In the first few years after we moved to the current house, there was no bearded iris in the yard. On a May day, among the invasive lily of the valley and abundant weeds, I noticed several small clusters of wide green leaves. The lovely color and shape suggested that it was not weeds. By early June, a few light purple flowers blossomed, like dancing butterflies, exquisite and beautiful.

Ever since that year, more and more bearded iris would come out each spring and they would always blossom in early June. Sometimes, on a morning after the rain, its large petals would still be covered with raindrops. So I gave them a sentimental name “petal tears” - 花瓣泪.

The blooming season is quite short for beard iris, but its wide leaves continue to grow healthily for a few more months, offering a vibrant, light green background for the autumn flowers.

The best way to propagate is dividing the roots in the fall. I tried last fall and am anxiously waiting to see more bearded iris in both the backyard and the front yard too!