More iris, new
>> Thursday, May 23, 2013 –
Irises
A couple of years ago, my garden didn't contain a single species of Iris. Somehow, I've collected several over the past few years. I'm not quite Iris mad like some people are, but I'm certainly learning to appreciate their contribution to the garden.
So here are three of the other Irises I have. There are a couple more small ones that haven't bloomed yet (and I'm not sure that they will), but if I wait for those it may be too late for these.
First up is this sort of traditional, nothing-special Iris that I just received from Michael. It seems I can't visit his garden without him "forcing" me to take some plants.
I think this Iris is just my style -- not too fancy. Some of those newer hybrids are pretty flamboyant.
Next up: Iris pseudacorus, or "yellow flag":
This is growing along the new walkway, and I love the architectural element the big, upright leaves add.
The blooms are quite nice too. Michael gave me several divisions of this last year.
Finally, Siberian iris:
This one came from Mike too. I particularly like the look of the buds before the blooms open:
Mike was trying to give me some plain white Iris too, but I had the strength to politely decline.
As I said, I'm not iris crazy... yet.
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I, too, have been posting about the various irises that have been accumulating in my garden over the last couple of years and which are just beginning to bloom. Mine are all bearded irises so far though, because my clumps of Siberian iris are a bit behind. I should get some yellow flag; I always admire it in other gardens!
Well, you know I love Iris...they are so easy to grow...and have gorgeous flowers...even if the blooms don't last the longest (although, really, they last longer than most "bulbs". If you like the smaller, subtler blooms, you should look for Iris 'Gerald Darby', it has small, elegant lavender blooms. Best of all, the new foliage is flushed with vivid purple...and even the blooms stems are such a dark purple, they are practically black!
The 'Gerald Darby' does sound nice Scott, and I remember seeing it in one of your posts and thinking it would be a nice one to have.
We have irises in our pond and bog. None have bloomed yet, but hopefully soon!
I just want to know what kind of lens you have on your camera, your photos are stunning! About to plant some irises. Divided them yesterday and am letting the wounds heal until tomorrow or Saturday. Have not had good luck in the past so any planting advice would be helpful. I know not to plant toI deeply but should I add anything to the soil when planting?
Cole: for 95% of my close-ups I use a vintage Pentax Super-Macro-Takumar 1:4/50mm. I picked it up on eBay for around $100, and bought an adapter ring to attach it to my camera. This lens was built in the mid-to-late 1960's.
Oh how GORGEOUS!!!! The colours and my favourite close ups!! I can't wait for mine!
WOW, I love your iris pictures! You take some beautiful pictures. I was searching around Google looking for iris gardens and found your site.
I grow a couple japanese iris and this year they did great. I think it was because of all the rain.
take a look at a few pictures I took.
Michael
My Japanese Iris Pictures