IRIS BORDER 
The name “Iris” is from the 
ancient Greek, meaning rainbow 
because of its delicate beauty and 
diversity of color. Pliny says it 
is from the Egyptian word for eye 
and signifies the eye of heaven. 
The Iris are among the most de¬ 
sirable and easiest grown of our 
Spring-flowering hardy plants, and 
produce their wonderful sweet 
scented flowers during May. Their 
exquisite coloring is only appreci¬ 
ated by the close observer, as their 
rare beauty and soft irridescence 
lies in the heart of the flower, some 
of the varieties being as delicate 
and interesting as the most cher¬ 
ished orchid. 
An Iris garden is a floral world 
in itself, so vast that it would not 
be possible to mention all the in¬ 
teresting forms, as there are over 
one hundred distinct species grown 
in America, and innumerable 
varieties of these species. 
In arranging the Iris garden, the 
taste of the owner must play a 
large part, and wonderful results 
may be obtained by the possessor 
of a little artistic ability. An Iris- 
bordered walk or drive is very 
effective, and a fine showing may 
be made by planting among the 
shrubbery. 
The Irises are invaluable for cut 
flowers, and if cut just before the 
buds open and taken indoors, the 
flowers will be much richer in col¬ 
or than if allowed to bloom in the 
open, and will last a long time, for 
as one blossom fades another will 
open up, until all on the spike are 
gone. 
Culture. Iris are partial to dry, 
well-drained sunny location. They 
are liable to decay if planted in 
wet places. Planting may be done 
either in Spring or late Summer 
and Fall; however, July to Oc¬ 
tober will furnish the best results. 
Cover roots just enough to hold the 
plant in an upright position. A 
light covering of straw or leaves 
during the Winter months will be 
very beneficial. The roots may be 
taken up, divided, and replanted 
every two or three years. This 
should be done about ten days or 
two weeks after blooming period. 
IRIS 
In the description of Iris, “S” stands for 
standards or upright petals, “F” stands 
for fall or the petals that droop on the 
sides. 
AFTERGLOW. This variety is well named 
as the name very nicely describes the 
flower. Soft gray-lavender, shading to 
buff, not unlike the evening sky after a 
clear sunset. 20c each. 
ARISTOCRAT. Truly an aristocrat of 
the Iris family. Stands erect with large 
flowers. S, lavender; F, deep violet. 25c 
each. 
CAPRICE. Medium height; early. S, 
clear cerise; F, deeper shade; fragrant. 
A really good Iris. 20c each. 
CRUSADER. Tall, midseason; S, light 
shade violet; F, a deeper shade; beard 
bronze yellow. 15c each. 
DALILA. Tall; S, white, slightly 
trimmed with lilac; F, rich violet red with 
slight brown veins at base. A very good 
Iris. 25c each. 
DREAM. Tall; pale rose pink, solid color. 
Very beautiful. 20c each. 
FLAVESCENS. Soft, yellow self-color. 
15c each. 
GEORGIA. Medium height; midseason; 
very beautiful cattelyna rose with bright 
orange beard. 20c each. 
SEE INDEX IN BACK OF BOOK 
29 
