4 HOPE NiGaln Corl eG saa oo teats 


Burpee Seed Co. of Philadelphia, I had the most unexpected pleasure of seeing the 
New England Spring Flower Show at Boston for the first time. Those of you who live 
in that region need no words of mine to describe the very fine show seen there. I came 
home filled with admiration for the artistry of all the nurserymen, garden club mem- 
bers and estate owners who put in gardens, special exhibits or arranged flowers. 
Boston I found a friendly town. It was a great pleasure to meet William Clark, 
new editor of Horticulture magazine, and to renew acquaintance with that master 
showman, Arno Nehrling. 
Back from Boston I spent a number of days at the National Flower Show in 
Chicago. High point there was meeting Miss Yim, United Nations delegate from 
Korea, who during the course of a press interview stated that ‘““women in Korea 
retain their own name throughout their lifetime: they do not take their husband’s 
name at marriage.” 
I write this with diabolic intent, for last year, via mail, I was severely chas- 
tised by that well-known New Yorker, M. Frederick Stuntz, who complained because 
“newspaper women insist on using their own names ... and photographs intimat- 
ing they are much younger than they really are.” 
Well, if Mrs. can remain Misses in the ancient and honorable land of Korea, 
just what can’t we Miss-Mrs. get by with in this young-and-vigorous land of free 
enterprise, I ask you, Mr. Stuntz! 
A pleasure denied last year was the regional meeting of the American Iris 
Society members at Fort Wayne, viewing the new iris at Mary Williamson’s and the 
seedlings at Paul Cook’s. A pleasure renewed was getting in to see Mr. and Mrs. 
David F. Hall at Wilmette and the famous Hall pinks. A surprise, and a happy one, 
was having dinner at the Orville Fay’s. A roguish note was the candid comment of 
Ralph Schroeder, who, as an iris judge, is very hard. 
6a BE 
We have only one serious complaint to make about 1946’s treatment of us. 
(We long ago forgave her the drouth, when our plants staged such a magnificent 
comeback.) At the October 12 A.I.S. luncheon in Chicago, a great many growers and 
hybridizers had donated some of the newest iris as door prizes . . . Lynn Langford, 
Pink Cameo, New Horizon, Blue Rhythm, Chivalry, Burgundy Rose. You know, the 
sort of dream list that made your heart thump. 
And did I win one—I did not! But every one of the six other guests sitting 
at my table did! Since it was none other than Ralph Schroeder who pulled the num- 
bers out of the hat. . . . Well, that’s what I think, too! But being a lady, I am keep- 
ing quiet! 
I said I would never do it—-print testimonial letters in my catalog. But Mr. 
Warren Canright, owner and publisher of that friendly country newspaper, The Ches- 
terton Tribune, who again kindly consented to publish this catalog, has just informed 
me I would either have to furnish additional copy (nsert “A”, he terms it) for this 
space, or else “close it up...” So at this point I want to insert the testimonial lines 
that came last month, and that meant a great deal to me, for they came from a 
hybridizer and iris judge of national reputation: 
“T must say the plants you sent have given about the best increase of anything 
received last year . . . Both Deb’s Delight and Burgundy Rose have increased far 
better than average, each having five or more, so will surely bloom .. . Foliage is 
taller than almost anything else in the new ones ... I lay it to the vigor of the 
plants you sent.” 
* k * 
Here we are at the end of another column. A column much longer and less 
practical than the one I enjoy writing daily on “‘Gardening” for the Gary Post-Tribune. 
Before I close, let me thank friends and customers for loyal support and 
patronage during past seasons. It goes without saying that the hours spent in garden 
and field are as much for your enjoyment of better plants and flowers as for ours. 
It goes without saying that your criticism, praise and purchases make this modest 
catalog possible, so to you, our friends and customers, this 1947 book is dedicated. 
Sincerely, 
Waldean Farm, Deanette M. Small. 
April 21, 1947, 
