Like many of you, a lot of my irises were shares from other iris growers and lovers. It makes my garden much more enjoyable to weed around a little gifted iris or check one for a bloom stalk forming and think of the person who shared this iris with me and enriched my garden and my life. From the very smallest to the tallest i have welcome blooms that have been shared with me.
Gifting an iris sounds simple but actually it takes thought, digging in the soil on a hot day, washing the rhizome, trimming it, drying it, packing it, posting it... (and once getting in their vehicle and driving back to a yard sale and buying some more).... It is a good thing we enjoy sharing a rhizome next best to receiving a shared rhizome. I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time and effort to share an iris with me.
Every plant in a garden has its own story. Whether it is a cherished plant given as a start from an old aunt many years ago, or one snatched quickly, er, um, that is, rescued quietly.... yes, that's it... from the roadside, or sent to you in the mail from a treasured iris friend. Irises are indeed the gift that keeps on giving and every gifted bloom brings with it a smile from a friend.
My garden is full of treasures thanks to you my iris friends.
