
SHOULD OLD CLUMPS BE THINNED. Yes, after they become 
crowded, about every four years. Dig up clumps, remove and 
discard the old center divisions that have blossomed and re- 
plant the fresh, largest foliage fans after the soil has been 
renovated. If you wish, the old center rhizomes and smaller 
fans may be grown in a nursery row a year, cut apart to single 
or double units. 
WATERING. Depends on location. Newly set plants need mois- 
ture so they can grow a new root system. They appreciate 
this attention. Water at fairly long intervals in dry weather. 
Established plants do not require watering except in very arid 
parts of the country. The common mistake is to give the Iris 
too much water. At times of excessive heat newly set plants 
can be shaded by an upright shingle or some such protection 
cutting off the direct rays of the sun for a few days. 
WiINTERSPROTEGTION:=" We 
strongly advocate protective win- 
ter covering, particularly in the 
most northern sections. A light 
covering of marsh hay, straw, 
or some like weed-free litter is 
highly advised. New set plants 
in particular must be protected 
as a preventative to the injury 
caused by freezing and thawing. 
Remove covering when spring 
growth begins. 

IRIS BORER—USE DDT! We would like to quote from Bulle- 
tin No. 2 of Region 1, New England Section, of the American 
Iris Society. The article by Dr. I. Fraim gives the following 
recommendations and procedures: ‘““We are convinced that at 
recommended strength of suspension and routine application 
which we have outlined borers can be almost completely con- 
trolled. Haphazard spraying cannot be effective. Larvae must 
be intercepted before entering the leaf fans, and to bring this 
about spraying or dusting must be started early in the spring 
after the first warm period, and continue weekly until bloom- 
ing season. We believe the spray must be applied the first 
time immediately after the first warm period in late March or 
early April in this area. Not only the Iris should be sprayed 
but, at least of equal importance. the contiguous soil, plants, 
shrubs and any other material nearby. ‘Thereafter weekly 
applications should be made. If rain interferes, spray should 
be applied as soon as the weather clears. Formula for the 
ordinary 3-gal. pressure tanks as follows: DDT WETTABLE. 
50% —6 heaping tablespoonfuls. Water—3 gallons. Sticker 
Spreader—as directed on container. Du Pont Sticker suggested. 
The DDT should be made into a paste and added to the 
water. Frequent agitation is necessary to maintain a good 
uniform mxiture. If you prefer to use dust, 5% WETTABLE 
DDT, applied early in the day is best.” We think these 
suggestions are most helpful and lucid. Do not just try one 
or two sprayings and expect controls. 
TO THE BEGINNER. Iris are one of the easiest perennials to 
grow. They survive with less care and reward you with fine 
bloom with a minimum of attention. These few suggestions 
are all simple and proper care is very easy. Treat yourself to 
some of the finer Iris that have been developed recently. 
AN IRIS BOOK 
A fine book: “THE IRIS—AN IDEAL HARDY PEREN- 
NIAL.” Contains a wealth of information in its 224 pages 
on culture, fertilization, disease control, companion plantings, 
color harmony, border planting, hybridization, elementary 
genetics and a host of related subjects. 
Permanent Binding, $2.50; Paper Binding, $1.50 
Grour Hrd. 
to follow for Beautiful Blooms 


1. Above, old crowded, undivid- 
ed clump. 
2. Left, thinned clump leaving 
portion of established clump 
in original position. 





Method of removing 
prime growth from 
older rhizomes. 
Specimen division 
>> 
8” to 15” 
DEPTH TO PLANT. Place your rhizomes just below the surface 
of the ground with the roots well spread out underneath so 
the rhizome is within reach of the warmth of the sun’s rays 
while the roots beneath are in moist (not soggy) soil. Be sure 
to firm the soil tightly around each rhizome when planting. 
Follow ordinary good garden practice of watering and setting 
soil on newly set plants, of course. y 
kA 

