“Perennial flower gardens have been in my life ever since I can remember. I helped my Finnish grandmother with weeding and dead-heading her iris, hollyhocks, and bleeding hearts when I was three and four years old. I loved seeing the iris begin from a bud and then one morning opening as an enclosure of tender blue petals. The smell of spaded fresh loam in the sun is an aroma I still hold dear. I grew flowers of all kinds in the family garden until I left for college. Much to the dismay of the landlord, after Rich and I were married, I pulled up all the ugly shrubs by the foundation of our duplex and planted my favorite iris, as well as lilies, daffodils, and many other perennials. Now I have my own bit of earth to do as I please. I hope you enjoy my photos of the flowers that bloomed in my gardens despite our draught this spring. ”
