Spring Arrival

Friday, May 10, 2013


     Last year I ordered about 9 different dwarf iris rhizomes. I was out of town when they arrived, so I asked my husband if he could heel them in until I had a chance plant them. They stayed there all winter as I didn't get around to moving them. Even thought they aren't in a permanent location, it hasn't stopped these jewels from blooming this spring. They range between 5" - 10" in height. These petite iris are one of the first flowers to bloom and come in many colors. They are just too cute! I don't think one can have too many of these.

     The great thing about these small wonders is they do well just about anyplace. They are perfect for the front of a border, a rock garden, an edging or in a container garden. Their only requirements are water, soil that drains well and some sunlight. After a year or two there will be plenty of rhizomes to share. Divide and transplant them after they bloom.
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      My grandmother grew a field of iris for her floral business. (I'm not kidding when I say she had a field of them either!) She was especially fond of one variety with a huge purple bloom that grew on a 40" stem. I have some of them in my garden too....but they are not my favorites. I only grow them because she shared them with me and because of my love of her. Just when these huge flowers are in their glory, a strong gust of wind and/or rain can bend the stem to the ground. Here in Kansas we have those storm events every spring, and I just can't get too excited about flowers laying in the dirt. I've never found these sweet blooms on the ground. They always look perky and upright.


      You can see each plant still has the tag so I know it's name. Each day I'm out to photograph them to record their colors. I think it will help when I transplant them. It probably won't matter though. I have found I'm a careless gardener. I just mix flowers in where ever I find a good space. Mine were purchased from Schreiner's.

 

     Wishing a Happy Mother's Day to all Mom's on Sunday!

Until later,

Alma
 

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17 comments

  1. BertieMay 10, 2013 at 1:44 PM

    Thy look gorgeous, I always thought you need to keep these indoors. My deer would probably savage them. Wonderful display;)
    Happy mothers day.

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  2. AnonymousMay 10, 2013 at 2:30 PM

    THANK YOU !

    msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

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  3. VickieMay 10, 2013 at 3:08 PM

    Happy Mother's Day to you. I have dwarf chocolate irises. =)

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  4. cuckiMay 10, 2013 at 4:35 PM

    So pretty..happy Mother's Day to you too xx

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  5. Sally AMay 10, 2013 at 7:36 PM

    Wonderful irises, the Schreiner's is up the road from my house, I went by the field the other day and it beautiful right now. Years ago my friend walk the road each day and pick up bulb that fell of the truck. So I have a few in our yard. Have a wonderful mother day.

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  6. SharrieboberryMay 10, 2013 at 8:37 PM

    The dwarf iris are so pretty. I have them on my wish list and want to plant some in the fall. Thanks for "sharing" yours.

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  7. Dora, the QuilterMay 10, 2013 at 9:41 PM

    Lovely! Do you happen to have any of the lavender irises that smell a bit like violets? We had some on the farm where I grew up, and I will never forget that spring fragrance despite the fact that I've never again found any!

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  8. MoonBeamMay 10, 2013 at 10:02 PM

    Beautiful...nice Mother's Day post.

    Bobbi

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  9. P.J.May 12, 2013 at 9:24 PM

    What a sweet post, beautiful flowers.

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  10. nana pamMay 13, 2013 at 6:39 PM

    your iris are totally out of this world gorgeous!
    Pam G,

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  11. michelle hMay 18, 2013 at 10:41 AM

    That's so cool to see that you got your bulbs from Schreiners!! I live/work near them...not nearly as close as Sally A!! But, I also get to enjoy driving by and seeing the fields in full bloom---gorgeous!!!! This is the weekend of the Iris Festival in Keizer, where they are located. It is fun to see that one of my favorite designers gets something wonderful from Oregon...while I get to buy your products to enjoy here in Oregon. :)

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  12. Alma AllenMay 19, 2013 at 6:33 AM

    Hi Michelle,

    Wish I could see those fields and attend the Iris Festival. My iris are still in bloom. They are so sweet. After writing the blog post, and looking at the Schreiner's catalog again I ordered about 6 more. I need to stop the madness!

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  13. UnknownMay 20, 2013 at 10:14 AM

    Thanks for sharing the beautiful Iris! I have been wanting to order some and appreciate your link. I am sure those will be wonderful in Nebraska, as well! I particularly love the blue one. It is absolutely beautiful (well, they all are, but I especially am drawn to that one).

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  14. UnknownMay 25, 2013 at 1:58 PM

    Hi, asking again, I haven't had a response from you. some friends and I want to make the flag quilt sampler, in the Higdon Camp 1924 book, we can't find the book, can we buy a pdf of the Patten? Thanks for your help

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    Replies
    1. Alma AllenJune 4, 2013 at 11:51 PM

      Hi Debbie,

      I'm really sorry but there isn't a pdf of the pattern right now. It might be something I can get done this fall....but right now I don't have a chance to get the pattern redone. Barb and I are working on several other projects right now. I will announce it on the blog when the project is finished.

      Delete
  15. Nira @PhD in FinanceJune 6, 2013 at 1:48 PM

    I think growing the purple irises is a wonderful way to honor your grandmother. The picture you have at the beginning of your blog is my favorite picture of an iris. I happen to think they are wonderful flowers that can go anywhere.

    Please visit My Webblog: PhD in Finance

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  16. voyance gratuite par mailJune 24, 2016 at 8:59 AM

    Very good article, as always. He deserves to arouse comment.

    ReplyDelete

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