Reflections

Iris, the storied fleur de lis of French royalty and one of my perennial favorites, are making their extravagant presence felt in the yard right now.  Early spring bulbs and other bloomers may kick the gardening season off with color and flair. Still, I can't help but feel they are no match for the iris with its delicate-veined petals and the velvety striping at the flower's heart. Even after the blooming season is past, the spiked leaves add so much zip and zing to the textures of the garden. Meanwhile, rains, heavy at times, are forecast.  Now or never, I thought---time to race out and capture the Siberian variety along the fence before they are beaten down and need to be dead-headed.  Carpe diem.