MODERN
“ANGELS UNAWARES” In 1958, my mother introduced me to the world of flowers by bringing me several irises (often called “flags”) from Missouri. For years I grew them for their beauty alone, but gradually I began a fascinating hobby of cross-pollinating them and raising my own varieties (such varieties may be registered with flower officials and introduced to commerce). Among my irises was one tall yellow that proved to be beloved by many gardeners, which I named for my dear mother. A planting of it held a prominent place in her garden for years while she proudly informed visitors that her son had named it for her. Her entire family was grieved at her passing several years ago. But there proved to be “angels unawares” to sustain us. On the day of her funeral, my brother and I were walking in her garden with heavy hearts when we saw a sight that buoyed us greatly — her iris was in full bloom! We…
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