Iris: Cheaper by the Dozen
Irises are a bulbous or rhyzomatous native to northern temperate regions all over the world. Their distinctive flowers consist of three inner petals or “standards” nested inside three outer petals or “falls”. But other than these characteristics, iris flowers vary enormously in terms of size and color. Irises are usually propagated through division. Divide every year and the intrepid gardener can achieve similar effects!
Hi Philip, thanks for the kind comments and calling by my blog. I love Irises, they can be used in so many different ways. I am particularly fond of the sibirica types; so elegant. David Austin’s of English Rose fames daughter Clare Austen specialises in growing them, and the Nursery catalogue is enough to make you drewl. http://www.claireaustin-hardyplants.co.uk/homepage.html She has also written a book on them, and the images are breath taking. In the past few years, they have featured heavily in the planting schemes in the Show Gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show, so will be interesting to see if they are as popular this year. I’ll be back, enjoyed your posts.
Comment by Zoe — 3. April 2008 @ 01:16
Phillip. Thank you for the feedback on my blog. I was very happy to see details on what people like about the blog. I haven’t particularly liked Bearded Iris but I really like Siberian Iris. Even when the blooms fade. I especially like the “stream” of iris you featured in the Shobu Flower Garden. Beautiful!
Comment by Jayme — 3. April 2008 @ 01:43
Hi Philip,
What I love so much about your blog is that you are finding inspiration in the garden world that you love, and share it with others to be inspired as well. Your eye for the best, most artistic, most assured - is a reminder that the love of special plants, the love of design- historical and contemporary- the love of wonder, and the love for the practical with the best quality - is what the art of garden design is all about.
I myself have seen that some gardeners, being exposed to the best, will be discouraged- even angry- when faced with the reality of what is really great. But if you love the natural world and admire the greatness of others, it can propel you to reach beyond your current efforts and proceed with an educated, informed mindset. More encouraged, more determined than ever!
Keep the posts coming!
Patrick
Comment by patrick — 3. April 2008 @ 03:57
Definately an underutilized prize in the modern garden. Thanks for the nice photos.
Rees Cowden
Comment by Rees Cowdern — 4. April 2008 @ 14:55
I agree with you about how fabulous iris look when planted en masse. I’m a long way from having that many, so I decided to try growing them from seed. I’ve just started the stratification period. I know it takes a long time to get them from seed to bloom, but I love a challenge.
Comment by Claire Splan — 17. April 2008 @ 06:38