This bearded iris is named BANANA FRAPPE’. It’s blooms glow in the afternoon sun.
It is alone in a bed because it is a bully. That means it grows quickly and hogs all the space.
My slow-growers must be isolated from the aggressive bullies like Banana Frappe’.
FLOWER
This is the most beautiful bearded iris I have ever seen. It is also the only hybrid rescued from the vole attack at Enwood, my parents’ former home.
I feel blessed that it survived being eaten, being moved and being transplanted. Its real name is ‘Let’s Dance’ but I will always think of it as Daddy’s Last Iris.
FLOWER
I have visited the iris this morning. The show will continue for several more weeks. I will not be here to stake and deadhead. They will survive.
When I return in May the double peonies will need staking. They cannot hold up their heavy heads in the rain. They will survive.
I will be helping plan my mother’s memorial service this week. It will be beautiful. My sister will make sure of that. We will survive.
No…better. We will thrive, because we have been loved and tended to by the best parents on the planet. Watch and see!
FLOW
This iris is one that is requested most when I share rhizomes.
Its purple is deep and it smells like grape soda.
It reproduces well without taking over.
It shimmers in the sun.
FLOWER
This bearded iris is not a color I would have chosen. It came in a set from Cooley’s decades ago.
I suspect that selling sets help them get rid of the less popular varieties. ‘Taco Supreme’ was probably one of these “bonuses” in the mix. I have come to love this iris. It grows slowly. It glows red and gold in the sunshine. It stands out among all the pink, purple and white blooms at April’s end.
I love this luscious bloom. I am glad it came with the set. I do miss the Cooley Iris Company. Their rhizomes always arrived big and healthy, unlike the shriveled pieces in garden center bags.
More iris to come…
FLOWER
I thought I had lost this lovely, bearded iris, Little Much. It was in with some bullies and could not thrive enough to bloom. When the group was divided, Little Much had room to bloom and reappeared.
I love this delicate flower with a bit of shimmering glow.
It has its own tier in the plant nursery. It will stay there until it needs dividing.
Some plants are worth the pampering. ‘Little Much’ is one of those.
FLOWER
The unusual bloom of ‘Thunder Echo’ seems to change colors as the day goes by.
Here it is in the afternoon sunshine. It is almost glowing.
This one does spread better than some, but is still separated from the bully iris.
Flow
One of my most unusual bearded iris opened on this dark and rainy morning when storms are expected.
It looks very different in sunshine, but is distinguished in any light.
This is one of my slow growers that must be kept separate from the prolific spreaders like ‘Persian Berry’ from my previous post.
FLOW
I love this iris because it blooms again in the fall after blooming in the spring.
I would have named it ‘Second Wind Iris’ but that is less poetic, although more accurate.
I do not crave immortality, but I would like a second wind in my sixties. I am too old to be me!
I have too much left to do to be huffing and puffing and stumbling up and down the hills. The next life doesn’t concern me. I am trying to get through this one.
I must admit the sight of this iris blooming causes a pause. I admire its glowing white blooms reflecting the sunlight. I appreciate its blooming when most plants are shutting down in the cooler weather.
It does make me think about a continuation of life. It also reminds me that life has its own schedule.
I do not know where I am trying to go with this. I guess I am at a cross-roads in my own life. Hoping to bloom one more time before going dormant.
Maybe, deep down I feel like I haven’t bloomed yet and I am hoping for another chance.
FLOW
floweralley 