The Iris Bed
Ever since I was little I was fond of iris. Mom called them "flags" - I think because the blossoms appeared around Flag Day in June. The variety of colors and shapes and sizes in iris are endless it seems, and once they settle in to an area, they spread and grow.
We have relocated a lot in my life, and each new home deserved its own iris bed. At least that was my thinking. So I would dig up my favorites as the moving van was being loaded and carry a box of rhizomes with us. Once I determined the south and west sides of the property I would begin to tenderly spread the roots over the freshly turned earth, cover gently and lightly with top soil, and give them a good drink of water. The next Spring I watched anxiously for the green spear-like leaves, then the bloom stalk, then buds and finally full flowers.
Well, now that summer is here, it is time to get back into the iris bed. First the leaves need a "haircut" so I snip them to form beautiful chartreuse fans. That is when I see all the "junk" that has accumulated around the rhizomes. Some are dry brown stalks and leaves from last season's iris. Weeds and wild onions have wended their way into the beds as well. And leaves and branches from around the yard have gotten trapped in between the plants. (In urban neighborhoods I also discarded papers and cans and cigarette remains.) So using the fingers of the garden rake I pull away all that does not belong and reveal the iris, creamy white and healthy.
Can life be like iris beds ( or window boxes and flower pots?) In order to discover and care for my true self, I may first have to trim away last year's excesses. Last season's clothes, habits and routines, even attitudes need to be examined and in many cases "recycled." Then I can discover what has been trapped under all that, true leftovers, things that don't belong, habits that in the long term will impact my health - physical, emotional, spiritual.
I am working on my iris beds this month and finding enjoyment in giving them room to breathe and grow. I may even add some things - perennials, herbs - in the empty spaces.
What do you need to "tend" right now? Are there things in your life that "don't belong" any more?
We have relocated a lot in my life, and each new home deserved its own iris bed. At least that was my thinking. So I would dig up my favorites as the moving van was being loaded and carry a box of rhizomes with us. Once I determined the south and west sides of the property I would begin to tenderly spread the roots over the freshly turned earth, cover gently and lightly with top soil, and give them a good drink of water. The next Spring I watched anxiously for the green spear-like leaves, then the bloom stalk, then buds and finally full flowers.
Well, now that summer is here, it is time to get back into the iris bed. First the leaves need a "haircut" so I snip them to form beautiful chartreuse fans. That is when I see all the "junk" that has accumulated around the rhizomes. Some are dry brown stalks and leaves from last season's iris. Weeds and wild onions have wended their way into the beds as well. And leaves and branches from around the yard have gotten trapped in between the plants. (In urban neighborhoods I also discarded papers and cans and cigarette remains.) So using the fingers of the garden rake I pull away all that does not belong and reveal the iris, creamy white and healthy.
Can life be like iris beds ( or window boxes and flower pots?) In order to discover and care for my true self, I may first have to trim away last year's excesses. Last season's clothes, habits and routines, even attitudes need to be examined and in many cases "recycled." Then I can discover what has been trapped under all that, true leftovers, things that don't belong, habits that in the long term will impact my health - physical, emotional, spiritual.
I am working on my iris beds this month and finding enjoyment in giving them room to breathe and grow. I may even add some things - perennials, herbs - in the empty spaces.
What do you need to "tend" right now? Are there things in your life that "don't belong" any more?
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