Flowers and memories

At this time of year, when the irises start to bloom, my yard bursts with colorful memories. Every one of my irises represents a connection to a special person in my life. Here’s a brief peek.

First blooms: These miniature irises came from my Great-Grandmother Ida’s yard. They have moved with me several times in 25 years, and they are the first to bloom every year.

Favorite colors: I love the colors of these beauties, which came from my friend Chris, who now lives in Las Vegas.

Katie’s heirlooms: My friend Katie gave me a sack full of these delicate little flowers when she moved to Colorado a decade ago.

First-time homeowner: These deep blue-purple irises came with our first house. We moved them to our current house as a pretty reminder of our first two decades together.

Ruffles and more: Most of my irises came from my Grandma Osie’s garden, but these frilly pink flowers are the ones that remind me most of her.