Rain Drops on Blue/Purple

Over night we had a few showers and the garden is loving it. This Dutch Iris looked so lovely with the raindrops on it glowing in the sunlight this morning.

The day has been cool but we did see a lot of sun. I thought it was best to rest my ankle today so didn't venture out out anywhere. I hunted through my wardrobe to see what I could find to wear to Cup Day next month. Nothing seem to be suitable as it was mostly blacks and I feel like a I need to wear some colour. With having my hair done for the first time ever for the event, I better look a bit smarter. I will have to have a look around and see what I can find with lots of colour.


History and Meaning of Iris
The iris’s history is rich, dating back to Ancient Greek times when the Greek Goddess Iris, the messenger of the gods and the personification of the rainbow, acted as the link between heaven and earth. Purple irises were planted over the graves of women to summon the Goddess to guide the dead in their journey. Ancient Egyptian kings marveled in the iris’s exotic nature, and drawings have been found of the flower in a number of Egyptian palaces. During the Middle Ages, the meaning of irises became linked to the French monarchy, and the Fleur-de-lis eventually became the recognised national symbol of France. From their earliest years, irises were used to make perfume and as a medicinal remedy. Today, they are primarily seen in gardens, in bouquets, and in the wild all over the world.

Through its intricate history, the meanings of the iris has come to include faith, hope, and wisdom. Depending on factors such as colour and region, irises may bear additional meanings as well. In some parts of the world, the dark blue or purple iris can denote royalty.

The history of the “Dutch” iris began in 1564 when the Belgium horticulturist Clusius made a journey through Spain and became acquainted with two varieties of iris which grew native in that country. In his publications he called them Iris xiphium (blue) and Iris lusitanica (yellow). He sent bulbs of these iris strains to several of his friends in Belgium who planted them in their gardens. Through hybridizing they acquired new varieties, most of which disappeared through the years.
For more information on the Iris