For, lo, the winter is past, 
_ the rain is over and gone; 
The flowers appear on the carth; the time of the 
singing of birds is come, and the voice of the 
turtle 1s heard in our land. 
(Song of Solomon 2-11, 12.) 
ENERGY OF THE ATOM—UNSPLIT 
Ah, yes, the coming of Spring is always accompanied 
by a great lifting of the spirit; a rekindling of the fires of 
hope; a belief in the promise of better times ahead; and 
the re-vitalization of every living thing. 
This is the season when the lure of the garden is strong 
upon us and “the flowers that appear on the earth” largely 
depend upon the excellence of our selection in previous 
years. 
THE FLOWERS THAT BLOOM IN THE SPRING-TRA-LA 
Of all the flowers which appear during this exhilarating 
season, none can compare with the iris. Bewildering in the 
endless variation of its coloring; charming in the gracefub 
and artistic posing of its beautiful blooms; deliciously fra- 
grant in subtle variations of scent; it is, withal, one of the 
easiest subjects for the unskilled gardener to grow to pet- 
fection, and most generous in the ever continuing dividend 
of its increase. : 
DANGER! IRIS VIRUS AHEAD! 
So, if you have never experienced the thrill of grow- 
ing this glamorous flower, we hope this modest little cata- 
log will start you on the road. Altho it contains no 
beautiful pictures, you will find that we do grow beautiful 
plants. The variety descriptions, admittedly inadequate, 
are, nevertheless, meaningful. And who can describe the 
indescribable? 
_ COLOR IS KING! 
Altho iris fanciers are aware that other qualities besides 
color are necessary to qualify an iris for high rating, there 
is no gainsaying the fact that color is the most fascinating 
characteristic of this flower. And eolor is dynamic! It 
registers on the sub-consciousness. Color can convey a, 
sense of coolness or of warmth, cheapness or luxurious- 
ness. It can be calming or irritating; stimulating or 
depressing; and while, of course, you are not likely to be 
overcome with these varying moods by merely observing 
the colors of the flowers in your garden, it is interesting to 
note that scientists have discovered this mysterious influ- 
ence of color upon the human psyche. 
MOTHER NATURE IS KINDA 
RECKLESS WITH COLORS TOO 
This reaction of color on the nervous system is, doubt- 
less, the cause for the disharmony of certain color com- 
binations and the reason behind the well-known corrective 
practice of using plenty white and yellow flowers among 
the variously colored ones. White is the greet conciliator 
and yellow the great illuminator. Yellow “lights up” the 
garden, we say, but as a matter of fact it lights US up. 
It is difficult, however, to effect a discordant note 
among irises. The strident colors characterizing some 
flowers are just not present in the iris family. There is a 
vast field of compatibility among irises and no-one need 
fear the likelihood of jangling colors spoiling the garden 
effect. Just mix in a few whites and creams and forget it. 
OH, OF COURSE, IF YOU’RE A SENSITIVE SOUL 
Certain color combinations are more agreeable to the 
eye, than others. Pink and light blue; pink and yellow; 
blue and yellow; purple and gold; blue and tan; pink and > 
purple, are combinations that should please anyone. The 
deeper reds, such as Garden Magic or Christabel, are 
happy with soft yellows, such as Snoqualmie, and the softer 
reds, like E, B. Williamson or Rosy Wings, are pleasingly 
contrasted with light blues, such as Shining Waters or 
Great Lakes. The coppery tones, like Copper Lustre, are 
also nice with light blue. You can have fun thinking up 
nice combinations and trying out the effect in your garden. 
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