TODAY IN THE GARDEN

This morning I was busy helping out at our iris club's show and sale. (Yes, I came home with yet more irises, 3 potted cultivars. I should hopefully see at least one of them bloom later this season.)

I forget what I was doing in the afternoon, but later in the day, with maybe an hour to go until sunset, I went out into the garden.

And spied something yellow, under our big deciduous oak and behind the wooden deck, where I did not expect to see any such color.

I went and investigated, and discovered that a Pacific Coast Iris that I had planted late last summer (not at all the correct season for such a thing) was in bloom!

I was astonished.

Pacific Coast Irises (abbreviated PCI), also called Pacific Coast Natives, or Pacificas, are irises which are native to the Pacific Coast region. They include at least eleven species, including Iris douglasiana (which can sometimes be seen in the open space preserves or state parks hereabouts). These are small flowered irises, blooming on narrow stems bearing 2 or 3 flowers. The plants are small, and the foliage is narrow and evergreen.

They are one of the few shade loving irises, which (with all of the shade we have here) is a draw for me.

The PCIs (and their hybrids), however, are notoriously finicky to successfully transplant, even for the "experts". I purchased several hybrids online last year, and all but one of those have died (the lone survivor is barely hanging in there).

On the other hand, I also purchased two potted plants from my favorite local nursery, and both of those have survived. (I wonder what their secret was?)

I planted out one of those, 'Canyon Sunshine', in a spot where I thought it might do well. (The Pacificas want winter sun, summer shade, and in the wild live at the edge of woods, on slopes with good drainage.) I have to say, however, that I was resigned to failure. (The other iris, 'Ocean Blue', is still sitting in its pot. Now that I know where it won't grow (where the other irises died) and where it has a chance, I can try to transplant it out later this year.)

I could swear that I had looked at this plant less than a week ago, hoping to see some buds. I didn't see any, and was resigned to waiting another year for bloom. (I consoled myself that at least it was still alive.)

But bloom? Really?

Pinch me... I must be dreaming.

Gratuitous Dog Pic - Warp on the patio

 

 

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