WCP4240

[1]

Old Orchard,

Broadstone,

Wimborne.

Dear Mrs Cockerell¹

We are much interested in your new find of a red Sunflower & hope you will be able to fire[?] it, as it would be a great acquisition to gardens.

Of course we should like a few seeds, but would it not be better for you to keep all you can at present, as you might give away the choicest without knowing.

I have no doubt the Antirrhinums do much better in your² [2] country. They do not do very well here [as] the soil is too heavy I expect and[?] they want more lime.

Your Rosa Stellata is still alive but did not flower quite so well this year as last owing no doubt to the cold wet season we have had. I think of moving it to a better place but I’m almost afraid for fear of losing it. I tried crossing it last year without success, & have done the same this year with a Wichuraiana instead of R[osa]. Altaica. One has to [3] take anything one can get, as flowers do not as a rule open to order. Rosa Stellata is so very distinct[?] that if you can do anything with it, it will show at once I feel sure.

Dr Wallace is very well and has finished his book³& is now busy with the proofs. It is a good thing [it’s] over[?] for it got rather too much for him at the last, & it was a great relief to see the back of it. He has now time to get out in the garden and begin transplanting down to the new wild garden.

We have had a very poor apology for a Summer[.] [4] It has been wet & cold for the most part & nothing seems to have flourished as it might.

I send you a few seeds of Anchusa Italica, Dropmore variety which you may like to have[.] It is far superior to the type and[?] a fine blue. With you it may grow to a large size, it is quite hardy & perennial.

With kindest regards from Dr Wallace & all of us to you & Mr Cockerell.

Yours sincerely | Anne Wallace [signature]

Oct[ober] 16. 1910.