OT:Chat -Thanks (was HIST: Irises and grave sites)

John has recommended Chatting should be off-list, but this applies to too
many people. 

 I would like to say at this time that Neil is probably the most
knowledgable person about the most diverse subjects I've ever come in
contact with.  Everything from ancient history to micro-biology.   Neil,
you are a living treasure.

Griff also seems to be almost as knowledgable, plus a lot of you others
have taught me things I didn't realize I wanted to know. 

From a list devoted to iris, I never suspected the education I'd receive -
all free except for time.

 I'm glad I don't just read the subjects in which I'm interested.  I'd miss
so many other pieces of information that I love knowing, such as the
history of how far back the iris was used in cemeteries and that they had a
religious conotation.  

Also, the 1st definition in the dictionary for  fleur-de-lis is "the iris
(plant or flower)".

I am a member of a group that is trying to restore a neglected cemetery
(1st stone - 1853) where my great-grandparents and many other ancestors are
buried.  It is in a flood plain of a creek and many of the stones were
washing down the creek.  My great grandparents gravesite has iris planted
on it that have spread all over the family area.  There is no erosion there
and over the years has become the hightest spot in the area (2 1/2 acres). 
These are shaded by many creek-bottom huge trees and I've never seen them
bloom.  There was one bloom stalk in the masses this year so I know they
still bloom.  I managed to dig some this spring and will determine what
color they might be.

The only draw-back is that they desperately need to be dug and divided, but
the soil is so hard I can hardly get a spade into it, let alone manage to
get the tubors out of the ground.  I'm quite sure there are broken/fallen
down stones under them.  Only a strong back and lots of digging may reveal
these iris protected grave stones.

The group has been trying to decide what to plant to keep weeds and erosion
down.  I've tried to tell them the iris will work but so far no one has
taken me up on it. 

Thanks to everyone for sharing information (and photos)

Mickey
Bethany, OK - Center of Oklahoma, USA
Zone 6/7

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