Have not been around much recently - I missed you all! In my neighborhood, a number of older homes are being torn down or extensively remodeled, and I am seeing more and more stands of irises becoming fenced off - they are now in the alleys, behind the new fencing. These are beautiful irises, and very hardy. Since I have been known to "rescue" unwanted plants, I would like to "rescue" some of these lovely irises if possible. The foliage is up, but no flowers. When and how is the best way to transplant irises?

You can transplant them now, but they may not bloom this year.
Dig as much of the soil and roots as you can then transplant immediately.
If you're getting as much rain as we are I think they will do well. Make sure
they have very good drainage.
The best time is Sept.-Oct. when it's at least starting to cool off. Put a little bonemeal in the hole when you plant them.

Irires are so tough I don't think you will have any problem at all. I have transplanted them in summer before and they just keep living. I've also dug irises up and left them sitting for a couple of weeks and they just start growing again when I plant them. You can't hardly go wrong imo. I would love to find some that need rescuing, lol.