Feathers in My Beard

The bearded iris is an elegant flower.  It comes in many colors and combinations of colors. It's amazing when you find a white one trimmed in purple or a pale yellow iris with shades of rust painted on the petals.  But this is the first time I've noticed these strange "feathers" attached to the beard.  I don't know if it's an anomaly or bred into the flower.  Whatever the cause I think it's cool.

"Feathers in My Beard"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Bright White

Irises are considered "regal" flowers.  It's the underlying design for the Fleur de Lis.  My favorite is the bearded iris with it's large, ruffled petals and fluffy beard on the lower petals.  They have been hybridized into many color combinations, some of which seem impossible.  But the all white ones are very stately and elegant.

"Bright White"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Spring Iris

I love irises and wish they would grow here in the desert.  But I manage to get my fix by visiting Descanco Gardens in La Canada which is near Pasadena.  They have a spectacular iris garden with more varieties than you can imagine.  This multi-colored lovely is just one of the many to enjoy.

"Spring Iris"    © Kathy Dunham 2010