It rained off and on all day and the outlook is the same for tomorrow. I’ll need to schedule some time for straightening and pruning after a fierce thunderstorm passed through last with heavy wind and rain, soaking the garden and sweeping over the catmint, roses and scabiosa. Fortunately the peony buds withstood the battering. Actually almost everything was fine and I am very happy with the way the garden has come together this year.
The first bloom on the black iris appeared today. The standards of this enormous ruffled flower are very deep purple, the falls are inky dark.
Despite ongoing efforts to reduce the amount of spiderwort in the garden, it is still cropping up everywhere. I find it lovely early in the season, but must redouble my efforts to keep it under control.
The garden is far from perfect, but I do not picture it too far ahead. My garden is a journey, maybe just a playground. At any it works. It is enough. Every time I glanced out the window and glimpsed the garden today, I felt such happiness.
pbmGarden 
The black iris is stunning. I feel happy too at this time is the garden….there is so much promise!
Yes, “promise” describes it well Elaine. Thanks.
Beautiful iris Susie, yours in blue black and mine purple black, I imagine yours in darker in life than in the image like mine. I feel the same when I look at my garden, such joy, and a calmness
I get that calmness too–looking over the garden just brings out a sigh and a smile. Your iris seems blacker than this one. The color of the iris in the picture is pretty close–I remember it as darker last year, but it is nearly black only in certain places.
A garden is a journey, I think it is the true zen experience that bonds us with the earth.
Nicely said, Charlie.
I’m sure looking at that iris would make anyone feel happy – so beautiful. My garden brings me so much pleasure too. 😀
Cathy, I’m so glad you’re finding pleasure from your lovely garden too. I think gardens can satisfy us on so many levels.
wonderfully beautiful iris, I can understand your joy when you look at it!
Thank you Pauline. Some flowers just have a special quality don’t they?
Stunning iris. Thanks so much for sharing. Now, I need to find one for myself. 🙂
My pleasure to share this iris, Judy! Hope you can find one. Sorry I don’t know the name of this one, as it was a pass-along.
Loving this rain! Peonies have never looked better! Do you feel they were late again this year?
Still waiting for my peony to open. It’s only 2 years old but in 2011 and 2012 it was open on May 11, so it does seem late.
Thanks!
What an amazing iris!
I agree Malc. It is amazing.
I will join the chorus in praising your iris! I am having the same challenges with my tradescantia. I cannot decide if I love them or despise them. When I am out in the morning and can enjoy their blooms, I think they have their place. I am intrigued by how mine seem to change color at random. I have clusters of purple ones that stay purple for years, then suddenly a white stem or two will appear in the middle.
Thanks–all the irises have been so nice this year around this area, haven’t they? Glad to know I’m not alone in the tradescantia struggle. At a Niche Garden tour several years ago I learned these plants are quite promiscuous and so you’ll see quite a variety of color. Last year I had more variation–most were reddish violet last year it seems, but this year they are especially inky dark purple, the way I remember them in my childhood. Susie
Lovely images and I love the color of the iris…
Thanks Donna!
Stunning Iris! I’ve read some place that for a true gardener – his or her garden is never perfect. There is always something to do.
Thanks, I have really enjoyed the irises this year. I find these words fit my gardening style–can’t imagine ever looking out and declaring the garden finished because it is alway moving on. Hope you’re enjoying your garden this spring. susie