248 SATURDAY IN MY GARDEN 



easJy grown varieties comprised in the English, Spanish and 

 Japanese sections. Let me endeavour to dispel this indifference 

 to a most graceful and handsome race of plants. If a careful 

 choice of varieties be made it will be possible to have one or other 

 of the varieties in bloom from early spring until the end of July. 



The earliest to bloom is iris reticulata, a dainty Oxford-blue 

 variety, which with the snowdrops and the scillas heralds in the 

 opening days of the year. Its favourite spot is a nook or cranny 

 in a rock garden, where it can rest unmolested for years. This 

 does not mean that it requires shade and damp. On the contrary, 

 it thr ves most readily in sunshine and in moderately dry but 

 good soil. 



Among the bulbous and tuberous irises the English and Spanish 

 types are pre-eminent. They have rightly been called the poor 

 man's " garden orchid," for their beauty and colour are unsur- 

 passed. The English irises, which bloom first, delight in a deep, 

 free, sandy soil. The bulbs, which cost from ninepence to eighteen- 

 pence a dozen, should be obtained in October, and planted without 

 delay, since they are difficult to preserve when out of the ground. 

 Among the best varieties are Mont Blanc, La Charmante, and 

 Queen of Lilacs. 



The Spanish iris is at its best hi June, and in order to grow it 

 most effectively it should be planted in broad masses or in beds 

 devoted entirely to its cultivation. A hundred unassorted bulbs 

 can be obtained for about a shilling, but if named varieties are 

 desired the cost is, of course, greater. Among the varieties may 

 be mentioned : Beauty (porcelain blue), Sweetheart (cream), 

 King of the Whites (large white), Unique (blue with white tips), 

 Louise (lavender blue), and Reconnaissance (bronze). 



The Japanese iris for the most part revels in plenty of sunshine, 

 but the variety known as Kaempferii is at its best in a damp 

 situation by the side of a pond or stream 



Diagram 35 shows how it may best be planted to prevent its 

 being washed away if a pond or stream overflows. Iris Kaempferii 

 is the tallest and largest flowered of the family. After it has 

 once been planted, it is advisable to leave it undisturbed. The 



