Mapleton, Iowa 19 

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 w.th 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 must 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. 
Letters— 
From Maine—You might be interested to know that last year I made a new Iris 
bed ard planted it with about 40 fine plants from your garden. [did not lose a single 
plant from this bed in a rather hard winter, and this morning I counted 43 promising 
bloom stalks. 
From I[llinois—I received my shipment of iris and am more than pleased, the roots 
are so nice and healthy. You can expect to hear from me again. 
From Wisconsin—The iris rhizomes came and I want to thank you for the fine 
roots sent—I am more than pleased with them. I shall remember your Iris Gardens 
when order.ng new iris, and hope to be able to visit them sometime. 
From Iowa—We returned from our vacation and the roots arrived the next day 
at just the right time. They were all very nice, we planted them at once and they 
are already showing growth. 
From Massachusetts—The plants were delivered today in good condition and all 
are planted. Thank you especially for the root of Dainty Bess. Perhaps my next ar- 
rangement at the A. I. S. show will be of it. 
From Virginia—The iris plants arrived yesterday and were planted at once. I’m 
thoroughly happy over what you sent and the plants are fine. I do hope you'll be 
here next year to see how your children behave away from home. 
LATER—You wili be pleased to know, I am sure, that all of the things I got from 
you are off to an excellent start. I am, of course, particularly interested in GOLDEN 
SPIKE and have watched it closely and I don’t think I’ve ever had a plant start off 
so well. It looks as though I’l] have at least seven or eight f.ne rhizomes from it next 
year. None of the others even seem slow and none of them are at all erratic, so I 
have every reason to hope for rather typical bloom from all of them next year. 
From Iowa—The irises I received from you all grew well ard all bloomed but Ella 
Winchester and it is growing well. You can look forward to a larger order next year. 
i am delighted to have received a prize in your color contest. 
From New York—Thank you very much for the very fine iris rhizomes and for 
your very generous gifts. I have enjoyed so much your art-cles in magazines especial- 
ly those on color. I wish all the catalogues would describe their irises so we could 
visualize the color without a Ridgway chart as few of us have one. 
From Connecticut—Again you amaze us with your nice plants! Many thinks— 
wish we could afford to buy more of them. 
EXTRAS !! See Special Offer Page Four! 
