IRCHVILLE GARDENS ©@ SPECIALISTS IN GLADIOLUS 
PLAINVILLE @ CONNECTICUT Telephone SHerwood 7-2321 
To Our Customers and Friends: 
It is with great pleasure that we present to you our catalogue for 1955. First of all, we want to extend greet- 
ings and best wishes for a prosperous and successful glad year in 1955 and thank each and every one of our cus- 
tomers for their patronage. We hope that we may have the pleasure of receiving your valued orders again. Those 
who have known and bought from Birchville Gardens in the past need no introduction. To those unacquainted with us 
we wish you would favor us with a trial order this season. We know we will be able to satisfy your needs. 
We have been asked by many people to evaluate the newer varieties that we are growing. This is a difficult 
tas« to do and can lead to many a lively discussion among glad fans. But, this review is based on our own observa- 
tions in the fields at Birchville Gardens. Our soil is sandy and the performance of some varieties may differ in other 
types of soil or in different climates. We give you this review, however, with the hope that it will be interesting read- 
ing and that it will assist you in the selection of varieties. 
WHITE — This section has become one of the strongest. Such varieties as Mother Fisher and Florence Nightingale are 
now well established as outstanding glads. The huge spikes of Snowclad and White Excelsior look unusually promis- 
ing and may soon take over this class. In the 401 division White Sails and Carmine Eyes are definite steps ahead. 
CREAM — Adorable from K & M has greatly strengthened this class. It has vigor and clear color and will become a 
leading cut-flower. Leif Erickson, another K & M variety, will be the big winner at the shows, since it is able to open 
ten well-placed florets on good spikes. Columbia, also classified as a cream, is one of the most beautiful and will 
certainly go a long way. 
YELLOW — In our opinion Fort Knox deserves the number one spot. It has good color and spikes and should easily 
win over Gold at the shows. Prospector and Gold are surely beautiful and really have class. Forysthia, with its 
greenish sheen, is a favorite of ours. Gold Bank and Golden Dawn should be considered by cut-flower growers. If 
you like them tall, Gelber Hercules certainly will satisfy you. All of these are big improvements in this class. 
BUFF — Peach Glow and Daybreak are good additions to this weak class. Both have good height and no doubt will 
be well received when better known. The new Afterglow will greatly strengthen the buff section and should become 
a show winner. Patrol, a wonderful commercial and show glad, is a must for all. 
ORANGE — The huge spikes of Atlantic are certain to catch the eye and can win at any show. It certainly is a grand 
sight to see a row of these in bloom. Valentine is a beauty that has been overlooked. Large spikes of show quality. 
SALMON — King Size is just what its name implies. It’s a king in size that can really open them up. We can heartily 
endorse this for a Grand Champion winner. To me, it has been a pleasure to see spikes of Boise Belle and Boldface. 
Both are very striking and easy growers. They are recommended for both home gardeners and commercial planting. 
SCARLET — Welcome, from Winston Roberts, is certainly going to receive a royal welcome from all. It is very early 
and makes beautiful spikes. It will become one of the best commercial varieties. Firelight, also early, is one that has 
been overlooked and in our estimation will become a leader in this class. It makes tall spikes and is just about a 100% 
cutter. Harold K. has size and is one of the easier varieties to grow. Though there are not many scarlets, these are 
dandies both for show and cuiting. 
LIGHT PINK — Pink Pride is certainly a giant that will open ten florets. It will not, however, attain the height of King 
Size. Look, also very large, is one of the best growers we have. For real pastel beauty, few varieties can equa! 
Clarence D. Fortnam, a good grower that opens a ribbon of bloom. 
MEDIUM & DEEP PINK — Sweet Sixteen is one we recommend. It is a very pleasing pink which cuts close to 100% 
good spikes. One of Carl Fisher’s finest varieties. Friendship is very early and is lovely for florist work. For those 
who like them large, Benares will indeed be a pleasant surprise dispiaying 8 open on very tall spikes. 
LIGHT RED — Two very important new glads have been added to this group. They are Early Red and Red Radiance. 
Both have grand color and are easy growers. They will become leading cut-flower varieties. Leah Gorham, always 
popular with visitors, is flashy and catches the eye. 
DEEP RED — Festival is without a doubt outstanding, and we recommend that you try a few. Crimson Tide has very 
heavy texture and ruffling. These qualities, combined with sturdy growth, make it outstanding as a novelty. The 
grand variety Harrisburger has everything from beauty to good spikes. It unquestionably is here to stay. Jim’s De- 
light, our 1955 introduction, will delight you with its big spikes and grand iridescent color. 
