The First Iris of Spring

Usually around my birthday in May, the iris are just in bloom. On occasion, they aren't even blooming by then, but that is rare.

This year, iris was already blooming by April 6. My biggest purple ones are up, and by the time I took this picture, one had already wilted.

This particular iris came from my mother's garden. It was always one of our favorite ones because the blooms are so large and such a deep color. I loved it long before I loved purple!!!

Because the iris are already close to blooming all over the yard, and because we are expecting some significant hail this week, I hope I still have blooming iris for my birthday!