Highlights of the SDBs and My Garden

The Standard Dwarf Bearded (SDB) iris is the perfect choice for just about any gardener.  Its size, 8"-15", fits any garden. While the productivity does vary, most SDBs increase rapidly and form a spectacular display of color.  Ten to fifteen days of bloom is the goal of the best of this class.  They are easy to care for, and require only good drainage, lots of sun and some modest soil enrichment.  Fertilize all bearded iris with low nitrogen and high phosphate.  Ideally 5-10-10 does the trick.

So without further ado, here are this years best!

First place for growth is 'Kewlopolis' by Hugh Stout.  This was planted as a single rhizome 2 years ago.  But wait!  I've already divided it.  Not everyone's choice of predominant  color palate, I love it.  Browns and gold with lighter haft markings on the fall ir sports a lavender beard.  Very kewl!

'Kewlopolis' SDB Hugh Stout

New introductions are often very complex in markings and color combinations,  This "self" by Paul Black may not be a full self because the beards are a contrasting color, but the rest is a perfect shade of soft pink. The deep violet beards that are narrow.  Great form and substance. Paul's ' Puddy Tat' is in the lower right.

'Gate to Paradise' SDB P.Black

Here's a Miniature Dwarf Bearded (MDB) from Paul Black.  Most of the MDBs have already bloomed.  This is one of the last and has some wonderful markings.  Because there was a garden judging session in my garden Wednesday and another tomorrow, none of the spent blossoms have been trimmed.  Judges want to look at bud count.

'Cute As A Button' MDB P.Black

During the judge's training session we were told to pick our favorite flower currently blooming without regard to growth or other factors. This was my choice. Thomas Johnson's Golden Ring has a wonderful form, the tangerine beard and the perfect golden ring at the edge of the falls.

'Golden Ring' SDB T.Johnson

My backyard.  My house is on the top of a raised area that falls off to the Mendon Youth Baseball fields to the South.  Hence the name Diamond Rise. This is the highest part of the backyard.  That's my beautiful KODA!  (When he curls his tail, he's peeing.)  Most of the SDBs and MDBs are at the left edge.

Lot's more to bloom!  Stop over. E-mail me at neil.houghton@me.com or call 585-301-8256.