In the Garden with Pat Rubin

Bee garden writer Pat Rubin writes about everything that grows, from flowers and trees to vegetables and lawns. Pat volunteered for several years as a Placer County Master Gardener and has written about gardening for many national and regional publications. In addition to gardening, she spends time raising and showing miniature horses and miniature donkeys.

In the Garden will include news, events, advice and other gardening tidbits. Pat will also answer reader questions.

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September 28, 2007

I don’t pay much attention to the clump of Iris foeditissima under the fig tree.

Also called Gladwyn iris and beefsteak iris as well as stinking iris, it makes a tight clump of bright green blades. The flowers are small and unexciting, although beautiful. All that changes in autumn, when suddenly a flash of orange catches my eye as I walk past the plant on my way to feed the horses.

Almost overnight the thick green covers on the fat seedpods burst open to reveal a cluster of brilliant orange berries inside. They’re heavy, and dangle from the slim stems. Unlike other irises, this one is grown for those unusual seedpods. I. foeditissima spends the rest of the year as a quiet spot of green in the garden. It isn't fussy about care, though it prefers some shade and regular watering. The clump slowly increases in size each year, and occasionally you'll find seedlings. It isn't invasive.

I cut a few stems to take in the house or to display on my desk at work to remind myself of the beauty growing outside.

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