| 1941 
These are the times that make gardeners feel that only gardening keeps 
them wholely sane. And, thanks to a capricious beginning to winter, there is 
plenty gardening for all throughout the middle west. We have lost five big 
trees in our south yard alone this winter. And naturally a good many shrubs 
and perennials. But the iris loss is amazingly small. 
Indispensable Whites and Yellows 
The iris loss that will show up most is in the whites and yellows so neces- 
sary for a complete picture. Unfortunately most of the finest of these are tender 
or partly tender. For years I suspected Easter Morn and for years it came up 
smiling. SoI was about to say “completely hardy here’”’ and then the Armistice 
Day freeze carried away most of my stock. Sweet Alibi also nearly perished. 
Snow King must be moved from the hardy into the semi-tender category. Of 
the new whites Matterhorn seems entirely hardy. So, of course, are Venus 
di Milo and Crystal Beauty though not so new. 
Of the newer yellows, I have now two plants left of my stock of Lady Para- 
mount and some California customer is due for a grand extra. Happy Days, 
Ming Yellow, Golden Treasure, Dore and Naranja seem to be partly tender 
while California Gold, Jasmania, Sunburst seem entirely hardy. My one plant 
of Spungold seems entirely hardy but of course one cannot judge from one 
plant. 
Contributing Cireumstances 
The above judgments are in all cases made from several plantings of all 
varieties mentioned. Of course plants that are entirely hardy may be lost in 
winter if the cover is too heavy at a certain spot or if the plant is heaved up, 
etc., etc. But if a variety consistently dies out in different locations, it is fair 
to say that it is at least partly tender. 
Other Colors 
The only absolutely tender variety, of colors other than white and yellow, 
seems to be Pale Moonlight. Shining Waters, Missouri and Amigo seemed to 
be semi-tender. A surprise was the number of reds that proved semi-tender. 
Junaluska, Cheerio, Garden Magic and E. B. Williamson all developed un- 
suspected weakness of resistance. Of course by far the majority of blues, 
purples and red and pinks were absolutely hardy. 
Promise of Much Bloom 
Because of these faithfuls the garden promises to be filled with bloom. 
Besides the sweep of bloom upon which we have come to depend there will be 
the detail interest of a few blooms each on about thirty-five or forty new vari- 
eties. All of you who can come to the garden are cordially invited here about 
May 20th. 
DOROTHY STONER 
THE IRIS GARDEN 
5674 GOODMAN ROAD MERRIAM, KANSAS 
PHONE: PLAINFIELD 1546 
