To those whom we have served, 
and whom we hope to serve 
It would be real joy to impart to you some of our en¬ 
thusiasm about Waterlilies. Not because we sell Water- 
lilies, but because we believe they should be a part of 
every garden. Waterlilies are so easily grown that anyone 
can have at least one plant. All you need is a tub or half¬ 
barrel of water, a box of good soil, and a sunny spot in 
the garden or on a porch. 
If you have a medium-sized garden, a small pool can 
be made at a low cost. Then you may have several 
plants, in varying colors if you wish. It’s not a hard task 
to build a pool—the average handy-man can do as good a 
job as an expert. Ask us to send full instructions. We 
shall be glad to give helpful advice. 
For nearly a quarter of a century we have been growing Waterlilies. At the present 
time we have more than thirty pools where we propagate Waterlilies and aquatic plants. 
In addition, we have several large greenhouses given over to Tropical Waterlilies and 
tender plants. Then, there is a special building devoted to the Fish Department, which is 
under the direction of a skilled aquarist. 
On three different occasions (the latest in 1932) we were awarded gold medals for 
Waterlilies displayed at the Cleveland (Ohio) Flower Show. In addition we have taken 
prizes at exhibits in many other places, all of which goes to show that plants from our 
pools are of the very highest quality. 
That you may be successful with Waterlilies, we here give a few hints on planting in 
tubs, in pools, and in ponds. 
Soil. The best soil for aquatic plants is a mix¬ 
ture of three parts of fibrous loam or good garden 
soil with one part well-rotted cow-manure. 
Blood-meal is a good commercial fertilizer and 
may be used to feed plants that appear to have 
exhausted their soil. We supply this in conve¬ 
nient packages sufficient for three to five Water- 
lilies at 50 cts. per carton. 
Hardy Waterlilies should be given new manure 
or blood-meal each year and new soil every two 
or three years. 
Planting. At least one cubic foot of soil 
should be allowed for each Waterlily. A single 
plant in a box 2 feet square and a foot deep, 
filled with proper soil, will develop remarkable 
blooms. It is best, though not necessary, to have 
a separate container for each Waterlily as the 
leaf-spread averages 3 feet in diameter. Set the 
crown of the plant just beneath the surface of the 
soil, then cover with an inch of sand or gravel to 
keep the water clean. Any depth from 6 inches to 
2 feet will do, but young plants should always be 
started in shallow water where the warmth of the 
sun reaches them. Full sunlight on the pool is 
desirable for the growth and formation of blos¬ 
soms. Shallow-water plants may be set in the 
same box to advantage. 
Tub Culture. Waterlilies, Lotus, and aquat¬ 
ics thrive in tubs, half-barrels, or any container 
2 feet or more across that will hold water. After 
filling the container half full of the soil mixture 
and setting the plants, an inch of sand or gravel 
should be added, and the water run in carefully, 
using a saucer or paper to break the flow and 
prevent disturbing the soil. 
Hardy Waterlilies, Lotus and submerged and 
shallow-water plants may be planted directly in 
the soil; bog-plants may be potted and set 
slightly above the water-level; tropical Water- 
lilies should be put in 6- or 8-inch pots, set into 
the soil to keep the growth of the plant within 
suitable limits, additional fertilizer being worked 
in as required. Unless the tub is very large, one 
Waterlily will be enough, although a number of 
aquatic plants may be grown with it. With a 
few fish to eliminate mosquitoes, the garden is 
complete. 
Pool Culture. An artificial pool should be at 
least 2 feet deep. An irregular form is generally 
preferred to a circle, or a square. The sides and 
bottom should be lined with heavy wire fence 
mesh, 2 inches from sides and bottom so the con¬ 
crete may entirely cover the wire. The mix 
should be 1 part cement, 2 parts sharp sand, 
3 parts fine stone. The sides and bottom should 
be at least 6 inches thick, with the wire in the 
center. After this begins to harden, finish with a 
smoothing coat of equal parts of cement and 
sand. 
Natural Ponds. Waterlilies may be planted 
where the water is 1 to 2 feet deep. If the bottom 
is sand or gravel, the roots may be planted in 
boxes and sunk a few inches below the level. 
Otherwise they may be simply pushed under the 
soil or anchored with a stone if the bottom is too 
soft to hold them. 
Terms of Business 
We guarantee all stock furnished by us to be 
first class, true to name, all of a size, so as to give 
immediate results. However, there are causes for 
failure over which we have no control, and we 
can assume no responsibility after stock is 
delivered. 
Cash with Order. To avoid unnecessary 
record keeping in our office, we request you to 
send cash with order. 
Shipping. Plants should be sent by express 
rather than parcel post. Fish must be sent by 
express. 
Adjustments. Complaints must be made 
within ten days after goods are shipped, or ad¬ 
justments will not be made. 
