Iris Year Book

The diversity of bearded irises rivals that of any other perennial grown in temperate climates. For some gardeners, they bring back warm memories of a grandparent's garden; for others, they're a cutting-edge plant with a seemingly endless capacity for producing new forms and patterns. As the manager of Rainbow Iris Farm and co-editor of the Bulletin of the American Iris Society, Kelly Norris is the authority on gardening with bearded irises. His introductory chapters offer tips for successful growth, garden design, plant selection, and "creating" new irises. A Guide to Bearded Irises also provides portraits of the most outstanding plants in each of the six recognized categories, from the dainty miniature dwarf bearded irises to the stately tall bearded irises. A resource section lists specialty nurseries, organizations devoted to bearded irises, and public gardens with notable iris collections.

Iris was once everything to her granddaughter. But now she's losing her grip on her precious memories, and it's too late for Tess to ask for the advice she needs now more than ever. Tess is stunned to discover she's pregnant - but in spite of her relationship breakdown she knows she wants the surprise baby. Alone and uncertain, she turns to Gigi, a kindly stranger at Iris's nursing home. Gigi is bearing her own secret sadness. Whilst her family thrives, she hasn't been happy for years. Should she leave her husband and find a new life just for her? Then Tess discovers a case filled with Iris's secret letters. The missing pieces of her life could hold the answers she and Gigi need . . .