I've grown tropical shrubs, roses, orchids of all kinds, hibiscus, cacti and succulents (including epiphytic cacti), with moderate success but lots of labor involved. Many times, I find myself fighting against the dry, desert-like southwestern climate of California's inland valley.
Perhaps it's time to indulge my dream of growing Iris. Iris love sunshine and dry weather. Mom always had iris as I was growing up; some of my earliest memories include admiring the beautiful evergreen fan-like iris foliage, noticing the tall and proud flower stalks heralding springtime, and watching the unfurling of delicate flower buds to ruffled petals of many colors.
I hadn't thought much about iris lately, having been busy raising my family, but a few months ago I stumbled upon an iris exhibition at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardens. Upon viewing the exhibition, again the desire to attempt to grow these beautiful and reputedly carefree plants resurrected itself.
Intuitively, I was drawn to these lovely luminatas (Not knowing anything at the time about the color patterns in iris):
Lots of potted plants and a few available rhizomes caught my attention. I went home with a few varieties to try my luck with, including 'Alabaster Unicorn', 'Honor Flight', 'Peggy Sue', 'Barbara May' and 'Mary Frances'. All are potted up and growing (and will eventually go into the ground.) Now to look to find the Southern California Iris Society to find out about joining!!
I've ordered some rhizomes from a commercial supplier in Oregon named "Schreiners", a family-run business in operation since the 1920s. My box arrived in the mail this week and contained many FAT rhizomes, that are now planted along my front walk.
Intuitively, I was drawn to these lovely luminatas (Not knowing anything at the time about the color patterns in iris):
Lots of potted plants and a few available rhizomes caught my attention. I went home with a few varieties to try my luck with, including 'Alabaster Unicorn', 'Honor Flight', 'Peggy Sue', 'Barbara May' and 'Mary Frances'. All are potted up and growing (and will eventually go into the ground.) Now to look to find the Southern California Iris Society to find out about joining!!
I've ordered some rhizomes from a commercial supplier in Oregon named "Schreiners", a family-run business in operation since the 1920s. My box arrived in the mail this week and contained many FAT rhizomes, that are now planted along my front walk.
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