Preliminary Notes 
ACH year brinjis with it an increased demand for hardy plants; plants that 
will live year after year and, when once established, will grow with increasing 
vigor. Hardy Herbaceous Perennials will live year after year, the tops dying 
down each autumn when the plant has matured. Such plants, as their name 
indicates, are ])erfectly hardy and have a great advantage over the annuals, 
which must be raised from seed each year. 
We luive the reliable kinds of Border Plants and, as the demand requires, 
arc adding each year new kinds to our list. Hardy plants, suited for beds and borders, such 
as Japan Iris, I\*onies, Primroses, Campanulas, English Violets, Sedums, etc., we arc grow¬ 
ing here in cold Xew England in quantity, and selections can be made that arc adapted to 
almost every place and condition. 
THE WILD FLOWERS we grow po.sscss a richness of both flower and foliage. They arc 
such kinds as arc adapted to plant alioul the home grounds,—kinds that will bring back the 
thoughts of childhood, when they were seen growing i)y the l)abbling brook in the woods; 
we grow those kinds that haunt the mountain sides, such as Trilliums, jack-in-the-Pulpil, 
Ilepaticas, Arbutus, and Wood Lilies. 
W e have added a list of Sedums, both tall- and low-growing, which we arc sure will be 
appreciated, as they can be used in very dry places where but few kinds of ])lants will thrive. 
W e find that a box or coldframe aids greatly in establishing many of these wildwood 
]>lants. Select a moist, shady place among shrul>bery, if convenient, or where the air docs 
not circulate freely. W'e use a frame 3 6 feet (so a common sash can be used) and about 
a foot deep, putting 3 or 4 inches of coarse litter at the bottom, which will insure good drainage, 
and on top about 3 inches of garden soil, leaf-mold, and bog-moss in about equal parts. 
•After planting and moderately watering, the sash is pul on for a little, but raised slightly; 
this keeps the air moist, and new roots will form in a few days. Of course, the plants have to 
be watched closely when the glass is on, as the .same rule applies to these plants as to any 
others when growing in a frame under glass. .After they are well established with new roots, 
the frame can be removed, putting something like ferns around the raised bed to keep the soil 
in place, ('himaphilas. Partridge Berry, and even 'Prailing .Arbutus, one of the very hardest 
of the wild llowers to grow, seem to take kindly to this mode of treatment. If a frame is not 
available, use for plants that arc hard to establish, like W’intergrecn, Prince’s Pine, .Arbutus, etc., 
a covering of leaves, say 2 inches, or just enough to keep the plants cool and the ground from 
drying, allow them to stay on the bed a whole season, when they should be well established, 
they can be planted in spring or autumn, any lime when not in full growth. 
HARDY ORCHIDS. The.sc arc quite hardy in New England, and, when given proper 
cure and place, arc among the choicest of our Hora. Nothing can be more charming or showy 
than a great held of Cypripcdiiim speciabilc in full bloom. 
HARDY FERNS. The possibilities of this class seem to be but little understood; even 
nurserymen and llorists do not seem to realize that here in cold New England is a class of 
plants, consisting of oyer forty s]>ecies and varieties, especially adapted for planting in cold, 
dark corners, near buildings, under trees, in dry woodlands, wet springy places, and many 
others which it is desired to beautify, but for which the proper plants could not be found. 
POSTPAID. We will deliver at any post office in the United States, the Ferns, Hardy 
I^rennials, Bog and Aquatic Plants and Orchids given in this catalogue, at prices named, but 
this oner does not include Trees, Shrubs and Roses. 
Parties often desire somewliat heavier stock than can easily go by mail. W'c can usually 
accommodate them, and shall be glad to do so when our stock will warrant it, if they will 
pay the c.\pre.ss charges. W’c can often make selections of extra-strong clumps, when such are 
desired, at a reasonable advance in price from Catalogue rates. 
TREES, SHRUBS and ROSES. These are too heavy for the mail, but they will be delivered 
at the e.xpress or freight odice here, the purchaser jiaying transportation charges when goods 
are received. W hen stock can be packed in small boxes, no charge is made, but, when larger 
ho.xcs or bales are used, a charge will be made to cover actual cost. 
EXPRESS RATES. T'he express company here (.Adams) offers to carry nursery stock 
at a reduction of 20 per cent discount from the regular rate. Thirty-five pounds can be sent to 
boston or New \ ork for 35 cents, and i cent for each additional pound; 100 pounds go for 
80 cents. Eleven pounds can be sent to ('hicago for 35 cents, and 3 cents for each additional 
pound. Sec that the red tag is on all express packages; this is a reminder that it is entitled 
to a discount of 20 per cent from the regular express rates. 
REMITTANCES may be made by Registered Letter, bv Post-olTicc Money Order on 
oouthwick, Mass., or by draft. 
CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION. A copy will be sent with each shipment. 
See third cover page for Collection of Flowering Plants. 
.Address ail communications to 
EDW^ARD GILLETT, Southwick, Mass. 
