Lovely Purple Irises in May Earrings

I love the near luminescence and diverse textures and shapes in iris blooms. The purple falls of this iris were especially beautiful in the late afternoon light. Some say that the flower takes the name from the Greek word for a rainbow, perhaps because of the diverse species and colors. I love how the iris comes marching along, just when the tulips and daffodils are waning, to provide so much showy color for weeks.