The Florist's Song.
Reading edition
The Florists' Society of Derby flourished in the latter part of last century. Its meetings were held at the Angel Inn, in the Corn-market; and it held exhibitions, at which prizes were awarded. The following song was sung at the convivial meetings of its members, and is here reprinted from a broad-sheet in my own possession.
Attend ye jolly Gardeners of every Degree, From the Setter of a Flower, to the Planter of a Tree: And a Planting we will go, will go, and a Planting we will go. Our first Great Father Adam, was a Gardener by Trade; And likewise Eve our Mother, did use the pruning Blade: And a Planting, &c. Since Gardening so Ancient, it's Praises let Us sing; For in his own Enclosure, he's as happy as a King: And a planting we will go, &c. Observe th' lowly Shrub, and lofty spreading Trees; That form the pleasant Shade, fann'd by th' pleasant Breeze: And a Planting, &c. The Florist claims the Precedence, in this delightful Art; In ranging of his Flowers, and setting each a-part: And a planting, &c. Take Notice of their Beauties, and all their various Hues; Set by his skillful Hand, and rais'd by gentle Dews: And a Planting, &c. It wou'd be much too tedious, to tell each Flower's Name; Or, which for Smell or Beauty, th' Preference can claim: And a Planting, &c. Yet all allow the Auricula has the greatest Share; Since Feasts are held in Honour of the Flower ev'ry Year: And a Planting, &c. It is of Ancient standing, and well conducted too; When each in Emulation, their finest Flowers show: And a Planting, &c. There is a Prize allotted, to him that gains the Day; And 'tis the noblest Flower, that bears the Prize away: And a Planting, &c. Likewise the Second best, for so we all agree; Has both his Ordinary and Extraordinary free: And a Planting, &c. These Flowers rais'd from Seed, which we preserve with Care; For if the Seed be bad, the Flowers they are not Fair: And a Planting, &c. We have Stewards at our Feasts, to see that all be right; In Joy we spend the Day, and Pleasure crowns the Night: And a Planting, &c. Our Feasts are full of Mirth, we have no windy Wars; We never raise Disputes, and are very free from Jars: And a Planting, &c. Our Judges are impartial, both faithful Men and true; They never take a Bribe, but gives each Man his due: And a Planting, &c. Then to Conclude, since FLORISTS enjoy so sweet a Life; Here's a Health to the Society all Foes to Care and Strife: And a Planting we will go, will go, and a Planting we will go.