We have had hundreds of wonderful letters from our customers—nothing gives 
us greater joy. I wish we could print all of them, but that would mean a catalog 
at least twice this size. We do want you to know that we appreciate them very 
much. Not only are we glad to know that you were pleased with the way your 
orders were filled, we enjoy hearing about your garden. And it is very gratify- 
ing to learn that so many Whiting irises won show prizes in 1952. So thank 
you for your letters, your pictures, your kindness and encouragement. 
And new creations do the old succeed, 
As late and unknown beauties rise from seed. Of faint perfume, no other bloom 
—Lawrence: The Art of Gardening, 1728. Can match, for fine distilling, 
Thy essence rare that dulls all care 
If little labor, little are our gains; And sets my senses thrilling. 
Man’s fortunes are according to his pains. —wW, B. Hunt: Blue Flags. 
—Herrick: Hesperides. 
We are proud that some of our irises have been on the American Iris Society’s 
“100 Best” list for several years. It has been suggested that this be called the 
“100 Favorites” which would probably be better as there are many “old 
favorites” on it that might not be able to compete with newer irises still too 
scarce to be widely distributed. Whiting irises that have remained on the list 
of 100 Favorites for some years are: Blue Rhythm, Arab Chief, Cloth of Gold, 
Garden Glory, Priscilla, Rocket, Three Oaks and Vatican Purple. The mem- 
bers of Region 21, A. I. S. have been able to see more of the newer Whiting 
irises in this area. This Regional list of 100 Favorites, contains all of the above, 
plus: Gold Sovereign, Lilac Lane, Technicolor, Tea Rose and Pale Primrose. 
Watch your current garden magazines for excellent articles on how to plant, 
grow and enjoy iris in effective color combinations. March ‘Better Homes and 
Gardens” has a splendid story on how to make the most of the marvelous colors 
in iris by careful grouping. There is a stunning picture of NORTHWESTERN 
in color. In the May “Popular Gardening” there will be a highly instructive 
article on iris in the home garden. No other flower gives a more magnificent 
display of color with which to paint garden pictures. 
