Iris reticulata 'J.S. Dijt'

Two days earlier, 'J.S. Dijt' was an unremarkable, purple-tipped green stem. Yesterday afternoon, I arrived home from work in time for the grand opening:

From a certain angle, the flower's structure, symmetry and grace reminded me of an origami crane. Do you see what I see? Or perhaps you can imagine a train, a child and a grandmother deep within its heart.

Origami bird,
Your feathers unfurled and fresh,
Please don't fly away.

I planted these bulbs in early December and never expected to be enjoying them in mid-February, ahead of the snowdrops and crocuses. Viewing this first early-bloomer for a few minutes yesterday dispelled my fretting about unfinished household chores. It was an unexpected, sorely needed respite and delight -- the garden's gifts.

This is my first season enjoying Iris reticulata in my own garden and I've just begun to study it. Here are some of the resources I've bookmarked:

• Photos: Google Plant Images
• Growing tips: Backyard Gardener, Herbs2000, Avon Bulbs

Although it is not specifically about I. reticulta, I enjoyed reading this: Spring Peepers—Little Bulbs to Trumpet a New Season. I agree -- like the littlest birds, the smallest bulbs "sing" the prettiest songs.

Snow, rain, slush -- a fine mess

Last night, before the rain, the melting, the slush and the puddles, the courtyard trees were cloaked in crystals and droplets:

(The "fine mess" in this post's title refers to the state of the streets and sidewalks during this morning's commute to work -- whether done by wheel or by foot, it involved much slipping and sloshing and splashing.)

Snow-dusted grasses

Dust of Snow

By ROBERT FROST (source)

The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree

Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.