EAR BO The Pemsyloania Horticultural Society The beautiful design on the cover of the Yearbook was made for the Horticultural Society by a member of the Council, DOROTHY FALCON PLATT. Mrs. Piatt is a v/ell-known artist v/ho combines botanical knowledge with artistic skill to create flower paintings and horticultural designs of great distinction. 19 5 8 YEARBOOK of THE PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Oldest Horticultural Society in America With Reports for 19 5 7 THE PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 389 Suburban Station Building 1617 Pennsylvania Boulevard, Philadelphia 3, Pennsylvania THE PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY is a non- profit organization of individuals whose purpose is to promote horti- culture. The annual reports of committee chairmen in the following pages give some idea of how this aim is pursued. Horticultural knowledge is made available by means of lectures, symposiums, projects in plant culture, displays of fine plant material and demonstrations of cultural procedures. The Society also has an ex- cellent horticultural library which may be used either directly or by mail. A trained consultant helps the members with gardening problems. The Society takes an important part in both the Philadelphia Flower Show and the Chrysanthemum Show at Swarthmore, and stages a Daffodil Show and other shows of seasonal interest. It has an active interest in conservation and civic improvement. It continues to have a part in the maintenance of the Azalea Garden, which it gave to the city several years ago. Members of the Society have the privilege of visiting, without charge. many private gardens in this area. Dues also include a subscription to Horticulture, a leading garden magazine. The present membership is over 6900. An invitation to join the Society is extended to all who are interested in sharing its privileges and its work. Annual dues, $5.00. Life Membership Fee, $100.00. (may be paid in installments.) Make checks payable to: THE PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 389 Suburban Station Building 1617 Pennsylvania Boulevard, Philadelphia 3, Pennsylvania Telephone: RIt+enhouse 6-8352 - RIttenhouse 6-7185 — 3 — OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCIL President MR. GEORGE R. CLARK Vice-Presidents MR. CARROLL R. WETZEL MRS. CHARLES PLATT MR. CHARLES BECKER, JR. Secretary MRS. E. PAGE ALLINSON Treasurer DR. J. FRANKLIN STYER Assistant Treasurer MR. JOHN G. WILLIAMS EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Term Ending Decennber 31, 1958 MR. CHARLES BECKER, JR. MR. J. LIDDON PENNOCK. JR. MRS. G. RUHLAND REBMANN. JR. MRS. FRANCIS H. SCHEETZ MRS. RALPH T. STARR MR. R. GWYNNE STOUT MRS. W. BEAUMONT WHITNEY, II MRS. RICHARD D. WOOD, JR. Term Ending December 31, 1959 MR. W. ATLEE BURPEE, JR. MRS. JOHN B. CARSON MR. GEORGE R. CLARK MRS. T. NORMAN HENRY MR. HENRY D. MIRICK MRS. CHARLES PLATT MRS. DONALD P. ROSS DR. J. FRANKLIN STYER MR. CARROLL R. WETZEL MRS. HARRY WOOD Term Ending December 31, I960 MRS. E. PAGE ALLINSON DR. JOHN B. CARSON DR. JOHN M. FOGG, JR. MR. FREDERICK W. G. PECK MRS. WALTER REBMANN MH. RICHARD H. L. SEXTON MISS ESTELLE L. SHARP MR. WILLIAM H. WEBER MR. JOHN G. WILLIAMS OFFICE STAFF MRS. BROOKS SEMPLE, Executive Secretary MISS MARGARET M. PORTER, Horticulturist Consultant MRS. CATHERINE E. TAGGART, Membership Secretary MRS. KARL R. ZUCH, Librarian 4 — COMMITTEES FOR 1958 The President, ex-ofiicio, is a member of all committees. Executive Committee MR. CARROLL R. WETZEL, Chairman MRS. E. PAGE ALLINSON MRS. G. RUHLAND REBMANN, JR. DR. JOHN B. CARSON DR. J. FRANKLIN STYER MR. J. LIDDON PENNOCK, JR. MRS. RICHARD D. WOOD, JR. Finance Committee MR. JOHN G. WILLIAMS, Chairman DR. J. FRANKLIN STYER Library Committee MR. HENRY D. MIRICK, Chairman DR. JOHN M. FOGG, JR. MRS. FRANCIS H. SCHEETZ MRS. GEORGE REATH MR. RICHARD H. L. SEXTON MRS. E. FLORENS RIVINUS Lecture Committee MRS. HARRY WOOD, Chairman MRS. J. GIBSON McILVAIN BUNTING MISS GERTRUDE SMITH DR. ETHEL B. HANKELE MRS. CARL B. WATSON Horticultural Committee MRS. W. BEAUMONT WHITNEY, II, Chairman MRS. FREDERIC L. BALLARD, JR. MRS. RALPH T. STARR MRS. J. FOLSOM PAUL MR. JOSEPH B. TOWNSEND, JR. MRS. RICHARD H. PREWITT MRS. RICHARD D. WOOD, JR. MR. RICHARD H. L. SEXTON MRS. EDWARD F. R. WOOD, JR. Chrysanthemum Show Committee MR. CHARLES BECKER, JR., Chairman MR. HARRY WOOD, Co-Chairman MRS. GUSTAVE BALLENBERG MR. ERIC H. JENKINS MRS. CHARLES BECKER, JR. MRS. H. CAMERON MORRIS. JR. MISS ELEANOR W. DAVID MR. WAYNE W. RADCLIFFE MR. WILLIAM G. ELLIS MRS. ARTHUR HOYT SCOTT MRS. T. BROMLEY FLOOD MRS. H. ROLAND TIMMS MR. HAROLD GRAHAM MRS. HARRY WOOD MR. WALTER L. HEWES, Chairman of Staging 5 — Exhibition Commiftee MR. R. GWYNNE STOUT, Chairman MRS. FREDERIC L. BALLARD, JR. MR. FREDERICK W. G. PECK MR. HENRY D. MIRICK MRS. RALPH T. STARR MRS. CARROLL R. WETZEL Garden Visits Committee MRS. WALTER REBMANN, Chairman MRS. VAN HORN ELY MR. FREDERICK W. G. PECK MRS. MARTYN KNEEDLER MRS. DONALD P. ROSS Membership Committee MR. RICHARD H. L. SEXTON, Chairman MRS. RICHARD H. PREWITT MKS. RICHARD F. R. WOOD, JR. MRS. RICHARD H. L. SEXTON Editorial Committee MRS. G. RUHLAND REBMANN, JR., Chairman Azalea Garden Committee DR. JOHN B. CARSON, Chairman :VIRS. HOWARD A. FOSTER MISS ESTELLE L. SHARP MR. HENRY D. MIRICK MR. JOSEPH B. TOWNSEND, JR. MR. WILLIAM H. NOBLE, JR. MR. WILLIAM H. WEBER MRS. J. FOLSOM PAUL MR. JOHN G. WILLIAMS MR. FREDERICK W. G. PECK MRS. RICHARD D. WOOD, JR. Standing Committee of The Philadelphia Flower Show MRS. FRANCIS H. SCHEETZ, Chairman MRS. G. RUHLAND REBMANN, JR. MRS. DONALD P. ROSS Awards Committee MR. J. LIDDON PENNOCK. JR., Chairman MR. FREDERICK W. G. PECK MR. R. GWYNNE STOUT MISS ESTELLE L. SHARP MRS. W. BEAUMONT WHITNEY, H OFFICE RECORDS Year Ending November 20, 1957 Membership as of November 20, 1957 6953 Losses, including deaths 840 New Members added during the year 1231 -6 — ANNUAL MEETING— 1957 The 131st Annual Meeting of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society was held on Wednesday, November 20, 1957 with 70 members present. Mr. George R. Clark, president, presided. Mr. Clark remarked that our Annual Meeting is an informal affair and that we had sufficient talent and interest among our Council Members for entertainment. He regretted that Mrs. Ballard was not present to hear the many lovely things that were said about her current display of House Plants. Mr. Clark thanked Mrs. Allinson for providing refreshments after the meeting and thanked Mrs. G. Ruhland Rebmann for her beautiful arrangements in the Board Room. Mr. Clark said that before going on with the rest of the agenda, tribute should be paid to two members and friends of the Society who had died in the last few days — Mr. William Clarke Mason and Dr. Jane Leslie Kift. Tributes to Mr. Mason and Dr. Kift follow. "The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society suffered a great loss yesterday in the death of William Clarke Mason. Mr. Mason had been a member of the Council of the Society since 1939 and gave generously of his time and interest during his long association with it. As legal advisor, his service was invaluable. He guided us to a successful solution of tax problems at a time when the tax free status of such societies as ours was being questioned by the government, and was gracious in giving professional advice whenever needed. As chairman of the Finance Committee during the past few years, his clear understanding and good judgment kept our finances in sound condition. His knowledge of horticulture and experience as a gardener gave him a sympathetic view of the aims of the Society and he took the time to be thoroughly acquainted with the details of its affairs. He was faithful in attendance at meetings where his ability to see clearly through the mazes of group thinking and his keen sense of humor often brought a quick and agreeable solution to knotty problems. The members of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society at their annual meeting record not only their deep sorrow for the loss of a true horticulturist, a brilliant legal advisor and a great friend but also their profound gratitude for the years of associa- tion with him. They ask that copies of this expression be spread upon the minutes of the Society and sent to Mr. Mason's family." "Whereas Dr. Jane Leslie Kift has for many years written and reported on Horticultural subjects and her wide knowledge in the science and art of growing things has been of great value — 7 — ANNUAL MEETING (Continued) to many gardeners. And whereas her notices and reports have frequently been of much service to The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, be it therefore resolved that the Society express to any of her surviving relatives its appreciation of her services and of her many courtesies, and that this resolution be spread upon the minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Society, occuring on November 20th, 1957." It was voted unanimously that they be spread upon the minutes and a copy sent to the families of Mr. Mason and Dr. Kift. Mr. Clark announced that the Executive Council of the Society had voted to make a contribution of $250.00 to the Liberty Hyde Bailey Hortorium. While it has not been the policy of the Society to contribute to other organizations, the Council felt that in view of the preeminence of Dr. Bailey and the exceptional work done by the Hortorium. this contribution was appropriate. SECRETARY'S REPORT In the year ending November 20th, 1957, there were 5,311 visitors to the Rooms of the Society. This compares with 3,702 visitors during the same period last year. Although this represents an average of almost one visit per member, we would like to have each member come, and we feel sure interest and pleasure in the Society would increase. Thirty-five meetings of the Executive Council and Committees of the Society, were held in the Board Room, and twenty-eight meetings were' held by committees of other horticultural groups. The Society has always felt that one of its functions is to welcome other allied organizations. Upon presentation of the report of the Nominating Committee, the following members were unanimously re-elected to the Council for a period of three years, ending December 31, 1960. Mrs. E. Page Allinson Mrs. Walter Rebmann Dr. John B. Carson Mr. Richard H. L. Sexton Dr. John M. Fogg, Jr. Miss Estelle L. Sharp Mr. Frederick W. G. Peck Mr. William H. Weber Mr. John G. Williams REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT 19 5 7 It is my privilege to report to you on the activities of the Society during its 131st year. This can be characterized as a year of progress, of change and of service. Being a banker I tend to measure performance by figures and thus I point out to you two records chalked up during the past year. The market value of investments exceeded $550,000 on September 30, 1957, and our income the past year exceeded $50,000. Furthermore we again lived within our budget. Our Society is primarily a service organization, thus we really should not try to measure quality and value of our efforts in dollars. Under the able and tactful leadership of Liddon Pennock our organiza- tion continued to grow. The impetus given by past administrations has been sustained. From our Executive Council, which is the real govern- ing body of the Society, we have found conscientious members to aid our various Committees. We rely heavily on Committee Chairmen to create programs, administer the funds approved for their use and carry forward our activities. I want to thank these loyal workers for their support. They will report individually on their respective activities. However, I wish to comment on a few of these. I hope those Committees not mentioned will realize that their reports in themselves bear eloquent tribute to the valuable work carried forward. Mrs. Harry Wood has shown great imagination and versatility in providing a varied program of exhibits uniformily good. She deserves great credit for the high standard she has set during her years as Chair- man of the Exhibition Committee. In cooperation with the Flower Show Inc. each spring we sponsor the Philadelphia Flower Show. We can be justly proud of our role in this marvelous exhibition. That large section of the hall devoted to amateur displays and classes is our sole responsibility. Other than pos- sibly Boston no other outstanding show devotes so much space to these charming exhibitions put on by enthusiastic amateur gardeners. The Chrysanthemum Show each year grows in importance and horticultural value. Bill Weber continues to assemble a handsome collection not only of unusual, well grown chrysanthemums, but other worthwhile plant material well displayed. We can be proud of this, our own Show. REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT (Continued) Without delving too deeply into the affairs of the Executive Committee I believe I should comment on several matters dealing with our office and staff. Annual rental in the Suburban Station now consumes $10,536 or slightly more than 20% of our budget. We would like permanent quarters of our own at a site easily accessible to public transportation, where we might even have a small garden. A solution to this problem continues to have active attention, but the issue remains unresolved. Mrs. Semple heads our office staff, acting as gracious hostess, business administrator and maid of all trades, keeping her poise and her good humor. She continues to have the tireless and faithful support of Mrs. Taggart. In January, 1957, Mrs. Elinor Zuch came to us as Librarian, and Miss Margaret Porter joined our staff as Horticultural Consultant shortly after graduating from Penn State in June. We have a team which is working well together, both ready and anxious to serve our members. In the field of education I do not believe we are fulfilling our func- tion to the ultimate degree. At our well attended spring luncheon we gave three awards. It is our hope in this manner to recognize good planting, whether it be private or public, an educational institution, an arboretum or a hospital, and thus stimulate others to do better. Through our subsidized field lecture program we are bringing to civic groups, women's clubs and garden clubs at bargain prices, top notch, well trained lecturers. I must say the response to this excellent program has exceeded our expectations. These services are not enough, a tour through suburbia in April and May will show whole families struggling with new power equipment, with - gaily advertised bags bulging with fertilizer, seed and plants, all lavishly expended on subsoil and soon to be carried away by a spring cloudburst. Can we help these people plan well and teach them the value of architecture in the garden? Can we show these people how to use that fertilizer and when, where and how to plant those seeds, and finally, the type and quality of plant material to select for their new home? I have not the answers to these questions but I sincerely believe it is our job to find them — with your help we will. We have a good staff, a fine Executive Council with varied and unusual backgrounds, and an excellent library. Please help me harness these assets in a manner that will bring greater honor to our Society through better service to our neighbors and our members. GEORGE R. CLARK President 10 CO o CO vO CO CO CSJ CO C^ O ON On Cs "*. r— T CO CO C\ CO LC CO" LC LC CO CO LO' LO uO LO C>1 o ^ CV| r-l CN HJ 1— 1 o c^ T? LO "^ t^ CO '^ ^ CO O vO CO O , ^ Tf l> VO n3 ON LO CO O CO CS (N CO 'd^ O > Tfi VO CO oTco o CO^ CO^ vo cm" Ci r-^ CO m5 -^ (N CS C^ co" vo" ci r— 1 CO CO o ^H ^F 1— 1 r-H O CO CO LO o o lO o o oi CO CO vq^csi UJ CO O I- (/3 Q^ ffi < O O, Ph 03 Oh X3 II! S en S CJ r- csi f— I •^ [^ CO r-H ■^ l> I CO Tfl I CO ^ CNfr-T CO O) LO CO (N r-T CO u^ 5^0 LO O "^ '-5 CO 2 ON 'o CO £ a, • • Tfl T? • • l-^ f- '. '. LO LO . . ON On . . 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C3 .2 c bC a. 5 'u o s o o. C/2 < CTv W •*=(=. s fc- w J J cL' H 2 to > ■ m ^c/ 5 [i, 3 CTj 3 b-, I— 1 'r; o c; i^ -= eg — M c •- lo =rj •— O CM 1^ ^ REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE November 20, 1957 This has been an active and stimulating year for the Society, and I know that as you listen to the reports of the various committees you will share my feeling of enthusiasm at the wide range of activities that are going forward. The Executive Committee, as you all know, is primarily a housekeeping committee and at the same time a sort of catchment basin for problems that don't seem to fit any place else. The Committee also tries to keep in touch with all of the activities of the Society and to suggest ways in which the work of the Society can be improved, to the benefit of our members and the public generally. In reviewing the work of the Executive Committee during the past year to see what might interest you, I concluded that it was mostly of a humdrum nature, or too nebulous to mention without appearing to boast of things not yet accomplished. As for the humdrum, vie have acquired a certain amount of new equipment here in the office to increase our efficiency and we have negotiated an agreement with Horticulture, which we believe is fair to both of us, that will increase by several thousand dollars the annual cost of sending that magazine to our members. We have done that, and we have seen our expenses go up in other direc- tions, without putting our budget out of balance. I should point out that we have been able to do this without suggesting an increase in individual member's dues because of a steady increase in our member- ship that is reflected in a corresponding increase in our gross income. Our hard-working staff deserves a great vote of appreciation from all of us; not only Mrs. Semple and Mrs. Taggart, whose loyal and cheerful help we all know so well, but also our librarian Mrs. Zuch, and our horticulturist Miss Porter, who have joined us this year. We hope you will remember that they are anxious and, needless to say, well equipped to help you with your problems. We have had a good year and I look forward to an even better one next year. CARROLL R. WETZEL, Chairman — 14 — GARDEN VISITS COMMITTEE During the past Spring the Garden Visits Committee arranged for three "Garden Days" on Saturdays, May 4, May 11 and May 18. The first day brought out an average of 428 visitors, and the other two days averaged 395 and 432 respectively. This includes a total of 517 guests of members; and since these guests help finance the expenses of the Garden Days, they are especially welcome. Furthermore, many of them subsequently become members of the Society. The following places were visited: May 4. Main Line Area Dr. and Mrs. George Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Roland T. Addis Mr. and Mrs. Francis H. Bohlen Mrs. Edwin M. Rhea Mr. and Mrs. Ralph H. Knode May 11. MoNTCHANiN, Wilmington Mr. and Mrs. Irenee duPont Mrs. R. M. Carpenter Mr. and Mrs. John M. Clark Mr. and Mrs. George P. Edmonds Mr. and Mrs. Julian Hill May 18. Chestnut Hill Area Mrs. W. Griffin Gribbel Mr. and Mrs. H. Martyn Kneedler Mr. and Mrs. William Linglebach Mr. and Mrs. John Moffly Mrs. Charles Piatt Total expenses amounted to - - - $962.77 Total receipts amounted to - - -. 768.00 The Budget allowance was - - - 175.00 So the Committee reports a deficit of $19.77 We take this opportunity to thank the owners for their gracious hospitality and cooperation. Their willingness to open their houses and gardens to our members is deeply appreciated. Respectfully submitted, FREDERICK W. G. PECK Chairman, Garden Visits Committee — 15 — HORTICULTURAL COMMITTEE The field lectures started over a year ago by Mrs. Richard Wood's committee, have been a great success. Gratifying letters have been re- ceived expressing appreciation and enthusiasm for the program. This Fall, Mrs. Edward J. Garra joined the staff as a lecturer, thus widening the range of subjects given. Sixty-five lectures have been given by Mrs. Paul, Mrs. Ballard, and Mrs. Garra this year with thirty-five engagements for the coming season. One hundred new members have joined the Society as a result of the lectures. The Four Counties Garden Club will sponsor the Plant Exchange to be held again in Mr. and Mrs. Ballard's barn on April 26th. It has been a most successful venture and each succeeding year has brought new and interested people. One hundred entries have been received for the Daffodil Project. For the first time there will be competitive horticultural classes for amateurs in the Philadelphia Flower Show. The classes were planned by the Horticultural Committee. Mrs. Frederic L. Ballard, Jr., will be in charge of staging the exhibit. Specifications for the classes will appear in the schedule which will be mailed this month. The Horticultural Committee is most grateful to Mrs. Semple and the other members of the staff for their able handling of the many details connected with the committee's activities. Respectfully submitted, LOUISA N. WHITNEY, Horticultural Chairman — 16 — MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE The list of members continues to grow with a net increase in the past 12 months of 417 names, making the year end total of 6955. Losses from death, resignation and other causes came to 787, so that over 1200 new members were secured to achieve this net gain. The largest group of new members resulted from the untiring efforts of Mrs. Taggart and her daughter at our Membership Booth at the Phila- delphia Flower Show in the spring, as well as at the Chrysanthemum Show the preceding autumn. The popular Field Lecture program pro- duced additional members and the mailing of invitations to various lists, resulted in further members joining. It is of interest to note that the letter sent to all members in Septem- ber, 1956, urging their cooperation in securing new members is still producing results. There is no better source of new members than you, who know the many advantages and benefits, of belonging to your Society. To maintain and increase these advantages and benefits, we must have your constant help and enthusiasm in finding new members. I want to thank, most sincerely, Mrs. Taggart and our loyal office staff as well as the Membership Committee, for all their work and interest over the past year. Respectfully submitted, RICHARD H. L. SEXTON Chxiirman — 17 /"^ Winner of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania Ribbon in the 1957 Philadelphia Flower Show. STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW A Horticultural Society exists primarily to promote horticulture. With this in mind, the over-all chairman of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's section in the 1957 Philadelphia Flower Show, Mrs. Joseph S. Lovering, Jr. and her vice-chairman, Mrs. Edward L. Elliot, strove to emphasize good horticultural practice. The two garden classes were designated as, "A Sunny Garden" and "A Shady Garden" and required plant material reliably hardy in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The Educational Exhibits were also staged to emphasize horticulture. Four rooms demonstrating indoor gardening were set up by The Ambler African Violet Society, The Greater Philadelphia Orchid Society, The Philadelphia Unit of the Herb Society of America, and the William Penn Branch of the American Begonia Society. The Pennsylvania School of Horticulture for Women at Ambler staged an exhibit entitled, "The Good Earth — and How to Make Yours Better". The Bulkley Medal, presented by the Garden Club of America, was awarded to Mrs. Frederic L. Ballard, Jr., one of the Society's lecturers on horticulture, for her outstanding exhibit showing a green house and adjoining living room, entitled, "A Winter Garden". "A Home Nursery", displaying unusual ground covers and evergreens from all over the world, was put on by the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania and won the Federation White Ribbon Award of Merit. The Providence Garden Club won two coveted awards for their garden, The Silver Trophy of the Philadelphia Flower Show, Inc., and the Gold Medal Certificate of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. The Garden Workers won "The Flower Show Award" of the Penn- sylvania Horticultural Society, "For an Exhibit of Special Merit Which Stimulates an Interest in Horticulture". The niches and tables, as usual, demonstrated the imagination and artistic skill of Philadelphia Exhibitors. The Helen Hope Dechert Award for "The Outstanding blue ribbon exhibit of the week in the niche classes," was won by Mrs. Robert S. Freeman. The new standing Committee of the Philadelphia Flower Show con- sists of Mrs. Francis H. Scheetz, chairman, Mrs. Donald P. Ross, vice- chairman and Mrs. G. Ruhland Rebmann, Jr. Mrs. Scheetz reports that plans for the 1958 Flower Show are going forward at an exciting pace under the leadership of Mrs. Edward L. Elliot, chairman, and Mrs. Harry C. Groome, Jr., vice-chairman. Respectfully submitted. MARGARET B. REBMANN, Chairman Standing Committee Philadelphia Flower Show — 19 — 19 5 7 EXHIBITION COMMIHEE During the past season the exhibits staged in the Rooms of the Society have proved attractive to more visitors than recorded in previous years. The Christmas Show offered varied ideas to the 1200 visitors who saw this fine display. In January Mrs. W. M. Hiester Jones of Norristown exhibited floral buttons from her famous collection from all over the world. Beautifully mounted and framed in categories of lilies, holly, flowers, etc. the exquisite details of inlay, mosaic, and carving were clearly evident. The members of Four Seasons Garden Club were responsible for the beautiful arrangements suitable for Valentine's Day, staged in February. For a week in March, the visitors were greeted with orchids! The cymbidiums were furnished by Mr. J. H. Ward Hinkson of Wallingford and arrangements were made by twelve distinguished exhibitors of sub- urban Philadelphia, who furnished their own containers and foliage. The Daffodil Show grows in popularity. This show is staged in the Central Penn National Bank at Broad and Walnut Streets, where it bulged with beauty on April 17 and 18. Under the chairmanship of the Planters with the cooperation of the Evergreens a very excellent job was done. September featured the work of several participants. On the walls in the Rooms of the Society hung twenty-three beautiful water colors, originals of Miss Eleanor Perot of Langhorne. Arrangements from sixteen Garden Clubs ornamented the desks and tables. Special exhibits consisted of a window box and pictures of the work being done in the city under the direction of Mrs. James Bush-Brown. A display of flowers, fruits, vegetables and plants was staged by Mr. Charles Becker, Jr. of Haverford. An educational exhibit of the culture of the African Violet was done by Mrs. William Underwood of Drexel Hill. Orchids from the greenhouses of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore R. Streeper were arranged by Mrs. Harold Mowday, both of Norristown. An exhibit of original containers and arrangements were done by Mrs. Alan Crawford of Devon and the Council room was filled with named specimens of unusual trees and shrubs from the Scott Foundation, staged by Mr. Harry Wood, Swarthmore. In October, the Rooms were filled with over three hundred named specimens of trees, shrubs, dahlias and chrysanthemums, all from the garden of Mrs. James Cameron Bleloch of Upper Roxborough. This outstanding exhibit was done entirely by Mrs. Bleloch as were the ar- rangements which accompanied it. To Ernesta Ballard, (Mrs. Frederic L. Ballard, Jr.,) of Chestnut Hill, authority on house plants, goes credit for the beautiful display that ornaments the Rooms for the Annual meeting in November. — 20 — EXHrBITION COMMITTEE (Continued) The average attendance of these exhibits was 844, which is gratify- ing to your chairman. I wish to thank the exhibitors who so graciously gave their time and talents, the office staff for their invaluable help, those who attended and the loyal members of my committee. Respectfully submitted, ANNE WERTSNER WOOD (Mrs. Harry Wood) LrBRARY COMMIHEE During the current year our Library continued to render valuable and efficient service to its members as well as the general public. A total of 1181 persons visited the Library and 1083 volumes were circulated; of these 692 were taken out and 391 were mailed. Of new additions to the Library, 58 volumes were purchased and 32 were received as gifts or review copies. The Library Committee is glad at all times to receive suggestions from members as to books which they would like to have added to our collection. Gifts to the Library during 1957 include: COUNTRY LIFE, 26 bound volumes, 1901-1913 Gift of Mrs. George Vaux, Jr. SEED AND POTTING COMPOSTS, by W. J. C. Lawrence Gift of Mr. George R. Clark ROSES FOR PLEASURE, by Richard Thomson Gift of the Author BONSAI, Miniature Trees Gift of Mr. R. Gwynne Stout BONSAI, by Kenji Murata Gift of Mr. R. Gwynne Stout STEPPING STONES TO JAPANESE FLORAL ART, by Rachel Carr Gift of the Author One of the most attractive features of this Library is the fine series of periodicals on Botany and Horticulture on display in this room. These cover practically every group of ornamental plants as well as basic horti- cultural literature. A considerable fraction of the Library budget is devoted to maintaining these serials and we are convinced that it is well worth the expense to do so. — 21 — LIBRARY COMMITTEE (Continued) We record with regret the resignation, on December 15, 1956, of Miss Mary Green, as Librarian, but are indeed happy that as her re- placement we have secured the services of Mrs. Elinor Zuch. Mrs. Zuch is a graduate of Beaver College and the Library School of Drexel Institute. We are convinced that under her able leadership the Library will continue to perform an important function in the life of the Society. Respectfully submitted, JOHN M. FOGG, JR. Chairman LIBRARY ACCESSIONS — 1957 ACKERSON, CORNELIUS. Complete Booh of Chrysanthemums. Doubleday, 1957. AGRICULTURAL INDEX. Vol. 14. Sept. 1954-Aug. 1956. H. W. Wilson, 1957. AMER, JEAN B. How to Make Containers and Accessories for Flower Arrangement. Hearthside, 1957 AMERICAN DAFFODIL SOCIETY. Yearbook, 1956. AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Handbook of Hollies. Society, 1957. AMERICAN ROSE SOCIETY. American Rose Annual, 1957. AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE. Proceedings. Vol. 68, 1956. RIDDLE, DOROTHY. Flower Show Themes. Hearthside, 1956. BOOTH, CHARLES 0. Encyclopaedia of Annual and Biennial Garden Plants. Faber, 1957. BROOKS, MYRA J. Magic World of Flower Arranging. Barrow, 1956. CARR, RACHEL E. Stepping Stones to Japanese Floral Art. Perkins & Hutchins, 1955. COFFEY, ERNESTINE S. Leader's Guide to Nature and Garden Fun. Hearthside, 1957. Your Own Book of Nature and Garden Fun. Hearthside, 1957. — 22 LIBRARY ACCESSIONS— 1957 (Continued) DOWNEY, EARL F. Improving Your Garden Through Soil Management. Crown, 1955. ECKBO, GARRETT. Art of Home Landscaping. Dodge, 1956. FAIRBROTHER, NAN. Men and Gardens. Knopf, 1956. FOGG. H. G. WITHAM. The Gladiolus Today. Branford, 1957. FREAR, DONALD E. H. Pesticide Handbook. 1957. College Science Publishers, 1957. FREE, MONTAGUE. Plant Propagation in Pictures. Doubleday, 1957. HALLER, JOHN AI. Tree Care. Macmillan, 1957. HANLEY, JOHN H. Year 'Round Gardening in the West. Johnsen, 1956. HELLYER, A. G. L. Herbaceous Borders. Collingridge, 1955. HILLS, LAWRENCE D. Alpine Gardening. Faber, 1954. JONES, GENEVIEVE. Handbook on Horticultural Therapy. Michigan Federated Garden Clubs, 1955. KRANZ, FREDERICK H. Gardening Indoors Under Lights. Viking, 1957. LAWRENCE, W. J. C. The Fruit, the Seed, and the Soil. Oliver & Boyd. 1954. Seed and Potting Composts. Allen & Unwin, 1952. MACK, WARREN B. Vegetable and Fruit Growing. Lippincott, 1956. MOORE, HAROLD E., JR. African Violets, Gloxinas, and Their Relatives. Macmillan. 1957 MURATA, KENJI. Bonsai. Kojyu-cn Nursery, 1956. NORTHEN, HENRY T. Complete Book of Greenhouse Gardening. Ronald, 1956 PETTIT, HAZEN C. Exhibiting and Judging Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts, and Gardens. William Penn College Press, 1955. RICKETT, HAROLD W. Botany for Gardeners. Macmillan, 1957. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Lily Yearbook, 1957. Rhododendron and Camellia Yearbook, 1957. SANECKI, KAY. Wild and Garden Herbs. Transatlantic, 1956. SCHULKE, ZELDA WYATT. Treasury of Christmas Decorations. Hearthside, 1957. Studio Book of Flowers and Flower Arrangement. Studio publications, 1956. TAYLOR, NORMAN. Taylors Garden Guide. Van Nostrand. 1957. THOMSON, RICHARD. Roses for Pleasure. Van Nostrand, 1957. WATTS, MAY T. Reading the Landscape. Macmillan, 1957. WIGGINGTON, BROOKS E. Trees and Shrubs for the Southern Coastal Plain. Univ. of Georgia, 1957, 23 LECTURE COMMITTEE For the past three years your lecture committee members, Dr. John M. Fogg, Jr., Mr. Charles K. Hallowell, Dr. John C. Wister, and Mr. Carl W. Fenninger, have brought you the best product of their combined efforts. This past season you have heard: Mr. Robert B. Clark on "Holly" Dr. Benjamin Blackburn on "Plant Origins" Dr. John L. Creech on "Japanese Exploration" in addition to the speaker at the Spring Luncheon, Dr. Russell J. Seibert. I trust that you as members of the Society feel as I do, and "wish to thank these men for a noble effort. Respectfully submitted, CHARLES BECKER, JR. Chairman 24 — AZALEA GARDEN COMMITTEE The year 1957 in the Azalea Garden showed steady progress in plant growth and beauty, not only of the blooms but also of the whole garden. When in the garden there is a surprising sense of seclusion and the visitor is quite oblivious of nearby traffic. The design by Mr. Frederick Peck is indeed an excellent one. Next spring new plantings will include twenty-four Rothschild Exbury hybrid azaleas, which have very large flowers in shades of yellow to orange. Also ten Rhododendron prunifolium which have red blooms in July. The Garden Folder is to be revised, giving the plant names and their colors in each bed. Thanks are given to the Park Commissioners for their interest and help in the maintenance of the garden, and especially to Mr. William H. Noble, Jr. for his enthusiastic cooperation and support. Members of the Garden Committee make regular visits throughout the year. Their reports are stimulating and helpful. Let me quote from one of these reports: "When I made my visit on April 30th it was a heavenly, clear, warm day and the garden was at its best. The beds had a fresh 'cared for' appearance. The Azalea Garden has a very special quality, you feel so at home in it, that you consider it your very own. Perhaps it is because of the harmony of the garden, you feel and think of its peaceful plan of color and line. The birds were singing, young children playing and picture taking was in evidence. It was an hour of young life astir in the still young garden. The azaleas were at their best in the late afternoon light and ran a gamut of beautiful colors — white, light pink, deep pink, red, lavender, light yellow through deeper tones to orange. A few rhododen- drons and delicate trilliums were in bloom and also young dogwood trees." The garden is now quite a beautiful one. As inscribed on the com- memorative plaque, it was created: "To bring beauty and horticultural knowledge To stimulate an interest in gardening and To give pleasure and recreation to all." Respectfully submitted, JOHN B. CARSON Chairman — 25 — CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW COMMITTEE The Annual Chrysanthemum Show sponsored by The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society was held in the Field House of Swarthmore College Friday. Saturday and Sunday, November 8, 9 and 10. The Arthur Hoyt Scott Horticultural Foundation and the Philadelphia Branch of the National Association of Gardeners co-operated. The Committee would like to express its sincere thanks to the Commercial Nurserymen who created beautiful gardens featuring Chrys- anthemums; to the Professional Gardners of the various private estates who again contributed a wealth of fine quality blooms and plants: to the Arthur Hoyt Scott Horticultural Foundation for an outstanding and very instructive berry exhibit; to the host of amateurs who exhibited some of the finest material ever to be displayed at any show: to the ladies who express their versatility in the arrangement classes; and to Swarthmore College for allowing us to hold the finest and largest Chrys- anthemum Show in the Eastern United States. The Show was attended by some 4200 people in the three days. Of the 45 people who entered Class 46, twenty-three brought in their plants. It was one of the best displays ever, in this class. For the first time there was keen competition in the Camellia Sasangua class, and the class for outdoor roses seems to be growing each year. I would like to express my sincere thanks to a most wonderful and co-operative committee for a job well done. I want to take this opportunity to thank Harry Wood, as co-chair- man, for all his hard work — without whose assistance the show as it is ^— could not be produced. Respectfully submitted, WILLIAM H. WEBER Chairman 26 AWARDS COMMITTEE Our Society presents four types of Awards: 1. The Courtesy Award, for members who open their gardens for the Society. 2. The Flower Show Award. 3. The Special Award to individuals for Horticultural Excellence or Achievement. 4. An Award for Landscape Planting of Public Buildings. Our Flower Show Award given to exhibits of special merit stimu- lating an interest in horticulture, was presented at the following shows: The New England Spring Flower Show, Boston, which is sponsored by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, to the Exhibit of The Arnold Arboretum for a collection of trees and shrubs introduced to American gardens by the arboretum. The International Flower Show, N. Y., to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for an exhibit of a Japanese Bonsai Garden. The Philadelphia Flower Show, to the Garden Workers for their exhibit of a Sunny Garden — an outstanding example of what can be done in a small area of easy maintenance. The Chrysanthemum Show, Swarthmore, to the Arthur Hoyt Scott Horticultural Foundation, for its exhibit of berried shrubs. Our highest award presented to individuals was given this year at the Spring Luncheon to Mr. Thomas W . Sears, for achievement in the art of landscape design, and to Dr. Edgar T. Wherry, for achievement in scientific education. Also, at the Spring Luncheon, was presented our new award for landscape planting of public buildings. For this award the committee takes into consideration, design, plant material, and maintenance. This award was presented to: The Federal Reserve Bank, 9th and Chestnut Street, for its city garden of great beauty, to The Arthur Hoyt Scott Horticultural Foundation, Swarthmore, for its plant collections of educa- tional value, and to The Friends Hospital, Philadelphia, for its grounds of great beauty where horticultural therapy has been practiced for manv years. Respectfully submitted. ESTELLE L. SHARP Chairman — 27 — NOTES: •28 —