Hi gardenandcats, what zone are you in? There's a big difference between zones 5b and 3b, so it depends on which part of Maine you are in. Tall bearded irises are tough to grow in cold zones. The standard dwarf bearded irises and the intermediates do better in cold climates.

Here is a link to a friend who has an iris garden in Manitoba. She has photos of tall bearded irises that grow and bloom in her zone. These irises might do well for you too.

Renee

Here is a link that might be useful: Iris lady's Canadian iris garden