MEET Bathurst’s newest
national champion.
Laurie Bird can now lay claim to being the country’s
best chrysanthemum grower.
He gave the opposition a hiding at the Australian titles
held in Bendigo last week with victory in the four major
prize categories.
It was the first time an entrant from NSW has taken victory
at the nationals and is a dream come true for the local
spray painter.
Describing himself as a “bit of a dark horse”,
Laurie said yesterday his success was the culmination of
close to 20 years as a chrysanthemum enthusiast.
“This is as good as it gets,” he said. “I
couldn’t ask for more. It was a dream run. To win
the four major titles is a very rare occurrence.
“Normally Bathurst’s climate can be quite challenging,
but the blooms seemed to respond to the cooler summer we
had here this year.
“Most of the big winners generally come from down
in Victoria or Tasmania where the conditions are better.”
Mr Bird said he took 45 of his prized blooms to the championships.
“I’ve been going down to Bendigo for the past
eight years, and am regarded as a bit of a dark horse by
the opposition,” he said.
“This year I made the trip with my wife. We put the
blooms in bottles and pack them into boxes.
“They really get the kid glove treatment all the way.
Once we get there we pull out a few of the bruised petals.
“Preparation is everything. The blooms have to be
perfect.”
Mr Bird grows his blooms in a shed in his backyard and started
exhibiting after getting a few tips from his uncles, Tom
and Merv Webster.
“I got some cuttings and learnt the tricks of the
trade from them,” he said. “I did a few shows
around this district and then went off to Sydney and actually
won a few major trophies.
“But when you get serious, you head south. That’s
where the competition is.”
As for his growing tips, Mr Bird said using organic materials
such as blood and bone and making up his own liquid manure
was the key.
Arcade, the winning drawings are also available for viewing
at LCSD website www.lcsd.gov.hk. |
Select a Florist
