Bearded Iris Flowers

I think one of my favourite flowers in the spring is an iris, especially the bearded iris. I have several in my garden and am hoping that they will multiply. Apparently they don't need a lot of maintenance, but do need to be divided every few years so that they will keep blooming. Mine are still getting established.

I found out that the iris has six petals. There are three that grow upwards. These are called standards. Then there are three hanging petals which are called falls.

Each of the "falls" has a fuzzy line or beard that runs down the middle. I think this is the part that I find the most fascinating.

I especially like them after the rain, when you see the raindrops on them. I had to go out fairly early in the morning to get some of these before the sun dried the water up. As you can see, I have three different colours in my garden. There are many different colours, so my collection could grow.

I believe we can be thankful for all of the different types of flowers. I know that man has changed the looks of many of them, but they were created by God.

For as the soil makes the sprout come up
and a garden causes seeds to grow,
so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness
and praise spring up before all nations.
Isaiah 61:11

Poppies

Poppies are fascinating. I don't have any in my garden, so I love seeing them grow in other peoples' gardens. My sister and I went for a walk around Burk's Falls and enjoyed seeing the poppies in different yards. They are beautiful with their thin papery petals.

Children ... gift from God

Often when we take photos of our children, we think we need to be have them pose and say "cheese". This does not always work out well, as the pictures don't always look natural. It's best to take photos of them doing things when they aren't aware of the camera. If you can set them up to do something, it isn't long before they forget that you have your camera with you. The photos will turn out much more natural and will capture more of their personalities.

Children are a gift from the Lord.