Belle Blanca. H. Gigantea. This is the white Belle of Portugal, otherwise 
identical in habit and bloom. The long, curling buds open frequently to six inch 
blooms. Admirers of the pink should have Belle Blanca also, a beauty in white 
satin. 1.50 
Betty Uprichard. H.Tea. Patent 23. (1922) An exceptionally fine plant, 
performing well anywhere, but at its best in the cooler districts. Flowers are large, 
14 petals, very fragrant, delicate salmon-pink, reverse carmine, with a distinct 
coppery sheen; in constant bloom. Its American Rose Society rating of 87%, tells 
its quality better than we can. 1.50 
Billy Boiler. (Climbing.) H. Tea. (1927.) An Australian creation of the 
great Allister Clark. Dazzling red blooms, of fine form and fragrance, are pro- 
duced constantly all season on a vigorous but easily controlled plant. In our opinion 
rates with the best of the red climbing roses, and makes a stunning pillar. 1.50 
Black Prince. H. Perpetual. (1866.) A very large, cupped, full-petalled 
rose of darkest crimson, shaded black—of especially fine fragrance. Vigorous, tall 
growing and regal; heavy summer and fall bloom. Says good customer, Howard 
J. Tenner, Glastonbury, Conn., “At this writing, October 16, the Black Prince 
bought from you last year are now giving their last blooms. Their dark maroon 
shaded black flowers are just beautiful!” 1.50 
Blanc Double de Coubert. H. Rugosa (1892.) Of vigorous spreading 
habit, with handsome rugose foliage. Its large, semi-double flowers are of purest 
white, delicately and deliciously scented. Blooms freely when happy, but can sulk 
if situation not to its liking. This is a rose for the connoisseur. 
Summer 1947. To last year’s description, we add the words of Neville Miller, 
Pennsylvania, who included it among his prime favorites—‘‘Earliest to bloom this 
spring . . . subsequent flowers have a ‘white rose’ odor, which, by comparison, 
makes modern white roses seem scentless.” 1.50 
Bloomfield Courage. Rambler (1925.) Vigorous but adaptable climbing 
type, and a striking pillar rose, in constant bloom. Its small single flowers are of 
dark velvety red, with light centers and prominent yellow staemens, borne in large 
clusters. Good anywhere but for maximum brilliancy and sparkle, we like it best 
in full sun. No bad habits, outstanding; highly recommended. 1.25 
Cardinal de Richelieu. Gallica. (1840.) ‘Oh I don’t like blue roses,” 
say some of our visitors, and to them, the Cardinal will not appeal. Its small double 
flowers, open vidlet-red, then pass through blues and purples to velvety black. Not 
for the hybrid tea lover, but deserves a place in every “advanced” rose garden. 1.50 
Cascadia. 1925.) Captain Thomas created this tall growing shrub, in a 
cross with one of his famous roses, Bloomfield Abundance. Produces in fine panicles 
of one inch white flowers, showing green staemens, and like all the Bloomfield family, 
is in constant bloom; particularly fine, dark, glossy foliage. One of the bright, 
sparkling notes in our little display garden which fronts the Lester cottage. 1.50 
Castilian. Rose of Castile. (Ancient.) And now comes the first real test 
of our introductory promise to “tell the whole truth about a rose.” This ancient 
variety has been a specialty in the Lester Gardens from the beginning, and it seems 
a sacrilege for this writer to say he likes it only for its great historical interest and 
sweet smell. Given the right growing conditions, the semi-double, deep pink blooms, 
clean foliage, and antiquity would keep it on the preferred list, but because of the 
moisture in our spring air, just an occasional bloom opens to perfection. The many 
loyal friends of the old Rose of Castile must forgive me if my personal vote is 
only “‘maybe.” 1.50 
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