Mazerolm - And I just noticed that you are in z3, wow! I'd think that is a very challenging winter climate to work with. Great that you can grow something so gorgeous! I don't have ideal conditions for Iris. I've grown Bearded Iris, which I love, but I found them more than I could manage because they don't do as well, if you aren't able to pull them up and divide and replant every few years. I did it once and it was a job. I had 'Beverly Sills' a pink and white frilly tall one and another one that was almost black and velvety. Oh well, you can't grow everything but I can surely enjoy yours!

As long as it's not Siberian Elm (which where I am is surprisingly common). SE has a messy, weepy look and often bleeds down the trunk. Highly susceptible to wind and ice damage. Smaller leaves than native elms. Of course it's highly resistant to the Elm diseases because it evolved along side them. Much like the sad situation with the American Chestnut. Steven American, Slippery, and Cork Elm are native but susceptible to Dutch Elm Disease and phloem necrosis. American Elms are large, grand, vase shaped shade trees at their best. Sadly, very few mature, old trees remain due to the foreign pestilence they face. I'll have to take photos of two I know of in "my town". We have lost several over the years, and I only know of two locally now.

@bonsai_citrus_and_indoor_gardening, I was asking the same thing not too long ago. We have two Kaffir/Makrut trees which now produce fruit year round. My favorite thing to make with them is Thai green curry paste, which uses the juice, rind and/or leaves. I make a large batch and put it into ice cube trays, freeze and then store in zip lock bags. When the craving for curry hits, we stir fry whatever meat or vegetables we have on hand, add 2 - 3 cubes of frozen curry paste with a can of coconut cream, simmer and then serve over rice. Here is the recipe for the paste: 1 stalk lemongrass 2 Tbsp Coriander Seeds 2 Tbsp Fish Sauce 1 tsp Brown Sugar 4-6 Green Chillies, deseeded (adjust as per to taste) 1 small Onion/Shallot 1-2 large Garlic Cloves 1 tsp Kaffir Lime Zest 1 tbsp Kaffir Lime Juice 1 thumb-size piece Ginger 1 cup Cilantro stems and leaves 1 cup fresh Basil stems and leaves Mix well, using a food processor, blender or by hand. I modify the recipe by amping up the juice & zest and I sometimes add in the leaves. The juice is great in savory asian dishes, but is far too strong a taste for cocktails or desserts. I use the juice with a white fish (see this recipe - https://www.blueapron.com/recipes/seared-cod-with-makrut-lime-butter), as part of Tom Yum soup, or to season and garnish Pad Thai. They are featured in many Thai dishes.

Party, wow. That is a lot of fragrant flowers. Going to miss those in a week or two I'll bet once fall settles in. Ugh. Very nice. I have a clematis like that taking over one of my pine trees and yet in full bloom I can not smell a thing. I don't get it. Very elusive with me( Jane, thank you))) You should get her into it. Once she gets one to bloom she will be hooked for sure. They are a lot easier to grow than one may think. I grow mine on beautiful black humidity trays all winter. What a difference to every one of them. Yes, Logee's is the way to go. Small plants and a bit pricey but you get rare you can't find anywhere else, and I have just about every plant I bought from them from years ago. They are great quality plants. Very mature usually and flowering age. Has your daughter ever been to Logee's? You could spend all day in that place. It is like a safari without the animals. Many plants huge planted in grown. Smells so good and in the winter, I call it a great escape))) Half my citrus collection is from them Many of my orchids are too) Bob, do you grow yours outside? Mines are stalking and flowering like never before since I have. I use to keep them inside or in my greenhouse but they love the rains and fresh air. They also get a lot more sunlight than anything I have indoors. please post a pic once it blooms. I had tow in full bloom and I stuck them in my kitchen window that faces East for the summer and every morning the sun would rise, I could smell that from a couple rooms away, especially when I went to reach in the refridge right next to that window)) Bonasi, than you. Smell awesome. Everyone that comes over tells me my yard smells like heaven all year long until the frost.