Through the years, I’ve seen snakes in the large iris bed, which was established around artfully arranged great rocks. Okay, only three times did I see snakes in the 41 years since we moved here, but I know they live there.
The iris bed was planted by previous owners and is the size of a small bedroom. With flowering season over, now is clean-up time when I step among the iris and cut down bare stalks and pull up rogue vines.
This task is one of the bravest things I do. It’s too early to cut down the two-foot-tall leaf blades since they need the summer to send food to the bulbs. So I can’t approach the bed from the outside as when I cut it down to the ground in autumn and can see where I’ve been. Nope, this job means wading among the greenery. When distance allows, I balance precariously on those big stones and in a contorted position wield those hand clippers. But mostly I stand among the sword-like foliage. I can’t help but dwell on the fact that some slithering creatures might be below.
I adore this iris bed. I took a picture of the first lavender iris to bloom this year, and for a month I monitored the bed with a big smile of anticipation. I have many photos as more and more iris opened their petals. In full bloom the bed is glorious.
I also took a picture of the last blossom and compared it to the photo of the first bloom. Both flowers were stunning. And yet, my attitude was totally different.
I studied the first photo as stalks were tall with tight buds yearning to burst forth. In the last photo, the stalks were bedraggled, with spent blossoms curled up as final dried remains. So goes the circle of life.
I guess it’s human nature to appreciate the beginning, knowing there’s more to come. The ending of blooms means it’s time for the dreaded task of trimming out the stalks. And yet, that last blossom should not be valued any less than the first. They are the same. Same color, same shape, and in the language of flowers these iris blossoms have the same meanings of faith, courage, hope, and wisdom.
I’ll take that courage. And you’ll be glad to know, I finished that chore for this year.
I didn’t see any snakes.
