IRIS TIME

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 33, 2 November 1934, Page 18

IRIS TIME

Flowers of Rainbow Hues The first two weeks in November are the (lays when the modern bearded irises flood the garden with their rainbow lines, and now is the ideal time to select the varieties most suited for formal planting schemes or drift of colour. It is not so many years ago tliat the iris was a plant that was seldom seen hi most gardens of average size. Here and there one came across clumps of the German iris or patches of the English and Spanish varieties, but it was rare to find any definite scheme, such as a small part of the garden solely devoted to irists, or to meet with any serious attempt to cultivate many of the finer varieties of the bearded group or other sections and species. Now, times have changed, and the iris has come into its own, to take its place along with roses, sweet peas, carnations and so on, as one of our leading garden flowers. The great development and improvement of the flower have had much to do with its rise to favour, and it is safe to predict an even greater future for the iris as a garden plant once garden owners are aware of the beauty of the modern types and the admirable qualities of the plant from the cultural standpoint. They’ are definite plants for all classes of gardener, for the large garden or for the small, for the country garden or for the town, and they will succeed in most situations; even in very poor soils where few other plants can be induced to live. There is a wide variety of types differing in habit, flower character, colour and flowering time, but' for general garden purposes the bearded section, containing many fine varieties, all of comparatively recent introduction, is to be recommended.. Where space permits, then the iris collection may be added to by introducing forms of Other species, which may be accommodated in special situations in accordance with their requirements, for it should be borne in mind not all irises will thrive under the same conditions, and to get the best from the plants each species and its varieties should have its simple likes and dislikes attended to. For example, the common belief that all irises are waterside plants is a mistaken one. It is true that several species, like the yellow flag Iris Pseudacorus and I. Sibirlca, are moisture-loving forms and want a position in boggy ground or by the side of a pond or stream, but others, like all the "varieties of I. Germanlca, will succeed in ordinary garden soil and in full sun. From this it may be seen that there are Irises that may be used in almost any kind of garden scheme, for beds or borders, rock garden, shrubbery or at the waterside. There is no corner of tne garden where they cannot be planted and where they will not add to its beauty. The prudent garden owner who is not acquainted with the many beautiful forms, or yet realises the charm and beauty that irises can bring to the garden during the early summer, should take immediate steps to remedy this defect in the general planting schemes. There is no need to make elaborate preparations noi- to start .with a number of forms and varieties. A small collection of, say, twelve varieties, with half a dozen of each, will mqke an excellent beginning. These may .be planted in the mixed hardy flower border or in front of the shrub border, so long as the position is open and.sunny. Once a start has been made in this way it is certain that the following year additional space will be devoted to them, until, finally, in order to achieve the most satisfactory results, a small part of the garden will be given over entirely to them and maintained as an iris; garden, where irises will form the main motif in the scheme, but associated with lupins, and nepeta as a colour complement, and possibly a few shrubs for a background to give a relief, A small iris garden is the goal at which to alm, but some little experience of varieties and cultivation Is advisable before embarking on this ideal method’ of growing and showing the plants. . The ideal planting time for the bearded irises is in January and Feb-, ruary, but they may be planted at almost any period of the year. GOOSEBERRIES AND CURRANTS Remove Basal Shoots The gross basal shoots that spring so persistently from bushes of gooseberries and currants, particularly those that have been hard-pruned, are very troublesome when allowed to extend. They'crowd the bushes, excluding light and air from the fruiting-wood, and are a nuisance generally by being constantly in the way and robbing the bushes of energy. They are quite easily rubbed off while they are but a few inches long, and when so treated they are done with for all time. This should be done. SUMMER CYPRESS Or Burning Bush The summer cypress (Kochia trichopbylla) is now grown extensively as a specimen plant in tubs and vases, and as a dot plant in flower beds. Its fresh, green, cypress-like leaves fit it admirably for this purpose. During November, December and January, however hot the weather may be, the leaves retain their spring greenery. When February comes they should gradually change to a reddish purple, making them look almost like burning bushes. This change seems to take place naturally when Kochia is grown in somewhat poor soil, where, of course, its growth is far less exuberant. In the richer conditions of the flower beds, tubs and vases, the change in its fullness does not occur.. Instead of that you get an indecisive purplish green which robs the plant of its autumn charms. It Is possible, however, to Induce the full colouring by Watering each specimen with four pints of a solution of sulphate of iron (joz. dissolved in two gallons of water) every three weeks from now until early February. Incidentally, the iron treatment gives a longer life to the foliage. If just before frost comes you lift the plants and pot them up. they will be very- cheery until far into the winter, either in your cool greenhouse orhomA