THE IRIS GARDEN 7 



cutting winds from the rude blasts which come from 

 the east when our best flowers are out in the spring 

 is always desirable, and whether it is provided by brick 

 walls or by trees and thick shrubs, does not perhaps 

 matter much. Except for the few, sun must have full 

 access, and perhaps for aspect a slope to the south is most 

 desirable, though not essential. We should claim the 

 south borders frequently found in front of plant-houses, 

 and here, especially if shelter is afforded by projecting 

 houses on each side, we have an ideal position for 

 Oncocyclus Irises. Many of the bulbous Irises are also 

 well suited in a somewhat similar position, because of the 

 protection easily afforded by lights at the right time, 

 though, as well known, the "English" and "Spanish" 

 Irises and some others do quite well in the open. Dwarf 

 walls are often useful, because we may rest lights against 

 them, without much trouble, to keep off wet, though 

 this support is given by walls of any height if not already 

 occupied by trees and creepers. Certain Irises, e.g. the 

 Oncocycli, must be dry at certain times, and if lights can- 

 not be supported as pointed out above, it is necessary to 

 have movable frames ; or by the exercise of a little 

 ingenuity lights may be made to meet at the top over a 

 bed, span-roof fashion, when required. For raising 

 seeds frames are very useful, or they may be raised in a 

 greenhouse, but there is advantage in sowing in free 

 ground, over which a frame may be placed, if seeds are 

 sufficiently numerous. A few seeds only of any one 

 kind must of course be sown in a pot. A greenhouse 

 is always a most desirable structure because there we may 

 enjoy a number of the best bulbous Irises and numerous 

 other kinds which flower during winter and spring. 

 Many bulbous Irises are fairly cheap and are easily 

 flowered in pots, but it cannot be said that good bulbs, 

 for another year, are to be expected. At Kew, in the 

 very interesting "Alpine" house, several kinds may 



