IN MY LADY'S GARDEN 



blossoms are scented like violets, and it is one of the easiest 

 of the winter-flowering irises to manage, even enduring 

 slight forcing (in pots) for the greenhouse ; but in the 

 south it will grow in the open air and multiply itself 

 satisfactorily. The bulbs should be put in as early as 

 possible in the autumn, and the situation should be sheltered 

 and well drained if in the garden. We have had a succession 

 of exquisite winter irises since October, when the first Iris 

 stylosa opened ; I. Bakeriana was the next, a tiny gem in 

 deep violet and cream colour ; this, like I. stylosa, comes 

 from Armenia, and also enjoys the same dry warm spot, 

 or may be grown on a sunny rockery. I. alata, in palest 

 azure, opens about the same time (/'.., at Christmas, or 

 sometimes earlier) ; then the Persian irises (I. persica) in 

 variety, of which the newer kind, I. persica Heldriechi, 

 in blue violet, is scarcely so distinct as the type, which is in 

 palest egg-shell blue, blotched with apricot and deep purple. 

 I. histrio, too, bloomed in the garden, a handsome little flower 

 in rich blue, white, and gold ; whilst the charming fragrant 

 blossoms of I. stylosa keep up a continual succession all the 

 winter. A collection of irises is much more attainable to 

 most of us than a collection of orchids, and certainly is 

 most interesting ; there are but few weeks in the year 

 in which the blossoms of one iris or the other may not 

 be gathered in the garden, and how varied and beautiful 

 they are ! 



I. Bakeriana is nearly allied to the reticulata group, but 

 quite distinct from them, however. The variety Norma is 

 finer than the typical plant, and both bloom very early in the 

 year. The yellow blossoms of I. Danfordias are decidedly 

 effective with the purple and blue of those of the reticulata 

 irises, with which it is classed by Sir Michael Foster ; it 

 comes from Asia Minor, and flowers in February, the culti- 

 vation being similar to that of the rest of this group, 

 i.e., good drainage, light soil, and plenty of sunshine, with 

 slight protection for their flowers in winter, but plenty of 

 air, whether in the border or the greenhouse. 



There are several varieties of I. alata, the white one (alba) 



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