Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Irises, Roses and Family

Cable Car Iris
Our IRISES in the yard have been FABULOUS this spring... AND the good news is that many of them are re-bloomers --so we'll have them blooming again in the Fall.   In this blog post (click HERE),  I showed you several of our Irises... SO today I'll show you some more of our 19 different varieties... Above is always a favorite every year.  Its name is CABLE CAR.   I love the 'rust' color of this one.   We took several photos after a rain--since we enjoy seeing the 'drops' on the flowers.  Be sure and enlarge the photos in order to see them larger.




Electric Shock Iris





Cantina Iris
Wish you could see this one in person.. It has SEVERAL colors --and changes when the sun is on it... Such a beauty!!!!




Floor Show Iris
Here is another multi-colored beauty.   Do you like this one?




English Charm Iris
This is another pretty Iris.... The raindrops were really clinging to this one!




Halloween Halo Iris
If you like Pastels,  you will love this Iris...  The bright orange beards would remind one of Halloween I suppose...




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Southern Belle Rose
Here's two more of the gorgeous Roses beginning to bloom in our yard.  The one above is named SOUTHERN BELLE....  George brought one of these into the house ---and you should smell it... WOW!!!!




Summer of Love Rose
Finally,  this beauty is named SUMMER OF LOVE. I love all of the different colors in this rose...

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Dave, Bonnie, Betsy and George
We visited my cousin,  Bonnie, and her hubby, Dave,  at a Camping and Hang-Gliding area on the top of the mountain near Dunlap, Tennessee on Monday.  Bonnie and Dave have a new (GORGEOUS)  motor home ---and are enjoying traveling these days.  We had a wonderful visit with them.  Isn't that a great view of the Sequatchie Valley?

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BLUEBIRD UPDATE:  I have done tons of research and talked to LOTS of people about my Bluebird Tragedy.  (See Monday's blog for details.)  Click HERE to see a great website if you are interested.   Apparently, my culprit must have been a SNAKE..  Once the Bluebirds nest again,  we will keep the pole greased--which will keep a snake off of the nestbox (I hope)... I also need a new type of baffle (made with stove pipe)... NOW--if Daddy Blue can find a new mate,  maybe they'll try again.  We have cleaned out the nestbox for them... Thanks SO SO much for your thoughts, suggestions and prayers. This has been hard for me!!!

 I need to apologize AGAIN for not getting to your blog posts much this week.  Besides our trip on Monday and doing research on Bluebirds,   I have been working in the yard (power-washing the deck and cleaning the deck furniture).... Fun fun!!!

ONE MORE THING:  Any of you who use Google+ as your profile,  be sure and put your blog URL on there somewhere.  Otherwise,  people cannot find your blog to comment.  Thanks!!!

Hope you are having a 'fan-tabulous day'  enjoying life.....  Get outside and enjoy yourself!!!!

Hugs,
Betsy

73 comments:

Sharon said...

Good Morning, Betsy! Can't wait to show today's pics to Mr. B. Iris are his favorite and these are some varieties we haven't seen before. Geez, you don't need to go to Biltmore gardens - just go out in your front yard!! (To answer your question on my blog, yes, I most definitely blog when we are traveling - usually more often! Hope you enjoy!)

pam said...

Your iris are staggeringly beautiful. Only a few of mine bloom, I'm hoping more will once they get better established.

Arkansas Patti said...

English Charm totally charmed me. Amazing shots.
I can see why that is a place to hang glide. An unimpeded drop off.
Love your header by the way.

Dorothy said...

Those pictures of your Iris are so beautiful!!! I wish Iris bloomed all summer!!!
Hope your day is good!!!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Hopefully Google+ is not my profile - that bugs me too!

I had no idea irises were rebloomers. I need to plant some! I love the first one - that rusty orange is beautiful.

Tabor said...

My iris are rewarding me as well this year. I finally am getting so many I have to move them into their own bed!

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, thank you for posting those beautiful irises and roses...they are absolutely gorgeous! I love the pastel ones.
Have a lovely day!

Eva

MadSnapper said...

i could hardly scroll down after the breath taking view of cable car. that is the most magnificent and my all time favorite of your iris photos. all of these are really stunning but that one plucked at my heart strinks. the photos are wonderful and so clear and sharp.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Where to start on this post? Irises and roses rate near the top of my favourites list. I love all those gorgeous colours in each of the flowers.Family is so important and I am glad you had a good time with a cousin.Hey,don't overdo it on the work,you know you need to take time to smell the roses and get pictures. :) Have a great day.

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed your pretty flowers today, Betsy. I know they smell wonderful! Enjoy your day.

Karin said...

A line-up of beauties! Just like humans - each unique and beautiful! So glad you got to visit with your cousin! What a lovely place to camp and yes their 'camper' looks palatial!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Oh, such beautiful flowers. Love that first Iris and the last Rose. I agree with the first commenter that said you didn't need to go to the Biltmore...you have just as much beauty in your own yard. :)

Marcia said...

I am amazed that you remember the names of all your irises. Me? I never knew the names because every one of them was a gift from someone else's garden: my mom, my mother-in-law and friends. The irises here are just beginning their show. Watch for photos to come on my blog soon.

linda m said...

Absolutely beautiful irises and roses. My irises aren't doing so well, this year - maybe it's the one day it's hot , the next day it's cold syndrome. Hopefully Mr. Bluebird finds a new mate and starts a new family. Definitely breast the pole.

Janice K said...

I love your irises...the colors...the raindrops...Wow!

Glad you figured out what happened to your bluebirds. I had a beautiful bluebird house a couple of years ago that had a nest of baby wrens in it. One day the house and nest was completely missing. I think raccoons must have torn it off during the night. I never even found the house...I guess they took it home with them.

Diane AZ said...

Hi Betsy, Wonderful irises and roses; the Summer of Love is gorgeous! How fun to visit your cousin, that is a fantastic picture of the four of you.

Anonymous said...

Good morning, Betsy! :)

You have such beautiful Irises and Roses! I love the Cable Car and Summer of Love Rose,their colors are amazing.

Glad you were able to find an answer to your Bluebird mystery. Sounds like you have taken the necessary precautions to prevent this from happening again.

I'm not sure if I use Google+ as my profile, but will definitly check! Gonna take your advise and get outside today... have a great day Betsy!

Christine said...

Betsy your iris blooms are just too gorgeous for words. I couldn't pick just one as my favorite; the colors are just so awesome.

Ms. A said...

Yes, yes, I DO like the floor show iris!

That's a great photo of you, George, Bonnie and Dave. What a backdrop!!!

TexWisGirl said...

i do love the rust colored iris - and then a bit later on, another peachy shaded one.

Loui♥ said...

Betsy..
awesome!!
love all your gorgeous flowers..
Roses and Irises!
will return later to catch up on the blog..
like you,I've just been so busy with priorities..
Life..leaves little computer time..
hugs!!
Loui♥

Beth said...

I really thought it was a snake. I just hope your tactic to make the nest snake-proof would prove effective.

I like the irises and their colors! Esp the Electric Shock. And I wonder how it is like living in a motor home, just like what your cousin and her hubby do. Must be lots of adventures for them!

Have a happy week, Betsy!

Sylvia K said...

Your irises are gorgeous, Betsy, and such breathtaking colors!! And, of course, I love the roses!! Wonderful captures for the day!! Hope your week is going well!

Sylvia

Out on the prairie said...

Very nice flowers.I was counting blues yesterday./A snake won't harm the nest ,just take the bounty.

Fun60 said...

Your irises are truly amazing Betsy. I don't think I've ever seen such a range of colours. You certainly have green fingers.

Sally Wessely said...

Betsy, I love the Summer of Love rose. Your iris photos are also very special. I would love to plant S of L in my garden, but sadly we have the house on the market. I'm afraid I won't be adding any new rose bushes this year. I will update you all on our decision to move in the next day or two.
Hugs...

imac said...

looks like you 4 are enjoying life too,
Love all the lilies.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Summer Of Love Rose is my favorite! I spent an hour or so yesterday taking iris photos, but I don't know what the names are! Yours are always so beautiful! We never had any, I have to take pictures of neighborhood ones. I figured a snake. There is still time for MORE egg laying, hope you can get it all snake-proofed! Don't cry anymore, sweetie. Look at it this way, maybe they were still eggs and they hadn't hatched yet. That would have been worse.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Forgot to say your header took my breath away!!!!!

Terry and Linda said...

Love your iris, they are one of my many flowers that I so enjoy.

The little bluebird story is so sad, but at least you know what must have happened. Sigh.


Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

joy said...

Just loves those flowers:) Oh my, both of you have green hands:)

Lynn said...

Hmm gotta love Electric Shock of course for the color, but each of your Iris's are stunning to be sure. Love that dainty pale yellow rose too. Did you and George ever consider buying a motor home like that? Terry and I actually did, did a lot of looking. I wanted to buy the motor home in lieu of a house after we sold our townhouse but Terry wanted a permanent base somewhere so in the end we scraped that idea. Looks like they have a beauty for sure. Love your header, just a few more days! Drive safe, blessings.

Neal said...

Very nice Betsy....those flowers are gorgeous. Our iris are closing up.

Elizabeth said...

Dear Betsy, your Iris are eye-poppingly beautiful! How kind of them to sit so still for their portraits -ha! Oh, and I didn't know that the colored 'tongue' in the middle is called a beard, as you mentioned in the Halloween named Iris. I learned something, *smile*. Oh, and I too love to photograph after a rain while the drops are still on the petals and leaves. It was one of Maria's favorite things, too...which Maria?? Why, "Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on kittens"... Sound of Music!

I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Bluebird Lady and babies...it happened to my nest 2 years ago, too. I suspected a snake at the time, but could have been a raccoon...I have moved the nestbox and last year had no problem. Oh, I understand the heartbreak for you..they become part of our extended family. We are Bird Ladies, aren't we, and love them. After I lost that first family, Daddy Bird DID find another mate, and hatched another brood...so I will be sending warm thoughts your way that YOUR Daddy Blue will find another love.

Take care.

Mary said...

Your iris are so gorgeous! Love that first orange one.

Shug said...

Cantina Iris and Summer of Love Rose.. These are my favs...however, the others are soooo pretty!
Don't you hate to think that it was a snake? I had rather think they they moved ON...
Blessings and sweet hugs.
shug

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Take my breath away dear heart!!! Oh my...my irises have put on a show but only have the basic purple yellow center one.

Glory those colors do shine. I've never seen the orange rusty colored one. Beautiful!!!

...and don't get me started on roses, ya know how smitten I am with 'em! Heeehehehe!

Thanks for sharin' your beauties sweetie.

God bless and have a fantastic day!!! :O)

Susie Swanson said...

Green thumbs for sure, these are beautiful and I hate that about your Bluebirds..We have seen some snakes around this year and I hate all of them..Blessings, Susie

Ann said...

your irises are simply gorgeous.
How fun to get together with family and in such a nice place too. I think it would be fun to travel around in a motor home

Glenda said...

Oh so pretty!! English charm is especially beautiful, I think!

Connie said...

Your iris and roses are so gorgeous, Betsy. So many different kinds! I hope a new bluebird family builds a nest there. I know how much that would mean to you.

Andrea said...

oh Betsy, i am glad you zeroed in on the possibility of a snake sneaking in to the nest. We have snakes here that do that with our chicks and chickens. And thanks for reminding me of the Google+, as maybe they dont see me! I will try to look where my URL must be placed, haha!

Donna said...

Those are great pics of the flowers! Thanks for sharing those. And I love the cute group photo too. Don't step any further back, LOL.

I hadn't read about the bluebirds, so I will have to read backwards and see what you posted earlier.

Lynda said...

If anyone has a question of the beauty God created, they just need to look at the flowers on your blog!!!
Glad you gained the knowledge about the bluebirds to help next year - - - even if it still is very, very sad.

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Such beautiful irises.
Great that you got together with some family. What a lovely spot to do it too.
Well, at least you know what may have happened to the blue birds. Always good to have more info.
Take care.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Hi Betsy, I have to tell you that I caught a snake in MY bluebird house just this morning. Got the photos of him. I'm heartbroken for the little family that was in the box. I never knew how many little ones were there, but I had observed mom and pop going in and out. I'm blogging about it tomorrow, complete with photos. Poor bluebirds! Now I'm just wondering if they will be around much longer. The blasted snakes seem to be running them off. I haven't seen near as many this year as I usually do.

Your flowers are gorgeous and that is a nice photo of you and your family. I hope there was a barrier between you all and the lovely valley! You know me, I'm scared of heights!

RoeH said...

Nature is so hurtful at times. I understand the need for each species empty stomachs, but still - it's just so hard. I LOVE purple Iris'. Spring is just so nice everywhere. I want to get out with the camera now because the Saguaro's are blooming. So pretty.

Catherine said...

Gosh Betsy ~ your garden and all your flowers are truly beautiful. Our flowers are so way behind. I am hoping May brings lots of sunshine.

I sure hope the pole grease keeps the snakes away. Darn those snakes. They should stick to eating mice and creepy crawly things!!! :(

xo Catherine

Beatriz said...

Hello Betsy!
Your photos are fabulous, as usual.....how can you do that?????
The sensitivity to capture all the essence of nature is not for everyone!!!!!
Have a great weekend!
Bia

www.biaviagemambiental.blogspot.com

Dana Koogler said...

Betsy, so sorry about the bluebirds getting gotten by No Feet. Ugh! How terrible and sad. Glad you figured it out and can do something to prevent it in the future. The perverse side of me would like to see a snake try to climb a greased pole. I'd be hollering Take that!
Your flowers are putting on a fine display! What a variety you have and they are all so healthy! Thanks very much for sharing your joy and your life through your blog! Love the view from where y'all are standing. If I head over that way will get directions! Lots of love, Dana Bee :-D

Chatty Crone said...

Great idea about oiling the post the bird house is on.

My favorite is the Electric Shock Iris.

How do you know is you use google+ as your blog profile?

Love, sandie

Anonymous said...

Such gorgeous dewy flower shots!

DeniseinVA said...

That's so sad about your bluebird Betsy. Hope he finds another mate. Your Iris' and Roses are breathtaking. Loved all the photos but I always do. They are incredible! Another lovely picture of you and George, your cousin and her hubby.

nanny said...

I think the cable car iris is one of the prettiest I have ever seen.

I planned to spend the day mowing, etc, but it is so cloudy and overcast I think I will wait....come on sunshine!!

carolina nana said...

Your Iris a lovely,as I read your blog sitting here at market it reminded me of a lady that used to sell all kinds of Iris in here.I wish she was still here with them.
I use barb-wire around my poles to keep the snakes away. It's not the prettiest thing but it seems to work.
Blessings
Marilyn

happyone said...

All the pictures are fabulous and I just love all the different names of them. They fit each one so well.
A beautiful backdrop for the picture of the four of you.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your comment. You can read more about Walpurgis Eve here:
http://ladyfi.wordpress.com/2011/05/09/smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/

Rohrerbot said...

Okay....I have been busy like you have been....had no idea what went down on Monday. Haven't read it yet....but nature can be brutal. I know how you feel. I am "caring" for several nests myself right now....just keeping a watchful eye out on an owl and hummingbird nest. Love the Iris family. I love them all but the blues and purples are my favorite....really excellent shots. Hope you have a great start to your weekend:)

Grandma Bonnie said...

I love all your flower photos. Flowers always make me thankful for all the blessing we have. Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend.

Rose said...

Oh, Betsy, those irises are so beautiful...I sure love seeing them.

Big Dude said...

I especially like the shots with moisture on the irises.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

They are fabulous! I like the many colors...cannot decide which is the best to me
Nice photo of yall

Terry and Linda said...

To answer the question you asked on my blog....I'm fourth generation here with my family coming in around 1920 and Terry is also fourth generation with his family coming in around 1910.


Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

Small City Scenes said...

You Iris are extra beautiful---must be the love hanging around your home. I do like Cable Car--great color. George does have a way with roses too.

I hope Daddy Blue finds a new mate and the nest box is burbling with new life. MB

Farida said...

I never knew that there were a variety of irises! All are beautiful and you're blessed to have them in your garden!

I agree with you, the Sequatchie Valley is indeed breathtaking. Please post more photos of your adventures. Take care, Ms Betsy!

Farida

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I LOVE the cable car Irisis, Betsy, as I never sa an orange Irisis before! The name is perfect as it does look like a San Francisco cable car :)

I'm so sorry to hear of your blu bird tragedy! it is the circle of life that one species eats another, but I know it is so upsetting. I hope daddy bird can find a new mate.

Just a few more weeks till it is my daughter's wedding, so my computer time will soon be getting scarce for awhile.

Pat Tillett said...

Wow! Those are some beautiful photos! The colors are amazing! Not only beautiful photos, but high quality as well...

jeanlivingsimple said...

Betsy, Your Iris' are beauties!

I'm so glad you spend the time to research how to protect the Bluebirds and other native cavity nesting birds from predators. (Big Smile and a great Big Hug to you!)

eileeninmd said...

Good Morning, Betsy! Your irises and roses are gorgeous, I love all the colors. Lovely shot of you, George and your cousins, the background is beautiful. I hope everything works out for your Poppa blue. Have a great weekend!

Busy Bee Suz said...

I love the iris's.
I'm sad about the bluebirds....hopefully that snake will not do this again? :0
Love the photo of the four of you.
xo

Serenity Cove said...

Gorgeous Irises! Especially love the rain drops on them.

Ashwini said...

How beautiful the irises are!!

You have got a surprise at http://mymindtales.blogspot.com/2012/05/big-thank-you.html

Janie said...

Your flowers are just beautiful.
How awful that a snake is the bluebird culprit! I hope your greased pole works to keep the snakes away.