Irises

A Gardener's Encyclopedia

Foreword by James W. Waddick

The most comprehensive and up-to-date encyclopedia of irises available. Irises are beloved by enthusiasts who garden in a wide variety of zones, including hot and dry, temperate, and even cold northern climates. Irises bloom in every imaginable color — revealed here in more than 1100 captivating photographs — from deepest purples, blues, and reds through strong pinks, yellows, and oranges to pastels in every shade. This wide-ranging collection illustrates the diversity of this beautiful genus and includes irises with striking foliage, reblooming capability, and scents. It features both historic and modern irises of all sizes from miniature and dwarf varieties to the stately tall beardeds. Also included is cultivation advice, information about the plants' breeding history, and ideas for combination plantings in rock gardens, containers, and perennials beds. An indispensable reference for iris fanciers everywhere as well as any gardener who appreciates their beauty and versatility.

Media reviews of this book:

"Her many photographs will please devoted irisarians, especially members of iris societes."

—W. George Walters, Pacific Horticulture, May/June 2006

"An extraordinary work, [Irises] presents an excellent overview of the genus Iris. ... [Austin] provides brief, very readable descriptions of hundreds of irises, and accompanies almost all of the descriptions with excellent photographs of the plant's flower."

—Tom Karwin, Monterey County Herald, August 5, 2006

"Page after page of color closeups will enchant both the casual browser and careful collector. There's a wealth of information here."

—Karen Preuss, Northwest Garden News, May 2006

"As a reference book, Irises should be invaluable to horticulturalists and iris breeders, but even amateur gardeners will enjoy browsing through its pages."

—David Papayanopulos, Long Island Horticultural Society Journal, April 2006

"The close-up pictures of iris flowers would be invaluable to anyone trying to identify a particular cultivar or species, or for anyone wanting to include irises in a garden design. The book includes sections on all the main species, sections and cultivars, together with chapters on cultivation, pests and diseases, hybridising and growing from seed."

—Sue Tasker, Professional Gardener, April 2006

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Customer reviews of this book:

"Love the pictures and layout — a must-have for iris lovers!"

—Christy P. from Killeen, Texas, October 20, 2007

"Good coverage of all varieties and good pictures. A must-have for the iris enthusiast!"

—Rita H. from Aliso Viejo, California, June 20, 2007

"Informative and beautifully illustrated."

—Anonymous from Aberdeen, Washington, April 6, 2007

"Love the photos; the more varieties pictured the better! I also like the descriptions."

—Linda N. from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, June 7, 2006

An excerpt from this book:

Irises should be one of the staple plants in any garden. They are versatile, colourful, largely trouble free, easy to grow, and rabbit- and deer-resistant. Having grown irises only in the middle of England, I can only describe each season from an English point of view. I hope that gardeners who live in colder or hotter climates that are largely continental will forgive me for describing irises in the garden this way. For many gardeners, spring is the beginning of the gardening year. The days get lighter, the birds begin to court each other with song, and plants begin to stir. The first irises of the season emerge around late January ...

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