Dwarf Irises © 2013 Patty Hankins
Little blue and purple spring-time jewels! That’s how I always view the dwarf irises when they start to bloom in the spring.
It’s not unusual to see daffodils and snowdrops in February in the Washington, DC area. But I never see the dwarf irises until March – which for me – heralds the beginning of spring. The deep rich tones of the irises add a wonderful splash of color to spring gardens. The other colors are the browns of last season’s leave, the pale greens of this year’s plants, and the whites and yellows of the daffodils and snowdrops. I know when I see the little dwarf irises blooming that warmer days, spring wildflowers cherry blossoms and tulips are just a few short weeks away.
As I talk with other photographers and customers at shows, I’ve discovered that we all have little markers that for each of us herald the coming of spring. For bird lovers, it’s the return of a favorite species from it’s winter migration. For sports fans, it’s the day that pitchers and catchers report for spring training. For gardeners, it’s the blooming of a favorite early spring flower. For all of us – these markers are a sign of the changing of the seasons and that warmer days are ahead after the cold of winter.
Is there something that you look for each year that says Spring is coming! to you? If you do, I’d love to hear about it.
Dwarf Irises is my March 2013 Photo of the Month. Until March 31, SAVE 20% off the regular prices for Dwarf Irises.