We've had several days of substantial rain. 2.5 inches so far.

love your company liz, 'specially in their jackets.


i went out to measure 'saxon' today, and i have a question. typically when iris are grown in pots and if they bloom for the first time are they substantially shorter than the description on the atp database? because my irises measured only 19" (from the dirt to the top of the standards); the db says they should be 34" tall. 15 inches shorter?

the db didn't describe a smell, which they definitely have. it is a pleasant a sweet citrusy note without being too cloying. i am enjoying its fragrance.

the flowers are about 6" from fall tip to fall tip, and 4 1/2 " from standard to base. not sure if i am supposed to measure to below the green swollen part where the flower head meets the stalk? need help?! thx.

Thanks Daphne! I only dress them up when they're out in the cold for a prolonged period of time.

I'm not familiar with Saxon, but I had experience with a few first year TBs this past spring that had stalks as short as SDBs.

Cute dogs.

I'm not used to iris in pots much, but even when grown in the ground the height can vary a lot from the average. A lot of things can affect the height and I'd guess that being in a pot might do that if they don't get enough moisture, or the roots get too hot, etc.

Love the dogs in their little sweaters, Liz!

Unfortunately I have a lot of experience growing irises in pots! Irises in pots don't have as much room for the roots to spread out and absorb water and nutrients. It seems to vary between cultivars but overall the potted irises have shorter stalks and smaller blooms. Also the first year 'maiden bloom' can be short or misshapen on any iris. Your potted iris will be fine once they are in the ground and have had some time to settle and grow more roots. But Tom is right, there is a lot of variability and plants don't always grow the same in your garden as they did in the hybridizer's garden due to variations in weather, soil, sunlight, and water differences.

Difference in growth is one reason for getting plants around to different gardens for testing.

I'll rest when I'm dead I guess..Here's what's going on this very moment


I still need to level and get stakes, and dirt tomorrow.

Looking great Gabe, keep up the hard work!

Looking forward to seeing the fruits of you labour next season Gabe. I am sure it will look stunning

Me too!

Me three!

That looks awesome Gabe!

Thanks all. Now to enjoy the rest of the day and relax till tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving or Thursday everyone!

Glad you are enjoying the day as well as working on all those iris!

I mapped the back expanded bed today. The weather was beautiful. Was tempted to add another SDB to the garden, but was torn on if it would be better planted in the ground now than continuing in it's pot.

Still at it...I ended up mulching leaves sticks, busted up the clay which wasn't that bad, and mixed sand in. We'll see how all does.
Ps. It won't cement up with all mixed in

Seeing your project makes me want to be home working in my own garden. The only iris related thing I did was place an order with Iris Sisters last night since they are open for orders now.

A bit cold (40s) to work in the garden.

It looks amazing Gabe!