I have just finished a little "light reading", but informative and practical nevertheless, of Irises by Harry Randall.

And now I'm onto the tome of The World of Irises edited by Bee Warburton and assistant editor Melba Hamblen, published by The American Iris Society, which heavily drew from the Society's quarterly bulletins as well Year Books of the British Iris Society and the publication of autonomous groups associated with these societies of the various series of irises, including aril, dwarf, Japanese, Louisiana, median, Pacific Coast natives,reblooming, Siberia and spuria irises, as well as the in-depth studies of species irises and for the publication of historical source material. Among the many contributors to the book are Keith Keppel, Ben Hager, and Thomas M. Wilkes. Many iris specialists and organizations throughout the world's temperate zone in both hemispheres have contributed to this book.

What books have you read that you would recommend to those who are new in the field of irises? Another one that I have been enjoying on my Kindle is Tall Bearded Iris (fleur-de-lis) A Flower of Song by Walter Stager. In the beginning is multitude of poems and prose throughout the centuries dedicated to irises. Now I am on to the informative section.

What other books have informed and inspired you?

I just finished The Gardener's Iris Book by William Shear. It is a little more than a basic iris book, as it includes specific cultural for the many species of Iris and how to get the best performance from them, as well as how to choose the best varieties for your area.

It does give a brief summary of how to breed your own iris as well as growing from seed.

Also listed are Iris Specialist Nurseries in each state of the U.S., but also several in Canada, along with what types of irises that they carry, of which are some that are no longer in business.

I received this book when I joined the American Iris Society. (It's a bit musty, but otherwise perfect.)

evelyninthegarden said:The Gardener's Iris Book by William Shear

Shear's is my go-to book for information on iris care. I find it comprehensive, always helpful, and a delight to read.

For reading about and ogling pictures of cultivars, I have enjoyed:

A Guide to Bearded Irises: Cultivating the Rainbow for Beginners and Enthusiasts by Kelly D. Norris
Beardless Irises: A Plant for Every Garden Situation by Kevin C. Vaughn

I finally obtained a paper copy of Iris Culture and Hybridizing for Everyone.

I got tired of trying to read it online. It took a while to get it, as it was ordered through Powell's Bookstore, but the actual location for this reprinted book was in India! I had waited over a month, but they may have printed in on demand....not sure.

Now you just need to find time to read it.

Robin ~ LOL!

Robin ~ I have been reading a little bit each evening. You would be shocked at some of the poisons they used to use in the gardens in earlier days! Yikes!

Still, there is a lot of basic valuable information on the different types of genes and how they display color. That part is the "good" part.