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Ask the Gardener: Irises are simply divine

Ask the Gardener: Irises are simply divine

Boston Globe04-06-2025
The name originates from Greek mythology, where Iris served as a messenger between humans and the gods of Mount Olympus. Wherever Iris went, she was trailed by a rainbow, which the Greeks saw as evidence that a divine message had been delivered.
It is natural to see why the plant, which appears in nearly every color of the spectrum, would be associated with the name and the rainbow. The flower was seen as a symbol of power and majesty, its outline adorning the brow of the Egyptian Sphinx, where the three petals were thought to represent faith, wisdom, and valor. In European history, King Louis VII of France selected the white iris as his house emblem, ensuring the association of
fleur-de-Louis with fleur-de-lis
,
a corruption of the original with no correlation to the French word
lis, for lily.
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In the language of flowers, the iris symbolizes a message of love, friendship, and promise, all valid reasons to share those sentiments in a bouquet with those you care about. Many still believe that a vase of fresh-cut iris flowers provides calming energy and invigoration to a room.
Horticulturally, irises are a versatile group of perennials from early flowering and bulbous to tall, stately bearded. Given the long association with humans, a significant amount of breeding and hybridization work has been conducted with this group, resulting in a diverse array of choices, selections, and hybrids.
Broadly, irises can be divided into three categories:
Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not highlight some of our garden-worthy eastern United States species, the blue flag iris (Limniris versicolor), the slender blue flag (Limniris prismatica), and the dwarf crested iris (Lophiris cristata). The
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Now that we have a handle on the diversity of irises available, let's discuss using them in a garden context.
Q.
What natives are suitable for a very wet area? / How do I plant a native rain garden? Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Caitlin, Leominster
Rain gardens have been on my mind over the past few years, given the swings between drought and deluge that we have weathered. Managing stormwater is crucial to the health of local waterways, rivers, ponds, lakes, estuaries, and bays by keeping runoff (fertilizers, pollutants, and soil) out of those bodies of water.
One of the goals of a sustainable garden is to retain as much water on site as possible, slow it down, and allow it to percolate back into the ground. Rain gardens can help achieve this goal. And one of the best plants for such an application is the blue flag iris (Iris versicolor). It is tolerant of both waterlogged soils and drier conditions once established. Deer won't bother with it, it spreads slowly via rhizomes and — given time — can form dense stands. Sedges, swamp hibiscus, cardinal flower, and New York aster make great companions to the blue flag Iris and extend the bloom times well into autumn.
These are excellent choices for consistently wet areas, too. Aside from these natives, beardless irises would do well in this type of planting, given their preference for damp soils. There is one iris to avoid: the yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus). It is the only iris on the state's
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Ulrich Lorimer is the director of horticulture at the Native Plant Trust in Framingham. Send your gardening questions, along with your name/initials and hometown, to
for possible publication. Some questions are edited for clarity.
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Europe unveils a deal for more food and fuel for Gaza, while an Israeli strike kills 15, including 10 children, outside a medical clinic
Europe unveils a deal for more food and fuel for Gaza, while an Israeli strike kills 15, including 10 children, outside a medical clinic

Chicago Tribune

timea day ago

  • Chicago Tribune

Europe unveils a deal for more food and fuel for Gaza, while an Israeli strike kills 15, including 10 children, outside a medical clinic

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — European officials reached a new deal with Israel to allow desperately needed food and fuel into Gaza, the European Union's foreign policy chief said Thursday, hours after an Israeli airstrike killed 15 people, including 10 children, waiting for help outside a medical clinic. The children's deaths drew outrage from humanitarian groups even as Israel allowed the first delivery of fuel to Gaza in more than four months, though still less than a day's supply, according to the United Nations. 'The killing of families trying to access life-saving aid is unconscionable,' UNICEF's chief, Catherine Russell, said. 'These were mothers seeking a lifeline for their children after months of hunger and desperation.' The Israeli military said it was targeting a fighter when it struck near the clinic. Security camera footage outside the clinic in the central Gaza city of Deir al Balah showed about a dozen people squatting in front of the clinic when a projectile explodes a few yards away, leaving bodies scattered. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to leave Washington after meetings with President Donald Trump, apparently without finalizing a temporary ceasefire advocated by the White House. The deal announced by European officials could result in 'more crossings open, aid and food trucks entering Gaza, repair of vital infrastructure and protection of aid workers,' said Kaja Kallas, the 27-member EU's top diplomat. 'We count on Israel to implement every measure agreed,' she said in a post on social media. Aid groups say Israeli military restrictions and recurring violence have made it difficult to deliver assistance in Gaza even after Israel eased its 2 1/2 month total blockade in May. Experts have warned the strip is at risk of famine, 21 months into the Israel-Hamas war. Kallas said the deal would reactivate aid corridors from Jordan and Egypt and reopen community bakeries and kitchens across Gaza. She said measures would be taken to prevent the Hamas group from diverting aid. Israel has long accused Hamas of stealing aid and selling it to finance fighters' activities. The U.N. says there is no evidence for widespread diversion. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar acknowledged the deal while at a conference in Vienna, saying it followed 'our dialogue with the EU' and that it includes 'more trucks, more crossings and more routes for the humanitarian efforts.' Neither Saar not Kallas said whether the aid would go through the U.N.-run system or an alternative, U.S.- and Israeli-backed mechanism that has been marred by violence and controversy. The U.N. said Israel had permitted a team to bring 75,000 liters of fuel into Gaza, the first delivery allowed in 130 days. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric warned it wasn't enough to cover a single day's energy needs in the territory and that services would shut down without more shipments. Israeli strikes pounded the Gaza Strip overnight and early Thursday, killing at least 36 Palestinians, local hospitals and aid workers said. The Israeli military said one soldier was killed in Gaza. The 15 killed outside the clinic were waiting for nutritional supplements, according to Project Hope, an aid group that runs the facility. Along with the 10 children, two women were among those killed. 'No child waiting for food and medicine should face the risk of being bombed,' said Dr. Mithqal Abutaha, the group's project manager. At the morgue of Al-Aqsa Hospital, families prayed over the bodies of their loved ones, laid across the floor. Omar Meshmesh held the body of his 3-year-old niece Aya Meshmesh. 'What did she ever do? Did she throw a rocket at them or throw something at them? … she's an innocent child.' Israel's military said it struck near the clinic while targeting a fighter it said had entered Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. It said it was investigating. Gaza's Nasser Hospital reported a total of 21 deaths in airstrikes in the southern town of Khan Younis and the nearby coastal area of Muwasi. It said three children and their mother, as well as two other women, were among the dead. Readying to leave Washington, Netanyahu said Israel continues to pursue a deal for a 60-day pause in the fighting and the release of half of the 50 hostages remaining in Gaza, many of them believed dead. Once that deal is in place, Israel is prepared to negotiate a permanent end to the war, Netanyahu said — but only on condition that Hamas disarms and gives up its governing and military capabilities in Gaza. If this 'is not achieved through negotiations in 60 days, we will achieve it in other ways; by using force, the force of our heroic army,' Netanyahu said in a video statement. 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Michael Jordan's wife sunbathes in a black bikini during lavish European getaway
Michael Jordan's wife sunbathes in a black bikini during lavish European getaway

New York Post

timea day ago

  • New York Post

Michael Jordan's wife sunbathes in a black bikini during lavish European getaway

No one does a European summer like Michael Jordan and his wife, Yvette Prieto. The NBA legend and his model wife were spotted sailing through Greece aboard his reported $115 million yacht — and Prieto wasted no time before hitting the deck for a sunbathing session on Wednesday, as seen in photos obtained by The Post. The brunette beauty, 47, looked sun-kissed in a black bikini while lounging on a daybed. 8 Yvette Prieto sunbathing on her husb and Michael Jordan's luxury yacht in Greece on Wednesday, July 10, 2025. Greek Boys / BACKGRID At one point, Prieto, who had her hair styled in a top knot, untied her top to adjust her straps to prevent getting tan lines. Jordan — who is enjoying the NBA offseason before joining NBC Sports' coverage this fall — was seen wearing a neon shirt while holding a pair of binoculars. 8 Yvette Prieto sunbathing on her husband Michael Jordan's luxury yacht in Greece on Wednesday, July 10, 2025. Greek Boys / BACKGRID 8 Yvette Prieto sunbathing on her husband Michael Jordan's luxury yacht in Greece on Wednesday, July 10, 2025. Greek Boys / BACKGRID The couple's 11-year-old twin daughters, Victoria and Ysabel, as well as several other family members, were aboard the megayacht. Other snapshots showed the 62-year-old Jordan and his wife of 12 years holding hands while strolling in the Greek island of Spetses. 8 Yvette Prieto sunbathing on her husband Michael Jordan's luxury yacht in Greece on Wednesday, July 10, 2025. Greek Boys / BACKGRID They also dined at the luxurious Posidonio Hotel. The six-time NBA champ was holding a cigar and sporting black sunglasses as the couple coordinated in white bucket hats. 8 Michael Jordan's luxury yacht. BACKGRID 8 Michael Jordan and his wife Yvette Prieto in Greece on Wednesday, July 10, 2025. Greek Boys / BACKGRID 8 Michael Jordan with binoculars on his yacht in Greece on Wednesday, July 10, 2025. Greek Boys / BACKGRID Jordan purchased the 244-foot-long vessel in 2022. Last month, the yacht docked in Sardinia, Italy, before heading to Croatia. Jordan is soaking up the summer before joining NBC Sports as a special contributor to its NBA coverage when the 2025-26 season begins. NBC's 11-year agreement with the NBA and WNBA kicks off in October. 8 Michael Jordan and his wife Yvette Prieto holding hands while in Greece on Wednesday, July 10, 2025. Greek Boys / BACKGRID It is the first time Jordan is joining a network. NBC is returning to carrying the NBA after 23 years. Jordan explained that he was particularly excited to see the NBA back on NBC because it 'played a meaningful part of my career.' NBC had NBA rights from 1990 through 2002, and aired all six of Jordan's championships as a member of the Chicago Bulls.

102 Gemstone Names for Your Baby
102 Gemstone Names for Your Baby

Yahoo

time2 days ago

  • Yahoo

102 Gemstone Names for Your Baby

Fact checked by Nicholas Blackmer If you're hunting for a baby name that feels both grounded and a little magical, you might want to look beyond popular baby name lists and into your jewelry box. Gemstone names, like Ruby, Jasper, Onyx, and Pearl, carry centuries of symbolism, from healing energy to inner strength. Whether you're drawn to the cool calm of Jade or the fiery flair of Garnet, there's a gem name to match every child (even if you haven't met them yet). And like the stones themselves, these names range from classic and polished to raw and unexpected. Here are some of our favorite gem-inspired names (plus meanings and origins) to help you find the perfect fit for your newborn. Origin: Persian/Greek Meaning: 'Bringer of treasure' Alternative Spellings & Variations: Jaspar, Jesper, Gaspar Origin: Greek Meaning: 'Claw' or 'fingernail' Variations: Onix, OnexBlack onyx is the most popular choice for jewelry, however most black onyx on the market is artificial. Natural black onyx is so rare that manufactures dye quartz to achieve a similar Old English Meaning: 'Hard quartz stone' Variations: None common, but Flynn is a stylistic alternative Origin: English Meaning: 'Black mineral gemstone' Variations: Jett Origin: Middle English (via Old French and Latin) Meaning: 'Dark red gemstone' Variations: Garnett, Garnette Origin: Greek Meaning: 'Light green semi-precious stone' Variations: Berril, Beril Origin: English Meaning: 'Gray metamorphic rock' Variations: Slayte, Slade Origin: Latin Meaning: 'Reddish-orange stone' Variations: Cornelian, Carney, Leon Origin: French/Arabic Meaning: 'Sky blue' Variations: Azuriel, Azul, Azure Origin: English Meaning: 'Excellent' or 'high-quality' Variations: Sterlyn, Sturling Malachite Coal Alabaster Hematite Zircon Agate Amberon Basalt Seraphinite Cobal Stone Chrysos Dravite Tektite Halite Eilat Thulite Jereme Hauyne Axinite Taaffe Voltara Origin: Latin Meaning: 'Red gemstone' Variations: Rubi, Rubie, Ruba Origin: Latin Meaning: 'Precious white gem' Variations: Perla, Perlette (French), Margaret (means 'pearl' in Greek)Pearls symbolize purity and Sanskrit (upala, 'precious stone') Meaning: 'Iridescent gemstone' Variations: Opaline, Opalia, Opalline Origin: Arabic Meaning: 'Golden fossilized resin" Variations: Ambre, Ambar, Amberly Origin: Hebrew/Greek Meaning: 'Blue gemstone' Variations: Saphira, Safira, Sapphira Origin: Spanish Meaning: 'Emerald' or 'Green gemstone' Variations: Esme, Esmée, Emeralda Origin: Latin Meaning: 'Sea-born gemstone' Variations: Coraline, Cora, Koral Origin: French Meaning: 'A precious stone' or 'Something treasured' Variations: Jewelle, Jewell Origin: Old French Meaning: 'Beloved' or 'Esteemed' Variations: Esmee, Esma Amethyst Diamond Emerald Lapis Seraphina Roselle Celestine Tanzanite Sapphira Tourmaline Zaira Crystal Chalcedony Andalusite Danburite Elbaite Feldspar Galena Ilvaite Jacinth Larimar Marcasite Nephrite Obsidia Petalite Rhodonite Topazi Vivianite Vesuvia Viitaniemi Zircona Origin: German Meaning: 'A silicone dioxide crystal' Variations: Quarz, Quartzon Origin: Greek Meaning: 'Precious stone' Variations: Topazia, Topaziel, Topy Origin: Persian/Latin (lapis lazuli) Meaning: 'Sky blue' or 'Shining stone' Variations: Lapis, Azul, Azura, Laz Origin: English Meaning: 'Smoldering coal' or 'spark' Variations: Embry, Emberly, Ambre Origin: Greek/Latin Meaning: "A deep blue dye" Variations: Indie, IndigoaIndigo has a rich history and was often used to dye textiles in ancient times. It was most famously used to color Spanish/French Meaning: 'Sky blue' Variations: Azur, Azul, Azure, Azurine Origin: Spanish Meaning: 'Stone of the flank' Variations: Jayde, Jaide, Jadon Origin: Latin Meaning: 'A yellow to golden-orange variety of quartz' Variations: Citron, Citrena, Citrina, Citra Origin: Greek Meaning: 'A shimmering gemstone that reflects the sun' Variations: Sunniva, Sunny, Sola, Solen, Sunna Origin: Latin Meaning: 'Volcanic glass' Variations: Obsi, Obsidia, Obie, Sidian Amari Ametrine Almandine Turquoise Spinel Kyanite Iolite Heliodor Zircon Aventurine Peridot Azurite Kornerupine Cavansite Iolite Milarite Okena Clino Tenebrite Bastna Cryolite Read the original article on Parents

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