It's always nice to bring up old threads so others can view

Evelyn, I think Lucy's book suggestion is probably the best choice.

Somehow I ended up with two copies of "The World of Irises"!

I found the second copy in the Goodwill store for $3.00, then a senior discount too! The copy was better and cleaner than the one that I purchased previously. I saw it a week ago, then I looked again and I was still there, so I just got it! I don't really need two copies, so if anyone needs this book, I will send it out for postage. My eBay selling days are over, for now, anyway.

TsFlowers said:It's always nice to bring up old threads so others can view

I have been doing that a lot lately.

janwax said:This book, Iris Culture and Hybridizing for Everyone, was published in 1961 and is out of print. It's by Wilma L. Vallette. I found a copy online and last night began reading it. I know that the information in it is over 50 years old, but it's encyclopedic! The author has collected information from 300 experienced iris growers. I'm "saving" the first chapter for later. All about chromosomes and such ....
So much information, I've barely scratched the surface!

Jan - so much for presenting this opportunity to read this fascinating book. I have "waded deeply" into the first chapter and this is the book that is helping me sort out the genetics... diploids, tetraploids, and others...and which of the older irises are which.

I just came in from weeding as there are millions of tiny weeds just wanting to grow big and crowd out the plants that I have purchased in the past. Last year, I was working on the White Flower Border and moving all the strawberries out and then having to make two strawberry beds in order to accommodate them. I took no time to weed my perennial beds and then paid for it afterwards as the work in spring was overwhelming.

Now I still have some irises in my perennial beds, and maybe the weeds won't be taller than the irises this coming spring. As well, the raised beds all have weeds in them, but you cannot see them now...they have been cultivated as well!

Well, back to reading, as it got cold and much cloudier to be going back outside. It will soon be time for dinner, but I just wanted to stop and thank you, Jan. I am really enjoying this e-book.

You're very welcome, Evelyn. I'll probably try to tackle the "hard" parts. This winter, in front of the fire!

By the way, Keith Keppel, on his Facebook page, has posted some enlightening information about
hybridizing.

I wanted to add, if anyone wants to read this ebook, it is much better on a computer than on a tablet or phone.

Thankyou so much for the info Jan. Keith Keppel's seedlings are stunning

Totally_Amazing said:Thankyou so much for the info Jan. Keith Keppel's seedlings are stunning

They certainly are. I'm looking forward to what he introduces in 2018.

Jan ~ I am surprised when reading this book, at the amount of poisons that are suggested to use for pests and diseases. I wouldn't dream of using lead arsenate or Paris Green. Did people just have these products readily available in their garden sheds?

Yes, the book has a lot of bad information, like the use of poisons - as well as good.
I bought this book on another's recommendation, and probably
wouldn't buy it again. One needs a skeptical mind to figure out what's worth keeping. This thread probably should be deleted.

I think its a good thread. The book is historic and describes iris culture of the past of which some are still very pertinent. It allows discussion of some of the practices that have been passed down over the years and obviously should be discontinued but i think that deleting historical practices will not make the future better. instead i think we should learn from their/our mistakes. Just my thought on this and worth exactly what you are paying for it.

You always have such good observations, Bonnie.

Bonnie ~

I am getting so much out of this book. Bonnie is right about the historical care of irises. (I won't be torching my irises either!)

The detailed explanations of the details of iris genetics is extremely fascinating, and definitely worth the time of reading this ebook.

As a note of interest, look up Paris Green on Google. It really did kill a lot of people as well as many products containing lead. (Paint, wallpaper and clothing dyes.)

every one keeps raving about this book, but I cant find it anywhere. I'm experienced enough to sift through all the irrelevant/or outmoded data but I'd still like to find a copy/e-copy/pdf somewhere

I would like a copy too, Timothy. Both for the iris culture information as well as outmoded historical gardening practices. I looked at all my 'go to' sources with no results. I will keep looking and sooner or later a copy will turn up somewhere.

Timothy and Bonnie ~ Try this:

Google:
Iris culture and hybridizing for everyone.babel.hathitrust.org

Thank you Evelyn. I am looking for a book i can hold in my hand and touch the pages.

Bonnie ~ I would like that too. Let me (us) know if you find a copy somewhere. You never know where it might show up.

Thanks very much, Jan, for pointing this book out, and to Evelyn for the up-vote! I was finally inspired to go search online to take a peek at this thing (for the hybridizing information).

For those who want a physical book they can hold in their hands, go to this website and they will essentially create a new paperback book for you: https://www.abebooks.com/servl...

For those who want to scroll endlessly and read it online (they won't let you download the whole thing), you can access it here: https://babel.hathitrust.org/c...