A fine antique — N. Mrs. Langtry.

My friend Jay Melrose showed me Mr. Langtry for the first time. I had never seen anything like it — a white flower with the faintest band of yellow around a pleated, conical cup. Of course, I needed it!

It had been growing in that spot for as long as he could remember, perhaps since the early 1900s. However, branches from a tree had begun to shade the patch, and it was slowly dying out. Upon looking it up, we found out all about it.

It’s period — circa 1869, the peak of the Victorian Era. The maker was Mr. William Backhouse, the foremost of designers. He might have named this masterpiece after his housekeeper, the real Mrs. Langtry. His luxury line includes Emperor, Empress, Conspicuus, W.P. Milner, and Stella, all of which should be in museums… and your garden!

Some might disapprove, but we made thousands of reproductions. Actually — after replanting, they reproduced themselves. Fortunately, they’re still antiques — and indistinguishable from the genuine item!

The grace and glamour of gardens past… how daffodils used to look — Mrs. Langtry!