Little Blue Eyes

Okay!

After seeing the fabulous places other people get to visit, I am excited to announce that I, too,

have finally visited an extensive greenhouse/nursery/giftshop, etc. ! :-)

While in Omaha last Thursday, my daughter, 3 1/2 year old granddaughter and I had about 35 minutes to visit Mulhall's. It sounds crazy, I know. But there's a whole 'nother story about that!

However, I WILL return! (A promise to myself!)

I didn't get many photos, but here are a few.

There were Miles of Smiles as I gazed at row upon row of perennials outdoors and row upon row of annuals and interesting "doo-dads" elsewhere.

Now, just take a look at what sneaked into my car!

Sisyrinchium augustifolium 'Lucerne'
better known as Blue-eyed Grass.

It was getting hot and humid when I took my camera outdoors today (out of the air conditioning). Consequently, the lens fogged a bit. But here's a photo of the happy plant in front of the house!

Yea! :-)

Very cute flower, don't you think?

In reading about this plant, I found that this native blue-eyed grass was made by plantsman Robert Herman, formerly of White Flower Farm, while in Lucerne, Switzerland.

I was told that it belongs to the iris family. I've not found evidence to suggest this online, but the foliage is described as "iris-like." (This would be very small iris!)

I did find this information online: "If the plants did not set seed, they might bloom continuously. As it is, they enter a much-needed rest after the pods have ripened but often rebound and rebloom sporadically late in the summer if conditions are right. The thin, grassy foliage is nice in itself, and it will usually continue to grow and look good through summer and fall. Seedlings are common around the base of adults, so even though some are short-lived, they are self-perpetuating, and with time thick stands will develop."

The plant reaches 10 - 12" with a 12" spread. It's considered deer-resistant, likes sun/part sun, flowers in late Spring and early Summer, and needs moisture and good drainage.

Sounds perfect, doesn't it?? :-)