
Dusk at Mt. Baker, Washington. 
Distinctive Hardy Plants 
for the Collector’s Garden 
E HAVE separated the more rare and difficult plants from the more easily grown types. The 
following plants are mostly for use in the rock, scree, or intimate shade garden which is care- 
fully constructed and receives constant attention. Not all of them are difficult to grow, but some are. 
We feel that it is wiser to mention this than to pretend any gardener, anywhere, can grow these rarities. 
They are being grown successfully by experienced gardeners in most sections of the country, so we know 
it is possible, 
Our collection is the result of many years of painstaking work and offers numerous desirable and 
worthwhile species and varieties, many not available elsewhere. It includes plants from all over the 
world. Our own mountains, as well as the ‘Eaves of the World” in distant China and Tibet, are repre- 
sented. As many of you know, collectors have endured years of hardships and dangers in plant explora- 
tion. A few, notably the famous Farrer, have died on these hazardous trips. It is little wonder that 
many of us are fascinated by these bits of vegetation from remote crags and peaks. Even the rarities 
which grow in more accessible places and do not possess as exciting histories appeal to the enthusiastic 
collector. 
Growing rare plants, especially rock garden and alpine plants, is an ever-spreading hobby. It re- 
quires skill and much patience. Books supply some of the necessary information but most of it must 
be learned by experience. This makes the hobby continuously adventurous and interesting. Although we, 
perhaps, have had more experience than some of you, we still have failures! So do not feel discouraged 
if you cannot grow a plant on the first attempt. The satisfaction of growing and blooming a rare plant 

Our Collection of Rare Plants Is Nationally Recognized 29 
