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The Bearded Ladies of Fayetteville

May 13, 2015 By Talya Tate Boerner 4 Comments

I love bearded ladies and by that I mean irises and not women with beards. (And yes, that’s a thing, too.) Irises are sometimes called bearded ladies because of the thick, bushy “beards” on the lower petals of the blooms. In our Washington-Willow historic neighborhood of Fayetteville, and all over the South, irises are in full bloom. They are my favorite flower because they remind me of my Nana who always grew them. One whiff of that sweet smell transports me back to the home place every time.

Here are a few pictures I took only steps from our porch.

Just wow. I love this apricot/rose color. If I knew the name, I’d tell you, but there are hundreds of varieties, and I’m certainly no expert.

beautiful bearded ladies of Fayetteville Ar

These deep dark purple irises look like velvet. This might possibly be Superstition or Red Velvet Cake, but don’t hold me to it. Regardless, they are stunning.

Deep purple iris, Fayetteville

This purple and white iris got her beard wet in the storm, but she sure smells nice.

purple and white bearded iris

This one came from my own garden. It’s called Decadence. A name that fits, for sure.

Decadence - bearded iris

This black iris came from my garden too. Love.Her.

Black Iris in my Fayetteville garden

Purchased recently at Westwood Gardens. A prolific bloomer!

 

Check out this pale lavender and yellow. So delicate.

Lavender and yellow iris

Another classic below. This one’s called Accent (I think).

Classic Iris

Snowy white. What a beauty.

Beautiful White Iris

Of all the bearded ladies of Fayetteville, here are my personal favorites:

the Annabelle…

Annabelle.

and Lucy.

Lucy

Ha.

Are you an iris fan? Do you have a favorite?

Grace Grits and Gardening

Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

“If you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for a moment.”
― Georgia O’Keeffe

[tweetthis]Bearded ladies of #Fayetteville. #Iris #Spring #SmellsSoSweet #WestwoodGardens [/tweetthis]

Musical Pairing:

Goo Goo Dolls – Iris

Filed Under: Arkansas, Gardening, Nature & Seasons, Simple Pleasures Tagged With: Fayetteville, iris, Northwest Arkansas, spring gardening, Washington-Willow Historic District

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Comments

  1. Colene says

    May 13, 2015 at 1:48 pm

    They are all beautiful but the last two are priceless! 🙂

    Reply
  2. Barbara Tate says

    May 13, 2015 at 6:32 pm

    I love “The Lucy” and “The Annabelle” best of all. That deep purple one comes in third.

    Reply
  3. Kathy says

    May 14, 2015 at 10:12 am

    Love irises! I have some of my grandmother’s in my backyard. The rain has beat up the pretty blooms, but they still remind me of her too! And who wouldn’t love the Lucy and the Annabelle?!?

    Reply
    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      May 15, 2015 at 7:30 am

      Thanks Kathy! Yes, the rain has done a number on the irises and peonies…

      Reply

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Talya Tate Boerner


Hi! I'm Talya. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (Now Available!)

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