AN IRIS GARDEN 



to thin it out from time to time, that the surface of the 

 water with its many reflections can be seen at intervals, 

 and the lotus not be allowed to give the impression of 

 arising from the earth. 



Few nurserymen in America have devoted much 

 time to water-lily culture; still, there are growers who 

 are able to supply excellent aquatics, and to give 

 information concerning the tender and the hardy 

 varieties. In fact, a water garden, wherever feasible, 

 should be allowed to extend the interest of all those 

 who truly love flowers. 



In building any sort of a seaside garden, the position 

 that irises are to hold is one of the first things to take 

 into consideration. For these plants should not be 

 moved about much before they have had time to increase 

 in size and power. They are always distinctive plants, 

 owing to their bold clumps of swordlike leaves, and even 

 when out of flower they give character to their locality. 



As the autumn sheds its light and coolness over 

 the water garden and the irises are no longer seen, 

 there occurs through the innumerable clumps of tall 

 leaves a rhythmic motion that is most enchanting. 

 The song that they sing is one of many changes, for 

 with high winds the leaves clash and strike together 

 like veritable swords. Again, with the sultriness of the 

 autumn haze, they settle down into a still, poetic lull. 

 The water is then likewise still. Soon the birds fly 

 away, and the fishes seem to go to sleep. For gradually 

 the uncontrollable frost pushes them out of their 

 places and holds the water garden tightly until the 

 return of spring. 



[201] 



