May 8: One-a-Day: Flowers--Nature's Eye Candy

by Jane Stahl

Iris--known as "flags"--come in all colors and varieties that grace my lowly garden religiously each May. 

One of my favorite pieces of art, painted by Dave Larson, features this unique flower. 

Gretchen Lea, master gardener, generously offered rhizomes from her varieties that now bloom in others' gardens. 

The late Ron Gerhart, a member of the of the Odd Fellows and dishwasher at the Grill Shop,  was a devoted fan of the iris. He planted and tenderly cared for them at his home in Earlville, poured through catalogues, and ordered specialty varieties--double bloomers, for example--in a myriad of colors and styles. 

I joined his "club" one year, ordered a few new species--like the cobalt ruffled specimen below. His legacy lives in my garden in the elegant blooms that arrive each May.  RIP, Ron!  

More News from Boyertown

• Alumni Band To Headline Great Swamp Picnic The annual Great Swamp Picnic brings great food and a performance from the Alumni Band.
• Writers' Circle Update--August 13, 2026 with Diane Lauer Plus Future Guest Writers Diane Lauer offers practical tips for writers after publication to increase readership and sales.