More SDBs and the earliest IBs

A number of SDBs bloom with more than the expected set of petals.  This is often occurs in the first bloom.  I have seen as many 6 pairs of standards and falls. This cultivar consistently bloom with 4 of each.

'A Little Good News' T.Johnson 2014 SDB

This cream edged pumpkin orange was released posthumously from the seedlings of Bennett Jones.

'Bennett's Star' B.Jones 2013 SDB

Several shades of blue violet SDBs with light beards are blooming. 'Cliché' and 'Pulsator' are among them

'Cliché' Black 2002 SDB

'Pulsator' T.Johnson 2011 SDB

'Eye of Sauron' produced this tightly packed fireworks display. When I planted them I had forgotten the area was planted with daffodils.  'Sauron' had to fight his way for light and bloomed more like an MDB, but I love this little nosegay.

'Eye Of Sauron' Black 2009 SDB

'Jillaroo' is lovely in form and coloring.

'Jillaroo' Ensminger 1983 SDB

'Joyous High' T. Johnson 2016 SDB

'Line Drive' Sutton 2006 IB

'Pippi Longstockings' Innerst 1985 SDB

'Sapphire Gem' Schmelzer 1975 SDB Cook-Douglas Medal 1983

Labeled 'Soft Air'...

Unknown White IB rebloomer

More Mid-May SDBs

Here are more SDBs that are blooming at Diamond Rise in the past few days.  Two of them are brand new intros (last year) from Thomas Johnson.   Like to see them in person?  Feel free to stop over!

3873 Rush Mendon Rd. Mendon NY 14506  neil.houghton@me.com

'Unwritten' T.Johnson 2016 SDB

'Joyous High'  T.Johnson 2016 SDB

'Purple Paws' shows what a prolific established clump of SDBs can look like.

'Purple Paws'  Black 2013 SDB

Michael Paul is a classic beauty.

'Michael Paul' Jones 1979 SDB

'Jennyanydots' Black 2011 SDB

'Stitch Witch'  Willott 1975 SDB

'Frankenberry'  Stout 2016 SDB

'Forever Blue' Chapman 1996 SDB

'Force Field' M.Smith 2009 SDB

'Eye of Sauron' Black 2009 SDB

'Chanted' Blyth 1990 SDB 

'Cheery Blush[ Black 2014 SDB

'Canadian Kisses" Black 2006 SDB

A Beardless Dwarf

The dwarf bearded iris are not the only iris blooming this time of year.  Here's a picture of the 'Red Form' of Iris ruthenica, a species iris, in full flower.  It forms a nice clump which resembles a small ornamental grass.  The leaves of a dwarf iris which is intermingling can be seen at the back of the picture and give you an idea of the size

More SDBs

A bit different than the catalog picture in my garden, I love 'Cheery Blush.'  Climate and soil conditions can effect the actual presentation in your garden.

'Cheery Blush' Black 2014 SDB

 Bearded irise do not like mulch on their rhizomes.  You can still add mulch, just leave a little space around the bearded iris.  Japanese and Siberians are fine with mulch.

'Outspoken' in situ

 A couple more new blooms:

'Parade Star'  T.Johnson 2016 SDB

'Purple Paws' Black 2013 SDB

Medians on May 8th

Here are 3 of my early bloomers:

First an tiny Miniature Dwarf Bearded (MDB) from Paul Black, 'Spot of Tea.'  It was in my garden for a few years but getting more shade than I thought.  Now it's happy! This Caparne-Welch Medal winner is a delight at about 5".

'Spot of Tea' Black, 1988 MDB

Joyful Love is Thomas Johnson 2014 introduction.  In my garden for 2 seasons, it has about 6 stalks. This is blooming at 14".

'Joyful Love' Johnson, 2014 SDB

 New to my garden this season, 'Lovesick Blues' from a Mid-America rhizome with 4 beautiful stalks in it's first year this is a winner! It's blooms are about 8" tall and its veined plicata pattern and great form is making this irisisan very happy!

'Lovesick Blues' Lauer 2007 SDB

'Stich Witch' snuck by me... it had one bloom which I missed!

IRIS SHOW: JUNE 4, 2017

It's that time of year again!

Our annual Iris show will be held at Marketplace Mall again this year.  Open to the public from 1 to 4 PM, if you are interested in entering a bloom stalk, call 585-266-0302 for more information. 

Iris Photos from Kelly Roller

These great photos are from the wife of an AIS/GRIS member, Kelly Roller.

'Alpine Lake' MDB Willott 1980

'Sun Doll' SDB Bennet Jones 1985