1 82 Tall Bearded Iris 



soon as its last blossom has faded. Stir the ground 

 occasionally to prevent a crust from forming. 



Be mindful, when thou hast entombed the shoot, 



With iron teeth of rakes and prongs, to move 

 The crusted earth, and loosen it above. 



Virgil: Georgic II {Dryden's tr.). 



If in cultivating soil is heaped about the base of 

 the leaves it should be moved away from them or 

 rot may result. Keep the plants free from grass and 

 weeds, not only for looks but — 



Because sweet-flowers are slow and weeds make haste. 



Shakespeare: King Richard III . 



iNow 'tis the spring and weeds are shallow rooted; 

 Suffer them now, and they'll o'ergrow the garden, 

 And choke the herbs for want of nourishment. 



Shakespeare: 2 King Henry VI . 



I will go root away 

 The noisome weeds, that without profit suck 

 The soil's fertility from wholesome flowers. 



Shakespeare: King Richard II . 



