REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON GARDENS FOR THE 



YEAR 1912. 



Charles W. Parker, Chairman. 



The Committee on Gardens presents to the Society the following 

 record of its observations made during the past season. Seven 

 visits of inspection have been made to estates and gardens, a con- 

 siderably less number than in any recent year. The various estates 

 will be briefly described in the order visited and a list of the awards 

 made will be given at the end of the report. 



Bayard Thayer's Estate at South Lancaster. 



The first visit of the season was made on May 17 to the estate 

 of Bayard Thayer at South Lancaster, Massachusetts. The 

 conspicuous feature of this estate at this time was the May 

 Garden, comprising an area of one acre, planted almost exclusively 

 with spring-flowering bulbous plants. 



The garden was divided into sections artistically arranged, with 

 a fine consideration for color effect, and presented a scene of sui- 

 passing beauty that will be long remembered. Thousands of bulbs 

 were in full bloom comprising the finest varieties of tulips, narcissi, 

 and hyacinths, and in addition were peonies, irises, and lilacs, of 

 the early flowering kinds. 



The members of the committee were conducted through the 

 estate by Mr. and Mrs. Thayer and the tasteful planting and 

 fine condition of the place called forth the most enthusiastic expres- 

 sions of pleasure. To William iVnderson, the superintendent, is 

 also due much praise for the skill displayed in developing this 

 noteworthy estate. 



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