The Irrisistible Iris

The other day, my neighbor brought me a large box of irises. She had been working in her garden, performing her annual autumn clean-up and realized that her lovely iris bed was in need of dividing. Thankfully, she'd remembered how much I had admired her beautiful heirloom blue plants that summer, and thus, gave me her abundance to plant and share as I desired.

Pictured on the left is another heirloom variety. These dark purple plants were dug from my grandmother's backyard and sent to live with me when I purchased my first house. They have traveled with me through two moves conveying warm memories of my past.

In a not too distant past, dividing and sharing plants was the sole method of acquiring flowing plants. Women usually ran the household and had to use their small budgets to purchase vegetables and other edible plants in order to feed their families. But even in tough times, people recognized the enjoyment a well tended flower garden can emit. In need of beauty and peace, these crafty pioneers devised a way to spread and share the limited resources. The better your social network, the fuller your garden; just imagine strolling through your yard where every plant has a story - a wedding gift or - a house warming present - something passed down from a favorite aunt.

In today's world we are bless with an abundance of material items, packaged and available 24/7, however, the simple methods of gardening can still be found. Neighbors, family members and gardening clubs are all excellent places to swap and share those favorite perennials. Next year, as my lilies will be in need of dividing, I plan on returning the favor. Plus, the box of irises I received had too many plants for the area I intended to plant. So with gardening tradition in mind, I passed the box on to our newest neighbor who was beyond delighted to receive something to plant in her vacant dirt lot. I also selected a couple choice plants and shared them with ladies from my work.

As you ready our flower beds for winter, check to see if perhaps some of your plants can be divided and shared. I challenge each of you to expand your gardening network this autumn and help keep the practices of old alive amongst today's society.