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flowers are carried above the sword-shaped leaves practically in 
one plane, it is perhaps possible to picture what a sheet of color a 
eld of these irises may present. 
But let us leave the flower itself and see how we can use the 
plant in the garden and under what conditions it will thrive. The 
beardless irises all appreciate moisture, particularly through the 
flowering season. Ina cold climate they will not endure submerg- 
ence during the winter, but a few inches of standing or flowing 
water, before, during and for a short spell after the blossoming 
time, is well worth planning for, especially in the case of the 
Japanese. In Japan it is so planned, the edges of the beds being 
often protected by a woven wattle of bamboo, and between the 
floodings rich manure is well worked into the soil. Fortunately 
we can grow them in our gardens with but a tithe of such care, 
_but it is well to keep in mind their preferences and give them 
moisture and food at least. As to transplanting, either imme- 
diately after the blossom fades or before growth starts in the 
spring is recommended. | 
In the garden proper I like to use these irises with some con- 
sideration of their fine foliage throughout the season. The bold 
uprightness of their leaves, their depth of green, and density of 
growth all merit careful placing. Just as a peony plant, or a 
line of peonies, may be used as an accent or as a backbone to a 
garden bed, so may a thriving iris plant be used to even greater 
advantage as its verticality gives an added meaning to the com- 
position. In time of bloom these irises conflict with the Delphin- 
iums and I must confess that I do not like a haphazard combina- 
tion of their hues. Some Delphiniums go well with some of the 
iris colors, but their close affinity in the spectrum calls for a nice 
discrimination. In a way, their very size and solidity of color 
are not adapted to a happy color scheme, for it must be a pecu- 
liarly loud perennial that will be noted in the same glance. The 
contrast in growth of irises and astilbes is most pleasing; as a foil 
for montbretias and gladioli they are ideal; the graceful Japanese 
anemones have such similar cultural tastes that they may be used 
to advantage for succession; the late blooming Hemerocallis 
luteola pallens suggests a yellow touch and even the common 
Coreopsis might ieee a place in the design. Such suggestions 
