Where does one start when describing our recent Iris Study at Schreiner's Iris Gardens in Salem, OR? We were so lucky to be able to spend an entire day focused on art, beauty, creative expression, and the joy of being surrounded by copious amounts of flowers. It is such a special time of year to be at Schreiner's, bearing witness to the culmination of all of their hard work unfolding into rows of exquisite Iris blooms. Restorative and inspiring, it's an important reminder to take the time to be surrounded by nature's magic. It is just plain good for you.
A few of our favorite Schreiner's Irises are named: Night Ruler, Lace Legacy, Grape Snakez, Lady Friend, Lady of the Night, Autumn Tryst, Bet the Farm, Loop the Loop, Glamour Pants, Witch's Wand, Please (Yes, there is an Iris called Please)... It is surely a gifted human that comes up with these names, but one must admit that their muse lends inspiriation of magical proportions.
We started our day as the last drops of dew were being whisked away by the rising sun. We swam through our tour of the fields, a true ocean of Iris, all dancing in the wind. We drove right into painting, fueled by the flowers, and transmuted that energy into our arrangements later in the day.
The gallery below is an impressive display of students' work: many evocative, expressive bouquets were made that day. Try and pick a favorite...
Many thanks to all of our talented students, to Helen Dealtry and Nicolette Owen, to our photographer Lesley Unruh, and most of all, a huge thanks to Schreiner's Iris Gardens for their generations-long commitment to making the world a more beautiful place. We hope you'll join us next year!
