Iris Book
One of the most spectacular achievements in plant breeding this century is the development of modern irises. There are many different iris species and within the main garden irises such as tall bearded and Japanese iris, exist a myriad of colour and forms. These have been achieved through breeding.
The entire spectrum of irises is covered in a comprehensive new book titled Iris: Flower of the Rainbow by Graeme Grosvenor. It contains not only the most up-to-date information on iris of all kinds and how to grow them, but breath-taking photographs of iris flowers, which give inspiration and help in identification.
A new photographic lens, specially developed by world-acclaimed cinematographer Jim Frasier, has added an extra dimension to the brilliant photographs. Jim is noted for his work on the BBC wildlife and nature series by Sir David Attenborough.
The new lens allows focus to be retained on both the subject in the foreground and the background simultaneously. There are spectacular images of iris flowers against highly recognisable landscape backgrounds such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, as well as sunsets and country scenes.
A chapter of the book is devoted to describing the techniques used to capture the iris flowers and gardens on film. Jim has subsequently carried the technique he developed for still photography as seen in this book into the filming of moving images.
Graeme Grosvenor is one of the world’s leading experts on the iris, and has spent more than 12 years planning, researching and writing the book. He has a specialist iris and daylily nursery, Rainbow Ridge, at Dural in New South Wales. Graeme collaborated on the photography with Jim Frasier.
What’s in a name
The book title, Iris: Flower of the Rainbow, relates to the Iris of Greek mythology. Iris was the messenger of the gods. Granddaughter of the earth goddess Gaea and the sea god Pontus, she travelled on the arc of the rainbow bearing messages between earth, sea and sky. The iris flower comes in all the colours of the rainbow.
Further information
Book details. Iris: Flower of the Rainbow (Kangaroo Press, 1997) is available at book shops, or directly from Rainbow Ridge Nursery for $65. To order books write to Graeme Grosvenor at 8 Taylors Road, Dural, NSW, 2158. Phone: (02) 9651 2857. Fax: (02) 9651 1524. Major credit cards accepted. Note: As a special offer to viewers of ‘Burke’s Backyard’, Rainbow Ridge will mail-order books with no additional charges for postage and handling.
Nursery and garden. Rainbow Ridge Nursery at the above address is open daily from 1 October until the end of December for sales and viewing of the huge range of iris in the display gardens. Plants are sold via mail-order or are available directly from the nursery in spring and summer. Colour catalogues cost $5 (posted). Contact the nursery to order a catalogue.
Bird Book
A new book Don recommends watching out for, The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia by Graham Pizzey and Frank Knight published by Angus & Robinson. Available at book shops, rrp $35.
