28 
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. 
Excerpts from a few of your nice letters— 
From Connecticut—Your catalog is the most useful iris list I have. It gives the 
most definite information on each variety. Member A. I. S. 
From Missouri—I congratulate you on your good catalog. I certainly am glad 
that there is one that gives the ratings of iris. Member A. I. S. 
From North Carolina—Your plants last year were very satisfactory and bloomed 
well so I am sending a still larger order this year. Member A. I. S. 
From Iowa—I am delighted with the iris you sent me—the! roots are wonderful. 
Thank you for holding up shipment during heat. 
From California—The plants arrived in excellent condition and I am sure will do 
well. You need not make excuses for the size of the rhizomes as I find them far super¬ 
ior to what I have been accustomed to get from eastern growers. Member A. I. S. 
From Oklahoma—Received the iris in fine shape. Such a generous amount for so 
small a purchase price made it seem like a gift. 
From Iowa—We do appreciate the very fine iris roots you sent again this year. 
They are wonderful rhizomes and you were most generous in filling the order. 
From Nebraska—I want you to know how much we enjoyed visiting your garden 
on June 1st. It was the loveliest sight of flower beauty that I have ever seen. I am 
sending you an order and including a check for membership in tile A. I. S. 
From Illinois—We just received your shipment of iris roots in perfect condition. 
I am certainly well pleased with the healthy stock and the very prompt shipment. I 
also wish to thank you for your generosity. 
From Idaho—Thank you for your excellent catalog. I am pleased with descrip¬ 
tions and I want to thank you for boosting the A. I. S. Member A. I. S. 
From Nebraska—The iris arrived in fine shape—we have never received finer 
roots. 
God made the flowers to beautify 
The earth, and cheer man’s careful mood; 
And he is happiest who has power 
To gather wisdom from a flower, 
And wake his heart in every hour 
To pleasant gratitude. 
There’s crimson buds, and white and 
blue— 
The very rainbow showers 
Have turned to blossoms where they fell 
And sown the earth with flowers. 
—Hood. 
—Wordsworth 
