dutch irises

I have just joined this list. Having read the first few messages I can 
see that you folks know an awful lot about irises! I also pulled up the 
list of subscribers and saw quite a few co-"horts" from my Gardens-L days.
I would like to foster a bed of Dutch irises here in zone 5; sweltering 
hot and humid in the summer, -15 deg F in the winter, and clay type 
soils.  It is my understanding from my readings that they need to get hot 
and dry in the summer, need excellent drainage, and are only reliably 
hardy to zone 6. I've noticed that gardens in this area that are 
planted in raised beds with thick creek rock surrounding the bed seem to be 
about a month ahead in spring development. So I have found a place on the 
south side of my house on the peak of a slope, which I am thinking of 
further embanking with rock, and trying to provide the right environment 
for Dutch irises. However, I have not seen anyone else growing them 
around here. If there is anyone on this list that grows Dutch irises, I 
would really appreciate it if you could share with me what has worked for 
you, and what hasn't.  Thank you! Judy Sylvester, south central Indiana
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