The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive in 2011 with funding from LYRASIS IVIembers and Sloan Foundation http://www.archive.org/details/yearbookofpennsy1959penn 19 5 9 YEARBOOK Of THE PENNSYLVAINA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Oldest Horticultural Society in America With Reports for 1958 THE PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 389 Suburban Station Building 1617 Pennsylvania Boulevard, Philadelphia 3, Pennsylvania 1 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 wh.ich 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 7200. An invitation to join the Society is extended to all who are interested in sharing its privileges and its work. Annual dues, |8.00. Life Membership Fee, $150.00. (may be paid in installments.) Make checks payable to: THE PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 389 Suburban S+ation Building 1617 Pennsylvania Boulevard, Philadelphia 3, Pennsylvania Telephone: Rl+tenhouse, 6-8352 - RIt+enhouse 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 C. WILLIAMS EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Term Ending December 31, 1959 MRS. HENRY W. BREYER, JR. MR. W. ATLEE BURPEE, JR. MRS. JOHN B. CARSON MR. GEORGE R. CLARK MRS. J. NORMAN HENRY MR. HENRY D. MIRICK MRS. CHARLES PLATT 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 MR. RICHARD H. L. SEXTON MISS ESTELLE L. SHARP MR. WILLIAM H. WEBER MR. JOHN G. WILLIAMS Term Ending December 31, 1961 MR. CHARLES BECKER, JR. MRS. VAN HORN ELY MR. J. LIDDON PENNOCK, JR. MRS. G. RUHLAND REBMANN, JR. MRS. FRANCIS H. SCHEETZ MRS. RALPH T. STARR MR. R. GWYNNE STOUT MR. JOSEPH B. TOWNSEND, JR. MRS. W. BEAUMONT WHITNEY, II MRS. RICHARD D. WOOD, JR. 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 1959 The President, ex-oSicio, 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. RICHARD D. WOOD, JR., Chairman MRS. FREDERIC L. BALLARD, JR. xMRS. RALPH T. STARR MRS. J. FOLSOM PAUL MR. JOSEPH B. TOWNSEND, JR. MRS. RICHARD H. PREWITT MRS. W. BEAUMONT WHITNEY, 11 MR. RICHARD H. L. SEXTON MRS. EDWARD F. R. WOOD, JR. Chrysanthemum Show Committee MR. CHARLES BECKER, JR., Chairman MR. HARRY WOOD, Co-Chairman MR. GEORGE C. AIRD MR. ERIC H. JENKINS MRS. CHARLES BECKER, JR. MRS. GEORGE C. MAKIN, HI MISS ELEANOR W. DAVID MRS. H. CAMERON MORRIS. JR. MR. WILLIAM G. ELLIS MR. WAYNE W. RADCLIFFE MRS. T. BROMLEY FLOOD xMRS. ARTHUR HOYT SCOTT MR. HAROLD GRAHAM MRS. HARRY WOOD MR. WALTER L. HEWES, JR., Chairman of Sta^ino; 5 — Exhibition Commiffee MR. R. GWYNNE STOUT. Chairman MRS. FREDERIC L. BALLARD, JR. MRS. RALPH T. STARR MR. FREDERICK W. G. PECK MRS. CARROLL R. WETZEL Garden Visits Committee MRS. WALTER REBMANN, Chairman MRS. HENRY INGERSOLL BROWN MRS. MARTYN KNEEDLER MR. FREDERICK W. G. PECK Membership Committee MR. JOHN G. WILLIAMS, Chairman MRS. RICHARD H. PREWITT MR. RICHARD H. L. SEXTON MRS. RICHARD H. L. SEXTON Editorial Committee MRS. G. RUHLAND REBMANN, JR., Chairman Azalea Garden Committee MISS ESTELLE SHARP, Chairman DR. JOHN B. CARSON MRS. J. FOLSOM PAUL MRS. EDWARD L. ELLIOT MR. FREDERICK W. G. PECK MRS. HOWARD A. FOSTER MR. JOSEPH B. TOWNSEND, JR. MR. HENRY D. MIRICK MR. WILLIAM H. WEBER MR. WILLIAM H. NOBLE, JR. MR. JOHN G. WILLIAMS MRS. RICHARD D. WOOD, JR. Standing Committee of The PhiladelphiaJ Flower Show MRS. FRANCIS H. SCHEETZ, Chairman MRS. HENRY W. BREYER, JR., Vice-Chairman MRS. G. RUHLAND REBMANN, JR. 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, II OFFICE RECORDS Year Ending November 19, 1958 Membership as of November 19, 1958 7160 Losses, including deaths 985 New Members added during the year 1246 — 6 — ANNUAL MEETING -1958 The 132nd Annual Meeting of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society was held on Wednesday, November 19, 1958 with 60 members present. Mr. George R. Clark, President, presided. In connection with the change in dues which will become effective on January 1st, 1959, Mr. Clark briefly reviewed the growth of the Society from 760 members in 1890 to 7,375 members in May, 1958. He also explained the basis of our billing for membership dues. Mr. Clark announced that we were very proud of two of our members who had been chosen to receive Awards in the past year, and that he was sorry they were not present to be congratulated. Dr. John C. Wister was awarded the Liberty Hyde Bailey Award, given by the American Horticultural Council at Williamsburg, October 24, 1958. The award reads, "Honored for his contribution in the fields of teaching, lecturing, writing, editing, and landscape art during long years of horti- cultural leadership, and his exemplary spirit of service to the horticultural world." Mrs. Charles Piatt, another distinguished member of the Society and also a member of the Executive Council, received the Achievement Medal given by the Garden Club of America. "Dedicated to beauty, Mrs. Charles Piatt has brought grace and dignity to everything she has undertaken. In the realm of creative work her illustrations, drawings, paintings and designs have enhanced countless publications, houses and libraries. Her knowledge and skill in growing roses and large flowered clematis have been imparted to a legion of grateful and now successful growers. Her excellent work on the Magnolia Garden in Philadelphia reveals her interest, ability and taste in civic planning and as an executive through the years of the Garden Club of America she has brought it distinction and furthered its interest with rare grace and charm. A true gardener in every sense of the word, she typifies the ideal member. Dorothy Falcon Piatt, it is our proud privilege to recognize your many and varied abilities by awarding you the Achievement Medal." Mrs. G. Ruhland Rebmann, Jr., another member of our Council, asked for a six month leave of absence to devote herself to the United Campaign, for which she is a vice-chairman. She is the one who is responsible for the box we have in HORTICULTURE each month, and she also edits the Year Book. There is another member I would like to mention, who is always willing to help us out, and is indefatigable in her work for the Society. We have her to thank for the lovely house plant exhibit in the Rooms today. I am talking about Mrs. Frederic L. Ballard, Jr. She and Mr. 7 — ANNUAL MEETING {continued) Ballard open their garden to us each spring for our Plant Sale. This means a lot of work for them, and we are very grateful. Mrs. Ballard has just finished a new book on house plants, GARDEN IN YOUR HOUSE, which is beautifully illustrated, written in detail and easily understood. This book is on display today. We congratulate her on her success! Mr. Clark thanked Mrs. John B. Carson for being hostess at the meeting today and said she has arranged to have refreshments served in the Board Room after the close of the meeting. Before reading his own report, Mr. Clark read letters from Mrs. J. Folsom Paul and Mrs. Edward Garra, Field Lecturers for the Society, telling how they had enjoyed giving the lectures during the past year. They feel that this contact with clubs and other organizations is very valuable to the Society. Many people have told them they think it is one of the best services we render to members. Mr. Clark's report followed, then the reports of the various Com- mittees were read. These reports are printed in full in the Year Book. SECRETARY'S REPORT In the year ending November 19, 1958, there were 3982 visitors to the Rooms. This is about 1300 less than last year, when we had 5311 in the same period. Lectures were held outside the Rooms in the past year, and that would account for the smaller number of visitors than the year before. At least 550 people attended one of the lectures, and about 250 attended the other. Both of these lectures were held at the Sheratpn. Forty-two meetings of the Executive Council and Committees of the Society were held in the Board Room, and twenty-seven 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. Respectfully submitted, MARY M-P ALLINSON, Secretary (Mrs. E. Page AUinson) — 8 — REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT I 958 To say we live in a changing world, in a country which is dynamic, and in a community that is growing yet changing in character is to mention what we read daily in our newspapers. However, these condi- tions have special significance for our Society and, if we do not recognize what they portend, we will fail in our obligations to our members and in our opportunity to be of real service to the community. The year which closed on September 30th has been a good year for The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. We hit a new record in membership in May — 7,375 members; we reported a record income of $55,778.56, and we have lived within our budget. This Society is run by Committee Chairmen who evolve programs, administer the funds allocated to them, and serve you loyally. I want to thank them for the fine job they have done and for the able assistance rendered by our conscientious, happy office staff. Each Committee Chairman will report to you on the notable achievements of the past year, of which we can be justly proud. It is my task to set our course for the future so that we meet the challenge of the day and go forward, finding new ways to be of service, shaping our policies and programs to fit the times. But, first, where has your Society come from; why cannot we leave things alone and go on for the next decade the way we have since 1948? In 1928 we had 1,300 members; in 1939, 3,500 members, and in 1948, 4,500 members. Ten years ago we paid $4,100 in rent; this past year, $10,500 or 2-1^ times as much. Salaries in 1948 were $4,700; this past year, $11,000. Yet our dues have remained at $5.00 during the past ten years. The cost of running your Society approximates $7.50 per member. By leaving our dues where they are and limiting services and salaries, we can prob- ably hve within our income for another year because of the interest and dividends we receive from our investment account. Of course, this pre- supposes that our rent remains constant, our staff is not increased, and our membership does not grow. Economists tell us that between 1950 and 1960 the number of families with disposable incomes of between $4,000 and $5,000 is expected to double; that the number with incomes between $5,000 and $7,500 will nearly quadruple, and the number over $7,500 will nearly triple. More and more of these families have moved to the suburbs and own their — 9 REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT (continued) own homes. With a shorter work week than their parents enjoyed, they have more leisure time. Just look at the new residential develop- ments, read of the increased sales of grass seed, power mowers and small shrubs. The large estate with a full time gardener fortunately still exists in this state but the number of such fine places dwindles. We have a job to do to assist our growing population who have recently moved to the suburbs as well as to encourage the garden clubs, horticultural societies, and groups organized for some special purpose such as the African Violet Society, Begonia Society, Iris Society, etc. We could remain static and do nothing but it is our intention to go forward. We are adopting a substantially larger budget. In part this is to pay for the increased costs of such things as stationery, postage and telephone. Only last January the charge for HORTICULTURE, the ex- cellent gardening magazine we send each month as a privilege of member- ship, was materially increased. Over and above these additional and un- avoidable expenses, we have decided to create a new important position on our staff. We are seeking the services of a trained and experienced horti- culturist. Among his assignments will be the development of programs to interest the inexperienced as well as the sophisticated gardener. We want a man who will bring our Society closer to Philadelphia's dis- tinguished arboretums, nurseries and plant societies. We are setting funds aside to cover the cost inherent in developing such an expanded program. We hope to have courses in horticultural subjects, put on demonstrations of gardening techniques and possibly arrange for visits to see how amateur gardeners care for the plants of their special choice. It is interesting to note that when the Massachusetts Horticultural Society raised the public subscription price of Horticulture from $4.00 to $5.00, they also raised their dues on January 1, 1958 from $5.00 to $8.00. Only this month the Royal Horticultural Society doubled the dues charged their Overseas Fellows. So I am sure you will understand why we are increasing our dues from $5.00 to $8.00, effective January 1, 1959, and agree it is both timely and wise. With an expanded budget it is our sincer hope that we can provide more information to the community, more services for our members, and more assistance to those groups interested in horticultural projects. We ask for your continued support but, above all, your active help in obtaining new members. The program now being evolved I feel sure will give you added pride in belonging to The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. GEORGE R. CLARK, , President — 10 — CO 00 CO ON CSJ OS VO VO CO VO CO rf; d C\ ^ o CO o o s. 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O 00 CO ^ O i-H ^ o O OO vo CO CO cs CO o so o (M CS O ■— 1 LO CO 1— 1 CO so L/J •*' vd (N co' 1 1— 1 ■*' CO -# ' CO ■* ?^ mm: 1-4 -< fa -* so O CO ■* CO O ^ LO Ov ^ CO r- o CO , oa bij s ^ == -° 'T3 ^ 'C =a i; o > c D. 3 -3 3 k4 c ii J^J ij >-( te a Oj « ^fc ^ §^2„^: t^ -a a^ 5 .■= CO ---=•- S C o -c , W X w 3 a; CAj H c WhJhJ S c - O 3 'C Ufc 3 w< H^ H REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE At the January meeting of the Council the following resolution was unanimously and enthusiastically adopted: "RESOLVED, That there is hereby created an Honorary Advisory Committee of the Society to consist of those persons who, because of long service to the Society or preeminence in horticulture and kindred sciences, may be elected by this Coimcil from time to time to membership on such committee. All mem- bers of the committee are to have the privilege of attending all meetings of this Council and shall have such additional privileges and duties as may be assigned to them from time to time by the Council or by the President of the Society." Three distinguished friends of the Society were elected as the first members of the committee: Dr. John C. Wister, Mrs. Arthur Hoyt Scott and Mrs. James Bush-Brown. We welcome them and are grateful for the honor they have done us by accepting membership on the committee. The year 1958 has been an active year of planning for your Society. Our President has reported the efforts being made to secure the services of a trained and experienced horticulturist to help us keep ahead of the growing demand for the services we wish to provide, as reflected in our ever increasing membership. The decision to look for such a person followed prolonged deliberations of a special committee under the very able chairmanship of Mrs. G. Ruhland Rebmann, Jr. Mrs. Rebmann's committee has made a number of specific suggestions to improve the work of the Society. By the time this report is printed I hope we will have found the right person and that he will have given some thought to the programs we want to start in 1959. It would be unfair to him to comment on them prematurely at this time. As for our housekeeping problems, we have had to replace some of our equipment, including the screen and projector and the mimeograph machine; and we may have to buy a small amount of new furniture next year. Otherwise the rooms are in excellent condition. Our cheerful and efficient staff continues to be at your service. We hope, as do they, that you will bring your horticultural problems to them. CARROLL R. WETZEL, Chairman — 14 — MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Another year has raised our membership total to a new high of 7200, an increase of about 245 over this time last year when the total stood at 6955. In the past year we have added 1210 new members, about the same number as in the preceding year. Our losses from deaths, resignations and other causes were 959 which is slightly more than the loss figure of 787 in the previous year, but still allowed a sizeable net increase. Sources of new members include the very important one of the Philadelphia Flower Show in March, the Field Lectures, Christmas Gifts, the Chrysanthemum Show in the autumn and various mailing lists. I must repeat the observation of former years, that there is no better source of new members than you who know so well what your Society can offer, and we therefore count very heavily on your continued support in bringing in these new members. Once again I thank, most sincerely, Mrs. Taggart, our Membership Secretary, and the members of my committee as well as our loyal office staff for their continuing work throughout the past year in handling so ably the many details of the work of the Membership Committee. Respectfully submitted, R. H. L. SEXTON Chairman NOMINATING COMMITTEE 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, 1961. 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. Mrs. Henry W. Breyer, Jr., Mrs. VanHorn Ely, and Mr. Joseph B. Townsend, Jr. were elected to the Council as new members. Respectfully submitted, MARGARETTA D. WOOD (Mrs. Richard D. Wood, Jr.) — 15 — HORTICULTURAL COMMITTEE The field lecture program has continued in popularity and our three distinguished horticulturists, Mrs. J. Folsom Paul, Mrs. Frederic L. Ballard, Jr. and Mrs. Edward J. Garra have had a full schedule. Forty-four lectures were given in 1957-1958 with thirty-eight planned for the coming year. It is interesting to note that many new clubs have availed themselves of this service and by limiting the number o lectures given to one organization at the special rate we have broadened the field of interest. We are indeed fortunate to have such qualified women on the staff. The Annual Daffodil show was held on April 17th and loth spon- sored by the Huntingdon Valley and the Evergreen Garden Clubs. The Society is most grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Frederic L. Ballard, Jr. for again so generously offering their barn for the Plant Exchange which was held on April 26th. This event is always very popular with the members of the Society. There wei'e competitive classes in horticulture in the Philadelphia Flower Show for the first time this year. These proved so successful, that the Horticultural Committee has planned to increase the number of classes in the forthcoming show. May I thank the committee for their inspiration and help in plan- ning and carrying out the activities of the committee, and Mrs. Semple and Miss Porter, for their ever willing and cheerful assistance. Respectfully submitted, LOUISA N. WHITNEY, Chairman (Mrs. W. Beaumont Whitney) I 16 GARDEN VISITS COMMITTEE In the Spring of 1958 there were three days of Garden Visits. The first on April 19th featuring daffodils, brought an average attendance of 420. The second day, on May 10th, when the tulips and lilacs were at their height, there was an average of 490 visitors. For the third day, the Garden Visits Committee arranged for guided tours through Long- wood Gardens and green houses; approximately 200 members and their guests attended. The following places were visited: April 19. Gladwyne, Bryn Mawr Mr. and Mrs. Francis H. Scheetz Mr. and Mrs. G. Ruhland Rebmann, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Ernst Mrs. Charles S. Bromley, Jr. Mrs. Gribbel Corkran May 10. Chestnut Hill, Flourtown, Gwynedd Area Mr. and Mrs. George D. Widener Mr. and Mrs. Morris Cheston Mr. Francis Butler Reeves Mr. and Mrs. Radcliffe Cheston Mr. and Mrs. T. Morris Perot May 24. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square Total expenses amounted to $929.21 Total receipts amounted to 645.00 Total cost 284.21 Budget allowance 225.00 Exceeded Budget $ 59.21 No revenue was realized at Longwood, a garden open to the public at all times. The Committee has asked for a larger budget for 1959 in order to cover the rising costs of printing and postage and to enable them to have a folder printed, describing in some detail the gardens to be visited. These will be given out at the entrance to each garden. The Society is ever grateful to all the public spirited members who are willing to share their lovely gardens and open their homes to so many of our members and their guests. Respectfully submitted, MARGARET B. REBMANN, Chairman (Mrs. Walter Rebmann) — 17 — Winner of the Helen Hope Dechert Award in the 1958 Philadelphia Flower Show — 18 STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW The Mountain came to the Museum in March, and we learned and we admired the "Rhododendron Bald", winner of the Bulklev Medal of the Garden Cluh of America, and dominant display in a Show dis- tinguished for fine material, well marked. In our Society's area, the "Garden to Attract Birds" which won Huntirigdon Valley Garden Club the Gold Medal of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, featured a pool and planting which supplied design and food for the birds. In the other competitive garden for amateurs, the Governor's Silver Trophy went to the Garden Club of Philadelphia for their "Formal Garden Using a Gate as Part of the Design", in which two Spanish Iron panels were the perfect entrance onto a terrace planted with restraint. These gardens were in the charge of Mrs. T. Bromley Flood and Mrs. Louis A. O'Neill, serving under Mrs. Edward L. Elliot, Chairman of the Philadelphia Flower Show, who had as her Vice Chairman, Miss Eleanor W. David and as assistants, Mrs. James C. Hornor and Mrs. George R. Haines. A "Section of a Room Using Carnations to Complement a Painting", won the Middle Atlantic Carnation Growers Association Silver Trophy for West Chester Garden Club and "Table Settings Featuring Roses", won the Jackson and Perkins Silver Trophy for the Valley Garden Club. Classes in the niches carried out the theme of the Show, "The Sun's Orbit", indicated by the Schedule Chairman, Mrs. Harry C. Groome, Jr., and Mrs. Carroll R. Wetzel. There were two Orchid Classes. Mrs. T. Bromley Flood won the Greater Philadelphia Orchid Society's Silver Trophy and Mrs. Leslie D. Perry won the Breezy Knoll Trophy. The Helen Hope Dechert Award for the outstanding Blue Ribbon Exhibit in the niche classes was won by Mrs. Thomas J. Finnerty. Mrs. Charles Becker, Jr. and Mrs. William A. Randall were in charge of Floor Plan and Educational Exhibits. The School of Horticulture for Women staged "Plants under Lights", The Arthur Hoyt Scott Horti- cultural Foundation of Swarthmore College staged "Methods and Pro- cedures in Plant Propagation", and won The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's Flower Show Award. The Garden Club Federation of Penn- sylvania did a "Retirement Garden", The Neighborhood Garden Asso- ciation of Philadelphia did "A Garden Block Project", winning the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania Award of Merit Ribbon, and the Morris Arboretum in staging a "Medicinal Garden", likewise won this Award of Merit Ribbon. Our Horticultural Committee put on a new competition, specimens of tulips, narcissus, begonias and African violets, with awards for cultural merit. — 19 — STANDING COMMITTEE (continued) An information booth under the chairmanship of Mrs. Charles Becker, Jr., was conducted by skilled horticulturists every afternoon and evening. The Publicity was headed by Mrs. Willard S. Boothby, Jr., and Mrs. J. Jay Hodupp, Hospitality by Mrs. A. Clay Borie and Mrs. John W. Wurts, and Judges by Mrs. R. Barclay Knight and Mrs. Channing Way. Mr. Walter Hewes, Jr. did a smooth staging. Mrs, Elliot will head the Show for 1959, and her Schedule Committee shortly will mail our Society's "Classes", inviting us to compete in the finest Flower Show of all. Respectfully submitted, VIRGINIA S. SCHEETZ, Chairman (Mrs. Francis H. Scheetz) I 958 EXHIBITION COMMITTEE The past year of Exhibits began with the always popular Christmas Show which drew over 800 visitors. In mid-January, an interesting exhibit of new books was staged, while Mr. Irvin M. Allot, with the cooperation of the Middle Atlantic Carnation Growers' Association, displayed a handsome collection of carnations. February brought an unusual variety of hollies from two specialists, Mr. Earl Dilatush of Robbinsville, New Jersey, and the Clarendon Gardens Nursery of Pine- hurst, North Carolina. Early in April, a most instructive exhibit of Garden Insects and Control Methods by Dr. Henry Menusan, Jr., Ex- tension Entomologist of the Pennsylvania State University, was comple- mented by a showing of Bonsai specimens. The Central Penn National Bank, later in April, again played gracious host to the Spring Daffodil Show. Because of the effectiveness of the Show Committee and some exhibitions from warmer climes, high standards were maintained in the face of very adverse local weather conditions. The Flower Show for men, planned for mid-September, was cancelled because of the small number of entries; at the last minute the Show was converted into a display of plants, flowers and arrangements by members of the Council, so successful that it will be repeated. Now, in November, we have a fine assortment of House Plants, raised by an authority on the subject, Mrs. Ballard. — 20 — EXHIBITION COMMITTEE (continued) In line with the Society's goal to stimulate a larger number of visitors of both beginners and experts at our exhibitions, your Committee is striving to: 1. Plan exhibits in a wide variety of fields, ranging from the highly popular to the highly specialized. 2. Plan useful information in connection with each exhibit, i.e. proper labels, cultural data, availability, etc. 3. Display relevant library books with each exhibit. 4. Develop a number of semi-permanent displays of sound edu- cational value which can be exhibited for a month or more at a time. 5. Seek appropriate public spaces for the timely staging and rotation of semi-permanent exhibits. A lively Committee and the very able assistance of Miss Porter and the staff are happily joined in these e^orts. We earnestly solicit suggestions, comments and support, formally and informally, from all our membership. Respectfully submitted, ROBERT GWYNNE STOUT Chairman LIBRARY COMMITTEE Under the able leadership of our Librarian, Mrs. Karl R. Zuch, the Library has had a busy and successful year. With 1647 visitors and 1696 books circulated, our services to our members and the general public have increased nearly 50 percent over any previous year. Of the books circulated, 1047 were taken out and 649 were mailed. New additions to the Library include 132 volumes purchased and 19 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 and welcomes contribu- tions of older books now out of print. Gifts to the Library during 1958 include: JOHN AND WILLIAM BARTRAM S AMERICA, by Helen Cruickshank Gift of Mrs. R. H. Elliott EXOTICA, by Alfred B. Graf Gift of Mr. J. Liddon Pennock, Jr. — 21 — SOIL, 1957 YEARBOOK OF AGRICULTURE, U. S. Department of Agriculture Gift of James A. Byrne, M. C. ROSES FOR PLEASURE, Richard Thomson Gift of Dr. John B. Carson BONSAI No. 2, Kenji Murata, editor Gift of Mr. R. Gwynne Stout PLANTS INDOORS, by C. R. Boutard Gift of Mrs. Charles Piatt, Sr. SONGBIRDS OF AMERICA IN COLOR, by Arthur A. Allen Gift of Mrs. Francis H. Scheetz STALKING BIRDS WITH COLOR CAMERA, by Arthur A. Allen Gift of Mrs. Francis H. Scheetz CONWAY'S TELEVISION FLOWER ARRANGEMENT, by J. Gregory Conway Gift of Miss Fannie Root CAMELLIAS IN THE HUNTINGTON GARDENS (2 vol.), by William Hertrich Gift of Mr. William H. Frederick, Jr. CAMELLIAS ILLUSTRATED AND HOW TO GROW THEM, by Morrie L. Sharp Gift of Mr. William H. Frederic, Jr. CAMELLIA NOMENCLATURE, Southern California Camellia Society Gift of Mr. William H. Frederick, Jr. GARDEN IN YOUR HOUSE, by Ernesta Drinker Ballard Gift of Author Group of Books from Mrs. Clarence Zantzinger A project of great value this year has been the preparation and distribution of a recommended list of 96 useful books for the home gardeners' library listed under 16 categories. This list was based on the recommendations of members of the Society specializing in these fields of horticulture. The books recommended are only a few of the 7,000 volumes in our collection. The Library Booth at the Annual Chrysanthemum Show at Swarth- more was an innovation. From all reports the attractive poster and fine display of books drew many favorable comments, and the Com- mittee hopes that displays of this sort will give the general public a better idea of our Library and remind them of the fine reference material available to members of the Society. In order to improve our services by comparing them with those of similar facilities, Mrs. Zuch during the past year has visited the Libraries of the New York Botanical Society and the Morris Aboretum, Additional trips are planned in the near future. — 22 — LIBRARY ACCESSIONS -1957 -1958 ALLEN, ARTHUR A. Songbirds of America in Color. Cornell, 1954. BALLARD, ERNESTA DRINKER. Garden in Your House. Harper, 1958. BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS. Flower Arranging. Meredith, 1957. BLACKBURN, BENJAMIN. Trees and Shrubs in Eastern North America. Oxford Univ. Press, 1952. BOUTARD, C. R. Plants Indoors. Abelard-Schuman, 1957, BROOKLYN BOTANICAL GARDEN. 12 Handibooks on Related Subjects, f Reprints from Plants and Gardens) BROWN, ANN TOWSON. How Does a Garden Grow? Dutton, 1958. BRUGGEMAN, L. Tropical Plants and Their Cultivation. Crowell, 1957. BUSH-BROWN, JAMES AND LOUISE. Americas Garden Book. Scribner, 1958. CHAMPNEYS, H. Encyclopedia of Roses. Prentice-Hall, n. d. CHIDAMIAN, CLAUDE. The Book of Cacti and Other Succulents. Doubleday, 1958. CLOUD, KATHERINE M-P. Evergreen and Flowering Shrubs for Your Home. Greenberg, 1957. COBB, BOUGHTON. Field Guide to the Ferns. Houghton, 1956. CONWAY, J. GREGORY. Conway s Television Flower Arranging. Houbigant Sales Corp, 1958. Encyclopedia of Flower Arrangement. Knopf, 1957. COOKE, EMOGENE. Fun-time Window Garden. Children's Press, 1957. CROCKETT, JAMES UNDERWOOD. Window Sill Gardening. Doubleday, 1958. CRUICKSHANK, HELEN. John and William Bartram's America. Devin- Adair, 1957. DENISEN, ERVIN L. Principles of Horticulture. Macmillan, 1958. DULLES, MARION. Greenhouse Gardening Around the Year. Macmillan, 1956. EVERETT, THOMAS H. How to Grow Beautiful House Plants. Arco, 1953. Lawns and Landscaping Handbook. Arco, 1956. FOGG, H. G. WITHAM. Plants in the House. Faber, 1958. GOOLD-ADAMS, DEENAGH. The Unheated Greenhouse. Transatlantic, 19.57. GRAF, ALFRED B. Exotic Plants Ulustrated. 5th ed. Roehrs, 1957. Exotica. Roehrs, 1957. HEATH, ROYTON E. Miniature Rock Gardening in Troughs and Pans. Transatlantic, 1957. HELLYER, A. G. L. Encyclopedia of Plant Portraits. CoUingridge, 1956. HERTRICH, WILLIAM. Camellias in the Huntington Gardens. 2 Vol. Huntington Botantical Garden, 1954, 1955. HOGNER, DOROTHY C. Herbs from the Garden to the Table. Oxford, 1953. ROWLAND, JOSEPH. Outdoor Living. Doubleday, 1957. KUCK, LORAINE E. f& TONGG, RICHARD C.) Hawaiian Flowers and Flowering Trees. Tuttle, 1958. — 23 — LIBRARY ACCESSIONS -1958 (continued) LAWRENCE, ELIZABETH. The Little Bulbs. Criterion, 1957. LEE, FREDERIC P. The Azalea Book. Van Nostrand, 1958. LEMMON, ROBERT S. Floivers of the World in Color. Hanover, 1958. MacLeod, KATHERINE. Bellingrath and Other Famous Gardens. Comet, 1954. MENNINGER, EDWIN A. What Flowering Tree is That? Florida S. E. Printing Co., 1958. MURATA, KENJI, ed. Bonsai No. 2. Kojyu-En Nursery, 1957. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF STATE GARDEN CLUBS. Handbook for Floiver Shoics. Council, 1957. NORTH AMERICAN LILY SOCIETY. Lily Yearbook. Society, 1958. PLANT BUYERS GUIDE. 6 ed. Mass. Hart. Society, 1958. POTTER, CHARLES H. Beneath the Greenhouse Roof. Criterion, 1957. ROCKWELL & GRAYSON. RockivelFs Complete Book of Roses. Doubleday, 1958. ROSE, JAMES C. Creative Gardens. Reinhold, 1958. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Daffodil and Tulip Yearbook, 1958. Lily Yearbook, 1958. Rhododendron and Camellia Yearbook, 1958. SACKVILLE-WEST, VIRGINIA. A Joy of Gardening. Harper, 1958. SCHAFFER, FLORENCE M. A B C of Driftwood. Hearthside, 1957. SHARP, MORRIE. Camellias Illustrated. Abbot, Kern & Bell, 1957. STERN, F. C. Snowdrops and Snowflakes. Roy. Hort. Society, 1956 SWAIN, SU ZAN NOGUCHI. Plants of Woodland and Wayside. Doubleday, 1958, SYMONDS, GEORGE W. D. Tree Identification Book. Barrows, 1958. TRAUB, HAMILTON P. The Amaryllis Manual. Macmillan, 1958. U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. Soil. 1957 Yearbook of Agriculture. Govt. Print. Office, 1957. WALKER, WINIFRED.^// the Plants of the Bible. Harper, 1957. WARREN, ANN. Modern Guide to House Plants. New Era, 1958. WESTCOTT, CYNTHIA. Plant Doctoring is Fun. Van Nostrand, 1957. WILSON, HELEN VAN PELT. 1001 African Violet Questions. Van Nostrand, 1958. WOOD, J. P. Pruning. Collingridge, 1957. YOSHIMURA, YUJI. The Japanese Art of Miniature Trees and Landscapes Tattle. 1957. 24 — 1 LECTURE COMMITTEE The first of the lectures, a demonstrated talk, "Flower Arrangement for Winter Enjoyment", by Mrs. Leslie E. Vaughan, Stepney, Connecticut, was held on January 23, 1958 at the Sheraton Hotel. A large room had been engaged, but was soon filled and an overwhelming crowd waited in the halls. Through the cooperation of the hotel staff, our speaker and members, the lecture was moved to a larger room and under way within a half an hour. There was an attendance of 550, possibly more. Your chairman did appreciate the patience and help of all who made this possible. On February 27, Dr. Stephen Collins, New Haven Connecticut, gave a beautifully illustrated and informative talk " Along Nature Trails in the Northeast." Despite inclement weather, 273 came to the Sheraton for this talk. Julia S. Berrall (Mrs. J. Lloyd Berrall) was the speaker for the Flower Show luncheon, March 11, on "Flowers through the Centuries." Many of her slides were copies of beautiful pictures from National Art Museums. Again our members were patient while we had difficulties with the projector. This was no fault of Mr. Richard Chillas who had kindly consented to operate the machine. In due time another machine was in use. It may interest the members to know that a new projector and screen were purchased and are ready for future use. The Rose Room of the Bellevue-Stratford was filled to capacity with 335 for this luncheon meeting. Thursday, November 13, a demonstrated talk on "Christmas and Holiday Decorations", was presented by Mrs. Herbert Greger, Rockville, Maryland. This attracted 175 members. The talk was given in the auditorium of the Y. W. C. A., at 20th and Chestnut Streets. This building was selected for lectures this season due to large seating capacity in a ground floor room and because of the many good parking facilities in the neighborhood. It is hoped that the members will support the program that has been planned for the coming season. The Committee wishes to thank Mrs. Semple, Mrs. Taggart and Miss Porter, members of the office staff, for their kind assistance with the lectures, and I wish to express my appreciation to the members of the Committee for their invaluable assistance. Respectfully submitted, ANNE WERTSNER WOOD Chairman (Mrs. Harry Wood) — 25 — AZALEA GARDEN COMMITTEE A public garden has all the troubles of a private garden plus others that your garden does not have. Young people ride bicycles across corners of the borders, boys make paths through some of the beds, taking short cuts to the river to fish. Children pick flowers and then drop them to wilt on the ground. Some bushes are stolen, generally the smaller ones most recently planted. Papers and bottles are scattered here and there although there are receptacles for such objects. But a public garden is made for people and the misdemeanors are small in comparison to the pleasure enjoyed by the majority of the garden's visitors. The Azalea Garden Committee of this Society works in cooperation with Fairmount Park, which provides maintenance of the garden. Each member of the committee has a month in which to visit the garden and report his findings, a custom instituted by Dr. Carson. Mr. William Noble, Jr.. Park Commissioner, attends our meetings and is interested and helpful when suggestions are made by the committee. John Boyle, employed by the Park, has been the gardener again this year. He is there every day through the growing season and serves as sort of watch- man as well as gardener. The garden suffered little damage from the March snowstorm fortunately, and the frequent rains of this past season have been beneficial. The garden, designed by Mr. Frederick Peck, as you remember, was never more beautiful than it was this spring. It is worth a visit at any time but the bloom is at its best about May 10. Be sure to see it next spring. Respectfully submitted, ESTELLE L. SHARP Chairman — 26 — 1 CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW COMMITTEE The 1958 Annual Chrysanthemum Show sponsored by the Society, in cooperation with the Arthur Hoyt Scott Horticultural foundation and the Philadelphia Branch of the National Association of Gardeners, was held in the Field House of Swarthmore College on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 24th, 25th and 26th. Over 4,000 visitors attended in spite of very inclement weather. We were particularly pleased to have a group of 75 interested gardeners from the Horticultural Society of New York, under the wing of Mr. Richard B. Farnham, their Executive Secretary; in addition to groups from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, The Ambler Junior College and The Friends Hospital of Philadelphia. The Show boasted many fine exhibits, both amateur and professional. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Flower Show Award went to Rose Valley Nurseries for an interesting and usable garden design. The Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania Awards were given to Mrs. U. H. Brockway, HI, of Wayne, in the arrangement section, and to the William Penn Branch of the American Begonia Society for edu- cational horticulture. Special awards for outstanding exhibits were given to the garden of Mrs. Lammot duPont from Wilmington, and to a picturesque display of fruit and vegetables by Linvilla Orchards of Media, Pa. The Arthur Hoyt Scott Horticultural Foundation staged an excellent educational exhibit stressing Ground Covers, Small Ornamental Shrubs in combination with colorful berried trees and shrubs. A new feature this year was the Amateur Sweepstakes Trophy pre- sented by The Philadelphia Flower Show, Inc. This is a large sterling silver plate, with replica, to be won three years for permanent possession. Each year the replica is presented in lieu of the larger trophy. This •year the winner was Mr. Walter F. Rathmell of Havertown, an out- standing grower of chrysanthemums. The ever popular Class No. 46, was hotly contended with 31 entries out of 49 original starters last May. Mr. Otis Reynolds of Norristown, has two legs on the trophy for this class, The David Leslie Poe Memorial. Mrs. Thomas V. Schock of Parkesburg, also has two legs on this trophy, so that next year one of these two time winners may retire it. Competi- tive interest such as this holds the eye of the exhibitors and the general public. c •' The Field House at Swarthmore is a superb place to hold our Show and we are indebted to the Swarthmore College officials for their un- stinted cooperation. All successful Flower Shows owe a debt of gratitude to efficient and energetic Committees and this one was no exception. Due to their efforts, the Show came to a happy conclusion. Respectfully submitted, CHARLES BECKER, JR. Chairman — 27 — 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 Marinus Vander Pol for a Garden of Tree Peonies. The Philadelphia Flower Show, to the Arthur Hoyt Scott Horticultural Foundation for their exhibit of Plant Propagation Proceedures. The Chrysanthemum Show, Swarthmore, to Rose Valley Nurseries, of Media, Pa. Our highest award presented to individuals was given this year at the Spring Luncheon to the following: Mrs. Roy Arthur Hunt, for her outstanding botanical library. Mr. Alfred Byrd Graf, for his work in cataloging and photographing tropical plant material in his book EXOTICA. The John Wanamaker Stores for the imaginative planting installa- tion surrounding their Suburban Buildings. In June, the James Boyd Memorial Medal was presented to Mr. Glenn H. Greaves, of St. Paul, Minnesota, for his distinguished collection of peonies exhibited in the American Peony Society Show. Respectfully submitted, J. LIDDON PENNOCK, JR. Chairman 28 —