When Iris Eyes are Smiling

I've grown to love iris season a lot over the past couple years, but for some reason, this year, they really just blew me away.  In my own garden, they were beautiful, but even at work on the tables, they were stunning.  The one pictured here is from a BFF's garden.  She gave me a huge clump of these beauties last year, so they won't bloom for me until next year.  When I saw that she had left me a stalk so that I could see what they'll look like, I gasped at its gloriousness, and immediately took a bajillion pictures of it.

I feel like, because they're so short-blooming, they don't get nearly as much play as later summer flowers.  Perhaps they're one of those plants that isn't truly appreciated unless you have it for yourself.  But what's so lovely about them is that they're blooming before a lot of other things.  They're the stars in the garden even before the peonies.  All the later perennials are poking their heads out of the soil while these ones are putting on a show.  Of course, it's a show that only lasts about two weeks, but it's still a show.  And the varieties are endless.  And if you mix in German Bearded Iris, with Japanese and Siberian Iris, you'll increase your season from two weeks to four or five.  Awesome.

So what the hell is the point of this post, other than blabbing on about how pretty they are, and what a cool thing it is to manipulate bloom seasons?  Welp, I suppose it's about appreciating that particular time period of the year.  Coming out of winter, we're cozy, rested, and anxious to get out into the nicer weather.  Iris can relate.  She's over the snow and ice, and doesn't need super warm ground to wake up.  She's ready to go when we are, and is always there smiling at you as you drive or walk past, or snap a photo for your phone's wallpaper, or when you see her flowers and realize that the sun is actually starting to get warmer, and that the days are getting longer.  She's the welcome wagon for the majority of us who haven't been out early enough to really appreciate the daffodils and tulips.

Next spring, when the irises bloom, really stop and look at them.  See the intricate designs on their delicate, shimmery petals; feel how silky they are, and notice how sturdy the bloom stalks are that come out of the most perfect, almost geometric foliage.  There's a lot of energy that goes into creating perfect flowers, and humans don't understand that concept. . . even though humans are basically fleshy plants, themselves.  (And how apropos, considering that anything that's worth anything in our lives requires our time, energy, and nurturing to bring it into fruition.)  Irises are a garden staple, so they would make a good study partner for someone who doesn't really know anything about plants.  If you find a Bearded Iris in your travels, notice its tubers on the ground.  Without adequate light hitting them, they won't bloom.  You can't thrive, either, without adequate sunlight, so remember to take time out of your day to go outside, and soak up that Vitamin D.  Let Iris inspire you.  Even though it might still be a little chilly, at least the sun is shining, and your internal reserves are full of creative energy.

Peace 💜