Well, over a month later than last year the iris are starting to bloom. We had a very warm February followed by a very nasty March with 3 different snow events. Needless to say the iris are confused, a bit frost beaten, and so far the dwarfs are opening on short stalks. Gabe has some better ones popping and he will be posting those soon.

Have a couple just opening today:

SDB Giggles and Grins - not fully open but such great color.



And SDB Route Sixty Six popped:


You can see all the dirt sprayed up by the heavy rains we have been having.

The first iris to open for me this year was Gizmo the Gremlin. He is a bit frost damaged, but more will be opening soon in my front garden.



SDB Yummy Accent is always ready to go. Gave me my first dry and wet pair of the year.

More fantastic blooms to pass the time while waiting for things to thaw here!

Really, really want yummy 'Yummy Accent'!

Giggles and Grins

The Carolina show has begun. Lovely beginnings, especially Giggles and Grin, Leslie.

Looking good Leslie- Hoping for better weather down there (and here).

Gizmo is one that color can vary a bit from year to year, and garden to garden. Great start to your season!

Leslie! Your bloom season has begun! I hope your weather cooperates and you have endless blooms. My Yummy Accent and Giggles and Grins did not bloom this year so i am sure enjoying yours.

Well now I have to tell you all something embarrassing. This little guy has not one but two blooms open and I walked by it and around it all morning before I saw it had bloomed. I just had it in my mind that it wouldn't bloom for a few more days. Never assume when it comes to blooms!

This is SDB Irish Harp. Great dependable bloomer.

Your pictures are outstanding Leslie!

Thank you!

iciris said:Your pictures are outstanding Leslie!

Me too. Next best to being there.

I am surprised that your season is a month late. I just looked out this morning and have three stalks on Iris Germanica that are a foot tall. That is way early for us in KY and we have had the same thing, early warm weather then lots of cold and snow.
I think they are all mixed up!!!
Glad you are seeing your little ones popping out, Leslie.

I'm pulling up a chair to enjoy your garden too.

Jane - i Germanica has two stalks with several buds here. It will open really soon. And I have a stalk on one of the Burseen's starting. Otherwise I have several dwarfs ready to open in the next day or two.

Bonnie - I finally have pregnant Desert Oranges! Having yours bloom last year must have spurred mine on. Good thing it is a small one not taking up much space because 5 years is a long wait! And Flaming Lips, after 4 years, has a stalk. The extra shot of cold in March may have been good for the dwarf iris.

Love the name Flaming Lips.

WOO HOO, Leslie. You are going to have a mass of blooms soon. can't wait for pics. I'll be in the chair next to Rob's.

So happy your season has started Leslie!! I bet that extra month was tough to wait for. I keep pacing my own beds even though I know I won't see anything until the end of April/early May. Love all the pictures, especially the vibrant colors of Giggles and Grins