This week in the arboretum we are seeing a variety of iris colors. Irises can be found in the low, wet areas, mostly in the shade. They are splashes of brilliant color surrounded by fresh green leaves.
Irises were among the first plantings of the arboretum in the spring of 1985. Over the years there have been several generous donations to the collection.
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| These purple irises can be found in the southwest corner of the upper pond. In April 1990, this spot was planted with irises collected by students in Professor Ed Leuck's Botany class. The Louisiana iris hybrids were collected from the Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve (Bienville Parish). |
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| These wine-colored irises grow on the west side of the stream, between the two large, white wooden bridges. They are from Minnie Colquitt's collection, growing around her pond in south Shreveport. In May 1996, they were planted in the arboretum. |
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| On the east side of the stream, on the mudflat between the two large, white wooden bridges, you can find an expansive grouping of Louisiana iris hybrids. The blue-purple iris above and the yellow irises pictured below can be found there. This iris bed dates back to December 1995, from plants donated by Jimmie and Audrey Simpson. The following May, additional irises were added from Minnie Colquitt's collection. Today, this is a very shady area, mostly obscured by palmettos, Hercules' Club, and maturing water-loving trees. |
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| These yellow Louisiana iris hybrids grow on the mudflat located below the long white wooden bridge. |
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| This
light-blue Louisiana iris hybrid grows in an iris bed located in
the west floodplain. Professor Ed Leuck donated seedlings from his own
collection grown on Albany Avenue in Shreveport. |
