Yah -- with cold temperatures behind it. Jeez -- will this crappy weather ever end and just get going into the good stuff???????

Tom -- I love Cafe Mocha. I seem to like the ones with blue beards. Also -- like Arlyn -- I love brown Irises!!

Gotta get me some Bluebeard's Ghost. Great photos, Tom.
Like the plate of chicken.

People either love the browns or hate them it seems. I like them a lot. Here are two more that opened.
Sheldon Butt The beards are actually a nice lavender, not blue.

What Again (Thanks California Sue!)


That storm last night split and some when South of me, and some went North of me. That happens a lot, not sure why.

This one looks like it might miss me too. We do need rain, but wind and cold can stay away.

I am hoping all Iris gardens miss any weather that is unkind to them. Love the iris photos Tom. And I can almost hear the peeps. smiles

I agree with you and Mary Ann, Tom about loving brown irises. Funny too since I think people who love the 'brown shades' are a minority. I judge that by the many people that visit my irises and when they get to a brown/tan/mahogany one just say something like 'you like funny colored irises, don't you'. Or 'what is wrong with that iris?' I just smile. Like Paul says, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and we all grow what we like.

I like Sheldon.
I like warm browns and mahoganys, too.

I think Bluebeard's Ghost is a serious contender for the Dykes this year.

I thought that last year ! It seems to be an excellent iris ! But, when you're competing with the "best of the best", there are LOTS of excellent iris...Arlyn

I nearly lost mine this winter Paul. I potted it very early and it has rebounded nicely. Lots of green. I think it will bloom next spring. smiles

oops

I use a little mid-priced point and shoot. As to the next Dykes I wouldn't grumble if Bluebeard's Ghost wins but my vote would be for Gypsy Lord.

I got Bluebeard's Ghost last summer, it sure is growing fast, and I do like the bloom, but I'm with Paul, I would like to see Gypsy Lord get the Dykes medal. Besides being very beautiful, it's a very strong grower, and you don't have to support the stems, even in wind. Also it's very fertile and a good parent.

It just rained here for about 10 minutes quite hard, boy wee needed the water. I was going to have to start watering otherwise.

I have a few new ones open, but the rain beat them up too much to bother with pictures. I'll have to wait for their next bud to open.

Bummer...................

I'm not sure how many new ones will be open this morning, but I'm guessing it may be later in the day, as we have temps in the 40's again. Ugh! That will slow things down I'm sure. I have a couple that were showing lots of color yesterday after the rain, but I guess we will see.

I think I am waiting for them with as much anticipation as you are. LOL

I think once the TB's start, there will be a lot all at once. I have several bloom stalks showing on them now, so it shouldn't be too long unless this cold weather keeps up.

Temps were in the 40s here as well. I think the SDBs needed a break--they really don't like that hot weather. Bluebeards ghost is available from Mid America gardens.
The varient photo of Boo is something else. Boo doesn't have the white line down the center of the falls.

I agree about the season, Tom. I'm seeing stalks on ALL the TBs, at once the ones usually thought of as "early" ,those "Mid', and even those that are always last to bloom,,,,I think they are all kinda' gonna' happen at the same time .Well, just so they can bloom !...Arlyn