The Coldframe 
It does not take much training in garden practice to recog¬ 
nize the importance of a cold-frame for seed sowing, yet many 
side-step this valuable garden aid. Perhaps they fail to sense 
the principle of the thing and its implications, thinking only of 
a pictured affair made by the carpenter with factory sash on 
hinges, plus a good-sized cost bill to pay. That kind is fine for 
some but for others a large wooden box, donated by the hard¬ 
ware man or grocer, will do wonders when its bottom is knocked 
out. What we are really after is protection and control. 
Locate your improvised or full-fledged frame in a southern 
exposure if possible, for it is easier to do some shading if 
necessary than to shift the sun. Fill at least six inches above 
outside level with ordinary soil to insure perfect drainage and 
ease of operation. (We use a foot or more.) Two inches of 
special seed soil will afterwards be placed on top of this. In 
places where moles spade their way underground, wire mesh 
should be tacked to the bottom of the frame. Our own concrete 
frames are floored with concrete, perforated for drainage. In 
heavy winds the sides help to break the shock. 
(Excerpt from article by Chas. F. Barber in the 1938 Year Book of the 
American Delphinium Society on "From Dry Seeds to Living Delphiniums.'') 
TALL AND BEAUTIFUL TOO 
Algonquin, Ill. "The Delphiniums grown from your seeds have been the talk 
of the town, some having been eight feet tall and in the most beautiful coloring I 
have ever seen, while the Pearl Necklace seeds produced their perfect whites." 
THE TEST OF TIME 
Nipinnawasee, Calif. "Would like to have you know that my Hoodacres Del¬ 
phiniums grown from your Complete Range packet are still the most beautiful 
and vigorous; superior in every way to all others, and I have tried several 
kinds." 
Bowling Green, Ky. "Your slides are wonderful and the audience 'Ohed and 
Ahed' throughout the lecture. From the enthusiasm shown am afraid there will 
be quite a few backaches from preparations for Delphinium beds." 
CALIFORNIA CONDITIONS 
Glendale, Calif. "The seeds received last fall were planted, against your 
advice, late in October, and wintered outdoors. They gave splendid results in 
spite of most adverse conditions. Are in bloom now—gorgeous colors and sizes." 
Page Fourteen 
