Debra, thanks for more pics of that yellow beauty and for your generous offer! I'd love to try a start! It would look great with the white spuria I have with prominent yellow flashes; I'd be happy to send you some of those to try if you're interested too
Bonnie, I agree with the others, looks like a LA species to me too.
"...and don't think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It's quiet, but the roots are down there riotous." Rumi
Good morning, Thanksgivings over and waiting on the egg bowl today with Old Miss and State. Over the summer before last I had to dig up my Irises and put them in pots on new downsized condo porch.Well, some did well, most did not so with all the younger family here today I Am giving each a pot to take home and plant imediately. Here's what was and can be attain just in some one else's yard.
Hi neighbor! Born and raised in Memphis where we love our Iris but the only soil that I have now is night and day from the great Memphis yards. Iris seem to be forgiving but since I really don't know very much about Iris I trust my neighbors in Ark to guide me. While I've grown them for more than 30 years I realize I am a novice because they were always there. Most of mine are pass a longs, but I did order "Rim of Fire" this year. Like I said, everything's in pot until I can get the house closed hopefully by mid December. I am buying in Horseshoe Bend, west of Cherokee Village. I drove last spring Thur there and seems Iris was the common denominator. I have a lot to learn.
Name: Bonnie Sojourner Harris Brake Lake, Arkansas (Zone 7a) Magnolia zone
I have grown them forever too, Bert, but since they do so well in this region I never bothered to learn much about them. I know folklore about irises and how to plant them and then they just grow and bloom. This site has experts that can answer just about any iris question I have. Your new place will be near the White River for some of the best fishing in the state and not to far from the Buffalo River for some of the best rafting/floating. The Ozarks are beautiful any time of the year!
Thro' all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing; It finds an echo in my soul— How can I keep from singing?
Can't wait, I think I am ok with planting my Iris in the spring since dead of winter in rocky soil may not be good. There are bad frost as late as March, however this may in fact not be a problem? I want to go to Commance acres in the Spring to see the garden in bloom, are there other gardens close by central Ark to visit?
Debra, I just read your blog! I laugh and I cry along with ya! Here's for retirement. You have given me ideas on combinations and I'm eager to get my hands in the dirt.
I think the iris will do well, no matter what season you plant. In fact, with the hot , dry summer weather, spring planting might be just the thing....get 'em in early so the are shooting roots before the "hot" starts.
Just don't judge the blooms first season too harshly. I'm thinking the front yard will look better in Iris than rocks, I am online looking for companion planting now.
Name: Bonnie Sojourner Harris Brake Lake, Arkansas (Zone 7a) Magnolia zone
I agree with Arlyn, spring planting works well in this area. If you have any that you want to transplant after they bloom I like planting mid to late June. They seem to take off before the heat and have an extra growth period in before the next year.
Debra is no only a gifted gardener she has an artistic touch...... and is a great enabler and encourager (don't know if encourager is a word but Debra is one).
No iris vendors in the central part of AR. One near Fort Smith and I understand one is developing in North West AR. We do have iris growers with huge gardens that I go to see in the spring. If there are events in L. R. such as Daffodil or Daylily conventions they will bus to them and do a private tour. We need a big iris vendor in AR. Wanna start one? I'll help.... LOL
Thro' all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing; It finds an echo in my soul— How can I keep from singing?
Name: Bonnie Sojourner Harris Brake Lake, Arkansas (Zone 7a) Magnolia zone
that is the one in North west AR, Greg. It is closer to MO and OK, the one near Ft. Smith is probably 20 miles or so from OK. Irises here grow on every fence row, in pastures, around stumps, along ditches as erosion control, against old houses and even in deep woods where old houses have been. They proliferate older cemeteries and parks. I don't think people here buy many of them so no vendors locally. People bring pick up loads of irises to plant sales in the spring and buyers are asked to fill a garbage bag for a few bucks. The ones sold are mostly older varieties and NoIDs but they are still lovely.
Thro' all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing; It finds an echo in my soul— How can I keep from singing?
Thank you, Bert and Bonnie. I need to update the blog, but with the grandnieces and their aggravations and their babies gone, there doesn't seem to be as much drive to vent.