Fruitland Nurseries 
F you follow the “back trail” over the history of any business house, you will find that the 
enterprise began with an idea. As you trace the growth of the business, noting how one 
line and then another has been taken up and carried forward, you will see that the suc¬ 
cess of the project has depended in a large measure upon the ability, the enthusiasm, 
and the faithfulness with which this idea has been adhered to in the policy of the house. 
More than fifty years ago—in 1856, to be exact — Mr. P. J. Berckmans conceived 
the idea of establishing, in this section of Georgia, a nursery that should be a source of 
supply for all the trees and plants required by the people of the Middle South. In those 
days the science of horticulture had made little progress, especially in the South; the man who started in 
the nursery business was obliged to cut his own paths, and by actual trials prove what varieties were adapted 
to southern conditions. 
But the love of the business and the enthusiasm of Mr. Berckmans soon had their effect, and in a few 
years Fruitland Nurseries were known over a considerable territory. As time went on, Mr. Berckmans’ 
reputation for furnishing only the best trees and shrubs covered a wider territory, the volume of business 
increased, and acre after acre was added to the original twenty-acre plant, until Fruitland Nurseries are 
the largest in the Middle South, and have a reputation for reliability that extends over the greater part 
of the country. 
Although we are located in what is considered southern territory, the trees, plants, and shrubs prop¬ 
agated here are adapted to northern climatic conditions. Many of our trees and shrubs have been sent to 
Canada, and our customers report that the so-called “tender” trees from our nursery are sufficiently hardy 
to withstand the low temperature of northern winters. Fruitland Nurseries are particularly known for 
the production of the finest fruit and ornamental trees and shrubs. The nursery lands lie along the border 
line of climatic and soil conditions that give the freedom of growth and luxuriant foliage of the South, as 
well as the sturdiness and vigor induced by the lower temperatures of the North. Probably no other south¬ 
ern nurseries are so advantageously situated as those at Fruitland for growing trees which combine these 
important elements. The soil on our farms varies from stiff clay to loose sand, enabling us to grow trees 
and plants in that best suited to producing specimens with great masses of fine, fibrous roots which insure 
strong, sturdy growth when transplanted to orchards or home grounds. 
The original Fruitland Nurseries are located west of the city of Augusta, adjoining the city limits. 
From the twenty acres of 1856 they have expanded until more than four hundred acres are covered with 
ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, roses, and various kinds of fruits. About ten miles from the city we have 
another farm of two hundred and forty acres, mostly virgin soil, planted in nursery stock. These farms 
are divided about as follows: Fruit trees, 300 acres; grapes and small fruits, 15 acres; ornamental trees 
and shrubs, 100 acres; roses, 15 acres. We also have our own test orchards of over 30 acres, where we plant 
the various fruits and watch their development. This plan gives us positive knowledge of the character 
and value of all fruits we list, and shows how reliable they will be when planted elsewhere. While the climate 
here is comparatively mild, it is necessary to provide protection for some of the tender plants, and for this 
purpose we have over 60,000 square feet of glass. Every modern appliance of merit is in use in this depart¬ 
ment, which, with skilled labor, aids in the production of the choice stock that has made the high reputation 
of Fruitland Nurseries. In addition to the greenhouse facilities, we have an area of over 50,000 square 
feet of coldframes in which a large stock of plants, which do not require artificial heat, is carried during 
our mild winter. These superior facilities enable us to grow plants unsurpassed for size, vigor, and adapta¬ 
bility to all climatic changes. 
Shipments of trees and plants from Fruitland Nurseries have been made to many foreign countries, 
including Japan, Africa, Australia, most of the countries of Europe, Brazil and other South American 
countries, East and West Indies, and the Bermudas. Our customers report that the plants are doing well 
and producing as freely in those far-away lands as at home. For many years prior to the death of Mr. 
P. J. Berckmans, in 1910, the founder of Fruitland Nurseries, his three sons, L. A. Berckmans, R. C. Berck¬ 
mans, and P. J. A. Berckmans, were actively engaged in the business with their father, each of the sons at 
the head of one department of the business. The elder Berckmans retired from active connection with 
the enterprise several years ago, and the management of the business devolved entirely upon the sons. 
Therefore, the death of Mr. Berckmans has in no way affected the firm name, the policy of the house, nor 
the efforts to produce only the very highest grade of stock. Our establishment is open for inspection any 
weekday. Visitors are gladly welcomed, and will be afforded every opportunity to make a careful inspection 
of the grounds. The office is on Washington Road (a continuation of Broad Street, Augusta), and is about 
a mile and a half from the terminus of the Lake View Electric Car Line. If you cannot visit us in person, 
we shall be pleased to answer by mail any inquiries about the trees, shrubs, and plants listed in this cata¬ 
logue or to furnish other horticultural information. 
P. J. BERCKMANS COMPANY (Incorporated) 
__AUGUSTA. GA._ 
Landscape Designing. A tasteful and well-balanced arrangement of trees, shrubs and plants about 
-----3-— the grounds raises the simplest place above its surroundings. But if the 
planting is done in a careless way, or without a knowledge of the requirements, the place never gets 
above the level of its neighbors. 
Skillful planning is required before actual planting begins. You would not build a house without 
consulting a competent architect—nor should you attempt to build your landscape without consulting 
those who know how to obtain maximum effects with minimum expense. 
Our landscape department is prepared to study your property, or the parks and public grounds of 
your city. We give verbal advice and written reports. If the problems can only be disposed of by draw¬ 
ings, we are prepared to make topographical surveys, design plans, furnish details, specifications and 
estimates. Correspondence is invited. Address P. J. Berckmans Co., Inc., Landscape Architects, 207 
Terminal Building, Augusta, Ga. 
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