8 
FERNDALE NURSERY—ASKOV, MINNESOTA, 1940 
Wild Flowers 
When the early pioneers took possession of this vast wilderness, known 
as North America, they found it replete with a luxuriant growth of native 
plants. Throughout the vast wooded section grew, not only the stately Pine 
and Oak, but also the dainty little Houstonia and Hepatica, the Trillium, 
Bloodroot, Gentian, Violet and a myriad of others. In the cool moist bogs and 
marshes grew not only the towering Cedar and Tamarack, but also the 
Cypripedium and Pitcher plant, while over the boundless prairie were found 
almost innumerable sun-loving flowering plants and throughout grew ferns 
in endless variety. 
But we have cut down the forest, drained the bogs and the plow has 
turned the prairie sod under to make room for agriculture. And, as if to 
complete the destruction of wild life, fire has swept the whole section time 
and again. The native plants have been crowded farther and farther back 
into inaccessible nooks and wastelands where they are now making a last 
stand in face of destruction. 
Many of these wild plants bear flowers of indescribable beauty and 
daintiness. Where do we find a more beautiful orchis than the showy Lady- 
slipper or a more delicate orchis than the Habenaria? No domesticated violet 
can compare with pedata bicolor and rarely do we find a more curious and 
interesting plant than the Pitcher plant with its wax-like flowers of beauty 
and interest. 
To many of us the fascinating scene of nature’s garden linger in memory 
only. It belongs to days gone by when nature had not yet been violated by 
man’s mad scramble to subdue and civilize. 
But we can do much to restore this dwindling family of nature’s crea¬ 
tions to a place they richly deserve. Throughout the length and breadth of 
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the land there is awakening a great interest in wild plants. Perhaps in the 
not too distant future we shall find them restored in natural settings, occupy¬ 
ing an honored and cherished position side by side with the more conven- 
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tional flower garden. 
Throughout our catalog we list a number of native plants. They have 
been brought together from distant localities. From Vermont to Carolina and 
the Rocky Mountains we have gathered them and they are offered to our 
customers in the hope that they may find permanent homes where they may 
receive care and appreciation. 
Hardiness. There is no class of plants more hardy when once estab¬ 
lished under natural conditions of soil, moisture and exposure, and none so 
much admired as these rapidly vanishing natives of our woodlands, swamps 
and prairies. Join the ranks of the wild flower enthusiasts and get a real 
thrill watching these wildlings make themselves at home in your garden. 
