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2022 Iris Bloom Watch

Photo by Tyler Quinn

Today, Friday July 8, marks the conclusion of our regular updates on the state of our irises. While some have started to remind us of their fleeting beauty there are still some yet to blossom, so make sure to visit while they’re still adorning our Zig-Zag Bridge in their lovely purple hues. Better yet, become a member and rediscover the beauty of the Garden with each visit.

Friday, July 8

Irises

As with the camellias of winter and cherry blossoms of spring, the iris blooms of summer are one of Portland Japanese Garden’s most anticipated times of year. Irises have a presence in the Strolling Pond Garden since 1967 when Kinya Hira, Garden Director from 1964 to 1969, planted them there. The irises of Portland Japanese Garden tend to bloom in late June, just as it officially becomes summer. They have historically been used as a bellwether for seasonal change in their native Japan as well. It is believed that in pre-modern Japan, farmers would plant wild irises aside their rice fields because their blooming occurred as the rainy season began. Farmers would then transplant rice plants from seed beds into fields.

Other Garden Flowers Currently in Bloom

There are many other beautiful flowers blooming in Portland Japanese Garden, including azalea, stewartia, and laurel.

Japanese Gardens Highlight Green Rather Than Flowers

A junco rests on a mossy rock in the Strolling Pond Garden.

Summertime in Portland Japanese Garden provides the opportunity to be embraced by lush verdant hues. All the many shades and textures of green shining in sunlight and bending in breeze remind one that the Garden is not an arrangement of static objects but rather an expertly maintained, living expression of nature.

Of course, the moss, leaves, ferns, and grass are complimented with pops of brightly colored flowers. Unlike Western gardens where flowers can dominate the field of vision, Japanese gardens very intentionally choose where blooms will be located and how they will intermingle with an otherwise green tableau.


Thursday, July 7

Irises
Other Garden Flowers Currently in Bloom

Wednesday, July 6

Irises
Other Garden Flowers Currently in Bloom

Tuesday, July 5

Irises
Other Garden Flowers Currently in Bloom

Friday, July 1

Irises
Other Garden Flowers Currently in Bloom

Thursday, June 30

Irises
Other Garden Flowers Currently in Bloom

Wednesday, June 29

Irises
Other Garden Flowers Currently in Bloom

Tuesday, June 28

Irises
Other Garden Flowers Currently in Bloom

Monday, June 27

Irises
Other Garden Flowers Currently in Bloom

Friday, June 24

Irises
Other Garden Flowers Currently in Bloom

Thursday, June 23

Irises
Other Garden Flowers Currently in Bloom

Wednesday, June 22

Irises
Other Garden Flowers Currently in Bloom

Tuesday, June 21

Irises
Other Garden Flowers Currently in Bloom