Amber,
In your zone be careful of late planting. Frost comes too early often and roots must have time to get a good start to survive the winter. I am in 6a and my only losses were those planted in mid to late September with killer frost around Oct 10 or so.
All good advice from the others, especially to stay away from the big sellers like Breck's and box stores. Check the vendor list in the forums or on cubits for better choices. Also leave some room in the garden for postage only offers from many on the forums.
Welcome and enjoy the forums and the irises.
