Germantown Iris Garden in its last season
Members no longer able to take care of flowers
The irises occupy a small subtle spot of Germantown turf — a sliver of greensward that has held the multi-colored flowers for some 30-plus seasons.
But this is the last year the plants will adorn the West Tennessee Iris Society Garden adjacent to the Norfolk-Southern Railway line tracks west of West Street. After more than three decades, members can no longer tend to the garden established in 1987 that reached full bloom the next year.
“For me, and I think most of the members, it’s a huge personal loss,” said Caroline Winters, the society president. “It breaks our heart, but as few of us are physically able to do it, we had to be realistic about (the garden’s future).”
The members, who took care of plants at the Memphis Botanic Garden, have maintained the small suburban garden. Winters said that many years ago her husband, Chuck, Steve Stern and Van Smith were the “triumvirate” caretakers of the garden. Chuck Winters and Stern have died. Those three did most of the heavy work.
Each year, members gather a third of the plants from the small garden and hold an annual iris sale. On Aug. 25, every flower will be available to buy, but according to Winters, future irises sold will come from members’ yards.
Winters said irises not sold in August could become part of Oaklawn Garden
on Poplar Pike, but responsibility for maintaining them would fall to other city organizations.
Pam Beasley, Germantown Parks and Recreation director, has identified two spaces to repurpose and plant the bulbs so the flowers can flourish inside Oaklawn. However, there is no final decision.
“We want the public to be able to have free access to the beautiful flowers,” Germantown Alderwoman Mary Anne Gibson said. “But it takes work. There must be a willingness to make sure we are able to enjoy them for many years.”
Winters said everyone can enjoy the current garden because of its accessibility.
“The way the garden was laid out, the flower beds were right there along the road,” Winters said adding visitors can view from their cars. “You didn’t have to come into the garden.”
“They have been such a part of our city for so many years,” Gibson added. “I would love for them to return to one of our parks. Our parks are the lifeblood of our city.”
Winters said the Iris Garden has been a special part of the Germantown community.
“That deserves to be the crown in the Germantown Parks,” the president said. “It grieves me, but we know it’s time.”