Shown are Siberian irises (above) and German irises (left and right). German bearded irises have much variety. The upright and cascading petals - the standards and falls - might be contrasting, similar, or outlined with picotee edges. The bright beard and ruffled petals reveal both boldness and delicacy. March-April 2015/www.co-opliving.com 25 BACKGROUND PHOTO: NATOUCHE/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK