STORY BEHIND THE ART OF HEATHER GROSS
23rd Annual International
American Society of Botanical Artists at Wave Hill
Before the Storm
Iris germanica
We built our second family home on what was once an open farmer’s field. It was on this property that my green thumb emerged as I planted gardens drenched in full sun. Coerced by a horticulturalist to add a “black” flower to my perennial selection, I reluctantly included ‘Before the Storm’. From my garden records that was in 2004—16 short years ago!
With our family grown, my husband and I found our next “forever home” on a Carolinian woodlot. There were no gardens, however. After home renovations, it was time once again to plan and plant gardens. When we moved from our earlier home I had divided my perennials, carefully transported them, and temporarily planted them in what I called “the orphanage plot” out back. The challenge in our new location was to embrace shade gardening while finding a place for my beloved sun-seeking plants where possible.
‘Before the Storm’, an award-winning, tall bearded iris first introduced in 1989, captured my heart. A cross of ‘Superstition’ and ‘Raven’s Roost’, it was challenged by the lack of sun in the Carolinian woodlot. I had to relocate this iris several times for success. Today it thrives in a small, sunny garden leading to our back door. I look forward to its late spring/early summer blooms. ‘Before the Storm’ is one of the darkest of the darks in my garden, and yes, at times it truly looks black!
“Black” flowers do not occur naturally. Rather, through selective breeding, high levels of anthocyanins are induced. I wanted to emphasize that this “black” iris sports deep purple showy flowers with blackish overtones and blue beards—far from being dull, drab, or boring! The extremely flaring falls give the iris a graceful, flowing look, which I enjoyed depicting. They stand about 37 inches tall in my garden. The low mound of green sword-like leaves are indistinguishable, really, from several of my other iris varieties. Therefore, I chose not to include the leaves in my composition.
Never did I dream that a “black” flower would become one of my all-time garden favorites. ‘Before the Storm’ has been a focal point in my gardens, and its extraordinary beauty compelled me to paint it. I feel blessed to enjoy my relocated perennials alongside the natural wildflowers of our Carolinian woodlot. I am forever indebted to the horticulturalist who said to me, “Add a black flower just for fun and drama.” I encourage you to consider adding a “black” flower to your gardenscape, too. Be bold, be daring, and enjoy!
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Read more about this artist’s work: 22nd Annual