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ONE of the few unfavourable criticisms
which followed the issue of the 1941 Year Book .was
that the Iris Society, qua .Society,
is doing very little to help the novice and the small amateur.
Although this criticism may be countered by a reference to earlier
Bulletins .and Year Books,
containing as they do much instruction from masters of the game,
it has to be acknowledged that in recent years a fairly large
part of each Year Book .has
been taken up with erudite contributions, valuable indeed but
suited more to those who have left the elementary stages of Iris
growing well behind them. The criticism does not hold good as
regards the species, because even a cursory survey of the Year
Book s. will show that the provenance
and culture of species have always been adequately dealt with.
When, however, we turn to the bearded flag Irises, now comprising
the astonishing results of innumerable crosses by English, American
and French growers, we realise that perhaps the time has come
once more to start beginners on the road.
....A member of the Society asks
that some guidance may be given in starting an Iris garden which
shall contain, say, thirty of the best bearded Irises, no variety
to cost more than half-a-crown. In this response to the appeal
attention has been given to colour, form and proportion, rate
of increase and susceptibility to disease. I have not paid much
attention to fragrance because in the majority of cases the value
of an Iris to the beholder and the grower is assessed quite independently
of the scent. Many an Iris lover is quite ignorant of the scent
of the Irises he likes or dislikes and is not aware, for instance,
that Lord of June, Ballerine, My Own and Albatross are sweetly
fragrant while Lady Charles Allom is possessed of what can only
be called a stink.
....In endeavouring to list a good
Thirty I have found myself faced with great difficulties after
setting down a few undoubted favourites which pass every test
triumphantly. However, here goes-at the Editor's behest I am hesitantly
creeping in where better judges fear to tread. I have not attempted
any arrangement according to merit. Substance is not specifically
mentioned in the notes but it may be assumed that no one of these
varieties is lacking in substance.
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