Historic, Archive Document Do not assume content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices. Ipha Nursery Alpha, Illinois 1927 Trees^Small Fruits Shrubs*- Plants and Bulbs Spring & Fall Catalog • -—S' The trees are Elms, the shrubbery is Bridal IDreath, Barberry, Honeysuckle, Hydrangia and Snowberry, urith a feu? Evergreens on the lawn Quality Trees, Fruits and Plants - - Money Saving Prices - - ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor h Come and See Us h We have large sheds, lots of room, so we can handle your orders fast Send IJour Order Early 10% Discount on orders reaching us before March 15 th Office and Part of Packing Sheds Moline — 25 miles Rock Island — 30 miles Galesburg — 18 miles Auto Roads to Alpha Nursery Galva — 18 miles Aledo — 20 miles Monmouth — 35 miles - - FOLLOW THE IjELLOUl ROAD fp ,.v \ |a4f 1 \\ / i X' - c Drive to the nursery, select y o u r stock, take it home with you. Hundreds of our customers d o this. We give you prompt service. s iq n s — In the Qreenhouse we Kane Qeraniums Petunias Foliage Salvia Asters Qiant Pansy Plants 25c. 1? Postage 5c. per 12 Buy your Ueqetable Plants of the Qreenhouse Our Green House Send For Special List of Greenhouse Plants INDEX After Culture ; 8 After Pruning, 8 Apple Borer 22 Apple Trees 9 Apricots and Nectarines 11 Asparagus „...: 16 Blackberries - 14 Bulbs — Out-Door Culture 16 Cherry Trees ...... ...;....10 Clematis _■.... . 18 Crab Apple Trees 9 Currants .:... 12 Dahlias .18 Dewberries 15 Depth to Plant 1-........... T. 6 Digging the Holes ,. .. 4 Distances for Planting 23 Evergreens 16 Fertilizers Si 23 Formulas 1 20 Gooseberries 12 Grafting and Budding 3 Grapes — 14 Hyacinths^ .17 Lilies 18 Mulching 7 Paeonies _ 18 Peach Trees ......SS.... 11 Pear Trees 9 Planting . 6 Plum Trees 10 Preparing the Ground : — 3 Prune Before Planting ..; SH....'..: 5 Prune Trees _...ll Pruning ...... -...22 Quinces .i.._....... ..:L.. —r2.-..-.‘l......^.... — 12 Raspberries .S' 12 Receiving and Care of Trees 4 Recipes — 21 Rhubarb 16 Roses 16 Spraying : 19 Strawberries ...■- 15 Thinning Out the Fruit - 23 Washes .23 Watering 8 When and How to Bud — 3 Published by the CAMPBELL PRINTING COMPANY Nursery Catalogs and Printed Supplies DES MOINES, IOWA Our Trees are Well Rooted PREPARING THE GROUND Before planting fruit trees the soil should be made mellow by repeated plowing; and where the soil is densely packed, a subsoil plow should be used and j the ground stirred up from eight to ten inches deep. If this is neglected the roots are soon surrounded by a strong wall and you cannot expect them to live many years. Wherever this system has been prac- ticed, healthy vigorous trees and fine fruit has been the result. RECEIVING AND CARE OF TREES Trees are frequently ruined by lack of care, of bad managing after they fall into the hands of the purchaser. We have known them to lay for days tied up in a bundle just as received from the nur- sery, exposed to sun and wind and then set out, and with such treatment they cannot be expected to live when one hour’s time would have buried them in the ground and placed them beyond danger. When trees are received, the roots should be cov- ered with a wet blanket or straw until they reach their destination. If the roots become dried from too long exposure, straw should be spread on the ground and the trees laid upon it, then cover the roots and tops with straw, and the whole well wat- ered. In this condition they should remain for forty-eight hours, when they will be found as fresh as when first found in the nursery. If trees are re- ceded in a frozen state, they must be buried entire- ly, roots, top and all, from thirty-six to forty-eight hours, the earth will draw out the frost without in- juring the trees. If the trees are in good condition when received or after remaining in the straw forty- eight hours and the holes are not yet dug, or the ground too wet to plant, then dig a trench and lay the trees in a slanting position so that you can cover up the roots and two-thirds of the body. In this position let them remain until the holes are dug or the ground is in a condition to receive them. DIGGING THE HOLES If the soil for an orchard has been properly pre- pared by subsoiling and deep plowing, then the opening of holes becomes a very simple matter: and really this is by far the easiest and best plan, for if the soil is thoroughly pulverized to a depth of from eighteen to twenty inches all that is necessary is to measure off the distance at which the trees shall stand from one another, and the order of planting: flag poles are to be set in the line to be occupied by the first, row of trees, and a deep furrow is then opened with a large plow, drawn by a steady pair of horses. The poles are then moved and set for the next row of trees, and so on, until the whole is laid off. making the furrows as straight as possible. This done, a lighter plow, drawn by a single horse, is driven across these deep furrows, at the proper dis- tances, so that the intersection shall indicate where the trees are to stand. A few shovelfuls of earth removed, and the hole is ready for the tree. If the furrows have not been recently made, it will be well always to remove a portion of the surface, so as tc have fresh soil next to the roots. Where only a few trees are to be planted, and the soil has not been subsoiled, or where trees are to be planted in sod, then the holes ought to be at least four feet wide and twenty-four to thirty inches deep, the subsoil thrown back, and the holes filled up to a proper depth to receive the trees with a fine top soil. PRUNE BEFORE PLANTING Both root and top should be pruned at the time of planting- and before the tree is set in the ground ; the neglect of this causes the loss of an immense number of trees. When taken from the nursery the roots aie more or less mutilated, therefore the bal- ance of the trees must be restored by cutting off a portion of the side and top branches. First cut off the ends of all broken and bruised roots with a sharp knife, in a slanting direction, on the under side ; this will cause the wound to heal over readily, by throwing out plenty of fibrous roots at the end ; then cut back each branch or side limb to a bud not more than four or five inches above the highest side limb. Where there are no side limbs the tree should be headed back to a height proper to form a top. None of the lower limbs should be cut off en- tirely, as it is best to form the head as low dowm as possible, so that the limbs and leaves will pro- tect the trunk of the trees from the direct rays of the sun. Fig. 1 Improperly Planted Properly Planted SIRE TO DIE \V1I,L EIVE 5 /, DEPTH TO PLANT All kinds of fruit trees should be planted from 2 to S inches deeper than they grow in the nursery. PLANTING When ready to plant and before removing the trees from the trench, dig a hole about the size re- quired for a tree; fill in to about six inches of the top with water; then fill it with fine soil and stir it into a pretty thick puddle. Take from the trench a few trees at a time, prune the roots and top as directed and place them in the puddle so that the roots are well covered ; let them remain until the hole is ready and remove one by one as they are needed. Use good mellow top soil in the bottom of the hole and around the roots, slanting it a little to the southwest, leaving a little mound in the cen- ter of the hole ; place the tree in position and ar- range it to the proper depth by filling in or raking back the soil to or from where the tree will stand, then fill in fine, mellow soil between and around the roots with the hand, arranging all the roots in their natural position, and packing in the soil care- fully around them. When the roots are barely cov- ered, sprinkle on not less than a half bucket of water to moisten the soil and settle it among the roots ; then fill to the top and press down the earth around the tree with the foot ; throw a bucket of water around each tree to settle the ground, and scatter a little soil on top to prevent baking. Trees set out in this manner and well mulched will with- stand almost any amount of drought. 6 Fig. 1 shows a standard apple or pear tree in the spring after it has grown one season. In pruning cut above a bud that is on the outside of a limb, as that bud will develop into a branch, growing outward, and it is desirable to have the growth of the tree spreading, in order to let in sunlight and air. If the limb is cut just above a bud on the in- side, the future branch will grow toward the main stock. Figure 2 is the two or three years’ dwarf pear at the time of setting out. The dotted lines show where the branches should be cut off at the time of planting. This should be done without fail. Figure 3 represents the tree after it has made its first summer’s growth since planting. The dotted lines show where it should then be cut back. The same general course must be pursued for every pruning afterwards, retaining the pyramidal form. Prune any time from November to April, but prune every year. Fig. 4. Fig. &> Figure 4 represents one of our peach trees as it is sent out from the nursery. Figure 5 shows how it should look when it is planted by the customer. MULCHING Mulching is of vital importance and should never be neglected ; the material used every third year should be coarse stable manure, for intervening f 7 years such materials as straw, grass, hay, sawdust or tanbark; any of above to be spread around the tree for a space of from four to five feet and three to six inches deep. This mulch should be placed around the trees about December 1st each year, and left until about May 10th, when manure should be removed and if other materials are used it should be removed also, if the land is to be cultivated. Thorough cultivation is always best, but if the or- chard cannot be cultivated the mulch material named above except manure should be left around the trees all summer, to hold moisture and keep down grass and weeds. The object of mulching in early winter is to keep the ground from thawing around the roots until late in spring. More trees die from alternate freezing and thawing of roots than from all other causes, and the mulch will carry the roots through in perfect condition, if enough is kept on. AFTER CULTURE The trees should be kept free from grass and orchard except potatoes, beans, peas, carrots or corn. Cul- tivate well in the early part of the summer and in the month of October. The principal of cultiva- tion is that the loose and pulverized soil on the sur- face prevents the evaporation of moisture and keeps weeds in check. Give under drainage when it is needed, and attend annually and carefully to sur- face drainage. Bone dust, salt and plaster, are ex- cellent manure for trees when used on the surface. No manure of any kind should be put in the hole with the tree; it is very injurious, causing a rank growth, making the tree tender and consequently short lived. AFTER PRUNING The great majority of people do not take proper care of their trees after planting. This is a great mistake. If a tree or vine does not receive the right kind of care, and enough of it when young, it will never attain to a healthy old age. Very much has been «aid about pruning by various authorities. Judging from these and our own experience and ob- servations, we would say : Looking at the health and vigor of a tree, the best time to prune is just be- fore sap begins to run, early in the spring. Summer pruning is done to check rank growth and promote fruitfulness. This should be done very cautiously, if at all, as too much pruning will harm the tree. When we are in a hurry to have a tree bear, we pinch off the bud on the end of the limbs a little in summer. Do not fear to prune the tree when it is young — that is, when it is not growing — and keep pruning as long as it lives. WATERING Trees seldom require watering, except in very dry weather. Probably more trees are killed than saved by injudicious watering. One good watering once a 8 week at night and repeated the next morning, is far better than ten times as often if improperly done. The right way is to draw away a little of the soil from the side of the tree, and allow all the water that the soil will absorb to soak in, then replace the dry soil. Repeat this the following morning. STANDARD APPLE TREES should be planted twenty-five to thirty feet apart ac- cording to the nature of the soil and climate. In the South it has been found of advantage to plant about twenty-five feet apart, and keep the heads low so as to protect the trunk from the direct rays of the sun. Plant out and cultivate as directed and do not neglect to mulch them, especially young trees. The apple will grow on a great variety of soils, but it seldom thrives on very dry sand or soil sat- urated with moisture. Its favorite soil is a strong loam of limestone nature. A deep, strong, gravelly, marly or clayey loam, or a strong, sandy loam on a gravelly sub-soil, produces the greatest crops and the highest flavored fruit, as well as the utmost longevity of the trees. Such a soil is moist rather than dry, the most favorable conditions for this fruit. Too damp soil may be rendered fit for the apple by thorough drainage, and that which is too dry by deep sub-soil, plowing or trenching, where the soil is of a heavy texture; and many New England orchards are very flourishing and produc- tive on soils so stony and rock-covered as to be unfit for any other crop. As regards site, apple or orchards as a rule do best on northern or northwestern slopes. CRAB APPLES should be planted eighteen to twenty feet apart. They are very hardy and bear abundantly. The fruit is highly valuable for preserving and jelly and makes the finest cider known. Plant and cultivate as the apple. STANDARD PEARS should be planted twenty to twenty-five feet apart. They are grown on stock imported from France, and will grow on almost any soil, provided the sub- soil is not too wet ; whenever this is the case the ground should be thoroughly under drained. In very poor soil a moderate top dressing of manure, in the fall will be of advantage. When a tree is assailed by the blight, cut off the part affected several inches below all appearances of the disease. Prune as directed and mulch well. The pear will do its best on a strong loam of moderate depth, on a dry sub-soil; yet it will adapt itself to as great a variety of soils as any fruit tree. But the pear should never be set in soil that is wet the greater portion of the year, and too rich soil will produce so rapid a growth that the tree will be more liable to blight, as the wood will be soft. Soil that is too light may be improved by trenching, 9 if the sub-soil is heavier, or by top-dressing with heavy muck and river mud if it is not heavy. In a climate cold for the pear, or on a cold soil, it is advantageous lo plant on a southern slope; but in the middle states, in warm soils, we do not con- sider decidedly southern exposures as good as rather cooler ones. STANDARD CHERRIES should be planted sixteen to twenty feet apart. The soil best adapted to the cherry is a light loam on a gravelly or sandy sub-soil, though it will do well in almost any situation not too wet. To insure a good growth, cherries should be well cut back for several successive seasons. In some portions of the West and South the cherry has not been uniformly suc- cessful, principally owing to an improper selection of sorts and the kind of trees. The great cause is owing to the body of the tree cracking, and becom- ing diseased, either dying outright or maintaining a sickly existence, particularly the Heart and Big- garreau classes. This is caused most by the direct action of the hot sun upon the unprotected trunk and large branches of the trees during rapid growth, and may be almost entirely remedied by planting dwarf cherries, cultivated on the Mahaleb stock, as the plants are rendered more hardy, and the lower branches start from the body of the tree within ten to fifteen inches of the ground. PLUMS should be planted twelve to fourteen feet apart. A clay loam or heavy loam is best adapted to the plum. In such soil the tree is found to be more vigorous, healthy and productive than in light soils. Where trees are planted in very light soil, clay may be supplied to advantage. To prevent the destruc- tion of the fruit by the eurculio, the plan of jarring off the insects on sheets and destroying them, is the most sure and effective. This should be repeated twice a day during the early stages of the fruit. The best time is in the morning and evening when the dew is on. Swamp muck is also excellent, especially that from salt water marshes. Common salt sprinkled about the trees will do them good. Plums do well when planted in a hen yard, or where the fowls have free access to the trees, as they w7ill destroy the insects that trouble many varieties. The Japanese varieties of plums should receive different treatment from the old varieties. When planted in the fall, they should stand unpruned until spring, then in early spring, just as the sap begins to move, head back three to five of the strong- est branches, leaving about one-third of the previous season’s growth and removing the balance of the limbs entirely. Then each ensuing spring head back at least one-half of the previous season’s growth. The short spurs that may form on the bodies of the limbs should not be removed, as they 10 will develop fruit buds. When the trees are planted in the spring they should be headed back at the time of planting. PRUNE TREES should be planted ten to twelve feet apart. Soil and treatment same as plum. STANDARD PEACHES should be planted sixteen to eighteen feet apart. To secure healthy, vigorous, and fruitful trees, and fine fruit, the following points must be well attended to ; First, keep the ground clean and mellow ; second, keep the heads low — the trunk should not exceed three feet in height ; third, give them an occasional dressing of wood ashes ; fourth, prune every spring, shortening the shoots of the previous year’s growth. This keeps the head round, full and well furnished with bearing wood. Cut weak shoots back about one-half, and strong ones about one-third ; but see that there is left a sufficient supply of fruit buds. Sickly and superfluous shoots should be cut out clean. The fruit is borne on branches of last sea- son’s growth, and hence the necessity of keeping up a good supply of vigorous annual shoots all over the tree. Salt is an excellent fertilizer for peach trees ; soap suds also are good. Young trees should be well mulched every spring. As regards the best soil for peaches, there is such a diversity of opinion among experienced growers that we shall necessarily conflict with some pet theories in advising our patrons, yet we think no one will regret following our advice. The very best soil for the peach is a rich, deep sandy loam ; next to this is a strong, mellow loam ; then a light, thin, sandy soil ; and the poorest is a heavy, com- pact, clay soil. We are aware that the peach does well on the lightest sandy soil in New Jersey, Dela- ware and Maryland, but it will reach the greatest perfection and live the longest, in soil such as we have described. In sections where the blossom is liable to be cut off by late spring frosts, we advise planting on the north side of hills, northern slopes or elevated grounds, in preference to warm valleys and southern aspects. The buds will not start so early, and will be less liable to injury by the frost. If a heavy mulch is placed about the trees after the ground is frozen it will retard the growth in the early spring, and often insure a crop of peaches. APRICOTS AND NECTARINES should be planted twelve to fifteen feet apart. They will grow on any friable soil under good culture. The apricots ripen about a month before our early peaches. The fruit is very fine, but like the plum is liable to attacks of the curculio, for which the same precaution and remedies should be applied. The nectarine is similar to the peach, both in fruit 11 and character of the tree, but its skin being smooth makes it subject to attacks of the curculio. The apri- cot and nectarine need the same management, cul- ture and training as the peach. Not recommended for the north or middle west. QUINCES should be planted ten to twelve feet apart. The quince grows naturally in rather moist soil, by the side of streams of water ; hence it is a common idea that it should always be planted in some damp, neglected part of the garden or farm, where it us- ually receives no care, and the fruit is often knotty and inferior. While it will thrive in damp soil, no tree is more benefited by manuring and cultivation than the quince. In a rich, mellow, deep soil, even if quite dry, it grows with thrice its usual vigor, and bears abundant crops of large and handsome fruit. The quince should, therefore, be planted in deep and good soil, kept in constant cultivation, and it should have a top dressing of manure every season if the finest fruit is desired. Common salt, sown broad- cast about the trees, is very beneficial. CURRANTS should be planted in the garden four feet apart. Sawdust or tanbark should be used as a mulch. The currant flourishes in almost every kind of soil, but to have the fruit in perfection, plant in rich, deep soil, and give good annual pruning and culti- vation. When plants are grown as stools or bunches the older and feebler suckers should be cut out, such as crowd and over bear the plant. Of late years the currant worm has been very troublesome but if the bushes are sprayed with powdered white Hellebore, say a teaspoonful diluted in a pail of water, when the leaves are formed, also when the fruit is beginning to form, the currant worm will be disposed of. GOOSEBERRIES should be planted the same distance apart as cur- rants. The plants should be annually and rather severely pruned by thinning out all feeble and crowd- ed branches. Mulch the same as currants. The gooseberry loves a deep, rich, rather cool soil and situation, and a partial shade often proves favorable to it. In transplanting, follow directions given for currants. Gooseberries need no pruning at the time of transplanting. Liberal manuring, cul- tivating, and a mulch of coal ashes is useful and tends to prevent mildew, which is liable to injure some varieties. If mildew does appear, the crop can usually be saved by sprinkling sulphur or slacked lime upon the bushes and salt upon the ground. RASPBERRIES should be planted four feet apart each way. In training, allow only a few canes to grow from each 12 plant, cutting away all suckers to throw the strength into the stalks for bearing ; all old canes should be removed when the bearing season is over. Tender varieties should be protected during the winter in the northern states. A good gravelly soil, or a deep, moist loam is gen- erally considered best for the raspberry, yet the plants do well on light or even sandy loam, and on such soil the fruit will ripen some days earlier. The red varieties should not be placed on hard, clayey land, nor on low, wet. soil. The black varieties do very well on claying soil. In field culture the plants are usually placed two and one-half or three feet apart. Then, if necessary the bushes of two adjoining hills can be tied to- gether at the top, forming an arch which will render them self-supporting. When planting on a large scale, the plow can be used instead of the spade, for getting the ground in condition, and also for transplanting, as bushes can be planted in the fur- rows instead of making holes with the spade. Run the plow six or eight inches deep, then partially fill the furrow with well-rotted manure. Newly set plants should be hoed or cultivated quite frequently, especially early in the season, as it is important that a good start should be obtained the first year; in fact, if the land is in good condi- tion, frequent cultivation without manuring is better than manuring without cultivation. It is important that all weeds should be kept down the first as well as the following seasons. When the plow is used, it should be run quite shallow, so as not to injure the roots. Old stable manure is the best fertilizer for general use. On light soils it is well to apply it as a mulch. Well rotted stable manure, or a mix- ture or spent tanbark and wood ashes, make a most excellent mulch. A little salt may be added to the mulch or fertilizer. The first season only two or three shoots or canes should be allowed to grow from each root or hill. In midsummer, when the canes have reached a height of about two feet, the top should be pinched off with the thumb and finger. This will cause the canes to throw out laterals. These branches should likewise be cut back when they have made a growth of about one foot from the canes. If this summer pruning is neglected until the bushes get to be three or four feet high, shears should be used to cut them back to xvithin two and one-half feet of the ground. It is not necessary to head in all varieties during the sum- mer, and in garden culture some prefer driving a stake in each hill to which the bushes can be tied to keep them from dropping to the ground when fruiting. The bushes can be allowed to grow, and in the late fall the surplus suckers and the old fruit canes can be cut out, and the suckers that are left for the next year’s crop cut back to within two and one-half feet of the ground. 13 BLACKBERRIES require the same kind of soil and treatment as rasp- berries, except that they should be planted in rows eight feet wide and four feet apart in the row. A neat and improved method of pruning will make the plants self-sustaining bushes, viz.: As soon as the plants are about four feet high, clip off the points of the growing canes and repeat the operation several times until they assume the form of a bush. If not pruned in this manner they require to be tied to a stake or wire trellis. Mulching is of great advantage to both raspberries and blackberries. GRAPES if planted for fastening to a trellis or arbor, should be planted twelve feet apart ; but if tied to stake, six feet apart. The holes should be dug not less than four feet wide and two feet deep. Burying bones under the roots makes the vines much more prolific, and the fruit of better quality. The bones should be put in the bottom of the hole and covered with fine soil, then pour in a little water to settle the dirt among the bones ; then fill up with mellow soil to within five or six inches of the top ; cut off the bruised and broken roots; straighten the roots to their natural position and cover with fine mellow soil about tvro inches, packing it carefully with the hand, then sprinkle on sufficient water to moisten the roots, fill up the hole and press down the dirt. A stake should be placed with each vine at the time of setting six or seven feet high. The first year train one shoot only up to the stake, pinching off all others, and also the latter or side shoots that appear during the first season ; the following spring cut the vine down to within three or four buds of the ground. Fig. 6 The next season allow but twTo of the strongest buds to throw out shoots. These, in the fall, will be from five to seven feet long and should be fastened to the lower part of the trellis. When growth com- 14 mences, pinch the buds so that the shoots will be from ten to twelve inches apart. As they grow train them perpendicularly to the second, third and fourth bars of the trellis, and in the fall the vine, with its fruit, will present the appearance shown in Figure G, as no fruit should be allowed to set above the second bar of the trellis. During the season when the shoots shall have reached the up- per bar of the trellis, they may be pinched to pre- vent further growth. Fig. 7 Late in the fall, cut back to two buds, as shown in Figure 7. The following spring allow but one bud to throw out a shoot, and treat as in the previous year. This system of pruning should be followed each year. STRAWBERRIES The ground should be prepared the same as for other crops ; if not already rich, make it so by well rotted manure. Mark out the rows the desired width, and set plants ten to seventeen inches dis- tant in the rows ; if set twelve inches, in rows four feet apart, an acre will require 10,890 plants ; same as if set sixteen inches in rows three feet apart. In early winter when the ground is frozen, cover the whole with long straw, which should be removed from the plant in the spring but allowed to remain between the rows as a mulch to keep the berries clean next summer. If all staminate varieties are planted each plant will fertilize itself, and bear fruit, but when pistil- late varieties are planted alone, they will never bear fruit. Therefore they must be planted not farther than four feet from a few of the staminate varieties to insure pollenization to get the best results, plant all staminate varieties such as Bederwood, Senator Dunlap, Splendid, Lovett, Enhance, Capt. Jack Brandywine and Parker Early or alternate rows of staminate and pistillate varieties. By planting al- ternate rows of Bederwood, Senator Dunlap and Warfield the best results are produced in Minnesota generally. DEWBERRIES The dewberry, or trailing blackberry, should be trained to a stake, or it can be worked regularly on a small trellis. It should be planted in rows about six feet apart and four feet apart in the row. When the cane or vine has made a growth of five or six feet, it should be cut back. Otherwise treat the same as raspberries. 15 ASPARAGUS To make an asparagus bed, prepare a place of fine, loamy soil, to which has been added a libei*al dress- ing of rich manure. For a garden, set in rows, eigh- teen to twenty inches apart, with the plants ten to twelve inches apart in the rows. Make a small mound of the soil, over which the roots should be spread, then cover the plants with about three inches of soil. If planted in the fall the whole bed should be covered before winter sets in with two or three inches of coarse stable manure, which may be lightly forked in between the rows as soon as the ground softens in the spring. RHUBARB Deep, rich soil is the best for rhubarb, but it is such a strong vigorous growing plant it will thrive almost anywhere. Set the roots so that the crowns are about an inch below the surface. It is a gross feeder; the more manure, the larger and finer the yield. EVERGREENS The holes ought to be dug four feet wide and two feet deep. Fill completely ; let it remain until about the first of April. If set in up to the proper height with well-pulverized earth, mixed with about one- sixteenth of sand, cut off all the bruised and broken roots; place them in their natural position in the hole ; cover them with rich, mellow soil, then pour on water until the roots are thoroughly wet ; then fill to the top and pack with the foot. After the tree is planted in the fall take long straw and set it entirely around the tree, and bind it at the top so as to cover the tree completely ; let it re- main until about the first of April. If set in the spring the straw covering should be put on just the same and remain about two weeks. During the first summer evergreens should be well mulched with coarse manure or litter, spread out a little beyond where the roots extend, and four to six inches in depth. ROSES Plant and treat in the same manner as evergreens. Shorten all the branches to about one-half their original length. Grass or weeds should never be allowed to grow within two feet of the stock and all • old stocks should be trimmed out every fall. Cover with dirt about November 1st of each year to keep from freezing down. BULBS— OUT-DOOR CULTURE October and November is the proper time for planting Hyacinths, Crocuses, Tulips, Snowdrops and other bulbs, and not in the spring. Let the soil be dug to the depth of eighteen inches, thoroughly pul- verized, and if the soil is poor, enrich with thor- ■©uglily decomposed manure ; if tine soil is too close or | heavy, Mix some sand with it and thoroughly in- corporate the whole. When covered with half rotted ; manure this will sufficiently enrich the soil. The best covering is leaves or half decayed manure-^ never — rotten manure, as it excludes light and air. By excessive covering, many bulbs are annually lost. Cover them from two to four inches, after the ground is frozen two or three inches deep. This will help to secure the bulbs from the depredation of mice and oltaer vermin. It is not the freezing that kills, but the continued thawing and freezing, thus lifting the teulbs to the surface of the ground. As soon as the ! coldest weather is over the covering may be remov- ed. When the blooming season is past, pinch off all the flower stems allowing the bulbs to remain until the leaves are yellow. If the beds are wanted for i bedding plants, take up the bulbs and re-plant them very thickly in any vacant spot, allowing them to remain until the foliage is decayed ; then if named varieties, place each one in sand, putting them away until fall planting. HYACINTHS IN GLASSES Nothing more easy, more fragrant, or will more richly reward the grower than the Hyacinth. For pots and glasses the named varieties are the most desirable. To grow them in glasses the single ones are preferred, although some of the double are equal- ly as good. First let your glasses be thoroughly cleaned, then fill them with water; the base of the bulb just and barely touching the water; place them carefully away for three or four weeks in a dark I closet. Then you will find that the roots have nearly filled the glass ; bring them to the light gradually. Avoid placing them on the window ledge, as the cold draughts chill the roots ; neither expose to the full sun, but keep them in a room of moderate tempera- ture, with plenty of light and air. As the water evaporates, fill up with water at the same tempera- ture as the room. Never change the water unless it becomes tainted, neither use cotton or other fidfads. The simpler the treatment, the more certain of suc- cess. HYACINTHS IN POTS If the leaf mold, and special compost considered necessary for the amateur to grow these favorites to perfection is not available, take any ordinary garden soil; if poor, mix it with some thoroughly decomposed manure and fine sand ; make a heap of it, turning it over once or twice. Select the deepest pots, plant one or more hyacinths in each, according to the size of the pot, place the bulb not deeper than the shoulder; thoroughly saturate them with water for two or three days, then place them in a box covering the whole with six inches of damp sand and put them in a cold cellar placing them on the floor, leaving them there for at least four to six weeks, re- 17 moving' them a few at a time to keep up a succession of bloom, bringing them gradually to the light. With the above simple treatment a lady last fall ventured upon what she termed “The deep waters” with hyacinths in glasses and hyacinths, crocuses and Due Van Thol tulips grown in sand and moss- keeping them in darkness for the time specified. A most magnificent bloom of flowers was the result. The great secret is to obtain the bulbs well rooted, and this can only be accomplished by burying them in darkness. If exposed to the light at the first planting, the struggle between the top and the bot- tom growth, both particularly weak, commences, and the result is a weakly flower, if any. HERBACEOUS PEONIES The best time to plant them is in the autumn. This is one of the finest herbaceous perennials, per- fectly hardy, wonderfully showy and of the easiest culture. They will thrive in any ordinary garden soil needing no extra care or cultivation. The varieties from the earliest to the latest, afford a succession of bloom for over a month. LILIES should be planted in November, five or six inches deep, and may be allowed to remain in the ground for years. These unlike the hyacinth, crocus, etc., if neglected in the fall, may be planted in the spring as soon as the garden is in condition to plant garden seeds. DAHLIAS should be planted in the spring in mellow soil, as soon as all danger from frost has disappeared, and the ground is not too wet. In the fall or early winter, before frost, the roots should be taken up, packed in sand, and put away in a dry cellar or dark room, secure from frost. CLEMATIS VINES may be planted in the spring or fall. When planted in the fall they should be thoroughly mulched with half-rotten manure, allowing it to remain until after freezing weather is over in the spring. They can be planted two feet apart, allowing four or five dif- ferent colors to run on the same frame or trellis. The ground should be made rich by using liquid manure, and pouring it around the vines as often as once a month during the growing season. After the blooming season is over in the fall the vines may be cut off near the ground, thus enabling them to throw out more and better shoots the fol- lowing spring. 18 PRIVET There are over forty varieties of the Privet family grown and disseminated in this country which leads to much confusion to the planter. It will grow well in most all soils and locations even in the heart of large cities where other shrubs would perish on account of the smoke and gases. To get best results when planting in poor clay or hardpan soils, the trench should be dug out and or- dinary good surface loam used in planting. A mulch of well-decomposed barn-yard litter is very bene- ficial to all hedges if applied annually in fall be- fore severe freezing weather sets in. The hedge can be planted in either single or double row. If planting single row, dig trench 12 to 14 inches wide and of same depth, set plants from 8 to 12 in- cises apart according to size of plants. If planting double row, dig trench 24 inches from each wall of trench, leaving 12 inches between rows and plant same distance apart as for single, only al- ternate. Thus : Pack earth firmly around roots when planting and soak with water on completing. If planted in spring, clip as soon as hedge is planted ; do not let your courage fail you here. A safe rule is to cut off two-thirds of the tops ; the more severe, the better for the hedge. Do not clip your hedge in the fall. Summer clipping should be done during the last half of June, to allow young wood to harden before winter sets in. Idgustrum Amurense. — This is the Amoor or Russian Privet and is the only variety that should be planted for hedging in the cold northern states. Of course, it will thrive and do well all over the country, but it must be remembered that for north- ern latitude this is the only variety that can be safely planted. Idgustrum ©valifolium— This is California Privet. Planters must be careful not to get this variety con- fused with the hardy. The California Privet is one of the most beautiful varieties grown but must be planted in the southern states. SPRAYING FRUIT TREES Experience has demonstrated the fact that spray- ing at the proper time and properly done for pro- tection against destructive insects, rot, fungus and blight is the best if not the only sure remedy against these enemies of the horticulturist and that it has succeeded and will succeed is evidenced by the rapid increasing interest manifested in the manu- facture, sale and use of spraying machines, and the good results obtained by those who have practiced this method of protection. 19 Apple Trees — For prevention of leaf blight, spray ns soon as the leaves open in the spring, with Bor- deaux Mixture, or ammoniacal carbonate of copper. To destroy the aphis or plant lice, spray with kero- sene emulsion as soon as the pest appears. To de- stroy the codling moth, canker worm and curculio spray with Paris green or London purple, % lb. in. 40 or 50 gallons of water, soon after the blossoms fall, and again two weeks later. To destroy the web worm, spray with London purple or kerosene emul- sion about August 1st to 10th, or as soon as they ap-. pear. This application should be made during the middle of the day, when the worms are out of the webs and feeding on the leaves. Cherries — Treatment same as recommended for the apples. Pears — The pear slug can easily be destroyed by spraying with Paris green, four ounces to 50 gallons of water, or kerosene emulsion as soon as it begins operations. Fear and quince blight can be destroy- ed by spraying with Bordeaux Mixture. The cod- ling moth and curculio should be treated the same as recommended for apple trees. Plums — Destroy the aphis with kerosene emulsion through a tine spray nozzle. The curculio can be destroyed by spraying with 3 ounces Paris green to 40 gallons of water. First application should be made as soon as blossoms have fallen, and repeated at intervals of a week or ten days. Four applica- tions should be sufficient. Other enemies of the plum will be destroyed by this method, but in all cases be particular to keep the poison and water constantly stired. Grape Rot and Mildew — Use the Bordeaux Mixture. FORMULAS Ammoniacal Copper Carbonate Copper Carbonate 1 ounce Ammonia enough to dissolve the copper Water 9 gallons The copper carbonate is best dissolved in large bottles, when it will keep indefinitely, and it should be diluted with water as required. For the same purpose as Bordeaux Mixture. Bordeaux Mixture Copper sulphate £ 6 pounds Quicklime 6 pounds Water 50 gallons Dissolve the copper sulphate by putting it in a bag of coarse cloth and hanging this in a vessel holding at least 4 gallons, so that it is just covered 20 by the water. Use an earthen or wooden vessel. Slack the lime in an equal amount of water. Then mix the two and add enough water to make 50 gal- lons. It is then ready for immediate use. Do not use Bordeaux Mixture which has been made over 48 hours. For the third spraying an increase of lime insures the safety of the mixture, that the foliage and the fruit may not be injured by the presence of dissolved copper. For rots, molds, mildew and all fungus dis- eases. Copper Sulphate Solution Copper sulphate 1 pound Water 15 gallons Dissolve the copper sulphate in the water when it is ready for use. This should never be applied to the foliage but must be used before the buds break. For peaches and nectarines, use 25 gallons of water. For fungus diseases. Hellebore Fresh White Hellebore 1 ounce Water 4 _..3 gallons Apply when thoroughly mixed. This poison is not so energetic as the arsenates and may be used a short time before the sprayed portions mature. For insects which chew. Kerosene Emulsion Hard soap half pound Boiling Water ....1 gallon Kerosene 2 gallons Dissolve the soap in the water, add the kerosene and churn with a pump for 5 to 10 minutes, then add 30 gallons of water. Use strong emulsions for all scale insects. For insects which suck, as plant lice, mealy bugs, red spider, thrips, cabbage worms, currant worms and all which have soft bodies, dilute the above formula before applying by adding 50 to 60 gallons of water. Paris Green Paris Green 1 pound Water — 250 — 300 gallons If this mixture is to be used on peach trees, 1 pound of quicklime should be added. Repeated ap- plications will injure most foliage, unless lime is ad- ded. Paris green and Bordeaux Mixture can be ap- plied together with perfect safety. Use at the rate of 4 ounces of arsenate to 50 gallons of the mixture. For insects which chew. RECIPES, ETC. Dissolve two pounds of potash in two gallons of water, or with soft soap — apply to young trees with a soft brush. This is a good wash. 21 Leached wood ashes placed with soil around the body of peach trees is sure protection against the invasion of the peach borer. To kill the rose bug and slug, sprinkle the bush with a mixture of whale oil soap and tobacco juice. PRUNING We will suppose that after the first year's growth the branches were well cut back, as per our direc- tions. Then, as soon as growth commences, numer- ous sprouts or shoots will start on each limb. All of these sprouts should be rubbed off except the one nearest the end of the limb. When pruning, do not forget that the way to bud points is the direc- tion the future limb will grow; so if you want the limb to grow outward prune so as to leave the last bud on the lower side; if desired an upward growth leave the last bud on top. Many varieties of standard pears and plums re- quire an annual headings-in as well as the removal of surplus limbs. Cherries and quinces require but little pruning, except to keep the tree in good shape. Dwarf pears and apricots require annual pruning. Peaches require severe annual pruning. It is well to remember that pruning fruit trees is largely a matter of common sense, and that the ob- ject is to form a well shaped tree, to allow the sun and air to get at the fruit, and to check a too rapid wood growth, thereby throwing the sap into fruit buds. If the tree is growing tall and rampant, cut it back; if all the limbs grow inward, thin them out in such a manner that the remaining branches will make an outward growth, that the sun and air may be let in; if the branches droop too much, and give evidence of eventually preventing moving about under the trees, trim so the future growth will be upward ; when a tree of bearing age is making a very rapid growth and does not fruit, cut it back severely. THE APPLE BORER Bores into the trees at the surface of the ground. When this white grub is in the tree it may be picked out with a knife or pinched to death in its hole by using a flexible wire. If the borers are not numer- ous and time is precious, then this may be omitted, but late in June the trunk of the tree should be washed down to the ground with a mixture of half a gallon of soft soap and a quarter of a pint of crude carbolic acid stirred into two gallons of warm water and afterwards two gallons of cold water ad- ded. Another easy plan is to mix an ounce of crude carbolic acid with a gallon of hot and strong soap suds and apply when cold in June and again the last of July. Other preventives are to wash the lower trunks of trees with a solution of half a pound of common potash to half a gallon of water in May or June, and the coal ashes mixed with wood ashes and heaped around the trees in May. Y/ood ashes, 09 if applied alone very thick might injure young trees. Air-slaeked lime and soil are also good to heap up around the trees. WASHES All young trees are greatly benefited by an annual wash of strong soap suds or lye made from wood ashes, which should be applied early in the spring. The addition of a gill of carbolic acid to each gallon of wash is recommended. As the trees get larger, instead of the wash, wood ashes can be thrown through the trees, while the limbs are damp, with very good results. During the summer, if any disease develops itself on the tree, wash them with soap suds and carbolic acid, after carefully removing the effected portions. FERTILIZERS Wood ashes are unquestionably the best fertilizer for all kinds of fruit trees, but they will be benefited by the liberal use of most any well- rotted manure, and planters should bear in mind that it pays (both in the quality and quantity of the fruit) to fertilize fruit trees. THINNING OUT THE FRUIT Many varieties of apples, pears and peaches are naturally so productive that they set more fruit than the tree can properly mature. When this oc- curs it is highly important to pick off from one- fourth to one-half of the crop as soon as it fairly sets. Very young trees should not be allowed to bear too heavily. DISTANCES FOR PLANTING No. per Distance Acre Standard Apples 30 feet 49 Standard Pears and rapid growing Cherries 20 feet 109 Duke and Morello Cherries 18 feet 135 Standard Plums, Peaches, Apricots, Nectarines 18 feet 135 Quinces 10 feet 436 Pyramidal Apples, Pears, Cherries and Plums ........ 12 feet 302 Dwarf Apples — 8 feet G81 Dwarf Cherries Duke and Morellos... .10 feet 436 Grapes on trellises 8 feet 681 Grapes trained to stake i 6 feet 1210 Currants, Gooseberries and Raspberries™ 4 feet 2722 Blackberries 6 feet 1210 Strawberries, in beds for family use, 15 in. apart each way. Strawberries, in large quantities for market the rows SVn to 4 ft. apart and 1 foot apart in the row. 23 CARE OF TREES ON ARRIVAL If not ready to plant on arrival, unpack with- out exposing the roots to cold air, dig a trench and heel in by carefully covering the roots with earth and give a copious watering. Trees thus treated can remain in the trenches until ready to plant in the orchard. If frozen when received, do not open boxes or bales, but place them in the cellar or some cool, dark room that is free from frost and let them remain until all frost is drawn out. If no cellar or frost proof room bury the box in saw dust or dirt until thawed. The point is to get the frost entirely out without the sudden exposure of stock to the heat, light or air. Even if frozen solid, the stock will not be injured if handled in this manner. If you Cannot Plant for Five Days or More — Then the trees or plants should be “heeled-in.” The “heeling-in” trench should be a foot deep and located where the ground is moist, well drained and pulverized. Open the bundles so that you can put the trees or plants in one at a time; lean the bodies of the trees over against the bank of earth, shovel tine fresh earth over and around the roots, until they are covered. Pour on water enough to thoroughly dampen the earth around the roots, then fill up the trench until the roots and a few inches of body are covered. Now pack the earth well with the feet, and throw on a few shovels of loose earth to prevent -baking. The trees will keep perfectly if these “heeling-in” directions are followed. IMPORTANT Do not allow the roots of a Pecan tree to dry out or be exposed to sun and air. Immediately on receipt of the trees, wet them down thor- oughly and plant with the least delay. Keep the roots wet while in the field before planting; wrap with bag or burlap, well soaked. With a sharp knife (don’t use a hatchet) cut off the bruised end of the taproot. It is not neces- sary for a Pecan to have all its taproot — 12 to 18 inches, according to the size of the tree, is suffi- cient. Plant a little deeper than the tree stood in the nursery. Be sure that you firm the soil tightly, as the hole is filled, except the last 4 or 5 inches, which leave loose. Soak the ground well, using a bucketful of water to each tree after planting. What is said about planting Pecan trees also applies to Japan Persimmons. ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor [1 It’s East] to Order From Our Catalog We have listed sizes and prices, under each variety or groups of varieties, and the descriptions are as accurate as we can make them. As we treat you fair and square, we want your business for years to come, and we give you value for your money. Hardg We list only the varieties best suited for the average planter. We try the new varieties before offering them for sale, so that we truthfully can recommend them to you. Some kinds of nursery stock need covering during the win- ter, we tell you this on the tags which accompanies your order. Write your name and address plainly. If the shipment goes to a different town, make it plain. How to Send Money Post office order. Express order. Draft. Check Cash by registered mail (only.) Packing Our prices are for stock packed and delivered to the railroad or post office at Alpha. You pay the transportation charges. Shipping Time SPRING: Shipping starts the last week in March and continues until June 1st. FALL: Shipping starts about October 1st and continues until freezing weather. Disease Our nursery is inspected each year by the state, and a certificate of inspection goes with each order. IDe Quarantee our stock to be true to name. Should any items prove untrue, we will re- place them. But shall not at any time be held responsible for any amount greater than the original price. IDe Replace stock that dies at one- half price, if a list is sent us within four months after the ship- ment is made. We do not, however, replace Evergreens. Parcel Post We can send packages up to 50 lbs. and which are not more than 84 in. in length and girth by mail. This is a cheap and quick way for small pack- ages going a few hundred miles. Large fruit trees, shade trees, evergreens, etc., cannot go by mail. DON’T FORGET TO INCLUDE POSTAGE Expi ress All large orders, such as trees, large shrubs, large orders of berry plants should go by Ex- press. It is cheaper than mail, and much quicker than freight. Nursery stock will not stand delay in transit. Freight Should be used only in short hauls of large orders of fruit or shade trees, and never used on berry plants or perennials. It takes too long. Auto Many of our customers drive to our Nur- sery during the months of April and May, select their trees, etc., take them home with them. Use Order Blank in the Back — Will Send More for the Asking. 2] ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor Sturdy Trees APPLES 50c. Each Are easy to grow. They thrive in almost every climate and soil. The Apple is the King of Fruits. Never were all conditions more favorable for the person who would plant an acreage of fruit for market purposes. A few acres of fruit with reasonable good care will bring a larger cash income per acre than anything one can grow. State Varieties Wanted 2 year Size Each 5 trees 10 trees 25 trees 50 trees 100 trees Quality Trees 4 to 6 ft. 50c $2.35 $4.50 $11.00 $22.00 $40.00 (By Express Only). SUMMER VARIETIES Early Harvest — Medium, to large, round- ish, bright straw color, flesh white, good quality. July. Astrachan Red — Large, roundish, nearly covered with crimson; juicy, sub-acid; tree strong, spread- ing grower. August. Red June — Medium, oblong, hardy and produc- tive; deep red color; flesh white, tender, rich and sub-acid. August. Yellow Transparent — Medium, yei- r low, good quality, productive, early bearer. July. AUTUMN VARIETIES Duchess of Oldenberg — Large size, roundish, streaked with red and yellow, flesh white, juicy, acid. September. Famuese (Snow) Medium, deep x ' crimson, flesh snowy white, tender. Tree slow crooked grower. October and November. Golden Sweet — Fruit large, pale yellow; flesh tender, sweet and rich; hardy and a good grower. August and September. Wealthy — Large> roundish, smooth, nearly covered with dark red; flesh white, fine, juicy, sub-acid; quality very good; good grower and productive. October. WINTER VARIETIES Baldwin — Medium size, red, flesh yellow, sub- acid; tree a good grower, but a little tender here. December. Fruit large, nearly covered with brilHant dark red, flesh fine grained, crisp and melting, juicy, with a delight- ful aroma; of very highest quality. December to February. Tallman Sweet — Medium, pale yellow, firm, rich and very sweet, the most valuable preserving and baking apple; vigorous. October and Decem- ber. Gano — Good size, smooth and very attractive; deep red, resembles Ben Davis, but is an improve- ment on that variety, being handsomer and better colored. December to March. Golden Russet — Medium size; flesh greenish white, good quality; tree a good grower and hardy. January. Grimes Golden Medium golden yel- low, with white dots, crisp, tender and juicy, excellent; tree vigorous, hardy and productive. November to January. Grimes Golden Innalhan Medium, nearly covered with JOndlIldn _ brilliant stripes of lively red; very showy, juicy, excellent; trees spreading and slender; bears early. November to February. Mammoth Black Twig — Large, deep red, sub- acid; early and abundant bearer; keeps well; tree a strong grower; resembles Winesap, but is super- ior in many ways, and fully one-third larger. January to April. Northwestern Greening — Large, smooth, green- ish yellow; flesh fine grained, firm; extremely har- dy and a strong, handsome grower. December to April. Paradise Sweet — Mf,dium size' greenish yellow, sweet, good quality. December. Roman Stem — Medium size, yellow, of good qual- ity, very productive; tree a slow grower when young. Golden Winesap— slight red blush, juicy; flavor of the Jonathan and meatiness of the Winesap. Good size, good keep- er. Dec. to March. Winter Banana — Fruit large, color clear yellow, overspread with pink; red-blushed; flesh yellow, very rich and juicy; tree subject to blight. No- vember to January. Plant Apples 30 feet Apart — 48 Trees to the Acre. ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor [3 qrouj $££ 0um APPLES 11 Will Patj Cjood Profits Stayman’s Winesap-sFtrr^ed> covered with red; flesh greenish yellow, very juicy and aromatic; very good; a strong, spreading grower; a good, early bearer; the best of our late winter apples. January to May. Winesap — Medium, roundish, deep red, firm, crisp, juicy; excellent quality, moderate grower and good bearer; succeeds well throughout the West. December to May. CRAB APPLES Big Sturdy Trees 5 to 6 feet, 50c each. Transcendant — L?ige, , f.oIdefln ,ye'loJ with blush; flesh firm, crisp, yellowish; fine grained, very juicy and acid. Popular for jelly and preserves. Trees grow rapid- ly and irregular; great bearer. Hyslop — Large, round, yellow, with heavy shad- ings of deep crimson; blue bloom; flesh fine, firm, yellow. Its high color always commands a fancy market price. Bears abundantly and in clusters. Tree hardy and vigorous. September and Octo- ber. Whitney — Fruit very large, yellow striped with red, flesh yellow, very juicy and fine grained, flav- or rich and almost sweet. August. Sweet Crab — Large size, sweet, good bearer; whitish yellow. Fine for preserves and pickles. September. Caldwell, Kansas The two bundles of apple trees at hand by express, one came on the same train as the let- ter, the other two weeks behind. It was finely packed and no damage was done by the delay. The shipment of roses came in fine shape and on time, and much pleased with both trees and roses. L. J. Campbell. DWARF APPLES 75c Quality Trees Each In Dwarf apples the varieties are the same as in the standard trees, but these trees grow smaller and come into bearing earlier. We have only four varieties in Dwarf trees. Yellow Transparent Duchess Delicious Grimes Golden Size Each 1 2 trees 4 trees 10 trees 3-4 ft. 75c $1.40 $2.75 $6.50 Parcel Post 10c 15c 1 20c Express THIS MAN THINKS HE WAS TREATED FAIR AND SQUARE Canton, 111., May 5, 1925. ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, 111. Dear Sirs: Your generosity exceeds if possible, even the quality of your plants, and that is saying a great deal, as all the plants without an exception, which we re- ceived from you, both last year and this year, are all growing and doing nicely. We thank you for your most generous treatment of us, and will endeavor to show our appre- ciation by recommending your firm to all who inquire about nursery stock. S. E. Lacey. Collection No. 1 Splendid Fruit Tree Assortment at a Good Saving This assortment would be fine for the Farm or a large City lot. All good, sturdy No. 1 trees. 1 Yellow Transparent 1 Duchess apple 2 Jonathan 2 Delicious 1 Grimes Golden 1 Elberta Peach 1 Champion Peach 1 Bartlett Pear 1 Keiffer Pear 1 Burbank Plum 1 Opta Plum 1 Early Richmond Cherry $9.75 worth of good strong trees special price. By express only for our .50 $8 Planting Directions Accompany Each Tree 4] ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor PEACHES 45c • Each State Varieties Wanted Quality Trees ) Size Each 5-6 ft. | 45c 5 trees $2.00 10 trees $3.75 25 trees $8.00 A fresh ripe home grown Peach is mighty good. Peaches picked off your own trees, good and ripe sure hit the spot. Peaches will grow over a large season with very little care, they come into bearing very young, two years after planting they should bear. In northern climates they should be planted in a protected place. Plant a few trees each year, one crop will pay for them- selves. (All varieties are free stone). Elberta The &reat American market peach; produces big, profitable crops. Fruit large, bright, attractive, yellow with crim- son shading; flesh firm and of good quality. Will ripen perfectly when picked green. One of the best for home or market use. Free stone. Sep- tember. Early Elberta — Smaller than Elberta, fruit yellow; of very good quality. Tree hardy and good bear- er. Ripens about ten days earlier than Elberta. Golden — Good size, golden yellow inside and out, of very good quality. Tree very hardy and a good bearer. Has proven to be a good variety here. September 10 to 15. I LI i-Ialf* Of large size, ripens earlier than Elberta, and is of good quality. Color, golden yellow inside and out, with a red cheek. Ripens in September. Champion F,:uit delicious sweet r juicy; skm creamy white, with red cheek; handsome, hardy and productive, and a good shipper; adhering slightly to the stone. August 15th. Crosby— Freestone, medium size, bright yellow, streaked with carmine; annual bearer; hardy. Sep- tember 15th. Crawford’s Early — Freestone, large, yellow; flesh 3rellow, quality good; tree good grower, but the buds are tender. September. Wilson — Fruit large, yellow with large blush. Flesh yellow and juicy. Ripens ten days earlier than Champion. Originated in Mercer County. Supply limited. Alexander — Medium size, almost solid red in color — flesh white and juicy. July. PLANT YOUR TREES WITH CARE Careful planting of trees is half the battle in get- ting them to grow. Dig the holes large. Don’t crowd the roots. Plant the trees two or three inches deeper than they grew in the nursery. They won’t grow if set on top of the ground. Dig the hole; Set the tree; Fill the hole half full of earth; Put in one or two buckets of water; Fill the hole up with earth. A light mulch of leaves or grass will help hold the moisture. Cut the top back one third to one half. Planting Distance Apples 30 x30 ft. Pears - 20 x20 ft. Plums 16 xl6 ft. Cherry .. 20 x20 ft. Peach 16 xl6 ft. Grapes . 6 x 6 ft. Raspberries 2 x 6 ft. Strawberries .. 1 x 4 ft. Currants 3 x 3 ft. Gooseberries 3 x 3 ft. Asparagus — — lp2X lp2 ft. Read the Back of the Order Sheet ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor [5 Early Richmond SWEET CHERRIES $100, * each Size Each 5 trees 10 trees 4-6 ft. $1.00 $4.75 $9.00 Sweet Cherries are not a sure bearer here, but they make a splendid tree for the lawn, as they are strong, upright in growth, and make a medium sized tree. Bing — Very large, almost black, sweet, rich and delicious. July. Spanish — Large size, yellow with blush cheek. June. PEARS State Varieties Wanted Quality Size 1 Each 5 trees 10 trees 25 trees Trees 5-6 ft. 80c $3.90 $7.60 $18.00 Large size, rich, yellow color, with a blush; very juicy and highly flavored; good to eat from the tree. This is the variety that is sold at fruit stands. Keiffer The best late pear — does not ripen on the tree. Pick them before frost and lay them away. Heavy and sure bearer; good for canning. DucheSS The lar&est *be eating pears, flesh white, very juicy, and ex- cellent flavor. October. Lincoln — Large, golden yellow, heavy bearer; very good eating and canning. Seckle — The small, sweet pear. Surely fine to eat from the tree. The tree is a slow grower, but very hardy. Sept. Harvest A very early pear, Medium size. Bright yellow. Fine eating, but nothing extra for canning. July. SOUR CHERRIES 8o:ach State Varieties Wanted Quality Size 1 Each 5 trees 10 trees 25 trees Trees 4-6 ft. 80c $3.95 $7.85 $17.00 Cherries are one of the fruits enjoyed by every- one. Sour cherries will grow in most any kind of soil and require very little care. Sweet Cherries should be grouped together as one tree is not likely to bear fruit. Early Richmond — This1 is ,the * popular cherry that is planted so much. Medium red, hardy, immense- ly productive, ripens the last of June. Montmorency \he larg^, lat€\dark red *' cherry. I his cherry has become very popular on account of size. It is very meaty — ripens about 10 days later that the Richmond. Compass — A cross between a cherry and plum; fruit about the size of a large cherry, juicy and of good flavor. May Duke — Large, red, juicy, rich — not as sour as many cherries. Tree strong, upright grower. June. Bartlett DWARF PEARS 4 to 5 feet, 80c each. Dwarf Pears — In Bartlett, Duchess and Seckle. The fruit is the same as the Standard Pear; the tree grows smaller, and bears much earlier. We Give 10% Discount for Early Orders 6] ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor Guii Fruit large, purplish blue; flesh yellow, VJU.il brm an(j sweet. freestone; tree hardy and a strong grower. It has done the best here of any of the large blue plums. September. Red June — A vigorous, hardy, upright, spreading tree; as productive as Abundance. Fruit medium to large, deep vermilion red, with handsome bloom; very showy, flesh light lemon color, slight- ly sub-acid, of good and pleasant quality; pit small. Early. PLums 65;ach State Varieties Wanted. Quality Size Each 1 5 trees 1 10 trees 1 or 25 trees Trees j 4-5 ft. 65c $3.15 $6.20 $14.00 Opata — Dark SaOSL Fruit dark purple, thin skin, red purple flesh. Very fine for eating and cooking, fine flavor and very prolific bearer. Fruit borne in clusters around the stem; trees three years old have borne as high as one and one-half bushels. Hardy. purplish red. Flesh green, flavor spicy, rich and sweet. Tree vigorous and hardy. A very productive and early bearer. Ripens in July. Blue Damson Enormously productive. Fruit small size, about an inch long; skin purple, covered with thick blue bloom; flesh melting and juicy, rather tart, separ- ates partially from the stone. September. FI vppn a a trp Medium sized yellow free- VJICCU stone, of extra good quality; tree a slow, dwarfish grower. August. Ifalian Prunp Medium large; purplish- itanan rrune . black; blue bioom; free; flesh greenish-yellow, juicy, sweet, and of good quality, will hang on tree after ripening; splendid for drying, canning, and market. Tree very pro- ductive. September. 65c each. APRICOTS C. each Quality Trees 3 to 4 feet Each, 65c 5 trees, $3.00 10 trees, $5.00 State Varieties Wanted The apricot is a very welcome fruit, ripening between the cherry and peach; it requires the same treatment as the plum; good bearer; fruit, light orange, flecked with red. Flesh tender, juicy, sweet, and good. Moorpark — Yellow, with red cheek, juicy, sweet and rich, freestone, very productive. Slipcrb ^ hardy seedling from Kansas. The ' best flavored, most productive hardy apricot yet produced. Medium size, light salmon color. Wllfl Hardy, native, deep red VV11U with purplish bloom; flesh yellow, juicy and sweet; rapid grower; early and abundant bearer. July and August. Burbank — Very large, reddish purple; flesh yel- low and solid; cling, fine quality, one of the best for canning; tree strong, spreading grower, hardy and productive; subject to rot in wet years. August. MULBERRIES Mulberries, Russian— Tree ornamental, as well as productive; bears very large, handsome black fruit of rich flavor. 4 to 5 ft. trees, 45c each. QUINCE Quince (Orange) — The quince is in very high favor because of its many uses, such as canning, preserving, and flavoring other fruits. This vari- ety is golden yellow, flesh firm, of good flavor; bears abundantly; 4 to 5 ft trees, 85c each. CHESTNUTS American Sweet — The nuts of this tree form quite an item in our commerce. They are sweet and delicately flavored. This chestnut is also a grand timber and ornamental shade tree. 5 to 6 ft trees, $1.00 each. Quality Stock is the Cheapest to Plant ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor ASPARAGUS Variety Size 12 25 50 100 Conovers 2 year $ .30 $ .55 $1.00 $2.00 Washington 2 year .35 .65 1.20 2.10 Parcel Post .10 .18 .25 .35 Conovers — An old standard variety of large size, tender, and of excellent quality. Washington — A new rust resistant pedigreed asparagus. A fine fancy variety for home or mar- ket use. Tender, large and high quality. CURRANTS Perfection Variety Size Each 6 plants 12 plants Perfection 2 year $ .25 $1.40 $2.75 Red Cross 2 year .20 1.10 2.00 White 2 year .20 1.10 2.00 Parcel Post .10 .20 .30 Perfection — A wonderful currant, very large size, bright red; less acid than any other large currant. Red Cross — A strong growing variety with long clusters. Berries medium size, bright red, mild and good. White — One of the best white currants. Bunches long and large; good quality. GOOSEBERRIES Champion State Variety Wanted Variety Size Each 3 Plants 6 Plants 12 Plants Champion 2 year $ .30 $ .80 $1.50 $2.90 Pearl 2 year .30 .80 1.50 2.90 Parcel Post .10 .15 .20 .30 PKamninn Fruit medium size, round. V'llclIIipiUIl Bush very hardy and very pro- ductive; free from mildew. We think this is the best for general planting. Pearl — One of the large varieties. Very hardy, but moderately productive. PIE PLANT Variety Size 3 Roots 12 Roots 25 Roots 50 Roots Linnaeus 2 year $ .25 $1.00 $2.00 $3.80 Parcel Post .10 .15 .20 .35 Linnaeus — Large, early, tender and fine; the old reliable pie kind. Asparagus Needs Lots of Fertilizer 8] ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor Grapes Grapes are one of the surest and most dependable crops for home or market use. They will do well on al- most any well drained soil. They will start to bear the second year. Plant more grapes — they will bring you money. PLANTING Plant grape vines deep. Press the soil tight around the roots. Cut the vines back and allow two or three vines to come from the root. Prune old vines in February. Cut the new growth back, allowing only two buds, as the fruit is borne on the wood made each year. Grapes in Nursery State Varieties Wanted. Quality Variety Each 6 Vines 12 Vines 25 Vines 50 Vines 100 Vines Vines Concord $ .15 $ .80 $1.50 $2.75 $5.25 $10.00 . Moore’s Early .30 1.60 3.00 5.75 10.00 18.00 Niagara .30 1.60 3.00 5.75 10.00 18.00 Strong Campbell’s Early .40 2.10 4.00 7.75 14.00 22.00 2 year Agawan .30 1.60 3.00 5.75 10.00 18.00 No. One Moore’s Diamond .30 1.60 3.00 5.75 10.00 18.00 Plants Parcel Post .08 .15 .20 .30 Express Express CdlCOrd Black, the most popular grape in America; bunches and berries are large, hardy, healthy and productive. .Black, bunches medium size and very compact; berries large and of excellent quality; ripens ten days before Concord which makes it very desirable for market; very hardy, well suited for the North; one of the best. Moore’s Early Campbell’s Early — A strong grower, an abundant bearer; bunches and berries very large, glossy black; ripens with the Moore’s Early, but will hang on the vines until frost. Agawam — Red or maroon color; berries large, of rich, peculiar aromatic flavor; ripens a week later than Concord; vine a strong rank grower. Niagara — Pale yellow. Berries large in compact bunches, sweet, good, tender. A very good white grape. Moore’s Diamond — White, bunches and berries large; flesh tender, juicy; hardy, productive, early; fine quality. Our Special Garden Collection EVERYTHING FOR THE SMALL H03IE GARDEN 100 Senator Dun'ap Strawberries. 4 Concord Grapes. 25 Cumberland Raspberries. 2 Moore’s Early Grapes. 3 Champion Gooseberries. 6 Pieplant. 3 Red Cross Currants. 25 Washington Asparagus. 1 White Currant. $6.00 worth of plants for our special price Postage 25c. $5.00 Plant Grapes 6x6 Feet ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor [9 Cumberland RASPBERRIES Raspberries are easy to grow with a little care. Every garden should have a few varieties. There is a great demand for the fruit, never enough to supply the demand. Raspberries are tied 25 to the bunch, the top canes are left 6 to 10 inches long, for the sole purpose of tying them in bunches, and after planting this cane generally dies, and the plant starts from the crown or root. In planting, spread the roots out good, cover the crown from 2 to 2 y2 inches with soil. Do not put manure next to the roots. Cultivate good the first year, then mulch heavy along the row. State Varieties Wanted. Variety 12 plants 25 plants 50 ^ plants 100 plants 1000 plants Cumberland $ .50 $ .95 $1.80 $3.50 $28.00 Louden Red .50 .95 1.80 3.50 28.00 St. Riggs Red .85 1.40 2.50 4.00 35.00 Columbia Purple 1. 00 1.80 3.25 6.00 Early King Red .75 1.40 2.50 4.00 30.00 Parcel Post .08 .12 .18 .25 Express Quality Plants — Fresh Dug. Cumberland — °nei of. the, lar^est. black raspberries known; its im- mense size, firmness and great productiveness en- titles it to first consideration. Unusually strong grower, throwing up stout, stocky canes; perfectly hardy. The most valuable profitable raspberry grown for home or market use. Fruits for long season. Louden Red — Large size, very firm and hardy, moderate grower, the best of the reds for heavy, rich soil, Sprouts. St. Regis (Everbearer) — Very early, fruit large and extra quality, good stocky grower and hardy. It is very much like the Louden except it makes a fall crop of the new canes. Red variety. (Sprouts). Purple Columbia — Deep purplish red, highly flavored, extra strong canes, wonderfully produc- tive; berries very large. There is nothing finer grown in the line of fruit than this variety for table use, canning, etc. This variety does not sprout. Paflir ICitio- .This is one of the leading L-ariy rkin5 varieties of the Reds. The fruit is large and solid, does not mush up or break apart. The plants are almost disease proof. Try a few of this variety, you will like them. DEWBERRIES BLACKBERRIES Lucretia ^ tra:*bns blackberry, much larger and juicier than blackberries. Dewberries are fine for planting on hillsides or banks that wash — they will hold the soil. I71rlrkt.orlrk Very productive and hardy; ex- tra fine quality; sweet flavor, without core; fruit very large, jet black. We think this is the best of blackberries. <>• 12 25 50 100 Size plants plants plants plants 2 yr. No. 1 $ .75 $1.40 $2.20 $4.00 Postage .08 .12 .18 .25 12 25 50 100 Size plants plants plants plants 2 yr. No. 1 $ .75 $1.40 $2.20 $4.00 Postage .08 .12 .18 .25 We Spray Our Raspberries; they are Clean 10] ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor STRAWBERRIES $1.00 P„ Strawberries will grow in any good soil, and by choosing your varieties you can have plenty of delicious berries from June until frost. Plant several varieties — they make the season long. Our varieties are all good, and are perfect flowering. We have discontinued shipping strawberry plants in the fall. Spring is the time to start your bed. Varieties 12 plants 25 plants 50 plants 100 plants 200 plants 300 plants 500 plants 1,000 plants Senator Dunlap $ .25 $ .35 $ .60 $1.00 $1.90 $2.85 $4.50 $6.00 Dr. Burrill .25 .35 .60 1.00 1.90 2.85 4.50 6.00 Gibson .25 .40 .70 1.25 2.25 3.30 5.00 8.00 Gandy .25 .40 .70 1.25 2.35 3.30 5.00 8.00 Mastadon 1.50 2.90 5.00 9.00 17.00 Progressive .70 1.00 1.50 2.50 4.75 Postage .07 .09 .10 .12 .15 .20 By Express EARLY VARIETIES Senator Dunlap- .This is the best known variety in the U. S. It bears well in all localities, producing big crops and big berries; very hardy; rich dark red color. Good plant pro- ducer, making wide heavy rows. Dunlap Dr. Burrill — The Million Dollar Strawberry. A valuable new variety, the berries are dark red and of excellent flavor; very solid, thus being a good shipper. Hardy and heavy bearer. MID-SEASON VARIETIES Gihcrkn Large berries of evenly colored, 1 glossy dark red; firm with rich flavor. Stands shipping or hauling well — reaching market in the best of condition. Even in size to the end of the season. Gibson plants have the reputation among growers of producing more berries in one picking than most of varieties will throughout the season. Late Varieties Gandv - A standard late variety — starts ripening when y the other varieties are gone. The berries are medium to large, dark red and fine; will stand lots of rough handling. Everbearing Varieties Mastodon The elephant of strawberries, and bears lots of big berries from summer until frost. Plants set in April had ripe berries July 11th, and the first week in August 160 quarts every five days per acre, and in Sept. 576 quarts per acre every five days. The late berries sure bring the price. This is the newest and best everbearer on the market today. Try a few of the plants. Progressive — A reliable high flavored everbearing variety. Berries rich, dark red, firm and of best quality. Plant in April and pick berries from August to October. See Page 25 For Planting Instructions ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor [ii SHADE TREES Hard Maple Plant more shade trees. Their spreading growth will create much comfort for the home, and will be a pride with the passing years. Your property is increased in value by pleasant sur- roundings. Trees and Shrubs can do much to produce such conditions. Hard Maple Spreading top and very dense shade, very desirable for street, park or lawns. 5 to 6 ft., $1.50; 8 to 10 ft., $2.00 each. Norway Maple — A native of Europe; a large, handsome tree, with broad, deep green, shining foliage. Very similar to hard maple, but faster growing. 6 to 8 ft., $2.00 each; 8 to 10 ft., $2.50. Sycamore — A lofty, wide-spreading tree; heart- shaped leaves; valuable for its handsome foliage and free growth. 5 to 6 ft., $1.25 each. Popular, Norway — One of the most rapid growing trees, with large, deep green leaves; succeeds everywhere, especially adapted to cities, where it makes a fast growth, and resists smoke and gas. It makes a spreading head and dense shade when properly trimmed. 10 to 12 ft., $1.25 each; $10.00 per 10; 8 to 10 ft., 75c each; $7.00 per 10; 5 to 7 ft., 40c each; $3.50 per 10. Popular Elm — wj\ite- . the noble, droop- ing, spreading tree of our woods; one of the grandest of park or street trees. 10 to 12 ft. trees, $1.50 each; 2 trees for $2.75; 5 trees for $6.25. 8 to 10 ft. trees, $1.00 each; 2 trees for $1.90; 5 trees for $4.00. 6 to 8 ft. trees, 75c each; 2 trees for $1.40; 5 trees for $3.00. Elm Moline Elm — This tree is becoming very popular, it is a straight upright grower, very picturesque, hardy and long lived. 6 to 8 ft., $2.25 each. Schwedlers Maple — schwediedi)— ies This is the beautiful tree with reddish purple leaves that is so much admired. Our trees are straight whips, no branches, cut the top off where you wish the head to form. 6 to 7 feet, $2.50 each; 5 to 6 ft., $2.00 each. Crab — (Bechtel’s Double Flowering) — A beautiful tree while in bloom; the flowers are fragrant and double, resembling minia- ture roses, color pink. 2 to 3 ft., $1.00 each. Lombardy Popular — (P. Fastigiata) — At- tains a height of from fifty to one hundred feet; well known for its erect, rapid growth and tall spiry form; indis- pensable tree for land- scape gardening, to break the monotony of most other trees. 8 to 10 ft., 75c each; $7.00 per 10; 5 to 6 ft., 50c each. Linden, American — A stately tree, growing 60 to 80 feet tall, with large, shining cordate leaves. Valuable for its beautiful white wood; flowers in July. 5 to 6 ft., 85c each. Redbud (Cercis) — Judas Tree — A medium sized tree with large irregular head shaped leaves; de- rives its name, Red Bud, from the profusion of del- icate, reddish-pink blossoms with which it is cov- ered in early spring before the foliage appears. 5 to 6 ft., $1.00 each. Lombardy Have Some Shade Around Your Home 12] ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor SHADE Ornamental and. IDeeping TREES Cut-Leaved Weeping Birch — Its tall, slender, yet vigorous growth, graceful drooping habit, silvery white bark and delicately cut foliage presents a combination of at- tractive characteris- tics rarely met with in a single tree. Very popular for single lawn specimens or groups of three or four trees; the white bark of trunk and twigs gleaming con- spicuously among the darker greens and browns. 5-6 feet $2.75 each Birch Tea’s Weeping Mulberry — Forms a perfect shaped head, with long, slender, wil- lowy branches, drooping to the ground in light, airy gracefulness. It has beautiful foliage, is hardy, safe and easy to transplant. Ad- mirably adapted for small or large grounds, or for cemetery planting. $3.00 each. Willow, Wisconsin (Weeping) — A very graceful tree of large size. Its fresh, bright green tint and long, wavy branches, makes it very attractive. Very hardy. 5 to 6 ft. trees, 75c each. Olive, Russian — Tree attains a height of from 20 to 30 feet; bark dark green; wood very heavy and burns like a candle; foliage rich silver color, wil- low shape; flowers deep golden and very fragrant; hardy. 4 to 5 ft., 50c each. Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus) — 10 to 15 ft. More of a tree than shrub. Hardy and very rapid grow- er. Tropical foliage, long, fernlike leaves; good for background of other shrubs. 4 to 5 ft. plants, 75c each. Catalpa Bungeii ^u^br,ella cataipa) — r ® Grafted on stems six to eight feet high, it makes an umbrella-shaped top, without pruning; perfectly hardy; leaves large, glossy, heart-shaped, deep green; lay like shingles on a roof. 5-6 ft. 3 year $3.00 each 5-6 ft. 2 year 2.00 each 4-5 ft. 1 year 1.50 each ^lllllllllllllllll!llllllll]lllllllllllllllllllllll!llllllillllllllllllllllll!lllllllllllllllllllllll)!llllllllll[|illllllllllllllllllillllllllilllllllllll||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||^ I EUERQREENS The larger evergreens are getting very | high in price, as it takes many years to grow | an evergreen and the demand exceeds the | supply. W e are for the first year listing smaller | evergreens, at a price in reach of everyone. | The varieties are choice and are high class. | These trees are about four to five years of | age and are just where they will make a | fast growth. These trees planted now and | with two or three years growth they will | be expensive trees, and would cost you $2.00 g to $6.00 each. Now is the time to put in the evergreen | planting, while we have the small trees to | offer. They are almost sure to grow, if you | never let the roots get dry. Always plant | | as soon as received — never let them lay | around. Speed is what it takes to make | evergreens grow, with the help of water. These trees can be sent by mail. Size Each 1 3 trees 1 5 trees 1 10 trees 8-10 in. $ .60 $1.70 $2.75 $5.00 Postage I .07 .10 .15 .20 State Varieties Wanted. | Concolor Fir — A very pretty Colorado species, | leathery leaves with a blueish tinge. Will grow | 10 to 12 feet. Fine for shrub borders and speci- I men planting. 1 Juniper Pfitzeriana — One of tall spiral Junipers, 1 foliage is very dark green, the new growth studded | with silver beads. Fine for foundation, border | or for entrance plantings. Juniper Irish — A very erect and slender tree, of | formal habit; foliage sage green, very compact, | making a splendid column, grows about 6 feet. | Juniper Savin — A very low spreading evergreen, | with moss green foliage. A fine filler and border | evergreen. 1 Spruce White — One of the finer spruces. The | needles are fine and have a blueish cast. Can be j trimmed and used for any form of planting. iiiiii You Will Make Money by Planting Small Evergreens ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor [13 Norway Spruce Special 60c. I Ualues Each Black Hill Spruce — A very compact grow- | ing spruce of dark green color, fine for | shrubbery foundation or specimen planting, g Norway Spruce — This is the Xmas tree. | Grows large, but can be trimmed to almost g any size and shape. Very hardy; fine for g wind breaks. Mugho Pine — A low ball shaped evergreen, g fine for foundation planting, fillers and speci- g men planting. Dark green color with long | needles. Grows about 3 feet tall. Size 6 to g 8 inches. Pine White — A very pretty tree, with needles g about 4 to 6 in. long; good for effect; fast g growing. | Arbor Vitae — A light green color, which | makes a good contrast with others. Can be g trimmed to any shape or size; can be used § anywhere. lllllllllll!lllllllllllll|]|||||llllllllllllllllllll!llllllllllllllllllllll!llllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!llllllll>l!lllllllllll!IIIIII!!llll!lllllllllllllllllllll!lllllllllllllllllllilll EUERQREENS Evergreens are becoming very popular for foundation planting and general land- scape work. They give color during winter that cannot be obtained with any other trees or shrubs, and they make a splendid contrast in the summer. The following trees must go by EX- PRESS. They cannot be mailed. NORWAY SPRUCE Much used for foundation planting, where taller Evergreen is wanted, as at the corner or each side of the entrance; also for the Shrubbery border, and for windbreaks. They will stand pruning, thus can be made into many shapes. 3 ft. balled and burlapped .$2.50 each 2 ft. balled and burlapped 1.50 each 2 ft. balled and burlapped 1.00 each 12 to 18 in. not balled .70 each BLUE CEDAR Color changeable from dark to light blue. Splen- did for planting at the corner of foundations, each side of the walks, drives, etc., as fine for accents in the shrubbery border. 5 to 6 ft. Select B. & B $6.00 3 to 4 ft. B. & B 4.00 2 to ft. B. & B .... 2.50 18 to 24 in. B. & B . 1.50 GLOBE ARBOR VITAE This variety maintains a natural globe shape without trimming and under good conditions will reach a diameter of about 3 ft. It is especially fine for tubs, low borders and foundation plant- ings. 16 in. in diameter B. & B. $2.50 each. AMERICAN ARBOR VITAE The Arbor Vitae is a very popular evergreen for hedges and foundation planting. Habit is up- right, but can be trimmed into almost any shape. 2-2^4 ft. B. & B $2.50 each 18-24 in. B. & B 1.75 each 12-18 in. not balled .70 each MUGHO PINE Mugho (Dwarf Mountain Pine). — This is the most beautiful of all dwarf pines. It forms a low top with ascending branches, and the breadth of the tree is frequently double its height. Foliage bright green. A valuable tree for ornamental planting. 10-12 in. B. & B. $2.25 Each Evergreens Give Color During Winter 14] HARP1J SHRUBS ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor titE do not list a great variety of shrubs, but just the really good shrubs that you can VV feel safe in planting to get the effect you want. These shrubs are all the popular varieties that, when planted around the home, make it attractive, and increase the value. The cost of the plants is very little. The plants are all good size — no little runts, but good, strong, healthy plants that will start right off and grow. State size and varieties plainly. Arrowwood — Grows 6 to 8 ft. Bright green heart shaped leaves, which turn redish purple in fall. White flowers followed by blue fruit. A fine, tall shrub. 50c each. Althea (Rose of Sharon) 50each Sturdy Plants 2-3 ft. 3 for $1.40 6 for $2.70 10 for $4.00 Althea — Grows 3-4 ft. Blooms in August and September. Flowers resemble double roses; very attractive; needs a little protec- tion in winters. Colors Pink, White or Purple. Almonds — Grows 3-5 ft. flowers like small roses, bloom in May. Very attractive. Colors: Pink or White. 90c each. ^!III]]IIIIIII!IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII1II!IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII1III1IIII1I!IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!IIII!1)1II1[|III1IIIIII!IIIIII!IIIIII1IIIIIIIIII1IIIIIIII1IIIII!I^ Japanese Barberry Sturdy Plants 18-24 in. 3 for $1.00 | 6 for $1.80 | 10 for $3.00 | | Japanese Barberry — The Barberry is much i | used for foundation and hedge planting, g | Foliage turns red in fall, with red berries 1 | all winter. Does not have wheat rust. | (See page 17 for other sizes). IilllllllllllillilllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllM Calycanthus — Grows 3-6 ft. The wood is fragrant, flowers chocolate color. Blooms in June and in- tervals afterwards. 50c each. i|llll!lllll!lllllllllllll!llllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!ll[|||||||||||||||||||||||||||ll!llllllllll!]|!ll|||[||l!l!l!lll||il Cranberry High Bush Sturdy Plants 2 to 3 ft, 3 for $2.10 6 for $4.00 10 for $6.50 g Cranberry Highbush — Grows 6 to 8 ft. Foli- | age lustrous green changing to rich copper I in fall. Blooms white in May followed by | scarlet berries. A fine tall shrub. ^l!ll!lllllllllllllllll!IIIII!lli!lll!llllllllllllllllllllll[||llllllllllll!llllllllllllllllllll!ll!lllllllll!!lllllllllllllllllll!lll!!llllll!lli: Golden Belle Sturdy Plants 2-3 ft. 3 for $1.40 6 for $2.70 10 for $4.00 Upright — Grows 3-6 feet. Flowers yellow, very early before leaves come out; erect grower. Blooms many times when snow is on the ground. Weeping — Same as above but of weeping habit. We Have Shrubs That Are Not in the Catalogue. Write us or Send a List of What You Want ^lllllll!lllllllll!lllllllilllllllllllll!ll!lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!lll!llllllllllllllllllllll!llllllllllllll!!llllll!llllll!llllllllllllllllllllllllll!ll[|||||||||||llll!m ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor HARD1J SHRUBS [15 DEUTZIA Deutzia Sturdy Plants 18-24 in. 3 for $1.40 6 for $2.70 10 for $4.00 Pride of Rochester — Grows 4 to 6 ft. Blooms in May with large white flowers. Lemoine — Grows 3-5 ft. Single white flowers, bush low and spreading, fine branches and foliage. Good low shrub. ^.iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiilM DOGWOOD piiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiini^ HYDRANGIA C. each | Big Plants 3 ft. tall | 3 for $2.10 | 6 for $4.00 | 10 for $6.50 g Hydrangia | Bush Form — Grows 4 to 6 ft. Has large, | | white flowers in August turning Pink in | | September. One of the most popular shrubs. g 1 Smaller size. 14 to 18 in. 50c each. 3 for I | $1.40. | Tree Hydrangia — Same as above, but on g | single stems 3 to 4 ft. tall, $1.00. iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiJiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii?- Dogwood Red Sturdy Plants 3 ft. 3 for $1.40 1 6 for $2.70 § 10 for $4.00 | Red — Grows 6-10 ft. Dark green foliage; | | branches bright, red all winter; cream color- | I ed flowers. | Yellow — Grows 3-5 ft. Foliage pea green; | 1 branches bright yellow all winter. These | | two make a fine contrast. 5illll!!lll!lllllllllllll!lllllllllllllllllllllllll!li:il!llllllllllllllllll!IHIIIIIilllllllllllllllll!llinillllllllllllllllllllllllinil!llllllllllllllllllllllllllliT: Golden Elder — Grows 8-10 ft. Golden yellow foli- age; white flowers followed by black berries. Fine tall shrub. 2 ft. plants 50c each; 3 for $1.40. Spirea Thumbergi — Grows 3-5 ft. Blooms in May; small white flowers; very fine foliage; needs sun and good soil. 50c each. 3 for $1.40. Kerria White — Grows 4-6 ft. Bright green foli- age; single white flowers in June, followed by berries. 50c. 3 for $1.40. Kerria Yellow — Grows 3-4 ft. Foliage deep green, very dense. Branches vivid green all winter; yel- low flowers. 50c. 3 for $1.40. '^!lllllllllllllllll!lllllllllllllJllllllllllllllllll!llll!lllllilll!llllllll!llllll!lllllllirflllllllll!lll!llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll|llllllllllllll^ HILLS OF SNOW | 60each Sturdy Plants 18-24 in. 3 for $1.70 | 6 for $3.10 | 10 for $5.00 Hills of Snow Hills of Snow (Hydrangia) — Grows 3 to 5 1 ft. Blooms from July till frost, round, large | white flowers on long stems, changing to | green. A very popular shrub. ^Illlll!lll!l!inillllllllllllllllllllliill!!ltllllllilllllllllllllllllill(!lllllll]llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllii|lllllllllllllfilll[lilllll!llll Postage on Shrubs: 10c for 1 Plant; 18c for 3 Plants; 25c for 6 Plants. Larger Quantities by Express .^illlllllllllllllll>llllllllllllllllllllllllll!llllll!lllllllllll!llli:!llllllllllllll!lll!!lllllllll!lllllllllllllllllllll>lllllllllllllil|||l!|||||lll 16] ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor The Wonderful New Everbearer Strawberry Nothing like it ever produced in the Strawberry Line Why it Leads — 1 — Most Productive of all everbearers. 2 — Berries largest of any known variety. 3 — Berries Big and uniform at all times during season. 4 — Berries very firm and attractive. 5 — Bears three crops within 18 months after planting. The price may seem big, but the plants are scarce. It takes years to get quality in a new variety. Prices — 12 plants $1.50 25 plants 2.90 50 plants 5.00 See page 10 for large quantity and postage. Tree Priuet A New Ornamental Tree This is the first year we have offered them. It is Hardy Privet grown and trimmed into rounded heads. Just the thing for tubs or each side of the Porch or formal gardens. Trim them a little during the summer to hold the shape. 2 ft. stems 3 ft. stems 3^4 ft. stems Postage 15c each. Landscape Plantinq We make plans, furnish the shrubs, and plant them. If interested in having your home landscaped, write us. We have a small landscape book which we sell at 10c. It may help you to plan your own planting. Catalpa Bungieii CATALPA BUNQEll UMBRELLA CATALPA The large heart-shaped leaves and the umbrella like top of these little trees, make it a favorite for lawn and formal setting. They are many times set in pairs, one each side of the walk, or along the terrace or driveway. These trees do not have flowers or seed pods. These trees are grafted, which makes them grow in a round low head. 5 to 6 ft. stems, 3 yr. heads, $3.00 each. 5 to 6 ft. trees, 2 yr. heads, $2.00 each. 4 to 5 ft. stems, 1 yr. heads, $1.50 each. The 3 yr. heads are surely fine trees — big heads and heavy stems. The other trees are fine, but not so heavy. Planting Instructions With Every Shipment ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor [17 >3L© @1! JB!iI(gUat WUWUUUUUUUUUUV1kU\UUWUUUUUHUUUUUUV\UU\^ 11EUJRED $1 BARBERRY 1 .00 each It is only once in a life-time that a really outstanding novelty in a Hardy shrub is introduced. In the NEW RED BARBERRY we have such a Plant. It is much like the green leaved Japanese Barberry, but the foliage of the new Barberry is a RICH LUSTROUS BRONZY RED, and unlike many red leaved shrubs, it gets more brilliant as the season advances — in the fall changes to a vivid Orange, with red berries. Add a few of these plants to your planting. They put the finishing touch. They are brighter in color when planted in full exposure of the sun. Good 2 year plant. 12-18 in. tall, $1.00 each; 3 for $2.75. Postage 10c for one; 18c for three. Does not have Wheat Rust. ORNAMENTAL HEDQES $0.00 per OlOO plants BRIDAL IDREATH Barberry Hedge (Thunberg’s or Japanese) — The finest of all the Barberries, grows in compact form, spiney stems, foliage fine and dense, changing to brilliant red in fall, the clusters of red berries hanging on all winter. Much used for hedge and borders. Considered by many to be the most valuable foreign shrub grown. This Barberry is recommended by the Government. It does not have the wheat rust. Bridal Wreath Hedge Spirea Van Houttei <^ridal Wreath)— r Usedfortall hedges or screens. Has abundance of small white flowers early in the summer. State Size Wanted. Size Each 3 plants 6 plants 10 plants 100 plants 18-24 in. $ .35 $1.00 $1.80 $3.00 $28.00 12-18 in. .30 .80 1.50 $2.50 17.50 Postage .08 .12 .18 .25 Express 10-16 in. size .10 $1.00 per 12 plants $8.00 per 100 Postage .07 1 .10 .35 State Size Wanted. Size Each 3 plants 6 plants 10 plants 100 plants 3-4 feet $ .50 $1.40 $2.70 $4.00 $30.00 2-3 feet .40 1.10 2.00 3.00 20.00 Postage .10 .15 .70 .28 Express 12-18 in. size .10 $1.00 per 12 plants $8.00 per 100 Postage .07 .10 .35 Drive to Our Nursery in the Spring 18] HARD!] SRUBS ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor ^.iiniiiiiHiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii.iiiiiiHiiiiiiiiiiiiitiiiiiiiiHftiiiiiiiiijiiiiiniiiiiiiiinMMninniiiiiiiiiiiiiHiiiiiiiiiiHH^ ^fiijjiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiifliiifittmiiiiiiiiitniiHnidlUiiijijiiiiiiiiiHiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii'nifiltiiKlfiiidi^' LILACS BRIDAL WREATH 50c EACH 3 for $1.40 | 6 for $2.70 | 10 for $4.00 | Lilac | Purple — The old time sweet scented purple | I Lilac. | White — Same as above, but white flowers. g Persian — A new variety; light blue flowers, | I narrow leaves on slender branches. A finer | i variety. iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiNiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii ^.IIII!IIIIIIIIII!illlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!llll!lllllllllIlillll!llllll]!IIIIIIIIIII!llll!llllllllllllllIllllHI!llllllllIllllllilll[|[lllllllllll!llg Sturdy Plants 2-3 ft. EACH Big Strong Plants 3-4 ft. Spirea Van Houttei | Spirea Van Houttei — Grows 4 to 6 ft. The | | most popular shrub planted. Pure white | i flowers in May — the bush is just covered. | | (See page 17 for other sizes). ITillllllllllllllllllllllllllllllHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIllllllllllllllllllUllllllllllllllllllllllIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT; White Spirea Billardi — Grows 4-5 ft. Pink flowers in August. Borne on long spikes; bush upright 50c each; 3 for $1.40. Spirea Golden — Grows 4-7 ft. White flowers, foliage turns golden late in summer. 50c each; 3 for $1.40. Snowball — The old fashioned shrub with round white flowers in June. 18-24 in. plants, 60c each. 3 for $1.40 6 for $2.70 10 for $4.00 SNOWBERRY lc' EACH Snowberry | White — Grows 3-5 ft. Small pink flowers i | followed by large white berries, which last i 1 all winter. | Red — Grows 3-5 ft. Much like the above, i | but has small red berries. Both fine founda- g I tion shrubs. ^!lllllll!!lllllllll!llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!llll!l!ll!lll]|l!llllllll!ll!!llllll!llillllll!!llllinillll!lllll!llll!llllll!lll!lllllll[1lllllllll!lllllll!l|:^ Sturdy Plants 2-3 ft. | 3 for $1.40 | 6 for $2.70 | 10 for $4.00 Sumac Cut Leaf — Grows 6 to 10 ft. Fern like foliage with large seedy flowers in fall. 3-4 ft., 50c each. Tree of Heaven — Grows 8-20 ft. A tropical ap- pearing tree shrub, leaves 4 to 6 ft. long. Grows straight up. 5-6 ft., 75c each. Rugosa Roses — Grows 3 to 6 ft. Large, single red roses. The foliage is dark green; a fine foun- dation plant. Very hardy. 60c each. |lllllllllllllllllllllllillljlIUIIIIIIIIi!IIIIIIIIIllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!llllllllllllllll!lllll![!lllllll!llllll[lllllllllllllllll>lll!llllllllll^ I SYRINGA EVERBLOOMING I Syringa Everblooming — Grows 5-8 ft. Orange scent- | | ed white flowers. Blooms all summer. One § | of the new shrubs and a good one. Mock Orange — The common sweet scented. g | May blooming shrub-white single flowers. | | 50c each. .^lllll!lllll!llllllIliII!llll!lllllllt!]lI!llllllII!IIIIIII[[l!IIIIilllll!lllllIljlllllllllllllIIIIIIIII!llllll>IIIIIlllllllllHlllliniIIIIIIl!ll(llI[llllilHI!ljl!^ 90c EACH Sturdy Plant 2-3 ft. The New Red Barberry on Page 17 is a Beauty ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor HARP1] SHRUBS [19 WEIGELIA Weigelia Sturdy Plants 18-24 in. 3 for $1.40 6 for $2.70 10 for $4.00 Rosea — Grows 3-5 ft. Pink flowers in June and a few all summer. Eva Rathkea- — Red flowers all summer. A hardy and attractive shrub. 75c each. ^.I||[in!!lllllllllinilll!lllllllll!lll!lllllllllllllllll!llllllllllllllllll!lllllllllllllilllllllllll!llllllllllllllllll!!!lll!!lllllllllinillllllll!llllll!ll!llll!= TAMARIX Tamarix c* each | Big Strong | Plants 3 for $1.40 6 for $2.70 | 10 for $4.00 | Green — Grows 5-10 ft. A fine feathery foli- | | age of light green. Pink flowers in June. | s Blue — Same as above, but the foliage has a p | blueish cast. Frilillllll!!!lllllllllllllllllllll!lllillllllllllll!llll!lllllllllllllllllinilllllllllllllllllllll!lllll!llllllll!llll!ll!lllll!llllll!ll!llll!!ll!!llll!]ll!!llllllin? Rosea Acacia — Grows 4-6 ft. Locust like Pink flowers in June and Locust like leaves; very hardy and attractive. 50c each. Privet Hedge — (See back of catalogue) Privet Ibota — A privet of spreading habit, dark green foliage. Fine for screens, shady places, also a low wide hedge. 30c each. $2.50 per 10. Hypercum — Grows 3-5 ft. A very attractive shrub. Has yellow double flowers in August and September. A compact grower; fine for founda- tions. 60c each. ^llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!llllllllllll!!ll|]||||!l||||||||||||il||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||{|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||II||||||lillllllllllll^ PINK SPIREAS | 18-24 in. plants, 50c each; 3 for $1.40; 6 1 | for $2.70; 10 for $4.00. Ant Waterer — Grows 2-3 ft. Dark pink, | | flat topped flowers. Blooms all summer; | |= green with a little yellow foliage. | Frobellia — Grows a little taller than above, | 1 flowers same. Foliage turns Reddish Purple I | in fall. I Bumulda — Same as above, but flowers light | | Pink. Foliage turns dark in fall. ^Illllllllllllllllllllll!llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllillllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll[||||||iillllll!lllllll!lllllllllllll||||||||||||^ Aralia Spinosia — Grows 6-8 ft. Leaves 3 to 5 ft. long, on a thorny stem; large yellow flower in center. 50c each; 3 for $1.40. Aralia Pentephylla — Grows 3-5 ft. Pea green foliage; has few thorns. A fine shrub for filler. 50c each; 3 for $1.40. HONEYSUCKLE Sturdy Plants 3 for $1.40 6 for $2.70 10 for $4.00 Honeysuckle Morrowi — 'Grows 6 to 10 ft. One of the best tall shrubs. Pink flowers followed by red berries; upright grower. Tartarian — 5-7 ft. A little more spreading than above; yellow flowers followed by black berries. Fragrant — Grows 3-5 ft. Almost an ever- green; dark green foliage which hangs on most of the winter. Postage on Shrubs: 10c for 1 Plant; 18c for 3 Plants; 25c for 6 Plants. Larger Quantities by Express 20] ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor 1st Size, Strong, 2 yr. C. each ROSES 2nd Size, Sturdy, 2 yr. Plant more Roses. They will bloom the first year. Many of our customers have cut from 15 to 30 blooms from a plant the first year. A little care in cultivation and ferti- lizer is all that is needed for Roses. State Size and Varieties Wanted. Sizes Each 3 Plants 6 Plants 10 Plants PRICES 1st. Strong 2 yr. $ .75 $2.15 $4.10 $6.50 FOR 2nd. sturdy 2 yr. .50 1.40 2.70 4.25 ALL ROSES Postage .08 .12 .18 .25 HYBRID TEA ROSES EVERBLOOMING Rettv Of copper color, overspread with gold- en yellow. Deliciously fragrant, strong vigorous bush. Etoile de France — Intense velvety crimson, extra large, double; fragrant. Columbia — Flowers very large and open. Beauti- ful pink, becoming more intense with age. Good bedder. ESKIMO BEAUTIES Once planted, they are permanent: no pruning, no spraying, no suckering nor anything else is needed — just a little manure spaded in and the ground stirred. They bloom all summer. Belle Poitevine <£n Eskimo Beauty)- 1 he blooms are large and full, the petals gracefully in-curved. Bright, clear, lively pink. Hansa ^kimo Beauty) — Handsome in bud and bloom. Both are large, very full and double. The color is rich, maroon-red. RUGOSA ROSES “THE KIND THAT WILL GROW WHERE NO OTHERS WILL” Rugosa, Conrad F, Myer— ^et“°sns rugosa and tea roses, making a very hardy and vigorous grower, with large, double, silvery pink blooms. Rugosa Rose — A single red rose, blooming at in- tervals thru the summer. Used more as a shrub. Has dark, rich foliage, oddly wrinkled and re- markably free from insects. Is absolutely hardy. F. J. Grootendorst .Unlike other Rugosa, by hav- ing the freedom of bloom of the Baby Ramblers. Bright red blooms in clusters. Very hardy. Good for low hedges or edgings. Grows about 18 inches high. Roses Like Rich Soil ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor [21 1st sue EUERBLOOM1NQ roses 2nd SiM 75 ea HYBRID PERPETUALS 50 «a Our Roses are all hardy field grown bushes; grown here at our Nursery, and will be full of flowers the first year. They are not to be compared with the small potted roses sometimes offered. We grow the varieties most adapted to this climate, all of these varieties went thru the 20 below zero weather safely last winter; with a good protection of leaves. on Page 20 Frau Karl Druschki Frau Karl Druschki- A pure, paper- white, large sized and free flowering. The bloom is perfect in form on fine, long stems. Gen. Jacqueminot — One of the most popular of the red roses, brilliant crimson, large bloom, fra- grant and hardy. American Beauty — A hardy rose, of the largest size, having the ever-blooming qualities of the tea roses; it is the sweetest of all roses; the color is a deep, brilliant rose, shaded to a rich carmine. Baby Rambler — T,he ori«inal dwarf f°r™ J of crimson rambler. The wonderful persistency of its bloom makes it one of the choicest plants in cultivation for sum- mer bedding, and as an edging to borders of shrubs, roses or perennials, it has no equal. Magna Charta — A general favorite, prized on ac- count of its strong, upright growth and bright, healthy foliage, as well as for its magnificent bloom. The color is a beautiful bright pink. Paul Neyron- Deep, shining rose, very fresh and pretty. Flowers large, often measuring five inches in diameter. The buds always develop fine, perfect roses. Prices .Color a rich scarlet, shading to velvety crimson; very fragrant; a free, strong grower, and the most profuse bloomer known to us, being covered with flowers the whole season. The foli- age is extremely beautiful, all the younger growth being a bronzy plum color. American Beauty Soleil de Or — A fine, hardy out door rose, espe- cially valuable, because of the rare color; gold and orange yellow, varying to ruddy gold, suffused with nasturtium red. Color saf- fron yel- Duchess of Wellington- low, excellent for cutting, as the buds are long and flowers lasting. The best of the yellow roses. An excellent rose. Bud long and pointed, expanding into large size flower. Luminous pale pink and coral shaded with gold. Very fragrant. (1st size plants only at $1.00 each). Los Angeles Cover Roses in the Winter 22] ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor Str pifnu yr' CLIMBINQ ROSES 50:,ch Hardy Climbing Roses need only a foothold, and the long trails will twine and cling to any little trellis assistance and spread charming clusters over yards of wall space. Climbing roses bloom the second year. They bloom on the wood that is one year old, so don’t trim off last year’s growth. They like a sunny place, and good rich soil. Spray with Black Leaf 40 for the rose bugs and lice. Excelsa ET Yrpl (Red Dorothy Perkins) — A radiant, blood-red cluster rose. The clusters are very large and fairly cover the vines. It is best to plant this variety where crimson rambler is not hardy. Climbing American Beauty — Much like the bush form of this name, except it has the climbing habit. Dorothy Perkins — ?T,autiSul, sh.e," ,pink- J full and double, large size for a cluster rose; it is a hardy, strong grower. Prairie Queen — flowers are very large and of peculiar globular form; bright, rosy red; changing to light- er as the flower opens. Of strong, rapid growth. Multiflora Rose — Double, pink; strong grower; very hardy, profuse bloomer. Good where shade is wanted, also where other Roses fail to grow. Crimson Rambler — It is a vigorous grower; flow- ers glowing and produced in immense panicles. Quality Each 1 3 plants 1 6 plants 10 plants Roses $ .50 $1.40 $2.60 $4.00 Postage .08 .12 .18 .25 Silver Moon — Flowers very large; semi-double; silvery white with heavy yellow stamens. The best white climbing rose. Paul’s Scarlet Climber-^*11 er gold medal as best new climbing Rose, at National Rose Society’s Exhibition. Flow'ers are scarlet, shaded crimson; large, semi-double. Corresponds with Cl. Am. Beauty, Dr. Van Fleet, etc., as to size, shape and habit. Blooms very long, holding in flower after many June bloomers have dropped their petals; a wonderful Rose for trellis or per- golause. Gardenia One t^le ^est ye^ow climbers; very hardy and strong grower. Gold Finch — A fine yellow climber. The flowers are good form and fragrant. Silver Moon See Our Trellis For Roses on Last Page ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor [23 Strong 2 yr. Plants U1NES 35- „ Honeysuckle, Scarlet Trumpet — One of the hand- somest in cultivation; coral flowers; very vigorous and hardy; blooming all summer. Trumpet Vine (Tecoma Radicans) — Handsome, dark green foliage and showy clusters of orange and scarlet flowers during the summer. Dutchman’s Pipe (Sipho) — A strong growing vine, with immense heart-shaped leaves and peculiar pipe- shaped flowers. This vine makes a fast, heavy growth, and is fine for the porch or trellis. Hardy. These plants are grafted from a blooming plant therefore are sure to bloom. qq Chinese Matrimony Vine — A strong, hardy climb- ing vine. Bright, rosy-purple flowers, followed by brilliant scarlet berries. Wisteria (Purple) One of the finest climbers, of rapid growth, and perfectly hardy, with long, pendulous clusters of bluish purple. Flowers in June. Engleman’s Ivy — It- is one of the finest ivies we have. The brilliant coloring of the leaves in autumn, together with perfect hardiness, makes it a valuable climber for covering brick or stone walls. Where hardin- ess is necessary, the Englemani will be found much superior to Boston ivy. American Ivy — The well known native vine with five parted leaves, that change to rich crimson in autumn; berries blue black; very rapid grower and perfectly hardy. Postage on all plants on this page, 6c for 1 to 3 plants y 8c for 3 to 6 plants. RiftArcwAAf A native vine that is espe- U1UCI&WCCL cially ornamental in fall and winter, with brilliant orange and scarlet fruit. CLEMATIS Beautiful free flowering vines, with very showy flowers. They are well adapted for train- ing on porches, balconies and trellises. For covering walls, fences and arbors. The well-known large-flowering blue Clematis. ** The beautiful flowers, when fully expanded, measure 4 to 6 inches in diameter, intense violet-purple, with a rich, velvety appearance, distinctly veined. It blooms continually from July, until cut off by frost. Plant is hardy, abundant and successful bloomer. 2 year field grown plants, 75c each; 1 year pot plants, 50c each. The pot plants cannot be shipped until after May 1st, as they are green and growing. Henryi— This is the finest of all large-flowering white Clematis, and should find a place in every collection. It is not only a vigorous grower, but a remarkably free and continuous bloomer, beginning with the earliest, holding out with the latest. Flowers are large, of beautiful creamy-white, with reddish-chocolate anthers. 2 year, field grown plants, 75c each. Paritimlata The small-flowering, sweet-scented Japan * anucuiaia Clematis. One of the most, vigorous and beautiful of all climbers. It is a rapid grower and desirable wherever a quick-growing vine is needed, on walls, verandas, fences, etc. In late summer, it produces dense sheets of medium-sized, pure white flowers, of the most pleasing fragrance. Will grow in almost any soil and is entirely free from blight and insects. 2 year field grown plants, 50c each; 1 year pot plants, 35c each. Shipment after May 1st, for the pot plants. Faniculata If you have been having a hard time to start clematis, try our pot plants. They are started in the greenhouse, trained up on stakes, and about May 1st, we ship them to you with the earth on the roots and the vine in leaf, and if the plant is properly taken care of everyone should grow. Plant Vines For Shade and Beauty 24] ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor If wanted by Parcel Post add 8c for 1 to 5 plants; 10c for 6 to 10 plants; 15c for 10 to 12 plants. Bleeding Heart — Charming hardy perennial plant, with much cut foliage. Pink flowers of interesting structure. One of the choice members of old-fashioned gardens. 50c each; $5.00 per 12. Chrvsanthemum (hardy)— Will flower successful- cnrysamnemum ly in any garden, and will fur- nish an abundance of bloom in September and October, after all other flowers are gone. Pink — Flowers borne in great masses, each flower 2 to in. across. Yellow — Flowers borne in great masses, each flower 2 to 2^4 in. across. White — Flowers borne in great masses, each flower 2 to 2^2 in. across. Dwarf variety. Bronze — -Bronze colored flowers, 1 to 1^4 in. across. This one is sure fine. Bronze Button — A beautiful golden bronze color, flowers 34 to 1 in. across, and the plant is literally covered with flowers, (fine). 25c each, 3 for 60c, $2.00 per 12. Canterbury Bell Canterbury Bell One of the most beauti- ful of the old-fashioned garden plants, has tall spikes of bell-shaped flowers in June. Our plants are mixed colors this year, there- fore we are making a very low price on these big two year plants. The colors are pink, blue or white. 25c each; 3 for 60c. $2.25 per 12. Columbine (Aqulegia) Long Spurred Hybrids — A new form of an old favorite. The graceful spurred flowers on two foot stems are valuable for cutting. Colors range from white and yellow to blue. Bloom in early spring; mixed colors. Good two-year plants. 3 for 40c; $1.50 per 12. Columbine Hardy Flowers Like Rich Soil and Sun ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor Hardq Qarden FLOUJERS If wanted by Parcel Post add 8c for 1 to 5 plants; 10c for 6 to 10 plants; 15c for 10 to 12 plants. Delphinium Delnhlnium (Perennial Larkspur)— If we Lfcipmmum could have but one plant in our garden, it would be one of these. Their great- est charm lies in their stateliness of growth and the beautiful blue of their flowers. Very hardy and easy to grow. Sky blue and dark blue flowers on four foot stems, blooming in July and again in the fall. Light Blue / 25c each; 3 for 60c Dark Blue ) $2.00 per 12 Fox Glove (Digitalis) — Stately old-fashioned border plant, growing- 3 to 4 ft. high, with handsome thimble-shaped flow- ers on long spikes; mixed col- ors. 25c each; 3 for 60c; $2.00 per 12. Butterfly Bush 1(Beu“' Variabilis Magnifica) — Often called summer lilac. This shrub from a young plant set out in the spring, will mature to full size the first summer, making a handsome bush. It produces tapering panicles of beautiful lilac colored flowers on long, graceful stems. Strong field grown plants. No. 1 plants, 30c each. Golden Glow — Hardy clear yellow flowers pro- duced in great quantities on long stems. Resemble golden Cactus Dahlias. Bloom in July and Aug- ust. 20c each; 3 for 45c; $1.50 per 12. fiall arrlia (Blanket Flower) — The most vjanaium glorious of our old-fashioned flowers. Perfectly hardy and will stand much neglect. Blooms continually from June to October. Flowers crimson bordered with orange. 20c each; 3 for 45c; $1.50 per 12. Hibiscus (Meehan’s Mallow Marvels) — A magni- ficent new strain of hardy Mallows, which for size and profusion of bloom, and richness of col- oring are among the most striking and beautiful perennials that grow. Flowers 8 to 10 inches in diameter. Bloom in July and August, when flow- ers are scarce. Separate colors — Red, white, and pink. 35c each. Postage on 1 plant 6c, and add lc for each additional plant. Hardy Aster (Novi Belgii) — Plant is dense, bushy, about 30 inches high, with very ornamental fine cut, dark green foliage. Unlike most top bloom- ing sorts, this variety blooms profusely clear up from the ground; delicate pasted pink. 20c each; $2.00 per 12. A hardy, easily grown peren- nial, blooming all summer. The daisy like rich, golden yellow flowers on long stems, are unexcelled for cutting. 20c each; 3 for 45c; $1.50 per 12. When Done Blooming Cut the Tops off Hardy Flowers 26] ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor Hardxj Qarden FLOWERS If wanted by Parcel Post, add 8c for 1 to 5 plants; 10c for 6 to 10 plants; 15c for 10 to 12 plants. Poppy Oriental Pnnnv OnVnfal For gorSeous coloring, roppy oriental the Oriental Poppies have few rivals among hardy plants. They pro- duce a magnificent effect in the Herbaceous bord- er. Bloom in May and June. 3 to 4 ft. Orange with black center. Big heavy plants. 30c each; 3 for 75c; $2 70 per 12. Hollyhocks — One of the best hardy garden flow- ers for border or back ground, grow 5 ft. to 7 ft. Double, red, pink, white. 20c each; 3 for 50c; $1.50 per 12. Pyrethrum (Painted Daisy) — A group of graceful free-flowering plants, ranging in color from white to crimson. Bloom practically all summer, but are at their best in June. 20c each; 3 for 50c; $1.50 per 12. Sweet William (Dianthus Barbatus) — The strik- ing colors, pleasing fragrance, and freedom of bloom, make Sweet William a favorite with all lovers of hardy flowers. They are at their best in solid beds or as border for walks or drives. Grow 12 to 18 in. 20c each; 3 for 50c; $1.50 per 12. Dark Red. Spdum A blooming form of live forever, tJCUUlll large flat heads of crimson flowers in August, very showy. 25c each. Yucca Filamentosa — (Adam’s Needle or Spanish Bayonet) A stately foliage and flowering plant, always conspicuous. The broad, sword-like foli- age is evergreen; supporting a showy display of pendant creamy-white bells. 35c each. Desmodium Penduliflora A very pretty semi-herbaceous shrub, which is overlooked in planting many gardens, it grows 2 to 4 feet, and is literally covered in the fall with long drooping racemes of lavender flowers. Don’t pass this shrub by, as it is fine, you will like it. 50c each. Hardy Sweet Pea (Lathyrus) — Showy free flowering hardy perennial of a climbing habit. Good for the lattice covering old stumps, also good for the perennial garden, with a little staking. Continually in bloom. Fine for cutting. Colors pink or white. 25c each; $2.50 per 12; 3 for 65c. Gypsophila Paniculata — ( Breath)5 Good for cutting as well as for borders. Flowers are minute but myriad, pure white, produced in immense fluffy panicles. 25c each; 3 for 65c; $2.50 per 12. Statice Latif olia— gecawsL e ntod e % inches high, with tufts or clumps of thick, leath- ery foliage and immense panicles of delicate blue Forget-me-not flowers. 18 inches or more across. Will last for months as house decoration, if care- fully dried. 25c each; 3 for 65c; $2.50 per 12. Shasta Daisy Shasta Daisy (Alaska) — A much improved hardy daisy. Flowers large, snow white with yellow center. An excellent cut flower. Good plants. 20c each; 3 for 50c; $1.50 per 12. Cover Perennials With Leaves For Winter ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor [27 Qarden FLOIDERS If wanted by Parcel Post add 8c for 1 to 5 plants; 10c for 6 to 10 plants; 15c for 10 to 12 plants. Flower Garden at Nursery. Platycodon Grandiflorum — (Balloon Flower). Blooms constantly from July until late in September; flowers large bell-shaped, in numerous loose racemes. 25c each; 3 for 65c; $2.50 per 12. Carnation Hardy — A ,ne™ per^- J mal, like the carnation grown in the greenhouse, only a trifle smaller. Very hardy, glowing crimson. 25c each; 3 for 65c; $2.50 per 12. Veronica (Speedwell) — A two-foot border plant, with attractive foliage. Flowers are borne abundantly in July and August on compact spikes. Deep indigo blue color. 20c each; 3 for 50c; $2.00 per 12. Ravenna Grass — A heavy grower often producing cane 8 feet tall, terminated by massive plumes, often 2 feet long. Very showy. 25c each. Lupinus — Long spikes of clear blue pea shaped flowers. A very hardy and attractive perennial. 25c each. HARDY LILIES Sturdy Each 3 bulbs 6 bulbs 10 bulbs Bulbs $ .35 $1.00 $1.90 ! $3.00 Postage .07 .10 .12 .18 Hardy Lilies are one of the most beautiful garden flowers that have been neglected. Planted in the spring 6 to 8 inches deep, they will bloom the same season and with a little covering they will come up again each year. Auratum — (Gold Banded Japan Lily). This variety has ever been a great favorite. The flower heads are large, with broad petals gracefully recurved. White, thickly studded crimson-maroon, with a wide gold band down the center of each petal. Improves with age, and pro- duces a vast amount of bloom. Longiflorum Giganteum — One of the most reliable and fragrant garden Lilies, bearing its snow-white trumpets during June and July, in great abundance. As a forcer, it outlasts the Bermuda Lily, showing greater substance. Speciosum Album — Pure white with green band traver- sing the center of each petal. Speciosum Rubrum — This is one of the joys of August; ruby spots distributed over a broad expanse of white. Lemon Lilv Flowers clear yellow, fragrant; ^ free bloomer; very showy. 20c each; 3 for 50c; $1.50 per 12. Lily of the Valley — Small white flowers, very fragrant. Will grow in shady, cold ground, where grass will not do well. 70c per 12. Hardy Flowers Come up Each Year 28] ALPHA NURSERY. Alpha. Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor , HARD1J PHLOX 25'«h Hardy Phlox Planting: Beauty and usefulness bring these hardy border plants among those of greatest importance; suc- ceeding in almost any soil or position yet they re- spond quickly to liberal cultivation. Their flower- ing season begins in July, and when the old bloom spikes are removed, ex- tends to late fall. The varieties we offer include the most desirable kinds and cover a wide range in color. State Varieties Wanted. Size Each 3 plants 6 plants 12 plants Strong 2 yr. Plants $. 25 $ .70 $1.35 $2.50 Postage .07 .10 .15 .20 Rhinelander One of the newer varieties, salmon pink, with claret red eye flowers and trusses large. Ferdinand Cortez— £“?«"’ Red phlox are very scarce, and we have selected this as the best. Australia — This is one of the latest added to line of phloxes. It is reddish purple, or a dark wine red. Flowers are very large and extremely showy. R. P. Struthers — Bright rosy red, with claret red eye, a very fine and popular variety. Miss Lingard — Pearly white flower, with a very faint pink eye, very remarkable bloomer, producing two to three crops of flowers during the season. Bridesmaid .Pure white with clear car- mine eye, blooms in large round heads, very attractive. Ryndstrom — Beautiful shade of rose pink, very much like the Paul Neyron rose. Flowers very large and showy, a fine variety. Rosenberg — Reddish violet with blood red eye, flowers very large and attractive. Strong 3 year roots. PEONIES Postage 6c on 1 plant and add lc for each additional plant. The most popular of hardy plants. The flowers are very large and attractive; hardy as an oak; once planted they will take care of themselves. The following list are all good, double flowering varieties : Lucretia — Buds light pink, changing to white as flowers open; extra good grower and bloomer. 40c each; $4.00 per 12. Festiva Maxima- “Xl! delicate tinge of cream in center and usually a few small flakes of crimson. The most popular peony grown. In great demand for cut bloom. An ideal white. 50c each. Floral Treasure — Delicate Shell Pink; rose type; fragrant; mid-season; blooms freely. 40c each; $4.00 per 12. Mrs. Cleveland — g0e„d each; $4.00 per 12. delicate pink, bloomer. 40c Rose Fragrant- laRteed' ToZ 111 $4.00 per 12. Delicatessima — A Dark Pink, very double; Best for Decoration Day. 50c each. Delicate rose; very large and full. r iciuicr 4Qc each. $4 (K) per 12 Special Collection 1 Fletcher 1 Festiva Marima 1 Mrs. Cleveland 1 Rose Fragrant Add 10c for Postage. Extra Fine Red Peonies Officinalis Rubra — Large, globular bloom; brilliant crimson; this is the early flowering red peony so common to the old time gar- dens; much used on memorial day when other peonies bloom too late. 75c each. Felix Crouse — Late, large round heads per- fectly double; deep crimson, marked with cardinal at base of petals. 75c each. Francis Ortegat — Brilliant crimson. One of the good red varieties. 75c each. Cover Phlox For Winter ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor [29 Red Kins: Humbert Canna Qood Biq Roots CANNAS 20'„eh Cannas are one of the finest of all season bedding plants. A wide range of colors in flowers and foliage. They serve to conceal the ground or make a back ground. They like plenty of sun and rich soil, with plenty of water. State Varieties Wanted. Size Each 3 Roots 6 Roots 12 Roots 25 Roots Sturdy Root $ .20 $ .50 $ .95 $1.60 $3.00 Postage .06 .10 .12 .15 .25 Apricot _(4 ft.) Broadly compact trusses freely produced. Strong, rich apri- cot passing to silvery pink, with gold and coral center. One of the daintiest and most attractive. Shenandoah- ^sftdwVeryL=cturih green; flowers very large; color pale pink with satin sheen. Pr^cirl^nf (4 fO The best green" 1 tic a rCSICICnL leaved, red-flowered canna offered. The flowers are immense, round, firm; a cheery one-color pure scarlet. King Humbert — (4~4^ ft)\ Th.e & best bronze leaved vari- ety, very distinct heart-shaped leaves shaded with purple madder brown. Immense orchid trusses of velvety orange scarlet flecked with carmine, rose tinted at margin and base. Yellow King Humbert— T v iTe yellow flowers, softly spotted with bright red. Green leaves. Eureka — -f(^u Clean, ivory white. Full, broad trusses; uni- free and continuous bloom. IRIS When you add to their extreme hardiness and ease of culture, the lavish display of blossoms, it is not surprising that they are highly prized. The charm of a bed of Iris is one of the keenest pleasures in June. Early varieties are always in bloom for Decoration Day. Later varieties prolong the bloom- ing season. Postage — 1 plant, 5c; 3 plants, 7c; 6 plants, 9c; 12 plants, 12c. GERMAN IRIS, EARLY Tinge of red, one of the newer varie- ties in German Iris. Grows 2 to 3 feet and a good bloomer. 20c each; $2.00 per 12. Dwarf Blue — The variety grows 6 to 8 inches tall, the flowers are almost a dark purple, splendid for edging flower beds or walks. 15c each; $1.50 per 1(2. nprlrurlp Clear blue. The flowers are 11 borne on tall stems, 2 to 2/2 feet tall, three to four flowers to the stem. The foli- age grows 1 to V/2 feet tall. 15c each; $1.50 per 12. Florentina Alba — Purple white. Flowers are very large; borne on stem 2 to 2 y2 feet tall; one of the best of the white. 15c each; $1.50 per 12. Siberian Iris — White. Blooms in June, after the German Iris are gone. Foliage is 12 to 14 inches tall; dark green and very thick; the flowers are borne on stems 2 to 3 feet tall, pure white and of medium size. 15c each; $1.50 per 12. lananACA ffic This variety of Iris is the Japanese ins last to bioom. Their blooms come the last of June and in July. They are tall growers and are of dark purple Gold and Mahogany shades. The flowers are extremely large, the largest of all Iris, many times measur- ing 6 to 8 inches across. Parsiensis — Deep purple. Grows same as above. The flowers are very large and very lasting. 15c each; $1.50 per 12. Aurea — Canary Yellow. Bloom a little later than the two above. The flower stems are 2 to 3 feet tall. Plant a very free bloomer. 15c each; $1.50 per 12. Gold Bound — White with Gold center, very fine and striking. 30c each; $3.00 per 12. Mahogany — Beautiful mahogany color, very odd, good bloomer. 30c each; $3.00 per 12. Purple and Gold — Purple petals with Gold cen- ter. This is a fine old standby variety in the Japanese. 30c each; $3.00 per 12. Read the Back of the Order Sheet 30] ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor CHOICE QLADIOLAS lOL* We have discontinued the older varieties of Glads and this year offer a new list of varieties all of which were tried in our Nursery last year. You will find some wonder- ful colors among these varieties. Postage 4c per 1 to 3 bulbs; 6c for 3 to 8 bulbs; 8c for 8 to 12 bulbs. Evelyn Kirkland Helen Franklin— Lre white with vi°‘et stripes on lower petals, slightly ruffled. A great Glad. 10c each; $1.00 per 12. Chicago White — Pure white with faint lavender streaks. Early. 10c each; 60c per 12. Standard Mixture — Good varieties mixed. Rec- ommended to those who desire good flowers without especial reference to color effect. Good size bulbs. 50c per 12. Carmen Sylva — A pure white Glad; very wonder- ful. 15c each; $1.50 per 12. Schwaben — A giant yellow. None better. 10c each; 75c per 12. Empress of India — fb^ciTlekeTthroat1 The flowers are placed even on the stem. One of the finest. 25c each; $1.50 per 12. Wine King — Deep blood red with a very few light marks in the throat. 10c each; $1.00 per 12. Mrs. Francis King — A bright scarlet. 10c each; 60c per 12. Violet Queen — A light lavender shade; flowers large; low grower. 10c each; $1.00 per 12. H6rd.clcX Blooms of immense size. Tall large blooms of pure mauve; glist- ening and clear, with deeper throat markings. Very attractive. 10c each; $1.00 per 12. Baron J. Hulot — A dark velvet purple; bloom of medium size. 15c each; $1.50 per 12. Anna Erberius — A velvety purple; throat deeper. A wonderful Glad; flowers large. 15c each; $1.50 per 12. Muriel — A lavender spotted with white. An un- usual color. 20c each; $2.00 per 12. Glory of Kennemerland — Beautiful rose with yel- low blotch; large flower, broadly expanded. An extremely showy variety. 15c each; $1.50 per 12. brilliant scarlet blotch on lower petals; long stems. Last year they reached 50 inches. 15c each; $1.00 per 12. Mrs. Frank Pendleton — f^hiTsai- mon pink. Each flower is strikingly marked with rich maroon blotch on the three lower petals. One of the most exquisitely colored and formed Glads in our list. 10c each; $1.00 per 12. 1910 Rose A wonderful shade of pink. Very early bloomer. 10c each; 50c per 12. Grand Garden Mixture of Gladiolis A mixture of all the good varieties, and will give a big assortment of flowers. TRY IT. 50 bulbs for $1.00. Postage 10c. A Book on Successful Planting Will Be Sent With Your Shipment if Request- ed. Our Tags Carry Planting Instructions ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor [31 Big Bulbs DAHLIAS 20 each f or5 5 6 $1.00 12 $'1.00 for 1 for U Dahlias are the most beautiful of fall flowers. Their immense size and wonder- ful colors make them very showy and attractive. Dahlias like the sun and lots of water. Plant the tuber about 6 in. deep, eyes or sprouts up. (Postage 8c for 1 to 5 bulbs; 10c, 6 to 9 bulbs; 12c, 9 to 12 bulbs). HARDlj FERNS AFer"„rB«nd,y,500 Electric (Show) — Tall growing, bright yellow, very heavy bloomer; fine variety. Caecelia (Paeony) — Cream to white, large semi- double variety, measuring five to seven inches across. Delice (Decorative) — A wonderful pink shade, good bloomer, flowers large. Storm King (Show) — White, very large, fine bloomer, has a slight tinge of pink. Zulu (Decorative) — Dark velvety red, very fine and a heavy bloomer. 7oZ Cactus Dahlias i5cch Most graceful and artistic of the Dahlias is the Cactus type, which strongly resembles the Chrys- anthemum, having long, narrow, pointed florets, with the margins folded or even quilled back. Countess of Lonsdale — Kl Tas ingf blending of salmon-pink and amber; flowers large; long and free-blooming. This is fine. 25c each. Hogan Red — Intense coral-red, deeper at center; large flowers, with long, narrow petals. 25c each. Libelle (Cactus) — Lavender, large bloom, with pointed petals. 25c each. Foundation Planting of Hardy Ferns 8 Ostrich Plume Ferns 20 to 40 in. 8 Lady Ferns 10 to 18 in. 4 Onoclea Sensibilis 12 to 20 in. 20 Hardy Ferns $g.00 One half the assortment $3.00 Any one fern for 50c (All Postpaid) Hardy outdoor ferns grow best in the shade or half shade. They do well in the shrubbery border or in places around the house where flowers will not grow; plant ferns there. We offer an assortment of three entirely different Hardy Ferns. They will grow under favorable conditions from 2 to 4 feet tall. ORDER FERNS EARLY. Fill the Vacant Spots of Your Shrubbery With Ferns 32] ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor SUCCESSFUL PLANT1NQ Almost Sure to Live Almost Sure to Die Dig holes large enough to admit roots in natural position. Set several inches deeper than stood in nursery row. Pack soil solid about roots. PLANTING The holes for planting must be large enough to receive the roots freely, without cramping or bend- ing them from their natural position. All broken or mutilated portions of the roots must be cut off so as to leave the ends smooth and sound. All trees should be planted two or three inches deeper than they stood in the nursery row; pack the soil very firmly about the roots by tamping with the feet or post tamper, being careful not to bark or break the roots. Leave three inches of the surface soil loose to serve as a mulch. If the ground is very dry apply one to two pails of water before this soil mulch is in place, and after the water has soaked away it can then be placed over the moist soil. HEDGES Privet — Dig trench twelve inches deep or more and set the plants four to six inches deeper than they stood in the nursery row, or deep enough so the lower branches will be four to six inches un- der the ground. Such deep planting will make a compact hedge down to the ground line, but if the plants are set shallow there will always be undesir- able open spaces at the base of the hedge. Some planters set Privet in a double row, eight to ten inches apart each way, which makes a very dense hedge. Cut Privet back to six inches when plant- ing to promote thick new growth at lower part of plant. Barberry-Spirea — Should be planted in the same manner as shrubs, either in trenches for hedge or as groups or individual specimens. Cut back and thin out one-half of top wood. CARE OF STOCK The bundles should be opened immediately, the roots dipped in water, then heeled in moist ground so that the mellow earth will come in contact with the roots and thoroughly protect them from the air, having the earth tramped solid about them. When ready to plant, take up only a few at a time, puddle the roots and do not allow them to lie exposed to the sun or air. The ground should be carefully prepared by deep plowing and firming down with a disc and harrow. SETTING STRAWBERRIES Rose Bushes Just Planted — Before and After Trimming 1027 PLACE YOUR ALPHA NURSERY H. G. WIRT ALPHA, ILLINOIS QUALITY TREES, SHRUBS AND PLANTS Date. Ship to. Post Office. HOW TO SHIP □ Express □ Freight □ Parcel Post INCLUDE THE POSTAGE QUANTITY VARIETIES SIZE PRICE AMOUNT | I WRITE PLAIN YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS. ALSO HOW TO SHIP. SAVING FOR YOU IF YOUR ORDER O IS RECEIVED BEFORE MARCH IS WHEN you have completed your order take off 10% and this will be the amount to send us for the order. We can give you this discount for early orders as we have time to get your orders in shape before the spring rush ; it also gives you assurance that your order will be filled complete and with the very best of stock. Last spring many items in our lists were sold out, and cus- tomers with late orders were disappointed. Don’t let it happen to you; place your order early and take advantage of the saving we are offering. Nursery stock is different than other things you buy. It takes one to three years, some stock longer, to grow and get ready for market, and when this quan- tity is sold that’s all there is. Sometimes we can buy from other nurseries for later orders, but 90 per cent of them are in the same fix we are— SOLD OUT. By placing your order EARLY you always get your order filled complete, as our stock is complete at the start of the season. FIVE GOOD REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD PLANT OUR NURSERY STOCK 1. — We are located in Northwestern Illinois, in the good corn belt, which has good, rich black soil, which means that our nursery stock gets a good strong healthy start, with lots of roots. 2. — We dig, grade and pack carefully, so that your order will reach you in good condition. 3. — We give each order prompt attention, the order checked and then re-checked before packing. We try to have everything right. If anything is not satisfac- tory, tell us ; we will refund your money or replace the stock. You take no chances. 4. — We guarantee our stock true to name. We have 34 years of nursery experi- ence, and we build our business on fair and square dealing. 5. — Our prices are very reasonable. We will save you money on your nursery stock. Lowest prices with QUALITY stock. WE GIVE YOU SOMEHING FREE Every year we have small lots of varieties of all kinds of fruit trees, shrubs, etc. The quantity is not sufficient to list in our catalogue and sometimes they are under size. We include some of these items in your order as long as they last — the first orders get the free stock. ALPHA NURSERY ALPHA. ILLINOIS i ALPHA NURSERY, Alpha, Illinois H. G. WIRT, Proprietor DISSTON’S UTILITY PRUNER— A BEAUTI- FUL AND USEFUL TOOL No. 5 — Strong 9 in. black handles. Full polished 3 Y\ in. blades. Made well-balanced with short handles for all kinds of light pruning. Tension and positive adjustment secured with special bolt. Weight only 1% lbs. You will like these. Price, each, $2.65, Postpaid. DISSTON’S HEDGE SHEARS High Grade Crucible Blades Perfect in temper and grinding. Strong hardwood handles. No. 2 — Standard size. Very best 9-in. blades. Price, each, $3.25, Postpaid. No. 1400 “PASADENA” Pruning Shear No. 1400 — All Steel; Heavily Nickel Plated. Bolt is secured by Patent Ratchet Nut to take up wear and cannot work loose; is quickly and easily adjusted. Blade is hand forged, oil-tempered, file tested. Plas easy but perfect working spring. Price, $2.15 each, Postpaid. S QARDEn FURTUTURE L£”; FAN TRELLIS No. 6 Height 6 ft. Spread 45 inches, has 7 ribs. Painted white. $1.40 each. We handle a complete line of Rowe lawn and porch trellis, trellis arches and pergolas. Charming designs at surpris- ingly low cost. Strongly made of pine and spruce and painted white. DIAMOND CENTER TREL- LIS No. 59 8 feet high, 35 inches wide, painted pure white. $2.70 each. Send For Complete List of Garden Furniture ALPHA NURSERY .ALPHA, 1LL1I101S Hardi] Amoor Privet Hedge A very popular hedge plant. Will stand the cold weather. No winter kill. Can be trimmed at any time, any shape or height. Plant your hedge this spring. siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiyi $8 .00 Per 100 Plants =?iiii!iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiini^ State size wanted Hardy Size Each 12 Plants 25 Plants 50 Plants 100 Plants 200 Plants 12 to 16 in. 10c $1.00 $2.00 $4.00 $ 8.00 $15.00 Privet 16 to 18 in. 15c $1.65 $3.20 $6.25 $12.50 $24.00 Plants 18 to 24 in. 20c $2.30 $4.50 $8.75 $17.50 $34.00 Postage .07c 12c 18c 27c (By Express only) On every plant or group of plants in your shipment you will find a yellow tag with the variety. On the back of the tag is the planting instructions. A new service for you. A copy of the order is sent with the shipment. Look in- side the outside tag.