Focusing on isises, this is one of a series in which each book is devoted to the enjoyment and cultivation of a specific flowering plant and presented in three sections - history, flower directory, and care and cultivation. The exotic blooms of irises have inspired painters and gardeners for centuries. Part of their attraction for collectors and gardeners is their variety and the widely differing conditions in which they grow. They range from exquisite jewel-like forms for the alpine garden to the majestic species with elegant sword-shaped leaves that grace the edges of lakes and pools. The book traces the origins of irises and the way in which they have been cultivated over the years, describes the principal species best suited to particular gardens - dry and sunny borders, bog and water-gardens, and alpine gardens - and offers practical advice. Susan Berry has edited more than 20 gardening books, including the series, The Garden Bookshelf.