Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-09-04
Majestic Gladioli And Wonder
full Dahlias Grown in East
Side Garden By Ralph Nc
Courtney - Bulk Shipped
Throughout the Eastern
States

One of the most beautiful flower
and cared for by Ralph McCourtney
at 81 Arsenal street, who makes a
speciality in the raising of gladioh
and dahlias. This growing of flowers
is . hobby of Mr.. McCourtney's and
while he derives a great deal of
pleasure from the care of it he also
acquires considerable profit from his
efforts, as he has worked up a very
satisfactory local trade, besides fill
ing many. orders in nearly all the
middle western states as far west as
Ohio.
Mr. McCourtney began making a
speciality Of gladioli and dahlias six
years ago with no idea of profit-N
making and at the present time has
a quarter acre devoted to the rails
ing of these wonderful plants. He
has over 200 varieties of dahlias and
10000 gladioli bulbs in bloom, the
many colors and shades making a
most exquisite picture. In little
plot at the side of the large garden,
is space devoted to bulblets, there
bling $4,000 which will soon be large
enough to fill the places of those
which are now blooming so luxur-
iously and which are being disposed
of to admiring visitors.
Among the gladioli, the colorings
are most exquisite, shading from
delicate tints on the edge of the
blooms to rich darker shades in the
Threats of the corollas. While the
edges of many Of the blooms are
smooth, others are ruffied to mark
ed degree and the many splashes and
dashes of rich colors all combine to
make these flowers the most beauti-
full of the fall offerings. Deep reds,
rich yellows, and colds, lavenders,
delicate and deep shades Of pink, all
with the delicate, silvery sheen
which gives to this graceful queen
of fall flowers SO much of its eX-
Nquisite charm and beauty.
One variety worthy OF special
mention is the Lacinatus which is
known as the $1,000 bulb 1t is a new
type. each bulb costing $40. The
blossoms are a rich pink with lacin-
lated petals shading to a lighter
pink.
In long rows extending the entire
length of the garden the dahilas ada
their beauty to the spot Great
blooms of yellow, white, red, gold.
lavender ana many OtHer COiol ., Aou
their modest heads, while the cactus
varieties with their pointed petals
and those with long, fluffy petals,
each add their part to the attractive
ness of the garden.
While the gladoli are most attrac-
tive for ornamental purposes, the
dahlias also fill their part IN the
scheme of decorations. their lacy,
many colored blossoms making great
splashes of color which are hard 10
rival. The sizes of the dahlia heaos
vary in size from the cute little pom
nons to the large varieties, some\or
which measures eleven lnches
across. One noticeable bloom was
the so-called black dahlia, when Is a
very dark maroon and another when
deserves special mention Is the
Nariposa. which by vote OF the DAN
Iia. enthusiasts. has been pronounced
the most popular of all the oahllas.
This has a beautiful lavender over
white bloom of the cactus variety
having large twisted petals ana IS
the best grown by Mr.. McCourtneE.
Dahlia bulbs have been shlpped 10
nearly every state in the East from
this delightful garden 49,.
Reside being a member OF the
DobIia society of America, Mr.. NC
Courtnev is also a memeer OIL 'ne
CIadioi Society Of America