Irises Usher in a Season of Glory 
in the Garden 
MORE THAN FOUR SCORE OF MY FAVORITES WHICH I COM¬ 
MEND TO THE AMATEUR AND BEGINNER IN IRIS-GROWING 
I F you yield to the magic spell of the Iris, it will lead you across the 
border into a wonderland of delight, for an Iris-garden is a floral 
world in itself, so vast that to mention all the interesting forms 
would be impossible, as there arc about one hundred and seventy 
distinct species, and varieties innumerable. 
The passing of the Iris through the spring and summer months is like 
that of a grand procession, the first glimpses of which may be had when 
the dainty Alpines and Pumilas first appear in April, closely followed by 
the various dwarf forms in April and May, in ever-increasing boldness of 
form and color, till June ushers in the great Germanica family—the Bearded 
Irises with their broad masses of color. In quick succession come the tall 
Sibiricas and the still taller varieties of Aurea, Monnieri, and Gigantea, 
until, with a great burst of splendor, come the Japanese Irises, the crowning 
glory of all, with their great blooms a foot in diameter, rising on stately 
stems to a height of 5 feet,—the royal family, arrayed in richest blue and 
purple and gold,—and the pageant comes to an end. 
In arranging the Iris-garden, much depends on the taste of the owner. 
Along walks and drives, the borders of the shrubbery, and near the water¬ 
side may be found ideal locations. The dwarf varieties make pretty edgings 
to larger beds, and are effective when planted in front of the taller kinds. 
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