Marjorie W. Lester. (1948.) In this writer’s garden inspection notes, 
May 15, 1947, is written the following comment, repeated here verbatum—“If my 
good partner, Mrs. Lester can live up to the charm and beauty of this delightful 
old rose, she will be welcomed at the Pearly Gates. The parent plant is shooting 
strong canes in all directions and is going to require considerable pruning to hold 
it within reasonable bounds. Blooms are in clusters of about 60; opens first to 112 
inch soft-pink centifolia type, paling slowly to very delicate warm lavender—the 
whole effect being one of rare daintiness both in color and in form. Certainly one 
of the most charming roses in the garden and appropriately named.” 1.25 
Marie Leonida. Bracteata Hybrid, early 19th Century. Nature has given 
this tall, bushy plant, the handsomest, most luxuriant fokiage of any rose we know. 
Try hard as she does all season, however, Leonida seems unable, in this climate, to 
open its full white buds to anything near perfection. We hope some of our friends 
in the warm, inland valleys will give her a place in the sun—as surely that wonderful 
foliage deserves a chance to prove itself, under friendly conditions. 1.50 
Max Graf. H. Rugosa. (1919.) Dr. McFarland, in “Roses of the World,” 
tells the story so well for Max Graf, we will add nothing to his words, except to say 
it is “par excellence” also throughout our garden—‘A curious hybrid is Max Graf, 
resulting in a vigorous, trailing (not climbing) plant with disease-resistant, rugose 
foliage, contrasted in June with many three inch bright pink, golden-centered 
blossoms. This Rose is par excellence for covering a bank or making a hedge. It 
will stand much shade and yet prosper, and it needs no coddling. Max Graf is 
unique in its class, and if it had appeared through the usual novelty- promotion 
methods, might now be in many places that need it.” 1.50 
Mermaid. H. Bracteata. (1918.) We cannot think of Mermaid except in 
association with Frank Lester, and the beautiful specimen plant which he trained 
over the Lester Rose Garden sign carved by his own hand. Much has been written 
about Mermaid, in highest praise, but no-one has excelled the clarity and honesty of 
his own words which follow, because, perhaps, his admiration was so great— 
‘A Climbing Rose of inexpressible beauty, quite different to any other, strongly 
recommended by us for all climates since introducing some years hence, each year 
with heartier response and greater praise. The wax-like, leathery, deep-green foliage 
is quite disease proof and, in mild climates, quite evergreen. The enormous, single, 
yellow, deliciously fragrant flowers, each with its great mass of golden staemens, are 
of rare beauty and borne continuously all through the season. Seedling of Rosa 
Bracteata, a fine Asiatic Wild Rose, it withstands neglect and is quite free from 
attacks of the usual rose pests. Can be grown as climber with support up to twelve 
feet, but is best suited to low wall or fence, on a bank, or as massive, handsome 
garden shrub.” LESTER CATALOGUE 1933. 1.50 
Mme. Alfred Carriere. Noisette. (1879.) We quote the terse description of 
the National Rose Society of England, 1945, and add a hearty “ditto.” White, 
shaded, blush. Vigorous Climber. For Pillar, arch, pergola, east or north wall. The 
best White Climber. Blooms again in Autumn. Very fragrant. Makes a beautiful 
pillar rose. Mildew proof.” 1.50 
Mme. Butterfly. H. Tea. (1918.) We are strong admirers of the fine old 
Ophelia, and Mme. Butterfly is its favorite child. Deeper in color—‘“Pink, faintly 
tinted gold,” sweetly fragrant, gracefully formed—rated by the National Rose 
Society, “best of its type.” 1.50 
Mme. d’Hebray. Centifolia. (1820.) In our spring garden notes, 
appears the following—‘‘This has turned out to be one of the most attractive of our 
‘new’ old roses. Its blooms seem unaffected by any of our pests and its fragrance is 
delightful; is the typical cup-shaped, many petalled Centifolia. Color clear, lasting, 
gentle pink. Blooms in clusters of three to six. Healthy, vigorous, many caned 
bush.” Mrs. L. says “wonderful!” 1.50 
Vile 
