I believe I am the owner of a usual plant that does unusual things. Like grow. Lots. Beyond it's yearly expectancy. But I'm not complaining. I'm going to enjoy it and try to prolong it as long as possible. But I think this time, I may be putting forth my efforts in vain.

 

This was taken, beginning of last week. I was surprised that it survived the first snow fall we had a few weeks ago. But apparently the snow and fallen leaves haven't detered in any way. 

*I just tried downloading the picture from today in the snow...but it plain out refuses. Sorry. Just imagine the above picture with snow on the ground and you've got it.

I'm going to keep covering it at night in hopes that it will grow enough for me to cut and bring in to warm climates where it can finish blooming. *crossing fingers*

And here's the lastest on the sewing. I kind of hit the ground running when I started this and have since slowed considerably. As you have now figured, I'm not going to do a daily update. But I will when I've finished a substantial amount to notice a difference.

*the "windows" were fun to do. And the outline of hair i started on the upper right side, has to come out. I messed up. :o/ 

And as promised, here are the Iris that made a second go-round this year! The "other" plant that I was waiting for to open, turned out to be the exact same variety. Which I knew could happen. But still happy I got to see it twice this year.

Iris is August

I personally don't spend too much time in my back yard. Watering and mowing and maybe to rescue an injured child from the trampoline. So when I decided to walk around and check things out. (Actually I was talking to Alisha and I wanted to not be interupted.) I was pleasantly surprised to find that I had 10 Iris buds, 1 in which was in full bloom, all on one plant. (If you remember, the purple and white blossoms that were the first to bloom earlier this year, those were the ones making a reappearance. AND another plant that has a stalk starting to come up which could also have up to 6 buds as well. I'm really excited about that one because it didn't bloom earlier.

I had never heaard of that happening, so I called Grandpa L to see if that was "normal". He said that Grandma had mentioned that if the conditions were right, they could bloom twice in one year. So no, its not "normal", but a very pleasant surprise!

And...I think they smell like her.

(I will post pictures as soon as I can.)

It's that time of year again..

I will try not to let the flowers take over my blog this year......

But I'm not going to promise anything!

I can't NOT tell you HOW VERY EXCITED I am!

I posted not too long ago about Iris starts I got from my grandma in Idaho. And I have waited for a long time for them to open. I thought it was never going to happen.

They were just going to stay holed up in their warm little buds and open up VERY slowly.

So to check on them this afternoon. (I usually check in the mornings, but see?...I was convinced they would not be opening up anytime soon.)

I was quite plesantly surprised....to say the least.

I grabbed my camera and hubby called....ugh.... "Let me call you back! I've got pictures to take!"

Look at the sparkling edges!........gasp.........(If you have to double click...go ahead....it's TOTALLY worth it).........I didn't know they sparkled!!! *I told Ashton that the flower fairies came in the night and opened them up. That's why there are sparkles!

The fragrance....all I can say, "Sucks to be you! WOW!"

The excitement inside of me is just jumping! Trying to find it's way out!

I called my grandma! (Of course I did. I've drug her along this whole growing process. But I knew she'd be excited for me nonetheless.)

Grandpa said they had a really bad freeze last night and hope that they didn't loose too many of their own.

The fact that they are growing and blooming is exciting because, to me, I've preserved my grandma in a way that will ALWAYS bring her back to me....after she's gone.

I'm gonna go now....the excitement is welling up in my eyes.

When my next plant blooms, you will be the first to see it here. I've got 6-7 different varieties too look forward to. And I hope you do to!

SO Excited!!!!....

My grandparents mean the world to me!!

Grandma L. has had a huge Iris garden for as long as I can remember. Every time I'm up to visit during the blooming period, is definitely a treat.

I feel my time with both of them is becoming shorter and shorter, so last year I requested a start from a few of her plants to replant here at my own home.

Some day, my dream is to have an Iris garden like hers. The colors and sizes and textures and smells they come in, truly make an intoxicating.... breathtaking view for ANYONE visiting.

The contentment just seeps over you as you sit in a lawn chair with an ice cold soda and gentle conversation as they ask me how I've been and hearing the love that has coated those words, will be a high priority goal of mine to reach for when my own grandchildren come to visit me.

When I went to check on my own plants I discovered two buds on one of the plants, I'm thrilled to bits and just CAN'T wait to call them and tell them. I know they would both be tickled pink and so I patiently wait for a resonable hour to call.

Grandma gives the reaction that I was expecting, "Oh my!" And grandpa chuckles. The kind of chuckle where you can HEAR his bright smile spread across his face. (I need to record that the next time I'm up.)

Now all I have to do is wait.