Last year I planted white iris on either side of the chemin d’eau, that runs the length of our garden in front of the farmhouse. This was not the first time I had tried my luck with these beauties but for many reasons they were never successful. It seemed odd to me that a flower, so typical of this region, would not grow in the heart of my Provence. The problem and one I am sure gardeners are very familiar with, was that of drainage and water logged soil… we are very fortunate to have an abundance of water on our property… but not when it comes to growing iris.
Not to be defeated… at great effort, we dug the trenches, improved the drainage and planted the bulbs… This year, they have flowered prolifically in front of the house… and I think have added a beautiful perspective to the lawn. At the same time last year, I planted iris either side of our driveway… we dug the trenches, planted the bulbs and did everything but kiss the earth… maybe that was my mistake… those white headed lovelies decided that this year that would not be making an appearance… That’s nature for you… you never know what she is thinking… xv
images – vickiarcher
Your garden is amazing! What a beautiful vista. I have always loved irises. Thanks for sharing!
Oh Vicki! What a picture greets you every day. Irises were our wedding flower so I am particularly attached to them. I think we’ll have to try them here on Planet Baby! J x
Wow, so pretty indeed!! Your garden is beautiful!!
AMAZING GARDEN:) almost like Eden. I like your blog and Im following..I hope you follow me also:)
have a great week.
LOVE Maria at inredningsvis.se
(sweden)
Vicki….I am DROOLING!!!!! This is truly otherworldy beautiful….WOW!!! What a spectacular vision you have created, a true oasis. Well done!!
What a great garden. I love the water feature! Would love to see more.
For a long as I can remember, we have clusters of iris everywhere on our lawn. Purple and white. They usually bloomed around Easter. There is just nothing more intricate and beautiful.
Thank you for sharing your gorgeous garden, Vicki.
Teresa
xoxo
The garden looks beautiful! I think the irises are missing out on all of the beauty-maybe they will bloom next year. I love the small purple ones that grow wild on the roadside-must be good drainage there.
xo, Lissy
Hi Vicki,
I, too, live in France part time and love the country life here but also love going back to Texas.
I am doing a web site with my partner Laura McGuire and would love for you to take a look and let me know what you think.
I love Carla’s photos, yours too!
Your garden really is breathtaking Vicki, well designed and perfectly maintained!
Such a spectacular garden Vicki…………..I’m happy for you that the white irises bloomed this Spring. My purple ones seem to have disappeared – I think they require more sun.
My post today is also from the garden and showing my much-loved blue hydrangeas…they are fabulous this year!
Congrats. to the winners of your fabulous giveaway – lucky gals!!!
Happy week, Mary
I think she is saying heaven on earth…
Jeanne xx
V,
one word….’GASP’
this is incredibly elegant.
xxxluv
Vicki the irises really do add to interest along the chemin d’eau! Stunning Vista!
2012 Artist Series
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Hi Vicki What a lovely vista! I think Spring is such a wonderful time of year.Nothing can compare to the delights of all the georgous flowers. My Mother
had magnificent purple irises in her garden and when we moved her into care some months ago I dug them out and my sister and friend planted them in their gardens.They are stunning so it is interesting about the drainage they live in country NSW, so I must check what tricks that have used to encourage the flowers.
You must be particarly happy with your abundance of flowers.x Trish
Congrats Vicki – your garden (and irises) look beautiful. I am not a gardener but I take so much pleasure out of your garden.. maybe gardening is something i will take pleasure in in the future, when I can find the time to dedicate my efforts… three teenage boys, work and life is all consuming right now! Until then I will live vicariously through your French garden.
Vicki;
Just awesome, and yes nature has a way of humbling us. They did your bidding this year though and that shot is just amazing. Stunning rather.
You start and make my day here in Washington D.C. Vicki Archer! ~~Thank You!
~~Laura Lee
ps: Is there any chance you’ll be coming to the U.S. so we can get you for a speaking engagement at
a CEO Women’s Conference??
Vicki,
Firstly, your garden is extraordinary and those irises even if they decide not to bloom, they provide a lovely border. I know from my own garden, Iris’s need tons of sun, little water and to be dead headed.
Secondly, I cannot tell you how full of joy I am to have won the candle from your generous give-away.
Third, I thank you for adding me to your blog list and I in turn have added you to mine. I feel a bit closer to France each day when I visit your blog.
pve
Vicki, your garden is a dream. If I came to visit, I would probably never want to leave. Congratulations on coaxing the iris to bloom this spring. It must have been the kiss of the earth that wooed Mother Nature. Enjoy the beauty!
Que jardim mais lindo! Aqui no Brasil eu plantarei agapanto. Tambem tenho um rego de agua que passa no fundo da casa do sítio.Obrigada pelas lindas imagens, serviram de rica inspiração!
Vicki,
Plants seem to have a mind of there own! We’ve had drainage issues in our yard (Seattle has TOO much water sometimes!) and it’s always a challenge to get the ground just right for our sensitive plants. We are in the process of elevating (yes, can you believe that?) wisteria because they aren’t climbing, or blooming well. Your property is just gorgeous!
leslie
The trench with the water flowing in it is just fabulous + what a beautiful eye fall you have created. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Beautiful! It is interesting how nature works. It’s always a surprise. Our peonies did not bloom this year as a result of a very warm winter season. But my hydrangeas are prolific as always, even in the heat of Texas.
Love the subtle new colour hue background – much softer on the eyes and a more personal sense. Very organised blog too – so easy to find what interests you. Your garden is stunning!
That is unreal!! I love seeing a beautiful garden to start my day!
Dear Vicki,
It looks like heaven there! You must have done something so right in your life to live so beautifully! You are such an inspiration. Also, I want to say Congratulations to all your winners! I’m sorry I missed your giveaway post. I have been on another planet these days~~
XOXO
Janet
You might try Siberian iris. They don’t seem to mind have their toes damp as much as the bearded variety.
Beautiful photos, I sure wish that I was there!!
Lovely! Sometimes it takes a year after planting the bulbs for them to “come out of shock.” They will bloom wonderfully in the future, I’m sure. Also, to those who may not know, after a few years you should dig up Iris bulbs and split off new bulb growth and replant. They can die off if you don’t do this once in a while. And you get new flowers!
I love the layout. And the white flags are wonderful!
Complete, utter perfection.
So incredibly beautiful. You have quite a vision and no shortage of style.
Best…Victoria
What a view Vicki! The irises, trees, then the mountains beyond… so lush and breathtakingly beautiful…
Simply beautiful.
il faut persévérer pour gagner !
anni
Vicki, your garden is a picture of paradise. The iris look so beautiful, and obviously appreciate all the work you put in for them.
What a gorgeous garden! The chemin d’eau is a so quietly spectacular!
Here in western Oregon, the iris are not yet blooming, but the wisteria, rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas are, sumptuously. We are glorying in a long stretch of sun and warm (even hot!) weather.
It’s always such a pleasure to read your blog. Thank you, Leslie
I enjoy your garden posts the most Vicki, and this one is beautiful. I notice with iris in my own garden that they seem to have one quiet year, then one spectacular year. Perhaps they just get tired of being admired, so like to keep us guessing!
Vicki your garden is spectacular. I adore white flowers. That view!
Helen xx
Somewhere in paradise! Sigh!
J’adore le chemin d’eau qui mene l’oiel aux montagnes. C’est une vue tellement belle.
Beautiful!
STUNNING!I planted yellow this year……………..They are in full bloom.Love the white…………..you have given me an idea for next year!As I said in an earlier post I need to re-do my jardin after looking at yours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
xxx
[...] iris in the provencal garden… | French Essence The garden looks beautiful! I think the irises are missing out on all of the beauty-maybe they will bloom next year. I love the small purple ones that grow wild on the roadside-must be good drainage there. xo, Lissy. Reply · Audrey Friedman says: May 16, 2012 at 17:09 pm. Hi Vicki, Firstly, your garden is extraordinary and those irises even if they decide not to bloom, they provide a lovely border. I know from my own garden, Iris's need tons of sun, little water and to be . [...]