Forenord 
GREETINGS FOR 1949 
Spring is here again! In the whole cycle of the year, 
these first days of spring are most heart warming for they 
dispel our jaded winter spirits and give a golden promise 
to the coming of summer. 
The theme of the magazine House and Garden is “Good 
Gardening is Good Living”, and I think all gardeners would 
do well to adopt it as their own for in these turbulent times 
our home is at the root of our living, and our gardens can 
become a refuge from the perplexing problems of this topsy- 
turvy world. 
Each year, we endeavor to see most of the newest iris, 
and in doing this travel to many parts of the country, se- 
lecting seedlings from different hybridizers that we think 
worthy of being grown in our garden with the idea of in- 
troducing them to the public if they prove distinctive from 
other varieties, and are dependable in our northern climate. 
Also we use the same discrimination in choosing iris that 
are introduced through other gardens, for we wish to list 
only those that are worthy garden subjects. 
After most bearded iris you will see initials and numbers, 
by looking on page 2 of the catalogue you will find the 
definitions covering them. Most of the awards have been 
given by the American Iris Society, and the numerical ratings 
that I have included are those of A. I. S. judges previous to 
1947 when our old system of rating was discontinued for I 
am convinced we need ratings that the average gardener 
can understand so if they are not familiar with the different 
varieties they can gain some idea of their value. 
This year we have the pleasure of adding another 
breeder of iris to those for whom we introduce, and follow- 
ing our custom we are giving you a brief outline of his 
general background, his business activities and work in 
hybridizing. 
Many A. I. S. members have visited the beautiful and 
restful garden of Mr. and Mrs, Stedman Buttrick of Concord, 
Mass. and have enjoyed the careful planning and arrange- 
ment of the garden as well as the beauty of the whole 
estate. Mr. Buttrick is a member of a very old Massachusetts 
family and his garden overlooks the famous battle ground 
where the American colonists turned back the British at the 
battle of Concord and Lexington. His property long known 
as the Buttrick Farm has been in his family since before 
the American Revolution. Mr. Buttrick is a member of one 
of the oldest banking firms in Boston which has many af- 
filiations in the business world. In the horticultural field, he 
is treasurer of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society as 
well as a director of that society, but in his leisure hours 
his real joy is in his family, home, and garden with special 
interest in breeding better iris particularly in blues and 
whites. Most modest and conservative, he is a severe critic 
of his seedlings, but in his beautiful blue iris named Seafarer 
he agrees with many other A. I. S. judges that it is worthy 
of introduction. It is most deserving of the Highly Com- 
mended award given it in 1948. 
As in previous years, we are introducing several iris 
from other prominent hybridizers. These are distinctive 
both in color and garden value. They have been tested for 
hardiness, and are varieties that we are pleased to introduce. 
The late Mrs. Walter E. Tobie of Portland, Me. has 
produced many fine iris, but none is more lovely than 
Aucocisco, a beautifully finished amoena with almost pure 
white standards and very velvety dark blue-purple falls. It 
won the warm approval of the A. I. S. judges and received 
the award of Highly Commended in 1947. 
The iris enthusiasts of Massachusetts are pleased to 
have this beautiful light blue iris bear the name of Bay 
State. Bred by Mrs. Preston E. Corey of Reading, Mass. this 
iris has been admired from coast to coast as demonstrated 
by the award of Highly Commended received in 1946. 
Mrs. Henry L. Grant of Louisville, Ky. should feel very 
proud of her iris Polonade which we are introducing this 
year. A most unusual and handsome rich yellow and white 
reverse bicolor that has attracted a great deal of attention 
and in 1948 won the Highly Commended award. 
This year we are introducing for Mr. Harold W. Knowl- 
ton of Auburndale, Mass. the iris Blizzard, it is a fine early 
white of ruffled form that was one of the “high spots” of 
the 1946 A. I. S. annual meeting when it received the award 
of Highly Commended. 
We have chosen two distinctive iris from Mr. H. F. Hall 
of Moorestown, N. J. a noted eastern horticulturist who is 
breeding some very fine iris. They are Indian Red a brilliant 
Pompeian red and copper, and White Parchment a tall and 
stately heavy substanced late white. 
For Mr. Wentworth Caldwell of Nashville, Tenn. we are 
introducing the iris Summertime. Many will remember this 
handsome tall deep yellow that received the Highly Com- 
mended award in 1946. 
From Dr. Robert J. Graves of Concord, N. H. we are 
presenting two most attractive iris; Corporal Mary a tail 
very large pale yellow with an infusion of white on the falls, 
this was given the award of Highly Commended in 1948. 
Junior Miss is a flaring ruffled cream that is delightful for 
border planting. 
On Guard is a warm buff yellow from the hand of Mr. 
Carl Carpenter of Owensboro, Ky. It was on display last 
year in several gardens and received much favorable com- 
ment as well as the award of Highly Commended. 
From Mr. Clarence Connell of Nashville, Tenn. the 
originator of the Dykes Medal iris Dauntless we have 
selected Plum Tart, a rich purple and white that is fasci- 
nating and unique in color placement. 
Mr. Jesse E. Wills of Nashville, Tenn. who produced 
Chivalry the Dykes medal winner, says that he numbers 
many seedlings for further observation, but all that know 
him realize that he is most careful in the final selection. 
The two we are presenting this year are Star Shine a blend 
of cream, white and blue that is distinctly different from 
any other iris and winner of a Highly Commended award 
in 1948. Far Hills is a finely formed orchid pink with long 
season of bloom. 
All that have seen the iris seedling patch of Mr. Geddes 
Douglas of Nashville, Tenn. realize what a wealth of good 
material he has from which to choose, and this year we are 
introducing several that cover the blooming season of the 
bearded iris. Two that are very early are Dutch Boy a lovely 
blue white, and Lela Dixon a clean sturdy blue and white 
plicata. The midseason to late varieties are Cover Girl a 
bright pink, and Sarah Goodloe a rich dark red that received 
the Highly Commended award in 1948. The very late season 
is represented by Gaylord a stunning amoena, and Silver 
Sunlight as sparkling as spring sunshine. Not only is Mr. 
Douglas a hybridizer of iris, but in the last few years he has 
been breeding some very fine hemerocallis, and this year 
we are introducing four of them; Black Magic a very dark 
purple, Pink Radiance a clear geranium pink, Rose Unique 
a tall watermelon red, and Royal Guest a beautiful rose 
purple. 
This year we are introducing one of my own iris. Beau 
Gay is a delightful salmon orange self, deliciously fragrant 
and charming for border planting. 
Our Hemerocallis Introductions for 1949 follow the Iris 
Introductions in the catalogue. They have been selected with 
great care, and represent a wide choice of colors. 
Many of my hemerocallis introductions are included in 
a set of Kodachrome slides available for rent from Dr. 
Philip G. Corliss, Somerton, Arizona. If you are interested 
write him direct for details. 
You are cordially invited to visit the garden at any time 
that suits your convenience. If you are unable to do so, and 
feel you need advice about varieties to choose, write me and 
I shall use the same care as if I were selecting for my own 
garden. 
