CrocusMan

By TonyG

Braving the Cold

Out in the open garden, in a raised bed, Iris histrioides 'Lady Beatrix Stanley'. It really is a beautiful blue!

Lady Beatrix Stanley was a notable individual in botanical circles early in the last century. She served on various RHS committees and led a most interesting life.

Lady Beatrix was the youngest daughter of the third Marquess of Headfort and married the Honourable Sir George Stanley, brother of the Earl of Derby in 1903; Beatrix was made a CBE in 1920. While her husband held the position of Governor of Madras from 1929 to 1934, Beatrix was actively involved in the development of the gardens at the residency at Ootalamund, exploring the flora of the province, and submitting drawings of her finds to the RHS where they were exhibited at Westminster Hall.

Lady Beatrix received the Imperial Order of the Crown of India in 1935. On returning to the family seat at Sibbertoft, Beatrix continued with the development of bulbous plants including the lily family, together with her daughter Lady Barbara, particularly snowdrops that were propagated and distributed from Sibbertoft.

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