I have been wanting to record some garden views from last Wednesday, May 11, 2016.
Iris germanica (Tall bearded iris)
Iris germanica (Tall bearded iris)
Iris germanica (Tall bearded iris)
Iris germanica (Tall bearded iris)
Iris germanica (Tall bearded iris)
Bearded Iris Guard Meditation Circle
Lynn’s Iceberg Rose
Iris germanica (Tall bearded iris)- black iris
Iris germanica (Tall bearded iris)
Iris germanica (Tall bearded iris)
Iris germanica (Tall bearded iris)
Tradescantia (spiderwort), Phlox divaricata (Woodland phlox)
Phlox divaricata (Woodland phlox)
Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Plant)
Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’
pbmGarden 
Beautiful irises, you have a lot and they are making a great vertical statement in your garden. I’m pleased to see my favourite salvia flowering again!
The irises have been beyond expectation this year, so wonderful. It’s been very cool (opposite of last year) and so they’ve lasted well. The salvia had just begun opening last week. Lots more opened now.
The same here except the wind did damage some. I hope it stays cooler than last year for us both.
The darkest Irises really command attention, don’t they? Nice supporting cast you have there too.
Thanks Ricki. Spring has been nice. Those dark irises are nearly black as buds, very dramatic.
Absolutely love your Iris plants. I have two buds right now, the rest haven’t budded yet. 🙂
Thanks Judy. Some of my irises opened in early April and these are the last ones. It’s been amazing to have such a long season. Hope yours will bloom soon!
Love the deep color of the tall bearded Iris.
Kevin, that dark iris adds a lot of drama. A friend gave it to me a few years ago.
Gorgeous, gorgeous. What a wonderful time to be in the garden!
Thanks Beth. There’s so much work to do but I’ve spent a lot time just sitting in the garden this spring, reading, listening to the birds.
You have a lovely collection of bearded Iris, Susie! I’ve been disappointed by my own Iris for the past 3 years. I even divided and replanted some of these to see if that made a difference but still only got a few blooms. Although they’re nominally drought tolerant, maybe the cause is as simple as the lack of rain and reduced irrigation during the growth period.
Thank you Kris. Maybe the irises will take another year after being divided, but I suspect you’re right about the drought. I’ve noticed most things do better when there’s plenty of rain, even the drought-tolerant plants.
I always find it hard to incorporate Iris into borders but you’ve succeeded nicely, Susie. They look stunning and the colours are delicious, yum!
Thanks Annette. Most of these iris were brought to this garden from my previous home and were given me by a neighbor whose mother got them from a friend who grew them for a florist. They were the first things planted in my new borders when I move here 15 years ago. I’ve just enjoyed them so much–they really are the main reason for my garden.
I’ll be visiting an iris nursery next week, you’d be in heaven!
Yes I would. Please do take lots of pictures and enjoy!
Your irises are stunning Susie! Do you know the name of the darkest frilliest one? Wonderful. And I echo Christina in my love of that beautiful salvia. I guess it is completely hardy for you, whereas it might be borderline in my climate (mild last winter, occasionally up to -15 C)?
Thank you Cathy. Sorry but I do not know the name of the “black” iris (at least, “black” in bud stage). It was a pass-along about 5 years ago. The salvia has survived also for about 5 years. Its technically winter hardy to USDA Zones 8-10. However the plant hardiness zone where I live is 7b, from −15 °C (5 °F) to −12.2 °C (10 °F), so I think you’d be ok.
Thanks!
Irises make a great show when you have a few of them. Looking really good Susie.
Thanks Jessica. Will be sad to say good bye to the irises this year. They’ve brought such pleasure.
Susie these are incredible views…I adore the irises and how lovely the colors work together. And then the phlox….your garden is just really so lovely.
Thanks so much Donna. The irises seemed to love the weather this spring. Don’t think I did anything different. I love that passalong phlox and am trying to spread it around the garden further.
Love the deep purple irises. Butterflyweed and Woodland Phlox are two of my favorites.
Noticed flowers missing from the butterfly weed this afternoon. Wonder if deer eat it or maybe the rabbit.
Hmm. Not good either way.
Beautiful flowers. The irises are stunning.
Thank you. The irises are always a delight but this year seem better than ever.
Soooo beautiful. Are these irises re-bloom? I’m looking for a new re-bloomer for the garden.
Thanks. These dark purple irises have not rebloomed. Makes sense to look for rebloomers these days.