My-ris

This spring has been a spectacular one for Bearded Iris (Iris germanica) in my garden. I don't know if the prolonged cold we had this winter has anything to do with the number of blooms, or not, but I'll accept the increased numbers as partial compensation. These flowers have long been a favorite of mine, undemanding, except when in bloom, when they are very demanding of my attention.

If you want to know which cultivars these are, I am sorry but I dont know and am not sure I ever did. You have my permission to make up your own names.

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Azalea Trio

There are many parts of the country that are cloaked with Azaleas right now, and Hampton Roads in no exception. We are fortunate here to be warm enough to grow my favorite group, the Southern Indica Hybrids. These are large growing plants, often reaching 5-6', or higher further south. They also have large, showy, single flowers and large leaves. Their blowsy growth habit prevents them from responding well to severe pruning (not that some people don't try) which can be the fate of so many other Azaleas. I especially like to see when a trio of the fuschia 'Formosa', the white 'Mrs. G. G. Gerbing' and bi-color 'George Taber' are planted together.

Rhododendron x 'Formosa'

Rhododendron x 'Mrs G. G. Gerbing'

Rhododendron x 'George Taber'