In Love with Japanese Irises
With big, blousy blooms that can be seen from across the yard, Japanese irises will bring a burst of color to your Midwest garden.
Love at first glance
When you come face-to-petal with Japanese irises, John Coble can predict how you'll feel: smitten. "When people see Japanese irises, they wonder where they've been all their life," he says.
John and Bob's love affair with the beautiful bloomers began in 1985, when the Society for Japanese Irises met in Kalamazoo. "At the time, there weren't many places you could buy Japanese irises," says Bob, who also designs and creates stained glass, including many items with an iris motif.
The pair already grew other kinds of irises, but they fell head over heels when they saw these, and started growing them after a friend gave them seeds.
Pictured: 'Foreign Intrigue'
(A version of this story appeared in Midwest Living® March/April 2004.)
Comments (0)