I’ve already mentioned my preference for growing fruits and vegetables. In general, I am indifferent to flowers. However, for as long as I can remember, I have loved irises.
They would crop up in my native Illinois in mid-spring. I drew them and painted them, even though I neither draw nor paint. They bring something out of me that nothing else can. They might even inspire me to poetry, and believe me, I am no poet.
What is it about the iris? Is it the delicate flower? Is it the reedy leaves that shimmer in yellow and green?
The iris is the flower of both France and Florence, Italy, two places high on my list of favorites. Its soft petals remind the Chinese of butterfly wings.
Iris, the Greek goddess, acted as a link between heaven and earth. Is that what I feel when I see one? That is, perhaps, closest to the truth. Perhaps the iris teaches me what I long for in my own life. The iris symbolizes faith, hope, courage, and wisdom. May I be more like the iris, trusting my gifts and sharing them with others.
vrein11 says
Funny- I thought of your blog post about hyacinths this morning and wrote about my own experiences with Irises. I enjoy them as well! I have several varieties in my gardens and find myself “collecting” them for my gardens. They are so intriguing! I would agree, there is something about them that draws my attention.
admin says
Oh, too funny! I just commented on your blog, then saw your comment here. I don’t think we can ever have too many irises.
gwynnrogers says
Great post. I may learn more about flowers. I like tulips! But I am not a gardener.
admin says
Ha! I wasn’t, either. I’m not sure I am now, though I learn a little more each year.
Stephen Tremp says
Those are beautiful pics. We really need to get to Home Depot and give our front yard a new look.
Stopping in from A to Z and thanks for the continued participation!
Stephen Tremp
A to Z Co-host
Twitter: @StephenTremp
admin says
Hi, Stephen,
Thanks for the visit! We dug up our front yard grass a couple of years ago, and over time plan to fill it in with plants. It takes some patience since I have to give plants time to grow…not my strong suit!
Liz A. says
It is pretty.
admin says
Thanks! My husband took these photos…he’s a more skilled photographer.
Barbara In Caneyhead says
At our old place there were irises and lilies all along one side of the house, African Violets in the front and a wide range of petunias in the other side of the house. Oh, and Spanish moss outside the backdoor.
Visit me at: Life & Faith in Caneyhead
I am Ensign B of Tremps’ Troops
with the A to Z Challenge
admin says
That sounds so beautiful!
Mary Aalgaard says
I love Irises. They are gorgeous and bloom early. I need to plant some.
Play off the Page
admin says
I agree, Mary! I know some bloom at different times, so I may add more early bloomers to my garden.