In Greek Mythology she is known as the winged footed messenger of the gods. For Christians a symbol of the sorrow often associated with the Virgin Mary. For the ancients it symbolized life itself. While all or none of this may be true, verifiably, the Iris has continually graced sunny hills and gardens for thousands of years.

One not so secret garden overlooking a bend in the Mississippi River near Crystal City Missouri is the graceful hillside sanctuary of hybridized Iris loving created and cared for each year by Steve and Goldie Stevens.

Although I arrived late for the spring 2004 blooms, the faithful remained. They are presented in this gallery.