KAREN 
Our 1952 Introduction would require all the superlatives customarily used 
in describing gladiolus to bring you a true picture of this outstanding variety. 
KAREN is one of the finest gladiolus that has come out in many years. There have 
been many Gladiolus novelties introduced in the last few years, but if you would 
plant them all in one lot with KAREN in the center and asked anyone which was 
the best in the lot, I am sure that KAREN would be considered the best. 
COLOR — A very striking deep Rose Purple with a large cream blotch. According to 
the British Color Chart this variety’s basic color is Indian Lake Red (Rose Purple) 
FLORETS — 6 to 8 well placed five inch florets open on an 18-21 bud spike with six more 
showing color, with a flowerhead of 28 inches. 
STEM — Not heavy but strong, and straight. The florets are firmly attached making it 
easy to handle. 
SUBSTANCE — Unusually good and stands up well for a long time. Spikes shown at 
Western Massachusetts show were held for 10 days and were still good at the end of 
the show. 
RELIABILITY — Very reliable in all ways, wherever grown. A heavy or good propa- 
gator, good grower and uniform bloomer from large or small bulbs, and it is healthy. 
Spikes of KAREN were shown at the large Western Massachusetts show where 
it received an Award of Merit and also was the most popular variety in the show by 
publie vote in 1951. 
At the Rhode Island trial gardens this received the highest score for the year, 
85 in a very trying season. 
I am reprinting the following letter received from Leo T. Jacques on Karen in 1951. 
I believe that we can better tell you th story in fewer words th beauty of this 
outstanding introduction. Mr. Jacques is one of the founders of the Western 
Massachusetts Glad Society, being their first president. 
Mr. James Milo December 21, 1951 
Queen Street 2284 Westfield St. 
Plainville, Conn. W. Springfield, Mass. 
Dear Jim: 
If you haven’t got your catalog ready for the printer, may I have the privilege 
of writing the introductory caption for “Karen”, with you furnishing the color descrip- 
tion. This may sound like Carl Fischer but it sure fits the variety. 
Karen, is destined to become one of the most popular and sought after varieties 
introduced. Its beauty will stamp an indelible picture on your mind. Its color captivates 
the imagination like a page out of a book of Fairy Tales. If the little Fairy Folk gather 
in the dew of your garden. They are sure to pick the spot where Karen is planted to 
congregate. No one can resist her beauty. 
I am not trying to write your catalog Jim but I just can’t get this Glad out of my 
mind. It affects me just the way I have written about it sort of unreal and impossible. 
I predict that like Conn. Yankee, it will be on top for a long time to come. 
Very truly yours, 
LEO P. T. JACQUES 
KAREN was introduced distincly as a novelty, but has become a winner at the shows 
winning Blues in its color class wherever shown. Also won two Sectional and Best 
Recent Introduction Championships in 1952. 
Priced for 1953 as follows: 
Per 1 Large $3.00 Medium $ 2.50 Small $ 2.00 Bulblets 35¢ 
Per 10 Large $24.00 Medium $20.00 Small $16.00 Bulblets $3.00 
BULBLETS PER 100 $24.00 
SPECIAL OFER 2 LARGE 2 MEDIUM 2 SMALL 25 BULBLETS for $20.00 
