Named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow, the iris has been called the "poor man's orchid" because it is exotic yet low maintenance, inexpensive and can be grown in the back garden. The seductive beauty of this flamboyant perennial has made the iris second in popularity in the US and Great Britain only to the rose. This illustrated guide tells beginning and experienced gardeners all they need to know to cultivate many different varieties - but focuses mainly on the myriad of bearded, beardless and bulbous irises (including rebloomers). Author Theodore James, Jr. and photographer Harry Haralambou, author and photographer of Abrams' Seaside Gardening, are a nationally known team, with 10 books and dozens of magazine articles to their credit. James is a popular lecturer on garden subjects and in 1988 was knighted by the King of Belguim for his writing on Belgian gardens and architecture. Haralambou has received numerous awards from the Garden Writers Association of America for his photographs. Both reside on the North Fork of Long Island, New York. Used Book in Good Condition