116 SCHOOL AND HOME GAKDENS 



Sow seeds in June or July to obtain good plants for 

 blooming the second summer. Some varieties will bloom 

 very late the first season if the seeds are sown early in 

 the spring. 



THE IRIS 



Native varieties of iris may be found in nearly all 

 sections of the United States. Iris versicolor, or the 

 large blue flag, is an excellent plant for the edge of a 

 pond or for a marsh that is covered with water during 

 the spring. The flowers are violet-blue, variegated with 

 green, yellow, or white, and are purple veined. The 

 stem is stout and angled on one side. After the bloom- 

 ing period the sword-shaped leaves make a luxuriant 

 growth. Iris germanica, the true fleur-de-lis, may be 

 grown in gardens under ordinary culture if given rich 

 soil and an abundance of water. The finest blooms 

 are obtained from established clumps ; consequently they 

 should remain undisturbed after planting. Set the roots 

 in clumps of three or more, four inches deep and pro- 

 tected with leaves or other mulch during the winter. 

 Iris Jccempferi, or Japanese iris, has very large flowers 

 of beautiful shades. This is considered one of the best 

 varieties either for borders or for bedding. The prevail- 

 ing colors are white, crimson, rose, lilac, lavender, violet, 

 and blue. Each flower usually contains several shades. 

 Give it the same attention that is given the German 

 iris. Plants may also be produced from seed. 



