Iridaceae family

Siberian Elegance

by

Tall iris time is here—with a vengeance. Last month, the gardens in my neighborhood sparkled with species like Iris cristata and Iris reticulata, dainty varieties that ornament the earth in early spring. Now the statuesque show horses of the Iridaceaee or iris world are enjoying their moment in the sun. In my garden, something unusual … Read more

Scented Iris

by

We are a long way from the ancient Greeks, but their gods and mythological heroes are still with us in many plant names.  One of the loveliest ancient deities in our gardens is Iris, goddess of the rainbow, whose namesake flowers stand tall each spring. I can’t think of an ugly iris, but I am … Read more