Crocosmia X crocosmiiflora Montbretia

 Waterfalls of fire is how I describe a time of the year that for six to eight weeks the hybrid 'Crocosmia X crocosmiiflora' or as it is more traditionally known as 'Montbretia crocosmiiflora', puts on its striking display. A common plant that can be seen growing in small patches all over the Western areas of the Wairarapa, but it saves its best show blooming on the sides of the narrow and winding roads in the district of  Mangamaire.The photos where taken 15 days ago which...

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Tall Bearded Iris BEWILDERBEAST

Amazingly 17 years (Is it really that long ?) after the wildly coloured masterpiece 'Bewilderbeast' exploded on the Iris world stage with its 'get this' attitude it is still one of Brad Kasperek's best efforts to date. Its fantastic splish splash of red-purple decorate mustard yellow edges that fade to creamy white toward the center. This attention getter also has a sweet fragrance, and good bud count. Once established it becomes a strong grower but in saying that it took me three attempts to get this iris to grow, and it can...

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Tall Bearded Iris HENRY SHAW

Named after Henry Shaw (1800--1889), a native of Sheffield, England who made his fortune in hardware outfitting trappers and settlers entering the Louisiana Purchase Territory via St. Louis. In 1859 he donated his 79-acre country estate for "all time for the public benefit ". This garden is today the Missouri Botanical Garden, and is the oldest botanical garden in continuous existence in the United States. Cliff Benson introduced the white TB 'Henry Shaw' in 1959. It is a pure white self with a green undercast that follows through...

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Heirloom Iris STAR SHINE

"As pale as the morning star as it flickers in the quickening light of dawn. I have never seen such luminosity, and this sprinkled with the dust of mother-of-pearl."  STARSHINE  (Jesse Wills)  Commentaries in Variety, Anthony W. Drewett, The Iris Year Book 1949.  Fairmont Gardens, Lowell, Massachusetts,Irises, Hemerocallis, Hostas, Poppies, 1950. STAR SHINE (J. Wills 1949) M.L. Deep cream, white, and pearly blue so skillfully combined that the flower has the iridescent of lustrous pearls....

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