What's Blooming?

It was a long cold winter.  I promised myself when spring and warm sunny days came, I would spend time in Next Year, the garden.

The bearded iris is the state flower of Tennessee.  It is very hardy.  It can withstand the cold freezing temps and the hottest of days.  Almost all the iris in Next Year has been gifted to me--some from Mother's garden, some from Uncle Karl's garden others from Andrea's garden.  The iris was looking challenged and there were a few days when I thought it was a goner.

The Tennessee bearded iris are very disease and pest resistant and they are sometimes called the poor man's orchid.  

I have been looking for a plant/flower for the rock pathway, these primrose just may be the one.  They are also hardy (and invasive).  Don't let their delicate looks fool you--they are tough little boogers.

AppleJack says Next Year is my therapy.  Pulling weeds is good exercise and a great way to work off stress.  Ahh, the rewards!