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INTRODUCTION 
LaBundy’s Iris Gardens are centrally located in the heart of the Midsouth on the 
banks of the Mississippi. This except:onal Tennessee climate has, possibly, the longest 
growing season of any other section of the country, with long and hot summer months. 
This enables the rhizomes to grow and develop exceptionally well. Yet the winters 
frequently record sub-zero temperatures that tends to harden the rhizomes and freeze 
out the less hardy varieties. We are often asked if our iris are hardy in colder climates. 
Hardiness is inherent in the variety and does not depend on whete it is grown. 
We use absolutely no sort. of fertilizer on our plants. Why? Because the world’s 
best combination of black sandy soil and favorable climate brings forth extra heavy 
rhizomes, full of strength and vigor, that brings the most excellent comments from our 
customers. 
During these war times there has been a greater demand for our iris than ever before. 
We know that you, our customers, can understand the conditions that exist due to the 
shortages of experienced help, supplies and other necessary equipment. However this 
year, we have installed a new system by which we can give you our usual prompt and 
courteous service. 
I know that there is a number of our customers who are wondering why we do not 
list more of the lesser known and cheaper varieties. For the benefit of those of you 
who are in doubt and you who for the first time are interesting yourself in iris, we 
would like to mention briefly the qualities desirable in fine flowers. We agree with 
you, that most of the lesser known varieties are beautiful, but yet color, the most 
ee Geta quality in a flower is not, by itself, the final measure of its. value as a 
good iris. 
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Besides the richness of color, we want a bloom of good form and firm standards. 
Stems should be low branched and wide so that the flowers are not crowded and should 
be strong enough to resist drooping from the weight of the bloom. The texture and 
substance of the petals are most important, too. Whether silky, velvety, enameled or 
ruffled the substance should be durable enough to withstand sun and wind and remain 
fresh looking for a reasonable period of time. Color should not fade too easily in the 
sun or spot readily from drop of moisture. 
So for these simple reasons alone, we do not list many of the common varieties. 
Yes, we might had listed them and you might had been delighted with their beauty, 
but we do not intend to sacrifice our known name, for the best in quality, at any price. 
If you have net acquainted yourself with our plants, send us a trial order and see 
for yourself. Give them a fair chance and they will do the rest. We will also include, 
absolutely free, a nice iris with each order. 
Sincerely yours, 
GERALD LaBUNDY 
LaBUNDY IRIS GARDENS 
