The Iris Obsession


 I've been away from IRIS-L for a while - mostly  because I needed the extra
time to maintain my garden which is becoming more difficult to manage each year
- and also to re-evaluate where I am in the World of Irises (?) 

     I've been growing Iris for quite a number of  years. (60+)  I knew that
eventually  I, like many, would find it too much to handle as I grew older.. I
have read many stories and have spoken to many gardeners who found
themselves, in their 'golden'  years, unable to maintain a large garden and must
slow down and care only for what they have - and not add anymore..  I have seen
(recently) large old beautiful gardens just plowed under... 
or just converted to house lots....  I'm sure you've heard many of these sad
stories, too.

     Currently, I have over 1,200 irises.  I intend to reduce this quantity
this year  (I've been saying that for the past 8 years). This year,  however, I
have already started and have given away approx. 500. Possibly this move is
taking place a little too late as most are now unnamed varieties - (see what can
happen when time and workload catches up on you).  I'll garden as long as the
Good Lord allows me to...

    I will attempt to maintain my other plantings the best I can  ( 75
daylilies, 55 hostas, 45 peonies , Poppies, a few roses (13), ornamental
grasses, plus a sizable handful of other favorite perennials).. My Hibiscus
plants (8) started blooming today (50+ nine 1/2 dia. blossoms per plant)

 A Secret - 
    -  Someday -  I'd like to have a garden similar to  "MONET" ..  Someday!
And this can't accomplished with so many irises.  I'm beginning to believe that
even a Monet garden here in New England will be quite an accomplishment  ?  But,
anyhow, it's my goal and  have already started.. (?)  
                                          
                                                                                 
-0-

     SO - if  you have room for a few more 'new'  irises ( T.B.  & Medians '85 -
'90's) and again, at this stage - mostly  unnamed - they're yours for the
asking... ( They could have all been identified - if I didn't wait so long to
make this decision to taper off ).. . They will be taken from iris beds that are
mapped and computerized... However, they have intermingled - so I'm calling them
unnamed (they can be identified - after bloom).   These will not include any
classic-heirloom irises (360 ) from my Historic beds...  

((Now, I should have room for the Blue-Eyed Grass )) ----

 Larry D.  MA  -  USDA  Zone 5
 AIS Judge - Master Gardener - (re)tired 

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