Spring is in the air and I could not be more excited! 

As we prepare for bloom season, I like to use Triple Phosphate on my irises 6 weeks prior to bloom.  I just ordered five bags today. :)  I wait a couple of weeks after giving the irises this treatment and then use Scott's Super Bloom each week until peak bloom and six weeks after the final iris has bloomed. 

Now is also a great time to clean out your flower beds and remove dead leaves.

I'm also including a link about the dreaded iris borer.  Proper care of your garden in the spring can go a long towards preventing an iris borer infestation. 

www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/insects/caterpillars/iris-borer.aspx

I'm looking forward to this year's Open House and I hope you are as well.

Last year, as we were navigating COVID protocols, I opted not to offer art classes during Open House weekends.  After having several months to figure out a plan, I'm excited to be offering classes again this year.

As we get closer to Open House, I'll be posting more information on class registration.  We'll be offering a ceramic planter/painting course, a Mother's Day card/collage course, and as always, individuals are welcome to contact us about coming out to photograph and paint the irises.  We had several people come to photograph last year.

In keeping compliant with the Governor's orders, we will be limiting class sizes to no more than 10 each.  We are asking attendees who come out this year to wear masks-unless you have a medical condition that prohibits you from wearing one.  Art supplies will not be shared - each registrant will receive their own set of supplies which is included in the course cost.

Please note that we do not charge if you wish to come and paint or photograph the flowers.  However, you must make an appointment in advance to come out and garden rules still apply.

Only about 11 weeks until the irises start blooming!

I have a great amount of respect for those who hybridize.  Being able to hybridize a flower takes skill, a love for the flower that is being hybridized, and perhaps most importantly - patience. Often when I go out to the gardens during bloom season, I admire the flower and fail to think of who took the time to develop it.

We have several different varieties in the gardens and several different hybridizers represented.  Some of those varieties/hybridizers were awarded the highest honors from the American Iris Society (ex. Celebration Song/Schreiner), Thornbird/Byers, and Wabash/Williamson.

As I began to collect irises, I noticed that whether by name, or attribute, each hybridizer has their own way of creating.  One of my favorite hybridizers from the past is Tom Craig.  His variety, Escondido, is in our gardens.  I'm including a link to his bio below.  Also, I'm including a list of hybridizers provided by the American Iris Society.  Click on some of the names and see if you have a favorite hybridizer. :)

https://wiki.irises.org/Main/Bio/HybridizerCraigTom
https://wiki.irises.org/Main/Bio/InfoHybridizers