Lost in the garden

Discussion in 'Flower Gardening' started by Jerry Sullivan, May 29, 2012.

  1. Jerry Sullivan

    Jerry Sullivan Garden Experimenter Plants Contributor

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    11 years is a long tine to be lost in a garden. Many years ago when we purchased our house, the garden had ghosts of flowers past haunting the weeds and dark corners. Almost vanished rock outlines and an occasional flower would appear as reminders. As the years progressed the Iris were easy to identify and move. Finding the right location with enough sun was a daunting task especially with the shade of ever enlarging oak trees. 56 oak trees later the yard has more sun and lately, neighbors too have added to the sunlight by removing large oaks. In 2000 as the shade diminished I bought some Iris to add to the seasonal color. Two years later I noted in my log book that I did not remember seeing the additions. As I was still experimenting with moving flowers to sunny locations it was possible they were moved several times and forgotten. This year in the corner of the yellow Iris patch a lone purple and white flower stood among the rest. 11 years is a long time to wait for a day in the sun.

    Jerry


    [​IMG]
    ( photo / image / picture from Jerry Sullivan's Garden )
     
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  3. donm

    donm In Flower

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    That does look like Helen Collingwood. Wabash has a white outline on each of the falls.

    Surprises are nice.

    Don
     
  4. Droopy

    Droopy Slug Slaughterer Plants Contributor

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    I'm so glad it got to bloom at last, after that long wait. :D May it prosper and bloom for years to come.
     
  5. stratsmom

    stratsmom Flower Fanatic

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    Go purple iris!! Bloom baby bloom! :setc_005:
     



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  6. Netty

    Netty Chaotic Gardener Plants Contributor

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    Well worth the wait I'd say ;)
     
  7. Jerry Sullivan

    Jerry Sullivan Garden Experimenter Plants Contributor

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    The entry in the log book also had the name: Liason. A good as bet as I have not planted any since.

    Jerry
     
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  8. dooley

    dooley Super Garden Turtle

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    I think I will plant some iris for next year. I used to have yellow and purple ones but haven't had any except small ones since moving to Texas. Yours are beautiful.
    dooley
     
  9. Annette

    Annette Seedling

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    what a lovely suprise......it's just reminding you that it's still there!!!
     
  10. cherylad

    cherylad Countess of Cute-ification Plants Contributor

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    Great story and even greater photo! :stew2:
     
  11. koszta kid

    koszta kid Young Pine

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    Very pretty. I also want to move some iris and buy more. You know your picture cost me some $$$..
     
  12. glendann

    glendann Official Garden Angel

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    So lovely.I love the purple ones.My yard is almost all sun.
     
  13. Petronius

    Petronius Young Pine

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    @Jerry Sullivan, Do you still have the purple iris and the yellow iris?
     
  14. Jerry Sullivan

    Jerry Sullivan Garden Experimenter Plants Contributor

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    Yes, I still have them. Some, in their travels, have bumped into a rock wall so I will have to transplant them. I almost did that last year... best laid plans etc, etc. Hidden in the yellow Iris patch are two sky blue Iris and a white Iris, they make an appearance every few years. I inherited the yellow Iris over 40 years ago when we bought the house and rounded them up for their present location. The purple ones are my own addition now going on 30 years.

    Jerry
     
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  15. Petronius

    Petronius Young Pine

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    @Jerry Sullivan, That is an excellent accomplishment when Iris can grow for decades!
     

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