From The Garden History Book

In the Spring of 1978 my twin brother and his partner were up from Houston Texas visiting and wanted to take in some sights while on Holiday. Mema and I suggested The Historical home known as Bishop's Close. It was built in 1914 designed by D.E. Lawrence to resemble a Scottish manor house. Owned by Mr. Peter Kerr who built its beautiful landscape known as Elk Rock. Upon his death in 1957 at the age of 95 the house and 16 acre gardens were given by his daughters to the Episcopal Bishop of Oregon together with an endowment for the care and maintenance of the garden, with the stipulation that the garden be opened to visitors. My brother an avid photographer distracted everyone in our party with loud excitement every time he found another "Kodak moment", and during one of these distractions I found a lovely clump of Japanese Iris, Iris ensata "Hegira" that caught my eye. Mema called for me to join the group for another picture when a nice healthy stem and chunk of root appeared in my hand. I soon joined the group for the picture. As we drove on out of the grounds Mema discovered the Iris booty in her purse. There are times when the look on her face can really scare me. I assured her that I would have met bale for her had she been caught which met with a racious laughter from the two in the back seat. Today it is a large clump loaded with flowers, and the only Iris in the garden.