ris ‘Sime | 
We cordially extend an invitation to you and your 
friends to visit our Iris Gardens where over fifteen-hundred 
varieties are growing. 
The dwarfs and hybrids start to bloom in March; Tall 
Bearded peak bloom should be from about April 17th thru 
May 15th; Louisianas and Japanese Iris bloom here in late 
May and June. 
The Melreses 
Route 6, Box 424 @ Phone 2-7635 
Three miles East on Scenic Drive 
MODESTO, CALIFORNIA 
CULTURAL DIRECTIONS 
BEARDED IRIS: Iris are very easy to grow and give much satisfaction with the minimum of care, but to obtain 
the best results, the following cultural suggestions should be observed. 
WHEN RECEIVED: Open the package of rhizomes at once to admit air. The rhizomes should be planted as 
soon as they are received. If this is not possible, store in a cool dry place. These plants will be received by 
you with the tops cut back, just as they should be, ready for planting. If the roots or leaves appear dry 
this does them no harm. 
WHERE TO PLANT: Select a sunny well-drained location. Iris will grow in semi-shade but will bloom more 
freely if they have sun at least half the day. They do not like wet feet and where the soil is heavy and the 
drainage poor, they should be planted on ridges. In loam or sandy soil they may be planted at the ground 
level. 
DEPTH TO PLANT: Place the rhizome just below the surface of the ground with the roots well spread under- 
neath. Never plant your rhizome too deep. Keep in mind the texture of your soil. Heavier soil requires 
shallower planting. Firm the soil tightly around each rhizome. Do not leave any air pockets. 
WHEN TO PLANT: Iris can be planted at any time, but late in June, July, September and October are most 
suitable for the San Joaquin Valley. It is not advisable to plant during extreme heat waves. Early planting 
establishes the new iris plant before winter. This also is the time to divide and reset clumps of iris that are 
crowded, generally 3 and 4 year old clumps. 
DISTANCE APART: This will depend on your particular plans. Generally iris are planted from 14” to 2’ 
apart. If you desire immediate clump effect plant 8’’ apart in groups of 3 or more of one variety. You 
may have to divide and separate your plantings more often, but you will have a wonderful splash of color 
sooner than you would if you planted only one rhizome of one variety. 
SOIL PREPARATION: If your garden is new, no fertilizer will be necessary; but where the soil is poor, well 
rotted cow manure, poultry droppings, bone meal, Vigoro, compost or any well-balanced commercial fertil- 
izer not too high in nitrogen will be satisfactory. Iris love phosphate and potash, so save any wood ashes 
and spread them over the iris beds. Do not overdo fertilizing as a heavy fertilization promotes soft growth 
that is apt to rot and you will not get the bloom that you should if you use fertilizer wisely. 
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