early show in the Manakau Community Hall on Tuesday 10 August . It was a clear , crisp start to a fine , cool day after a strong Southerly Gale swept up the country overnight , dumping snow well down on the local Tararua Ranges . However all had picked their flowers early as we had good storm warnings .After a very early start to the season , flowering has slowed a little and most felt , as the main crop of exhibition flowers nosed through , that it was looking like a more regular flowering season , clearly later than the previous 2 early show seasons . Thirteen exhibitors staged 28 vases of 3 and 42 singles , total 126 stems , a little down on 2020 .Judge Wayne Hughes agreed that the standard was good for an early show with no real standout , – a lot of close calls in an even field .
The winning flower , a first Champion Bloom to an intermediate that I can recall , – was a very neat bloom , flat , wide petals and good stance .John Hollever had pegged it in the seedlings last season and it was again a fine early bloom in spring 21 . A good start to John , back on home turf after an overseas posting for a few seasons .Very pleased to be home and have time for the bulb patch .
CHAMPION BLOOM 1Y – Y Intermediate Seedling John Hollever
Reserve CHAMPION 8W – Y AVALEX John Hollever
Premier Div 4 4Y – Y JFM Sdlg Lunar Probe X John McLennan
Premier Div 6 6Y – O HUIROA Diane Irwin
Premier Div 7 7W – GW JAH 31 – 96 – E Peter Tijsen
Registered 2019 as DEWFALL 7W – GYY
Premier Miniature N bulbicodium Peter Tijsen
Premier Beginner Section 4Y – YO EARLY ORBIT Nina Hydes
Premier Vase 3 JRH Sdlg 1W – Y John Hollever
Best Container / Pot 6Y – Y NIKKI DOODLE Diane Irwin .
A small number of blooms on the Premier Table, – an interesting range of flowering divisions that reflected the climate variation of the growers in our widespread region . Quite a few from pots , a few under covers , – all talking of the big buds waiting for the next show .
An enjoyable start to the season , – just good to be underway and exhibiting again in these uncertain times .More to come , – stay safe .