An Iris Story

[Ridgerunner]

My wifes grandfather had a passion for Iris. He bred them, developed a few varieties, and was very generous in giving bulbs to anyone that admired them. His wife was an invalid later in life. She really enjoyed looking at those iris beds from her bed. But they passed decades ago, the house was sold, and the new owners did not keep the iris beds. As far as I can determine, none of the irises he developed went commercial.

My wifes first cousin, once removed, and her husband are both extremely talented people and have a fabulous flower garden. About three years ago I asked if they had saved any of the grandfathers irises. Unfortunately, no. But I was taken to their iris garden. The husband got a shovel and I soon walked away with over 100 various iris bulbs. These are now in my front yard.

 

[lesa]

Such a shame no one thought to dig out a few of those... But, what a lovely selection you have!! I love that pink one with the purple edges- just gorgeous! What do you do with that bed, when the Iris die back? Enjoy!

 

[Ridgerunner]

There are some darker ones that will come in a little later and really set the lighter ones off. They are very nice and cost me no more than a thank you.

I'll just try to keep most of the Bermuda grass out and let the spears grow. I try to keep the grass and weeds away from them and let the tops of the tubers get sunburned. They seem to enjoy that. The spears really don't die back until late fall/winter. They just keep storing up energy for next year's bloom.

I think I still have another year or two before I need to thin them.

I like iris. And the deer don't. A huge plus around here.

 

[thistlebloom]

Very pretty 'runner. I really like that bright yellow one, and the dark red one in the background.
Iris' are such good "friendship" plants, that we can pass along.

 

[Warthog]

Wow they look wonderful, I too like the pink with purple edges.

The only iris I have been able to find here is a very small yellow one, next time its in flower I will get a picture.

Good luck with them and enjoy

 

[seedcorn]

Iris's have to be the supermen/rabbits of flowers.

We had to do foundation work around building where we worship, of course, there were iris's in front--about 30' of them. I moved them to my place to save. I planted about 20' in one area, not sure where rest went. That fall, I moved enough iris's from home to plant 150' on both sides of building. I just took a shovel, dug down, placed iris in crack made, took the shovel out. As I told them, if GOD wants them to live they will. If not, they will die. They all lived and have filled out both sides of the building.

Then one of the women at church thinned theirs, so I took 2-5 gallon buckets worth, planted them similiar to before in areas that were either weed filled or nothing would grow there. This spring, they are all up and look great. Last year's I planted in the area that wouldn't grow weeds, all survived and bloomed. At this pace, I'll soon have 3 acres worth of iris's and they'll probably be outlawed as weed.

 

[vfem]

They are fabulous! That is a beautiful story, and I hope one day I am lucky enough to share my experiences and plants like that. Maybe my daughter will be as into it as I am... she appears to be so far. Then it could be passed down through family over time. Its a wonderful thought and I hope your garden grows like that to keep passing it on.

I am sorry you never got any of the hybrids from the original garden.

 

[digitS']

Ridgerunner, there is a quiet corner of your wife's mind where she keeps the memories of her grandparents. Images and thoughts of them are mixed together with memories and images of their iris garden.

Leaving it at this somewhat spiritual level, the iris in the front of your home are now linked to those long ago memories.

Without a doubt, you have brought her grandparents' flowers to your home.

Steve

 

[ninnymary]

Steve..what you said is just beautiful! Have you ever thought of being a writer?

Mary