OUR CUSTOMERS REPORT 
It is impossible to reproduce more than just a 
few of the many reports and comments we receive 
almost daily, from all parts of the world. A typical 
mail day brings in short notes, usually written on 
orders, such as from Indiana: “My clients were well 
pleased with the lilies I got from you”, or from 
Texas: ‘“The bulbs last year were of the best quality 
I have ever seen”, and from South Africa: “I am 
delighted with the Fiesta Hybrids which are bloom- 
ing now.” From New Zealand, Tasmania, Australia, 
France and many other countries such unsolicited 
reports come in. 
Then there are longer letters and I saved out a 
few because they are significant from many points 
of view. That the success of our introductions is a 
deep satisfaction to us, goes without saying. 
“This year in our major weddings we have used 
lilies almost exclusively, and the response has been 
even greater than anticipated. Not only have the 
immediate families and guests been greatly im- 
pressed, but also the Society editors of San Fran- 
cisco’s largest newspapers who have written detailed 
articles about the beauty, dignity and varieties of 
lilies used in the weddings. It would be unjust for 
us to absorb completely this praise, as you, too, 
would appreciate knowing the splendid impression 
the lilies create. I am enclosing a clipping describing 
one of the weddings we did last week and thusly 
show how we are helping to promote the use of more 
lilies in the industry. . . . With new varieties and 
colors being developed each year, I know I will be 
able to depend on lilies to create the much desired 
exclamation and conversation at our fashionable 
weddings.” 
From San Francisco 
“Your lilies have made this gardening season 
even more exciting than usual. As a general rule 
it takes at least a year for anything one plants to 
adjust to this climate; I was especially worried about 
stock from your damp Oregon area. Yet, in spite of a 
vicious spring (that is, an early, warm false spring, 
then freezes, winds—what my son would call ‘the 
works’), my lilies have given me bloom continu- 
ously since early May. Only one stem broke in the 
terrific winds (a budded amabile) . . . . Garden visi- 
tors have loved the lilies; whether large or small, 
they have the knack of being spectacular. From my 
experience so far, I am convinced that lilies defi- 
nitely are for this climate, if wisely chosen and wisely 
placed.” 
From New Mexico 
“Your Mid-Century hybrids have been the high 
point of my garden the last three weeks. People are 
dumbfounded, amazed, incredulous, and deter- 
mined to possess some no matter what they cost. The 
Aurelians are now coming along and getting atten- 
tion too.” 
From Iowa 
“My de Graaff lilies are just now passing the 
height of their bloom. They had been superb again 
this year. ] am more than pleased with them and I 
am indeed happy that we were able to write so en- 
thusiastically concerning them in the major color 
article that you liked so well. Incidentally, its reuse 
in the Practical Gardener was very well received by 
the readers of that publication.” 
From New York 
“My lily border is such a success—no spray—no 
bother—I keep the soil rich—use old manure in the 
fall and mulch with peat moss. I keep pounding the 
fact that I won’t have anything but Jan de Graaff 
lilies because I’m certain they won’t be diseased . . . 
I’ve answered hundreds of questions .. . many people 
came on the garden tour just to see my lilies... 
People just couldn’t believe that I’ve had lilies 
blooming since the 8th of June and could have them 
through September.” 
From Connecticut 
“The speciosum rubrum looked simply wonder- 
ful when the Lily Society were here; they had mul- 
tiplied very well, were very tall and healthy—their 
leaves a wonderful rich green . . . The lilies are 
much taller than last year. Many more blossoms to 
a stem, and anywhere from one to four stems where 
there was only one last year... (Speaking of flower 
arrangements) — Most of them used only lilies with 
some leaves, one used other flowers with them. Most 
of them were quite nice and proved to these women 
that lilies not only are attractive in the garden, but 
can be used in attractive arrangements.” 
From New Jersey 
“I now enclose report on each variety of the 
lilies you kindly sent me for trial. I repeat again that 
they are a grand lot and will make lily history when 
they get established in gardens over here. Apart alto- 
gether from their beauty, what strikes me is their 
health and the strong growth they make. They were 
only planted in December, and I expect will be 
much taller and stronger next year.” 
From Scotland 
“Enchantment is the name of a lily hybrid raised 
by Mr. de Graaff in Oregon and shown by the Com- 
missioners of Crown Lands, Windsor Park, England. 
This has a rather close-packed spike of pale orange- 
red flowers, 4 inches across, with brown spots. Its 
most attractive and unusual feature is the way in 
which these blooms, which are much reflexed, are 
upturned, the long stamens adding to the starry 
effect. This is one of several hybrids raised by Mr. 
de Graaff by crossing Lilium tigrinum and Lilium 
umbellatum. An A.M. was given this fine lily.” 
From “Gardening Illustrated”, September, 1953 
Page 45 
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