Flowers in Art Series - Soda Pop

Since the very first paintings over 700 years ago, flowers have had been present in art.  They began as decoration to portraiture, scenes, and other main subject matter.  They quickly evolved into accents that expressed symbolism.  The red rose symbolizes love, the white lily for purity, and so on.  Flowers then started to be shown on their own in still life's and vase arrangements as decorative artwork.  They were finally represented as living plants that deserve the spotlight around the time of french impressionism.  van Gogh's irises and sunflowers stand out from the post-impressionistic era, and O'Keefe's close-up moderist selections move us forward.

I have become fond of flowers in art where they take center stage.  I am not as particular about the form or style of the art, and I don't require symbolism, so it is all interesting to me.  I found this piece for sale on a wall in a sandwich shop in downtown Ellijay, Georgia while I was having lunch with a good friend.  It caught my eye because the blossoms are 3-D and are made from cut soda cans.  It is almost 3 feet tall, and is sprinkled with glitter.  A super fun and striking piece, and the sentimental value is always a plus!

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How Every Iris Should Bloom

Let's face it, I am lazy when it comes to dividing irises.  My neglect combined with the voles feasting on the rhizomes, I am lucky to have more than one bloom on each variety of iris in the yard.  This tall, brick-toned bearded beauty, however, has somehow just decided to power through the obstacles and make a great show year after year.  I don't know her name, but she displayed over a dozen blooms for me this year.  Bravo!

And so, let me set a simple goal for this fall.  Divide the irises.  I have a particular two-toned plant that is sentimental, and she barely bloomed this year; Stephanie gave me a knockout white iris that has a purple beard.  It's not nice to neglect gift plants, and so I promise to do my duty.  Dividing them is easy, super easy, work.  Cut the foliage back to around 4 or so inches tall, dig up the whole clump, and just start working the rhizomes apart with your hands.  Replant, and watch for spring appreciation!   

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Jack-in-the-Pulpit

I have a mild obsession with the collectors greenhouse at Plant Delights Nursery, and the nurserymen warn that most of the selections are for 'advanced gardeners only'.  While I am an advanced gardener, I still kill plants, so I show caution and respect when making a purchase from this particular conservatory.  However, the absolute coolest and easiest plant to grow is the white-balled Arisaema sikokianum 'Silver Center'.  This plant does not bloom for long, and you need more than one (at a hefty price of $30 each) if you want more than one bloom.  I just purchased my second one this spring, so I am really hoping for several blooms next year.  This particular cobra blooms above the leaves, which makes it extra showy.  And the white ball in the center is a stunning contrast against the black pitcher.  The foliage stays tall and full all summer, and has a striking silver center for added interest after the blooms have long since slept.  A super hardy and showy winner!

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