The diversity of bearded irises rivals that of any other perennial grown in temperate climates. For some gardeners, they bring back warm memories of a grandparent's garden; for others, they're a cutting-edge plant with a seemingly endless capacity for producing new forms and patterns. As the manager of Rainbow Iris Farm and co-editor of the Bulletin of the American Iris Society, Kelly Norris is the authority on gardening with bearded irises. His introductory chapters offer tips for successful growth, garden design, plant selection, and "creating" new irises. A Guide to Bearded Irises also provides portraits of the most outstanding plants in each of the six recognized categories, from the dainty miniature dwarf bearded irises to the stately tall bearded irises. A resource section lists specialty nurseries, organizations devoted to bearded irises, and public gardens with notable iris collections.

This complete guide gives all the information you need to choose, grow, and appreciate the beardless iris--from basic planting information to help beginners, to the essential hybridizing details that horticulturists need. Beardless irises are cousins of the more familiar bearded irises, but are much more variable, with plants ranging from four-inch-tall dwarfs with tiny flowers to five-foot stalks with dinner-plate-size flowers. In addition, beardless irises of at least one type will grow in virtually every gardening situation from dry shade to standing water in full sun. No other group of perennials offers such versatility. Here, all five major groups are covered in detail: Siberian, Japanese, Pacific Coast Native, spuria, and Louisiana. The garden uses, development of the modern hybrids, and recommended cultures are given for each of the diverse groups of beardless irises. In addition, a separate chapter covers the techniques for creating your own beardless hybrids.

Chronicle of the unmaking of a gardener with explorations into the ecology of backyard gardens.

Distilling the author's 40 years' experience in growing and hybridizing, here is the only book devoted to every aspect of siberian irises, those lovely plants of the series Sibiricae. The extensive treatment includes history, classification, description of the species, characteristics of modern cultivars, culture, and pests and diseases. There are useful lists of display gardens, suppliers, and growers throughout the world, making the book truly global in scope. Since the author is one of the most important hybridizers of siberian irises - and in fact was the first to induce tetraploidy among them - his discussion of hybridizing, including wide-cross hybrids, is of particular importance. Written for the beginner as well as for the experienced grower, The Siberian Iris includes exceptional color photographs of siberian irises and their uses in the landscape as well as marvelous watercolors and line drawings by Jean G. Witt.

"Cultivation advice, information about the plants' breeding history, and ideas for using irises with other plants in the garden make this the perfect one-stop reference for iris enthusiasts everywhere."--BOOK JACKET.

In this eloquent plea for compassion and respect for all species, journalist and gardener Nancy Lawson describes why and how to welcome wildlife to our backyards. Through engaging anecdotes and inspired advice, profiles of home gardeners throughout the country, and interviews with scientists and horticulturalists, Lawson applies the broader lessons of ecology to our own outdoor spaces. Detailed chapters address planting for wildlife by choosing native species; providing habitats that shelter baby animals, as well as birds, bees, and butterflies; creating safe zones in the garden; cohabiting with creatures often regarded as pests; letting nature be your garden designer; and encouraging natural processes and evolution in the garden. The Humane Gardener fills a unique niche in describing simple principles for both attracting wildlife and peacefully resolving conflicts with all the creatures that share our world.