Fruitland Nurseries 
HE attainment of ideals, lasting success, and prosperity in the nursery profession 
must come from a genuine love of the business. A visitor at these famous nurseries 
wonders if there are any unattained ideals at Fruitland. The success and visible 
prosperity that have come during the decades since Mr. P. J. Berckmans was first 
attracted to Augusta and entered the nursery business here might lead one to believe 
that the goal has been reached, and that all ideals were realized. Many have been, 
but daily the goal is pushed farther on, and Fruitland ideals of today for producing 
the highest quality nursery stock are far beyond those of last year or the year before. 
Fruitland Nurseries are peculiarly adapted to the production of quality fruit and ornamental trees 
and shrubs because they lie along the border line of climatic and soil conditions that give the luxuriant 
growth and foliage of the South in combination with the hardiness and vigor attained in the North. Prob¬ 
ably no other nurseries are so advantageously situated as those at Fruitland for growing trees that combine 
these two vitally important elements. Here we grow the finest and most vigorous specimens of the fruits 
and ornamentals that thrive in the North and East, as well as those which are the most popular and satis¬ 
factory in the South. 
Although we are located in what is properly considered Southern territory, many of the trees we raise 
are notably adapted to growing farther north—even as far north as Canada. Many of our customers report 
that even the so-called tender Southern trees that are propagated in our nurseries are sufficiently hardy 
to withstand the low temperatures of northern winters. Our shipments include consignments to foreign 
lands—Australia, China, Japan, Africa, many of the European countries, East and West Indies, Brazil, 
the Bermudas, and South America — ample proof that our fruit and ornamental trees grow and produce in 
those far away localities, as well as at home. 
The original Fruitland Nurseries arc located close to the city limits of Augusta, and from a com¬ 
paratively modest beginning in 1856 they have expanded from year to year until they now cover more 
than 400 acres. About ten miles farther out we have a farm of 240 acres, largely of new land, planted almost 
entirely in nursery stock. The soil on these two farms varies from a stiff clay to loose sand, enabling us to 
grow each variety of tree or plant in the kind of ground that it likes best—and in which it will develop best. 
The home farm is divided approximately as follows: — fruit trees, small fruits, and vines, 300 acres; 
ornamental trees and shrubs, deciduous and evergreen, 100 acres; roses, 25 acres. In addition, more than 
30 acres arc devoted to commercial and test orchards, where we plant the various fruits and watch them 
develop. Here we determine the value of new sorts — their growth in our orchard showing us how reliable 
they will be when planted elsewhere; here, too, we secure our budding and grafting wood, so that we always 
know — -as you can—that our trees are true to name. 
In our greenhouse and plant department we have a total of in excess of 60,000 square feet of glass. 
Every appliance of proved merit which affords an economy of labor and adds to the production of healthy 
stock is utilizeo. An area of 50.000 square feet of cold-frames allows us to carry through the winter a large 
stock of plants which do not require artificial heat in our mild climate. These facilities enable us to furnish 
plants that in point of quality, size, vigor and adaptability to climatic changes are equal if not superior 
to those produced by any other nursery establishment in the United States. 
For many years prior to the death, in 1910, of Mr. P. J. Berckmans, the founder of Fruitland Nur¬ 
series, his three sons L. A. Berckmans, R. C. Berckmans 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 week-day. Visitors are gladly welcomed, and will be 
afforded every opportunity to make a careful inspection of the grounds. The office is on YVashintgon 
Road (a continuation of Broad Street, Augusta), and is about a mile and a half from the terminus of the 
Lake \ iew 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 catalogue, or to furnish other horticultural infor¬ 
mation. 
P. J. BERCKMANS COMPANY (Incorporated), Augusta, Ga. 
LANDSCAPE AND ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 
In this department are handled all questions that may arise with our patrons as to the improvement 
j f private estates, city lots, public grounds, parks, cemeteries, etc. Topographical surveys are made, grad¬ 
ing and planting plans furnished, and consultations given on such subjects as tree-moving, planting, prun¬ 
ing and trimming, preparation of soil for special purposes, road, driveway and walk building, drainage and 
sewage disposal. 
Our charges for services are as moderate as is consistent with good work and results, and 4!! worl^ 
entrusted to us is carefully executed by experienced men under direct supervision of the fipn, 
For further information as to the work of thjs department, refer to page 18, 
