Thunder Echo

| Flower Roberts

This iris with the unusual name deserves a pause. It has the most complex coloring of all my bearded iris.

‘Thunder Echo’ came in a group from Cooley’s Gardens that I ordered almost three decades ago. I would not have picked this one, but it is a favorite.

The coloration of the falls is what fascinates me. That dusty plum fringe and spots on white are lovely.

The standards stay slightly opened to expose the three style arms which have complex coloring also.

I would never choose an iris with tan standards, but I have two and love them both.

They are a nice break from the sea of pinks and purples in spring.

FLOWER

Persian Berry Everywhere

| Flower Roberts

Some hybrid bearded iris thrive and crowd out weaker forms. The dominant here used to be Banana Frappe’, then it became Night Affair. For the past several years the dominant hybrid has been the pink ‘Persian Berry.’

It is so prolific that the pink seems to over-power the other colors.

Persian Berry still makes a lovely display with all the purple and white in my gardens.

I keep removing patches that encroach too closely to my other hybrids. This is one of the struggles of gardeners. Some plants do not play fair and have to be reined in occasionally.

Persian Berry is beautiful but too much of a good thing is too much for other hybrids like ‘Little Much.’

I keep my most unusual bearded iris separate to prevent competition.

More iris to come. Stay tuned.

FLOWER

Little Much before the Rain

| Flower Roberts

I arrived home on Friday evening just as it started to rain. A quick scan of the gardens showed that my one and only ‘Little Much’ bearded iris was blooming.

I rushed to capture its portrait before the rain drops weighed down the blossoms.

Some iris hybrids are very prolific while others must be kept separate and babied. Little Much is an example of the latter.

I love its delicate ruffles and contrasting colors.

It is a favorite of mine. ‘Little Much’ is a treasure.

I love ‘Little Much’ a whole lot.

FLOWER

My Heart is Still in Winter

| Flower Roberts

My heart is still in winter, tho my flowers say it’s spring.

I am surrounded by cold realities that I cannot change.

I do not have the power to thaw my frozen, fearful heart.

Life is precious. The fragile need protection.

I am hunkered down for a bit.

Holding my budded heart closely.

Waiting for a safe time to open.

I have faith in spring, even now.

We will endure. We will bloom again. We will grow.

This I know.

FLOW

The Koi at the Castle

| Flower Roberts

We never make a trip to Biltmore Estate without visiting the Koi ponds. Lately we have only visited the gardens, not the castle, so we start at the Conservatory. The koi ponds are up a hill near the house. Seeing the Koi is worth the climb.

There are fish of all sizes and colors. Some are habituated to being hand-fed and come to the edge if one stands still. I love this because it gives an opportunity to see them close up.

The biggest fish are over a foot long. There are many smaller members of the schools.

My favorite Koi are golden yellow. I was thrilled to spot one.

My family has koi in much smaller ponds, so we spend time here visiting these fish each visit.

FLOW and fish

The Biltmore Legacy Museum

| Flower Roberts

Several of my favorite Biltmore artifacts have been moved to Antler Hill Village over the years. I appreciate this move because it allows a closer look at these treasures. Two of my favorites are the Napoleon chess set and the many place settings of china, crystal and silver used during formal banquets.

The chess set was originally owned by Napoleon Bonaparte. I was not at liberty to use the flash, but you can see how ornate each piece is.

Each piece is a masterpiece.

My daughter and I discussed the many pieces of silver, china, and crystal necessary for each guest. Good thing there were many servants to cook, serve and clean up. Many local folks were employed by the Biltmore Estate.

I have used my formal china , crystal and silver only a handful of times during my 37 years marriage. I guess I need to quit protecting it and use it.

There are many more fascinating artifacts in the Legacy Museum. Make sure you stop by there before you leave the grounds.

FLOW

Queen at Eighteen

| Flower Roberts

What better place for a queen to have portraits done than at America’s castle, Biltmore Estate?

This lovely young woman is turning eighteen and making her debut. Her beautiful sage green gown has stunningly gorgeous gold lace applique.

I would love to have gotten some close-ups, but did not dare distract a professional at work. I did ask permission to take photos and gave them my card for this blog.

The crown and appliques glistened magically in the afternoon sun.

I think this celebration at eighteen could have a more positive impact than those at 15 or sweet 16. It celebrates the young woman at a critical time in her life. It is like being a bride with no groom. All the attention is focused on her from all the people she loves most.

I am sure this Queen’s celebration will be as lovely as she is.

FLOW