Every year, I hold my breath for our 'Fabulous' Iris to begin blooming. With our 80 degree temps this last week (and high winds with finally TWO rains) they have exploded in color and stature.
Photos taken May 24th, 2021
It was so windy, that morning I had to corral all the IRIS which were very tall this year, from our constant watering. Our part of Illinois was at just 2.3 " of precipitation since February 1st. As, I have said in earlier posts, I never remember having to water in April and May.
The front wall of our home is basically greenery, Iris and a couple of pots I haven't planted yet for color. I love Iris for their elegance, vibrant hues, and their spikey greenery which adds interest to our garden. They are very hardy in our Zone 5 and if the weather isn't too hot they have a long 'bloom life'. We will have cooler temps now, so I'm hoping the bloom will be lengthened considerably.
Our new boxwood bushes survived the winter and are in need of a healthy trim to thicken them after all the planting is accomplished. I LOVE the texture with the Iris.
I had to hold this one from the wind---and it also gives you an idea of how huge the blooms are. Iris are happiest planted on the surface and not even in the best soil. This is the perfect place, south facing and sheltered from north winds.
Sorry, I don't have the species list at hand. I ordered about $80.00 worth three years ago. And they haven't disappointed. This year, I will dig up and divide, making even more blooms hopefully next year.
This pale yellow is ruffly and simply reminds me of a summer dress!
These are just gorgeous. You can see blooms already spent because of our hot temps.
Great color!
I'm so glad I tied these up--the winds have been fierce this Spring.
Over on the east side we have this variety! Peach and lavender, nummy! You can see the Sweet Peas in the back left beginning to go nuts. This flower bed will be redone as soon as the Iris have finished their bloom.
By May 24th I had finished the pond! YUGH, what a project. I had to dig out the sand and the rocks...bleach everything, then multiple rinses. Get all the muck out, and reset and replace hoses and pumps. I finally have it looking good again and considerably deeper.
Last year, I had thought raising the bottom would mean less care---WRONG!
The pond last year ran too hot, and we had no frogs, and lots of slimy growth. So after digging out 13 gallons of blackened, slimy rocks and sand...I think I have it taken care of. I rinsed the rocks 3 times, and then bleached them in the sun, before they went back into the pond. WE WILL see, how it goes!
We use pond clarifier and mosquito floats which are organic and bio-degradeable and safe for people, animals, and water critters.
Here, the IRIS are yellow and burgundies which aren't blooming yet. This area is between the garage and house and is in shade until the sun is overhead. I'll share more Iris blooms from here next week!
HOW are your favorite bulbs doing?
Please Join me at these fine blog parties:
Please do not use my photos without a link back to this blog without my permission.
Thank you for your cooperation,
Sandi
Sandi
