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Maple Valley Iris Gardens 
IRIS CULTURE 
Irises are easy to grow but a few simple rules should be followed. They require 
good drainage and a reasonable amount of sunshine and cultivation. They are not 
very particular as to soil, but do especially well in a light sandy loam. They do not 
require rich soil or much water. They do well among other perennials if they do 
not 'become crowded, as they must have sun and air. 
Iris should be planted when the side shoots have fully matured, which is usually 
a month to six weeks after blooming season. They should be set in well prepared 
soil with feeding roots well spread and rhizomes just barely beneath the surface of 
the ground. In cool, wet climates the rhizome may be set ‘like a duck on the water,’ 
but in the middle west and south they do much better covered. 
They should have time to become fully established before freezing weather. 
Good bloom the following spring may be expected from well matured plants which 
make a reasonable growth in the fall. New set plants should have a light covering 
the first winter. We find excelsior makes an excellent protection for iris. Most 
leaves pack too closely and prevent a circulation of air, but light straw or hay may 
be used. Just enough covering to shade the soil and prevent alternate thawing and 
freezing is sufficient. Light airy coverings may be left on later in the spring, thus 
minimizing late frost injury. 
UNSOLICITED LETTERS 
Dear Mrs. Whiting: 
I have ordered iris rhizomes from ten different iris growers in the past few years. 
I am not only pleased with the splendid rhizomes you sent me, which were large, 
firm, well rooted and well packed, but am equally impressed with the fine quality of 
the “extras” sent, and the prompt and courteous way in which my order was handled. 
Thank you very much. Dr. F. C., Illinois 
Dear Mrs. Whiting: 
The two shipments of iris arrived in excellent condition and have been planted. 
I am sure they will make a showing of which our Village may be proud. I want to 
compliment you on the fine packing job. The count is very liberal and the condition 
of the plants excellent. We appreciate this and thank you very much. 
D. F. H., Illinois 
Dear Mrs. Whiting: 
The splendid lot of iris plants came Saturday. I don’t know when I ever saw a 
more satisfying shipment of irises, all being uniformly good and of such a fresh deep 
green color. How do you do it with the miserable weather that has prevailed this 
summer? You were most liberal too and I surely appreciate the fine extras. 
L. J. E., Wisconsin 
JOIN THE AMERICAN IRIS SOCIETY $3.00 A YEAR 
We will send $1.00 in iris roots—your choice—for every new membership sent 
to us for 1938. 
