1st AWARD: Mrs. Geo. MeCcoch IV Cambridge
A Peace Rose
“PEACE. ” It’s not a very long word and not difficult to spell. But I do believe that it has stronger emotional significance to more people the world over than any other word—especially at Christmas when the world sings, “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.”
Among Webster’s definitions of “peace” is the following:
- “A state of tranquility and quiet”
- “Harmony in personal relations”
- “A mutual concord”
Having been a lady Marine during World War 11, with a brother and sister on active duty in the Marine Corps, too, I know from experience that peace is to be desired above all other human relations.
Now that I am a housewife and mother, I still want peace—for the world and home. The latter is a challenge at times, but I work at it. I forget household troubles and enjoy life by working in my garden. And now I want PEACE in my garden—the rose of that name.
This rose is a visual definition of the kind of peace the world seeks: it creates “a state of tranquility and quiet” with its subdued tones; it has “harmony in personal relations” with its immense blooms held firmly on its heavy stems among masses of vigorous foliage, and it shows “mutual concord” in radiating the beauty which its name implies.
I’d like my two boys to give me a PEACE rose for Christmas.
2nd AWARD: I. E. Clark
A Living Christmas Tree
WHAT I WANT for Christmas will reflect the spirit of the season—the joy of giving and the life the original Christmas brought to the world.
For that reason, the plant I would most like to receive for Christmas is a living Christmas tree. A living pyramidal juniper (Juniperus Chinensis pyramidalis) would do just fine—with its roots in a can. or balled and burlapped. Then I could truly “have my cake and eat it, too.”
I’m the sort of gardener who hasn’t the heart to throw away even a zinnia seedling pulled out for thinning. No wonder, then, that Christmas has a sad spot for me when it comes time to throw my Christmas tree on the trash heap.
Also, I think of the thousands of young trees cut out of their forest homes for a few days of glory. I wonder whether we haven’t strayed far from the meaning of Christmas.
On the other hand, my living Christmas tree can have its few days of glory, too. It can be decorated just like a tree cut off from its roots—without the danger of fire from crisp, dried needles and branches.
When Christmas is over, my tree does not have to trade its glory for the ignominy of the trash heap. Instead, it will be planted in the garden where it can continue to grow.
My family can always look at it and say: “That’s our Christmas tree of 1955.”
3rd AWARD: Mrs. R. H. Van Gilder
Spring-Blooming Camellia
TO BE COMPLETELY SATISFYING, a gift must be long-lasting and self-renewing and must bring delight and pride of ownership.
It must be one of studied suitability, of esthetic values identifiable with the receiver, and one of intrinsic charm. Such is the gift of a spring-blooming, camellia, C. chandleri elegans.
That it is long-lasting in the mild climate of southern New Jersey is a fact. This year, despite hurricanes and drought, new growth has formed and buds are being set for next year’s blooming.
The renewing quality of this plant is phenomenal. It grows robustly, strong and confident. The new growth, although succulent at first, soon becomes woody and strong, ready for the whims of nature that it may be forced to resist through the winter.
“Delight” is not expressive enough for the feelings which assail the owner of this fine plant. Different in form and texture from any of the shrubs and flowering trees are commonly seen in this area, it has the quality of true Southern foliage—a gloss and shine and eye-catching leaf shape.
As with any plant which sets its buds early and allows them to mature over winter, it is always a source of interest and speculation.
One has a chance to see the slow constant growth and renewing process in all stages, then the opening buds and flowers, perfect in every facet.
Yes, the spring-blooming camellia could make my Christmas complete.
4th AWARD: Mrs. Paul J. Snyder
Jerusalem Cherry
MY CHOICE is the old-fashioned Jerusalem cherry to brighten my old-fashioned Christmas. For me, Christmas is a time of tradition and custom.
This old-world plant brings back memories of my childhood Christmases, long before the now-popular poinsettia was ever heard of in my Northern home.
My mother’s window held several pots of Jerusalem cherry in various stages of growth so that she always had a plant ready for display.
The green leaves are accented by tiny white blossoms and bright red or yellow globe-shaped fruit resembling Christmas balls. Indeed, it is a miniature Christmas tree, just right for the centerpiece on the celebration table.
With a bit of tinsel and a red crepe paper wrapping around the pot, it gaily hails the holiday season.
It will carry its Christmas message of pleasure for many weeks—even months. The Jerusalem cherry is the most dependable and lasting of all Christmas plants.
5th AWARD: Mrs. A. W. Wilson
The Christmas Rose
WITHOUT A MOMENT’S HESITATION, I would ask for a Christmas rose, Helleborus niger latifolius.
Where a small, attached greenhouse once stood, we now have a cozy one. pine-paneled room with a picture window on the south side.
Under the window is a window box shaded by several large trees. Tuberous begonias thrive happily there, and this is where I would plant my Christmas rose.
The beautiful green foliage in late summer and early fall and all of those beautiful white flowers will always be a joy during the long dismal winter.
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