FOREWORD 
It’s a privilege and opportunity each year to express in a most humble 
and heartfelt way our appreciation and thanks for your letters, your kind 
words and patronage which we have received. They are the incentives that 
spur us on to greater effort in producing better exhibits at your shows, 
better varieties to list in our catalogue and the finest bulbs possible. 
This past year was one of those rare seasons when the rainfall was 
spaced just right for good growth, which makes for good blooms and a fine 
crop of bulbs. I believe it was one of the best summers we have experi- 
enced in over 28 years of growing glads. 
Some folks feel we should handle only American originations. How- 
ever, if we are to continue our good neighbor policy it seems to us we 
should import meritorious foreign varieties regardless where they are 
produced, as we believe most of you want the best obtainable. At least, 
this is the policy we have pursued, and hope to continue to try out varieties 
from all over the world and select the best for listing in our catalogue. 
About this time each year I believe one of your problems is to know 
what to buy and add to your collection in the way of newer glads. Don’t 
take my word, but let me offer a suggestion. Read about the winners in 
each class at the different shows, visit the shows and gardens and see the 
blooms, read the different symposiums and the catalogues of Elmer, John, 
Jim, Herb, Carl, Al, etc., talk to growers themselves about the different 
varieties, and by then you should have a symposium of your own that should 
really disclose the merits of a variety. Not infallible, but it will help. You'll 
be surprised how many of the varieties we list in this catalogue are show 
winners or highly recommended by others. 
As is our practice we have added several new varieties to our list and 
discarded some varieties that we feel have been superceded by better ones. 
We spend lots of time and money and give careful consideration in acquiring 
new varieties. We do'not claim to grow all of the good ones as this is im- 
possible with so many being introduced each year, but I am sure you will 
find our list contains a most comprehensive listing of the better ones. We 
believe — only the best is good enough. 
Sincerely, 
oe 
Gladiolus! Wondrous color-sprays, 
Gorgeous as the clouds in sunset’s rays; 
Endowed with charming form and dainty grace. 
Spires of beauty towering into space; 
Floreate clusters; guarding swords of green— 
Crown you Nature’s wonder and proclaim you 
Queen. 

— Stanley Thorpe 
