Gardeners Inspect ''Homewood'' 



The pleasant relatidus that exist between some 

 estate Dwiiers and tlieir sujierintendents were mani- 

 fested on Monday, June 21, when R. P.. \\'ard, the 

 genial owner of "Homewood," a charming country 

 estate situated among the hills of Westchester County, 

 at Wykagyd, New York (described in the last issue of 

 the Chronicle), extended an invitation to some sixty- 

 five gardener friends of Nicholas Butterbach, his super- 

 intendent, to inspect a new French fruit garden that 

 has recenth- been completed on the estate by Mr. But- 

 terbach. The members of the party, traveling by vari- 

 ous routes, journeyed to New Rochelle and were there 

 met at the station by Mr. Butterbach. After many 

 greetings by old acquaintances, the party boarded a 

 special car that JMr. Ward had chartered for the occa- 

 sion and proceeded to "Homewood," where, after an 

 inspection of the grnumls, tliey became his guests at 

 luncheon. 



After lunch .\rthur Herrington Ijrought the gather- 

 ing to order and called on Mr. Butterbach whom, he 

 stated, some knew as such, while others knew him 

 more familiarly as Nicholas Butterbach ; "but," he re- 

 marked, "there are some among us who have been in- 

 timately associated with him so long that we know 

 him only as 'Old Nick.'" He referred to Mr. lUitter- 

 bach's long and brilliant career as a gardener and one 

 who can be accepted as an authority on almost any- 

 subject pertaining to horticulture. 



Mr. Butterbach, in responding, was found in a rem- 

 iniscent mood and related some of his early experi- 

 ences as a gardener. On behalf of Mr. Ward, Mr. But- 

 terbach extended a cordial welcome to the visiting 

 gardeners and expressed for Mr. Ward, who had 

 planned to receive them on the estate, his regrets for 

 being unable to be present, as he was unexpectedly- 

 called away earlier in the day-. Reverting to the sub- 

 ject on which he desired to speak, Mr. Butterbach said 

 that he received his early- training and experience in 



dwarf fruit tree culture under the watchful eye of 

 a student of the originator of the dwarf fruit trees in 

 France. He explained the various methods of cultiva- 

 tion and the necessity of [irciper pruning and pinching 

 (which will be reported in more detail in the August 

 issue of the Chronicle). The part\- then withdrew 

 to the French fruit garden, where Mr. Butterliach 

 gave some practical demonstrations of summer |)run- 

 ing as a means of developing fruit spurs and bringing 

 trees into bearing. Many questions w-ere asked and 

 ably- answ-ered by Mr. Butterbach, which left no doubt 

 in the minds of the visitors that he is a master of 

 his art. 



The lecture over, other prominent features of the 

 ])lace were inspected, among which may be mentioned 

 the extensive herbaceous garden, adjoining the fruit 

 garden. The sunken garden containing many varieties 

 of old-fashioned flowers, was the source of much interest. 

 The rose garden, which contains many of the finest 

 varieties of out-door roses, was next inspected. The 

 somewhat extensive range of green houses also proved 

 of more than passing interest. 



At this stage of the tour of insjiection the arrival of 

 the photographer was announced and the visitors re- 

 paired to the stretch (if lawn in fmnt cjf the mansion 

 to be photographed. 



The next point of interest to be inspected was the 

 farm jiart of the estate, which is well equipped with 

 modern farm buildings. I)iit as the ])arty^ was about 

 to proceed there it was found that the time had jjassed 

 so rapidly- that many- had to leave at once in order to 

 make tlieir train to get home the same evening. Those 

 who had the time to spare, visited the farm buildings and 

 found much to interest them, after which those remaining 

 expressed themselves freely in appreciation of all they 

 had seen, heard and enjoyed at Homewood. 



On the motion of John W. Everitt, president of the 

 National Association of Gardeners, a hearty vote of 

 thanks was accorded to ]\Ir. Ward for his kind invita- 

 tion and hospitality, and to Mr. Butterbach for his 

 practical talk on fruit growing and other courtesies 

 extended the party while visiting the estate. 



G.\THERINC, OF C.ARDEXERS AT HOMEWOOD. THE EST.XTE OE R. T.. WARD, WVKXCYL. XEW YORK. 



