Akkk, must erase that mental visual!!

Although it might also present some career opportunities were I in the market for a new career.

I just don't know how to respond to that Debra!

I don't know Debra. Unlike Marilyn so many things come to mind but I hesitate to post. You could get away with a lot in this state.

Now, this is a family forum - nice and innocuous Barnum and Bailey was what was in mind.

Sure it was. Me too. LOL

That's why I didn't know how to respond! There are so many possible comments, none of them appropriate!

(actually, it was--had just finished watching The Greatest Show On Earth )

Thanks....I feel so much better!

I like your new picture, Tom.

Speaking of pictures -- that's a right pretty chicken there, Sherry!!

Thanks Sherry, He's a really nice horse.

I'm so glad I missed the earlier discussion.

Here is Superstition Iris Gardens 2014 introduction "Lavender Moonbeams" blooming yesterday in California after lots of cold. Here is Risk & Roger's description:

"LAVENDER MOONBEAMS (Tasco 2014) unguicularis, in full bloom yesterday (Jan 11). Tough plants, we had an 11 night in a row frost episode from Dec 25 to Jan 4 with 10 of the nights in the 20s including as low as 22 and 23 degrees. A week later the plant is in full bloom. Great winter blooming plants for the right climate (USDA Zone 7 and above)."

The 'winter' blooming iris. I grew an I. unguicularis for about 5 years. It really did pretty well for a long time and would bloom off and on as early as mid November thru the end of February. When the blooms started and ended and how they did in between was subject to the kind of weather it was getting in the winter months. It basically just sat there doing nothing during the hot summer months. It might still be living here except the last two years of growing it my big dogs continually dug it up during the hot dry periods. I tried moving some, but in the end it all died. Summer in Texas is not a good time for a plant to lay around exposed to the sun and dry hot air.

Unfortunately, it is not for our climate.

Now that I could probably grow just fine. If it blooms in January it is right before the flowering quince starts.

You should try it Leslie, if not for yourself, then for all of us who can't! Such a beauty!

I grow that one, Leslie. It does fine here. I found it this summer at a MG plant sale. The tag said 'winter blooming iris' and 'shade' and 'purple'. So I have it planted in a big bucket and since I don't know that much about them I am trying it in dappled shade/sun. No bloom but it is growing well.