For the last few weeks I have been watching my Iris Garden preparing for spring…producing dozens of stems, that are loaded with blooms. When we moved into this house 8 years ago…we dug up all of the 20+ year old bulbs during a yard renovation, and planted them together on the side yard hoping to save them and enjoy their yearly show.
Thankfully all of the bulbs survived and continue to bloom every year. Just this week they have literally exploded with blooms…
Some of these stems are almost 4 feet tall! Yes, I did bring out my measuring tape…I just could not believe it. Each stem has at least 7-8 blooms and even more buds forming. I love how prolific an Iris stem is…producing new buds after the first die out.
My favorite thing to do is cut some stems and bring them into the house to enjoy all day long…
I always use this leaded crystal vase for my iris arrangement because it is one of the only vase heavy enough to hold these large stems! With the lighting in my kitchen, the flowers look much more pink here than the lavender color they have outside… still so pretty!
Iris stems do great as cut flowers. Their buds continue to open for days after cutting and being placed in water. Be sure to fill your vase with HOT tap water…they love it! This is a tip I received from a master gardener at a local garden club luncheon I attended last year.
Every day I notice new blooms opening and some of the older flowers dying out. To keep the arrangement looking fresh, I simply pinch off the old bloom which allows the new bud to open…
I cut at least a dozen stems from the garden to bring into the house, I love seeing them in every room!
Do you have a cutting garden in your yard? What are your favorite fresh flowers to use in your house?
Linking up to...Serenity Now, Here Comes the Sun, Uncommon Designs, Remodelaholic, Addicted 2 Decorating, At the Picket Fence, Stuff and Nonsense, Classy Clutter
Beautiful. Ours haven't bloomed yet this year (we just planted them last year). Our peonies however are in full bloom and so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous. My peonies are starting to come up and I can't wait to cut some and bring them inside. I look forward to it every year!
ReplyDeleteThey are so pretty. We have a ton of roses in our back yard but that's about it. I wish we had some different variety that I could enjoy but maybe in our next home. We do have a pretty azalea in our front yard which bloomed really early this year so that's almost done which is crazy.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post! Thanks for the tips. I have a small patch of iris that I love. I found you via Cozy Little House. Come by and visit me at Home In Douglas!
ReplyDeleteJust stopped by from Cozy Little House to say hello and welcome ~ your iris are just gorgeous. Mine haven't bloomed yet, but soon. I also love lilacs.
ReplyDeleteI am now your newest follower ;-)
So pretty! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI am stopping by from Cozy Little House. Love your irises. I did not know about the hot water, I'll have to try it. My garden in Indiana is just starting to put on it's show. I've got some lovely white iris that I just love.
ReplyDeleteStop by when you have a chance. I'll try to post about my garden. (I'm very busy putting plants in today.)
so pretty!!! love your pics!!! angie from germany
ReplyDeleteWow! Breathtaking!
ReplyDeleteWe have a patch of Irises in our backyard. Some are giants and some are wee small. They are almost ready to bloom. I'd say we'll be able to enjoy them by the end of next week :)
Simply GORGEOUS! What a wonderful sight to enjoy every day and bring into your home. Thanks so much for sharing.:-) I'm now following and look forward to seeing more of your delightful blog. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteSharla