The breeding of ornamental plants has been mainly done by nurserymen or amateurs. Outstanding plants have been bred by the late Edgar Stead, of Ilam (azaleas and rhododendrons), and at the present time J. S. Yeates, of Palmerston North, breeds Lilium parkmanii hybrids; P. Doak, Auckland, and L. Jury, New Plymouth, develop camellias; J. W. Matthews, Waikanae, breeds callas and gerberas, as do several growers in Auckland. Mrs J. Stevens, of Wanganui, received the highest awards in the United States of America for her bearded iris, especially the variety “Pinnacle”.