ADVANCE NOTICE 'BLISS IRISES' THE BOOK

BLISS IRISES
FAMILY AND FLOWERS;
THE JOURNEY TO A NATIONAL COLLECTION

Anne Milner
Watercolours by Fern Harden

Anne Milner presents her family history intertwined with the history of Bliss irises, which are now part of the Plant
Heritage family of National Collections of plants worth preserving.

The collection was featured in the second series of The Great British Garden Revival
on BBC2 in January 2015.

Bliss Irises combines family history and gardening in a unique and very personal journey. Initially triggered by interest in her great, great grandfather who built the Bliss Tweed Mill in Chipping Norton, Anne Milner discovered Arthur J. Bliss, a cousin of a grandfather, and his work with early 20th century irises. Having travelled to New Zealand and South Africa, Arthur had many adventures before becoming famous in the horticultural world for breeding and introducing Dominion , an iris that took the world by storm when it was first introduced in 1917. It has since gone on  to be found in the pedigree of hundreds of modern irises.

With stunning photographs, watercolours and line drawings throughout, the second part of Bliss Irises focuses on the flowers themselves and details the range of irises registered by Anne Milner s ancestor Arthur Bliss.

Bliss Irises will appeal to readers with an interest in irises, historic plants and family history, as well as those with a more general interest in gardening and horticulture.

ANNE MILNER learned her love of plants while helping her father in his garden as a child. She started researching her family history in the early 1980s and discovered her Uncle Arthur and his irises. She has no formal gardening training but has been enjoying gardening for over 40 years. 

TO BE PUBLISHED 28th August 2016

£14.99

ISBN 9781785892981

Distributor: Troubador Publishing Ltd, 9 Priory Business Park, Wistow, Kibworth, Leics LE8 0RX

BIC subject category : WMP Gardening: plants

Paperback 234x156 mm 256pp Portrait.

ADVANCE INFORMATION
PLEASE CONTACT ALICE GRAHAM
Tel: 0116 279 2299 Email: marketing@troubador.co.uk
TROUBADOR PUBLISHING LTD. 9 PRIORY BUSSINESS PARK, KIBWORTH, LEICESTER LE8 ORX

It is hoped that the book will be ready for sale at the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show in early July, where Bliss Irises will be sharing a stand (PH309) with Sarah Cook and her Sir Cedric Morris Irises. Please make sure you visit the Bliss Irises Web Site http://www.blissiris.co.uk

Update: The Book can now be pre-ordered from the Book Depository click on the link here for further details.

Book Image credit and copyright Anne Milner © .

Reproduction in whole or in part of this post, its opinions or its images without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson is strictly prohibited. Copyright Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

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Book Review 'A Guide to Bearded Irises: Cultivating the Rainbow for Beginners and Enthusiasts'

I was approach by a Bookseller to review the book 'A Guide to Bearded Irises: Cultivating the Rainbow for Beginners and Enthusiasts' (2012) by Kelly Norris, this was before the books publication and it was an offer I turned down, the reason, Mr Norris recently became the Editor of the American Iris Society Bulletin so I had become reluctantly used to his media style, this understandably tempered my expectations for substance and possibly not the attitude required for writing a review for a bookseller who expects all the bells and whistles to sell books. However several months ago the same Bookseller offered me this book for a massively discounted price with no strings attached which I accepted. I have held off posting a review of this book but with the 'New Zealand Gardener' magazine coming out in their November 2012 publication with its so called book review is time to have a word.

With a listed ticket price of $79.99 I'm not even sure if this is a reasonable price for a 'A great coffee table addition' as one Amazon reviewer suggested, and as I have no idea what coffee table book aficionados require to fill a vacant space on a coffee table I can not say if the book fits this criteria, but I can say fairly and squarely I do not think this is a book of good value or importance to New Zealand Iris growers no matter what their status.
The style of writing is pretentious in a elitist witticism style which the publisher in their blurb consider humorous but after a couple of pages becomes tiresome, includes more than a few puzzling and unsubstantiated statements and with 300 or so colour photos that vary in quality the book could hardly be called comprehensive and to be frank there is just as much if not more information in a Schreiner's Iris catalogue ($5.00) . The book has all the appearances of being rushed into print. In the 'Red' colour section the author goes on to reference Louisians and I.fulva which is a surprise as the Book title states the scope of the book is limited to the bearded irises so this has the reader scrambling for another more authoritative book on Irises to try and understand what the writer is on about.
For New Zealand gardeners starting to find their feet in Iris growing this would be the one purchase not to buy, a good proportion of Bearded Irises listed are not available here, its gardening advise is written for North American gardeners and the books selective criteria covers only bearded iris varieties, also listing only commercial sources in North America. All of this would only lead to the reader especially if they are new to the iris world thinking that there is only a limited selection available in New Zealand.

If you have $80.00 to spend on a iris hobby my advise is send away for an Iris catalogue from a New Zealand commercial iris grower which will cost you anywhere between the price of a few postage stamps to $6.00. These catalogues normally contain good but brief growing information that suit the New Zealand growing conditions and for the $74.00 balance use the money to purchase your Iris plant selections from the catalogues.

If you want a real Iris book for the same approximate monetary value buy Clarie Austins 'Irises, A Gardeners Encyclopedia' reads well, without doubt much more comprehensive and covers the majority of the all popular Iris species and hybrids.

After reading the above and you still think you really need this book and you have half an hour to spare check out 'A Guide to Bearded Irises' first at a library if they have it, a quick flick through this book could save you a lot of money.

This Norris chap has been referred to in some reviews of this book as the poster boy of the Iris world...... Hello! I am not sure who has propagated this silly idea perhaps it could have been the same person who told Katy Perry she could sing but what makes this even more suspect is Mr Norris then twirps about about how great the review was on the twit network thing ...............unbelievable! I would think the poster boys would be the likes of Barry Blyth, Keith Keppel, Joe Ghio, Terry Aitken, George Sutton, Paul Black, Rick Tasco, Tom Johnson, Anton Mego, and Richard Cayeux. (sorry if I missed someone)
To the publisher Timber Press,'What were you thinking'?? if you are going to build a publication on the cult of the personality, you run the risk of irritating everybody outside the smallish targeted so called Hip gardeners demographic and why is your recommended retail price in New Zealand so high when this book only months after its release is already been flogged off with the price heavily discounted internationally??

The glowing review of this book in the 'New Zealand Gardener' magazine is just a cut and paste job from the publishers blurb and has all the appearance of reviewing the book without actually reading it. So brilliantly researched the reviewer couldn't even get the gender of the author correct. 'New Books' then goes on to review the book 'Garden Tours. A Visitor’s Guide to 50 Top New Zealand Gardens' by Michele Hickman' which it is said the author never visited the gardens but implied she did. Visit http://thinkingardens.co.uk/articles/an-interesting-book-review-by-abbie-jury/ The 'New Zealand Gardener' magazine has three of these books as a "Garden Giveaway" and after reading Abbie Jury's review, giving the book away is most likely the only way the publisher is going to shift this book out of his warehouse.
'New Zealand Gardeners' and for that matter 'All Gardeners' definitely deserve better!

'New Zealand Gardener' magazine

'A Guide to Bearded Irises:  Cultivating the Rainbow for Beginners and Enthusiasts' (2012) by Kelly Norris.

Reproduction in whole or in part of this article without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson is strictly prohibited.

Photo credit and copyright Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

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A Guide to Species Irises

THE WAITING IS OVER

A Guide to Species Irises
Their Identification and Cultivation
Edited by The Species Group of the British Iris Society, Christabel King (Illustrated by), William R. Killens (Illustrated by)
This volume was first published in 1997, providing the first comprehensive, botanically detailed and up-to-date survey of this beautiful group of plants since publication of The Genus Iris by W. R. Dykes. Following the pattern of the original Dykes monograph, botanical details, cultivation suggestions and general comments are supplied, and the work is generously illustrated with accurate line drawings, colour pictures of unusual species and distribution maps. This survey includes all of the species described so far and takes into account the many changes in classification which have taken place in the group. Information scattered in the literature is brought together in one volume to provide an authoritative reference for professional botanists and growers, and a mine of useful information for amateur gardeners and iris enthusiasts. A 2010 preface has been written especially for the re-issue of this important text. An absolutely must have book for all those interested in Species Iris at a new 2nd edition much reduced price. Paperback 424 pages

Table of Contents
1. Iris history; 2. Cultivation; 3. Chromosomes; 4. Guide to identification; 5. Section Iris; 6. Section Psammiris; 7. Section Oncocyclus; 8. Section Regeli; 9. Section Hexapogon; 10. Section Pseudoregelia; 11. Section Lophiris; 12. Series Chinenses; 13. Series Vernae; 14. Series Ruthenicae; 15. Series Tripetalae; 16. Sibiricae; 17. Series Californicae; 18. Series Longipetalae; 19. Series Laevigatae; 20. Series Hexagonae; 21. Series Prismaticae; 22. Series Spuriae; 23. Series Foetidissimae; 24. Series Tenuifoliae; 25. Series Ensatae; 26. Series Syriacae; 27. Series Ungiculares; 28. Subgenus Nepalensis; 29. Subgenus Xiphium; 30. Subgenus Scorpiris; 31. Subgenus Hermodactyloides; 32. Iris pariensis; Distribution maps; Line drawings; Colour plates; Glossary; Index of species.

Click on the cover above or the link below with Fishpond Books who have the best price to date with free shipping NZ wide

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'Book Day Afternoon'

My Bigger than Ben-Hur Book Day today. Spent a good percentage of the morning and a couple of hours in the afternoon at the National Library, Wellington. (Making good progress with the Iris known as or perhaps its better put, grown as I. Swerti.)
Walking back to the car park I stopped by Pegasus Books, in the Left Bank, Cuba Mall, where I purchased a pre-loved book titled 'PLANT' for twenty five dollars which is amazing buying for a 515 page large book that can only be described as encyclopedic and I must say it wasn't pre-loved for long as its in mint condition.
The Book description from the dust cover.
From cultivating plants that are on the international endangered list or already extinct in the wild, to avoiding invasive species, gardeners can play a vital role in conservation. A ground breaking reference for both plant enthusiasts and gardeners, 'Plant' is a new-generation designed to provide environmental and horticultural information so that gardeners can make the right decisions about what to grow in their gardens.
The Author, Janet Marinelli is the Director of Publishing at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and editor of the BBG's internationally-respected series of gardening handbooks. Endorsed by the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew this superbly illustrated book features an extensive encyclopaedia of threatened plants covering every conceivable type. I found it interesting to read that a few Irises have made it to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species .
All and all a very enjoyable day.

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Bearded Iris Bulletin Wisley Trial

Have you seen the new brochure about the Bearded Trials published by the Royal Horticultural Society ?
This bulletin follows the completion of a trial of 151 Median Bearded Irises and 112 Tall Bearded Irises at RHS Garden Wisley. The bulletin gives details of 90 AGM award-winning bearded irises in this group. It contains pictures and descriptions of each AGM cultivar, plus advice on cultivation and Bearded Iris classification.
Great presentation, informative,and a future benchmark for Iris trial reporting. My Congratulations go to the Joint Iris Committee, and the RHS for a very professional publication
Available from the Trials Office, RHS Garden, Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB - please send a large (A4) stamped addressed envelope and a donation of £2. Further details and downloads can be found here

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A Great Iris Book

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This book is one of my best Iris reads which is clearly, simply but concisely written in the style of a non-fiction novel. An example of the many great books written a while ago by specialists well known in their day which include much that remains engrossing, helpful as well as being of historical interest.

IRISES Harry Randall
Published B. T. Batsford Ltd., London, 1969
The Author
Harry Randall spent the whole of his business career in the electrical supply industry and became the first Chairman of the London Electricity Board. He was more widely known however through his lifelong interest in horticulture. In turn he specialized in roses, fruit, daffodils irises and hemerocallis. Irises were his greatest passion and before his death in May 1967 he had established a world wide reputation as one of the greatest cultivators of irises in modern times. To study the genus further, he paid many visits to the United States, bringing back a selection of the best American varieties which he used in his hybridizing.By sharing pollen and plants with British enthusiasts he earned their gratitude,since their own efforts had been curtailed by the War. He was President of the British Iris Society for several years and served on many committees of the Royal Horticultural Society, judging at their Shows and at their trial grounds at Wisley and the Chelsea Flower Show. Among the numerous awards made to him were the Distinguished Service Medal of the American Iris Society,and the Foster Memorial Plaque.

A Great Quote from the Introduction.
Many of the Books are devoid of humour and they were mainly for readers who years ago, could secure all the gardening help they required. Most of us now have to think of saving labour; we wish to have the maximum of interest and beauty for the minimum of effort; we have to consider the mundane question of expense; and wish to derive pleasure from our gardening.
Some years ago my wife and I entertained a party of iris experts who went around our garden with their notebooks and cameras and with an incredible intensity of expression. A younger member of my family gazed at them in wonder for a while, and then drawing me on one side for a moment, he asked ' Do these good people get any fun out of their hobby?'
I assured him that they did, but that fun moved in a mysterious way its wonders to perform. The majority of the gardeners who come to see my irises never worry about cytological theories; but I find that their appreciation of good flowers and their love of beauty is as great as that of any connoisseur.

Cover Iris 'Rippling Waters,' Fay 1952 38 inch Tall Bearded. Mid season. Medium blue-violet with pale lemon beard. Helen McGregor X Cahokia Dykes Medal 1966

Book is now out of print but many pre-loved Books of this title are available and are listed on AbeBooks

*****

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Book of the Month Hits the Bargain Bin

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Irises
A New Zealand Gardener's Guide
Pamela McGeorge and Allison Nicoll
Photographs by Russell McGeorge

Paperback, 96 pages, 190 x 255mm, NZ, 2001.

This practical gardener's guide to growing these spectacular garden flowers features –
* Landscaping with irises
* Bearded irises
* Evansia or crested irises
* Beardless irises
* Bulbous irises
* Picking and caring for the blooms
* Pests and diseases
* Where to see and buy irises

FROM TOUCHWOOD BOOKS
RRP.$30.00 NOW ONLY $12.00 plus p&p. Terrific value!!!!

*****

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