and now for the SDBs ...

I think that is an EXCELLENT idea. And since I am your promoter, you can give me some to test in zombie zone 5b. LOL

My promoter, eh? Well, GET PROMOTING!!! LOL!

How could you possibly be inspired unless you are "at one with the iris"? ....ohmmmm.... ;)

This message was edited May 30, 2005 1:58 PM

Another new cutie opens today ... QUICKEN.

These next two SDBs are neighbors in the dwarf bed and complement each other beautifully. Same pattern, different colors.

BREAK YOLK is a new bloomer this year. Quite similar to WITH CASTANETS, which I love!

CAT'S EYE is ready for the ball donning red velvet trimmed in mauve silk.

Sold! lol.......you MUST sell the hybridizer those words for certain!

CHOCOLATE SWIRL is getting closer to my real passion, *dark* chocolate!

This is the clump shot of RUBY ERUPTION I mentioned to Wanda in another thread. Note the wide range of bloom sizes, stalk heights, and even widths of outer rim color on the falls in this single clump. I attribute this significant variation to all of our late freezes.

I told you that you should be writing for the catalogs! Your description of Cat's Eye takes the cake. And I am promoting you......on this thread. LOL

I promised you a better pic of FOREVER BLUE, and here it is. It has certainly redeemed itself since its opening with that frost-damaged bloom posted earlier in this thread.

Unfortunately, it's a bit of a stretch to try to use a ball gown description on an iris named CAT'S EYE! I'll tell you, though, if any of my 11 cats ever looked at me with eyes that color, we'd be on our way to the vet PRONTO!!!

LOL

I'm glad to see Cat's Eyes looking so pretty in your photo. My one and only bloom from it this year was very frost deformed. I love Break Yolk. Perfect name for it! Blue Neon is a winner too. I wonder if these would survive the winter ouside in pots in my zone 5? It might be nice to be able to pop the pots around in the gardening while they are in bloom and then move them later to replace with annuals.

Susan

MICHAEL PAUL provides the next chapter of blue-bearded darks to carry on the SDB bloom season.

OMG Laurief, when you get some extra of that one I need one. Its got great color but that is my DB's name, that would be sooooo coool.

That is a pretty one too. I love the classic color.

wow! beautiful, simply beautiful.... love that color!

LEPRECHAUN'S DELIGHT looks particularly charming on a sunny day. Unfortunately, I caught it in the gloom.

This message was edited Jun 2, 2005 7:56 PM

CHANTED is widely known as a wonderful parent as well as a terrific garden plant. One of my taller and later SDBs.

Oops! Forgot to attach the pic!

Laurie, you sure did make some gorgeous selections to grow. I have loved every picture you have posted!

Even GROOVY GRUBWORM? I'm not sure I've seen such a nondescript little flower. Perhaps that accounts for the imaginative name. ;-)

Awwwwwww, well even Groovy has her place. :-D

Leprechauns Delight looks pretty fantastic even in the gloom, Laurie.

I planted 'Leprechaun's Delight' last summer and it didn't bloom for me this Spring. I'm happy to see it's such a nice one! Thanks for posting the pic! :]

I think Groovy Grubworm is nice too! Its the shade of yellow/gold--almost 'dirty" that is appealing and the surprise color in the beard. I don't study irises enough to evaluate form, so whatever is less that desireable there, gets right past me and my untrained eyes. ;0)

This really is great that you are posting all these pics, Laurie. And you take such good shots--you've some patience and a good eye. Much appreciated!

I've been waiting for CHUBBY CHEEKS to bloom for a few years now, and he was well worth the wait! Don't you just want to pinch those chubby little cheeks of his?

ADVANCE DESIGN frequently throws flowers with extra parts (see weirdos thread), but then there are the perfect ... and perfectly beautiful ... blooms such as this one.

Does anybody have Pixie Princess or Arctic Fancy? I've had one I've called Arctic Fancy for years, only to be told today -guite firmly - that it is Pixie Princess. Haven't been to the checklisst yet . Wanted to get this out before I forgot the name(s).
Inanda

Shouldn't be too difficult to tell them apart, Ginny. PIXIE PRINCESS is an SDB. ARCTIC FANCY is an IB.

lincolnitess; Got an idea for your irises. How about potting them, as you suggested, and them sink the pot in the ground for the winter and pull it up to move around in the spring? Our local garden center does this with potted perennials - sinks them into composty ground for the winter.

BEACH BABY is one of the last ones in the pool this year, and he jumped in with a BIG splash!

Another description that falls in to the 'awesome' category!

Awfully cute flower too.

BEACH BABY is a hit here! What a way to send the SDB season, Laurie.

The SDBs aren't quite done yet. There are still a few out here to bloom, though I have a feeling the thunderstorm that just rolled through may have made short work of them. Fortunately, one of my very favorites bloomed yesterday between rain showers. You know how I love those moody, subtle blends. PILGRIMS' CHOICE soothes the soul with his quiet splendor.

I find that the heavy thunderstorms are rough on my TB blooms, but barely touch the dwarfs. Your selection is incredible. thanks for sharing the pics with us.

Wouldn't SDB's make a wonderful raised bed plant for people in wheelchairs? They could wheel up real close and look at them.

I've been waiting for NEGRA MODELO to bloom for several years. With so many wonderful dark purple SDBs on the market (a number of them already in my garden), it would have to be really special to earn my admiration. Unfortunately, it's not and it hasn't. NM's only redeeming virtues, IMHO, are the lateness of its bloom season and the fact that it has been reported to rebloom, at least in warm climates.

You have had to wait several years for a bloom? I don't feel so bad. Some of my TBs are 3-4 years old, but have gotten caught in late spring freezes . I'm beginning to wonder if I will EVER see them bloom!