First Iris

A couple of years ago, I split my irises and gave some to my next door neighbor.  I have a mix of yellow, purple and white irises, and it is impossible to tell from their leaves which are which.  The last time I split them I must have given all but one of my early blooming purples away.  My neighbor has had purple irises in bloom for over a week.  Mine just bloomed yesterday.

My mother said that my grandma hated irises.  Every time one would come up in her yard, my grandma would throw it over the fence.  Since irises don't even have to be covered in dirt to grow, ones she threw over the fence would take root and grow where she threw them.

I like irises because they are deer and rabbit-proof. Pretty green leaves that last year round here.  They are easy to grow as long as they get enough sun, plant them shallowly, and don't mulch them.  If they get too wet, they might rot.  They survive in our heat and summer droughts. And they multiply.  If your irises aren't blooming the way you want them to, they might be too deep.

Yesterday the contractor came and took final measurements.  He also marked out where the porch addition and patio will be.  He is doing the drawings now, so we can submit them to the  HOA.  After they approve the plans, we can get started.