![\"Gladiolus\"](\"http:\/\/susanbgraham.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/20170624-Susan-Brandt-Graham-3163-2.jpg\")
Several years ago, during a total fireworks ban (I wouldn’t mind that again!), this gladiolus first bloomed on July 4. It has done so since. I’ve come to think of it as “the fireworks flower.” This year it has bloomed early, as have most of my flowers. (For rosarians, the exception was ‘Mermaid,’ that bloomed right on time!) I photograph it every year. I was happy that I managed to give this one a bit more of a three dimensional appearance than I have in the past.<\/p>\n
For as beautiful as this gladiolus is, it is tough. It recurs without special care. It was here when I bought the house many years ago, but only when I retired did I come to really appreciate it.<\/p>\n
I’m not sure why, but it reminded me of a Mark Twain quote:<\/p>\n
\nKeep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
I have certainly found that to be true in my life. Fortunately, I have encountered more of the latter than the former, and I hope you have, too.<\/p>\n
——————————————————————————-
\nAn Aside
\nFor my rose friends who read here but not at Southwest Desert Gardening<\/a>, I include a link to a PowerPoint presentation on examples of “open bloom, stamens showing” under the 2016 ARS Photography Guidelines. For the blog, I converted it to a pdf file, but it is available as a PowerPoint. I will be doing a series of these to promote interest in photography of roses for the 2018 ARS National Convention and Rose Show in San Diego. The link may be shared.<\/p>\n