Irises by the Water

The rich blue flowers from these Japanese Irises by the water can finally be seen and properly enjoyed. My rational clearing of overgrown Phormium Tenaxes (flaxes) from the edge of the water race has born fruit - or in this case, flower.

Flowers to Enjoy

Why didn't I do this clean-up years ago! Just occasionally in past years I've noticed a few flashes of blue, caught up in the stiff flax spikes. Then this year, in late spring - wow! What a beautiful sight!

Gunnera by the Bridge

This view of the spring plantings by the water looks down to the famous Rooster Bridge. You can see the Gunnera starting to spread its wild, huge leaves.

The water itself is quite silty - it comes from the Waimakariri river. There must have been rain in the mountains on the day this photograph was taken.

The irises have been flowering now for over three weeks. I see them every day as I walk past to feed the hens. Wonderful blooms! Gorgeous colour!