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I meant to write about another topic. Actually, two other topics. And then I took pictures of this Iris confusa. You can understand why I had to post these, right? And here I thought I didn’t like Iris that much. When will I learn not to write off a whole category of plants? Does anyone else do that, proclaim disdain for an entire genus–and then get their well-deserved, yet happy comeuppance? I hope I’m not alone.

Iris confusa, Podophyllum pleianthum, and Euphorbia cyparissias 'Fen's Ruby' in shade planter box.
Iris confusa, Podophyllum pleianthum, and Euphorbia cyparissias ‘Fen’s Ruby’ in shade planter box.

Strappy leaves, big leaves, and feathery leaves–all cozied up. I get swoony over this grouping. (The planter box was all pansy when we moved in.)

Planter box with pansies. Not that there's anything wrong with it.
Planter box with pansies. Not that there’s anything wrong with it.

I see pansies described as edible, and though I like the idea, it still makes me nervous–unless I buy expensive pansy blossoms from the produce department. See, it’s a fine logic–which I apparently caught from my daughter.

A longer look eastward of north-facing shaded planter box.
A longer look eastward of north-facing shaded planter box.

The photo below is from last year–along the east-facing side of the house. They are glorious when in bloom. But it’s not for very long, and then they’re just okay. Plus I forget to water that section. It’s under the eaves and stays pretty dry, so that’s probably not too good. (The Beware-of-Dog sign came with fence. We’ll definitely get rid of it when the gate falls down.)

 Long row of Iris, east-facing.
Long row of Iris, east-facing.

And see that window above that doesn’t match the rest. It’s the garage. The UN feng shui-ness of it super bugs me. Or is that my OCD? Someday when we have spare money…

In truth, I plan to take most of these Iris out, maybe redistributed to other areas of the yard. Interested PDXers or nearby environs, please send up a flare if interested.

Iris noid. Pretty in bloom.
Iris noid. Pretty in bloom.

Meanwhile, everyone is shopping plants and posting on their blogs and Facebook. I’m not really ready to start buy because of all the groundwork I still need to do. But I did manage an excursion to Xera Nursery yesterday–and here’s a sneak peek.

Xera Nursery in PDX packed with fresh wares.
Xera Nursery in PDX packed with fresh wares.

I bought exactly one plant, because it would have been ridiculous to leave empty handed. I almost hated to spoil their display.

Sempervivum 'Pacific Zone'. The proprietor Paul tells me they'll stay fuzzy.
Sempervivum ‘Pacific Zoftic’. Proprietor Paul Bonine tells me they’ll stay fuzzy.

Cheers