A guide to bearded irises Cultivating the rainbow for beginners and enthusiasts

It is not an exaggeration to write that horticulturist and author Norris (Iowa Gardener's Travel Guide) is crazy about bearded irises. In this funny and informative guide, he shares his passion for the flower and his expertise gained from years as one of the country's most respected iris breeders. Norris is a charming guide. It's difficult not to be seduced by his enthusiasm and tantalizing descriptions of the colors, textures, ruffles, and patterns of the iris species. For those who have never grown the flower, he provides an overview of the different types of irises and straightforward advice on cultivation and propagation. Those who already grow this perennial garden favorite will find it impossible to explore this gallery without compiling a wish list for their own gardens. A resource section with specialty nurseries, public iris gardens, and organizations, along with an index, make this a complete guide. 318 color photos. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Iris nurseryman and horticulturist Norris (editor, Irises: The Bulletin of the American Iris Society) presents a comprehensive overview of bearded irises that can be enjoyed on several levels. His well-balanced approach contains an introduction on how to choose, cultivate, hybridize, and use bearded irises in the garden. A color portrait gallery features outstanding plants in each of the six recognized categories, from the miniature dwarf varieties to the tall bearded irises. A resource section lists specialty nurseries and gardens where these plants or tubers can be purchased or viewed. VERDICT The expanding popularity of hobbyist gardening should provide a solid audience for this book, which will also capture the interest of advanced gardeners including iris specialists, landscapers, and nurserypeople. Simply browsing through the pages of dazzling color photographs is a pleasure that may turn lay readers into iris gardeners. A green thumbs up, especially as this is a fresh, timely, and appealing presentation of the topic.-Deborah Broocker, Georgia Perimeter Coll. Lib., Dunwoody (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.