String Gardens

The European plant/flower market seems to always be the forerunner in great plant ideas.  This spring my daughter sent me a link about String Gardens.  I instantly became fascinated with this new idea and wanted to try making some for myself.  The plants I used were a variegated ivy and a big leaf wire vine (Muehlenbeckia axillaris).  These are my first two attempts for my own 'String Garden'.  For more visual temptation try this link:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stringgardens.com%2F&h=wAQHJwsgf

Merlebleu

Yesterday I visited a wonderful Canadian Iris Display Garden, Merlebleu.  I belong to the East Kildonan Garden Club and this was the location of our June meeting.  Actually not a meeting but rather a get together at a great destination.  It is located just outside of Winnipeg along the River Road to Lockport, a nice easy drive.

This garden has also been designated with the Historic Iris Preservation Society and the Dwarf Iris Society.  It is comprised of gardens on 3 acres with 500 different cultivars.  The gardens hold not only iris but also lilies, daylilies and a variety of perennials.

Although most iris were finished blooming due to the early spring, with her first iris blooming on April 30, a record,  there were still some looking glorious and along with many perennials in bloom the garden is more than well worth a visit.  The striking Peony'Prima Vere' with its beautiful perfume welcomed us along with the owner Sandy. 

Sandy gave us a very informative presentation on iris and the history of her gardens and showed us her real passion for these spectacular plants.  Who knew about the heels and toes of iris and that the toes should be planted to the outside.   Her website is:  www.merlebleu.net   This garden is well worth a visit and we thank Sandy for catching the iris bug.