"Iris" is both the common name and the scientific generic name for this group of flowers.  There are many species of Iris, and it is this diversity and amazing range of color that led Linnaeus, the father of our system of scientific nomenclature, to give them the name of the Greek Goddess of the Rainbow.  So, every time I see an iris, I am reminded of this rich scientific and literary history, and that makes me happy.

Perhaps I pay extra attention to irises when I see them because they were my mother's favorite flower.  Everywhere we lived, she grew dozens of Iris species and varieties: the German iris, I. germanica; the Siberian iris, I. siberica; the tiny reticulated iris, I. reticulata; and even a few Japanese iris, I. japonica. Whether we were in the San Francisco Bay area in California, or St. Louis or the Ozarks in Missouri, we had irises in our gardens.  My mother died in 1983, but it's just wonderful to have something so beautiful as an iris flower to remind me of her.

Again, perhaps because of this heightened awareness of irises, they have come to remind me of travels here and there.  I am reminded of traveling in the Netherlands where I saw fields of Dutch iris being grown for the florist industry.  I am reminded of travels to the Pacific Northwest (Northern California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia)where the abundant rainfall makes the water-loving Japanese iris very happy.  I am reminded of visiting any number of botanical gardens across the US, Canada, and Europe where I always consider myself fortunate to arrive when irises are in bloom.

And then there is simply the design esthetic of an Iris flower.  Iris are trifoliate, with their floral anatomy arranged in threes: three upswung petals, three downswung petals.  Their form gave rise to the fleur-de-lys.  They are a popular subject of Chinese sumi-e (ink and brush) paintings. Japanese woodcuts have given irises a dramatic quality.  I have a Persian ceramic vase featuring irises.  Artists working in the Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Craftsman traditions all rendered iris in a variety of artistic variations.

Beyond inspiring art, iris flowers can BE art: with their diverse shapes and colors, they are wonderful cut flowers.  I use them to add a punch of vibrancy to dark corners of Casa Beall, or to soften edges here and there.  Dutch iris last longer than other varieties when they are cut, so be forewarned.  Fortunately, it seems that iris among the least expensive of all cut flowers, so once again, you can live beautifully while still living frugally.

The simple, yet elegant iris ... they bring me such delightful thoughts!

Be Happy! Be Well!
Bret