The cultural directions are quite complete and if followed will insure 
your success with any plant you try. However, because of the vastness of our 
Country these directions must, in most cases, be considered as general for- 
mulae. Usually the conditions given for shade, sun, soil and moisture are not 
absolute requisites. It merely means that they can be tolerated by or are pre- 
ferred by that particular plant. In many cases a plant tolerating full sun and 
a dry soil on the eastern seaboard will quickly wither and die if given the 
same treatment in the mid-western plains. A plant that may be absolutely 
hardy at sea level will succumb to the withering winds on a mountain top. 
The cultural directions as outlined correspond to the conditions given our 
plants here at the nursery. Most plants will tolerate changes in the soil com- 
position and acidity, and many will thrive in completely opposite situations. 
I have observed self-sown Dianthus plants flourishing in a heather bed. I have 
had Gaylussacia brachysera growing in crevices of limestone rocks. I have 
seen magnificent sempervivums in dense shade and an outstanding colony of 
Trillium grandflorum in full hot sun. In summation, the cultural directions 
given are the ones tested to give us the best results we deem possible. In our 
estimation the most important items for the successful cultivation of most al- 
pines and rock plants are an ample water supply and excellent drainage for 
all but the bog plants. 
We have attempted to give an accurate description of every plant listed so 
that you can get a fair idea of what it will look like in your garden. We have 
also mentioned some of the special uses of various plants, such as ground 
cover, wall plant, terrace or walk plant, etc. A true description of the colors of 
flowers is the most difficult task. Where it has been possible we have classi- 
fied our specimens with the Horticultural Color Chart issued by the British 
Colour Council and the Royal Horticultural Society. We have had this chart 
for a very short time and have been able to check only a small percentage — 
of our plants. We expect to check the remainder of our stock next summer — 
and make special notes of them in our next price list. In the plant descriptions | 
where we have used the color chart we have noted the color with the HCC 
number and with the color name. For example: Daphne cneorum, HCC 24/2, 
Tyrian Rose; Draba sibirica, HCC 2, Canary Yellow; Primula juliana W anda, 
HCC 732, Dodge Purple. Where we could not check with the color chart we 
have tried to give as true a description of the color as is possible with our — 
limited knowledge. 
