Sometimes when my loss mitigation business get me down, I need to do something to perk up my spirits. Yesterday was that kind of day! I didn't have a whole lot of time, so I Googled "gardens Argyle TX."  I followed the link and discovered Argyle Acres. It sounded like it was the right place for me to fill my eyes with nature's colors and warm my weary soul. So, I printed out the map, grabbed my camera and jumped in my car. It was only after I was half-way there that I thought I should have called first, but it was too late and I like to let serendipity take it's course.

What I found was a picturesque log home, set back from the road, with a huge yard filled with iris beds. I didn't see a sign or any identifier, but the numerous flower beds filled with irises announced this must be the place. I parked my car, walked up a long drive-way and knocked on the door. A nice man answered. I asked him if he would allow me to take photos of his irises... and he said, "sure, but I was a bit early in the season... that the blossoms wouldn't be in full bloom until mid-April." By this time, I knew his name was Joe Spears, co-owner/operator, of Argyle Acres. I explained to him I wanted to take photos today as I didn't have time to wait.  Joe graciously let me have full run of his yard. I proceeded to walk, crawl and scramble all over the place taking photos of irises I had never seen before. I had so much fun I almost squealed out loud. My weary soul soaked up the sun's rays, the irises filled my eyes with glorious color and the physical activity got my heart pumping... it was exactly what I needed to rejuvinate my body and soul. It was a wonderful experience and one I will repeat again!

Argyle Acres specializes in growing and selling historic and modern bearded irises. Irises are easy to grow. They are hardy perennials, requiring little attention. They specialize in varieties that can withstand the heat of long Texas summers.

Testimonials which reiterate my thoughts about Argyle Acres:

—Argyle Acres is a great place here in Texas that sells all kinds of wonderful Iris's, and ships everywhere. They are a state licensed and inspected nursery. They guarantee all their plants to be true to name as registered with the American Iris Society. The order deadline is July 31st for shipping in September. They have historic and modern varieties, one named Swertii is 400 years old. All are gorgeous and healthy!!!

—Argyle Acres has been my personal favorite for years. They are especially good for providing iris which will weather the Texas heat, as iris from other states sometimes "burn up" here. Argyle iris have always been huge and healthy, and they always throw in great (also huge) bonus iris with an order. Their web site is easy to use (www.argyleacres.com), and they communicate well with their customers, especially by email. I have been visiting their display gardens for years, and have always enjoyed their friendliness, helpfulness, and the high quality of their product.

I hope you'll visit Argyle Acres and discover for yourself  the plethora of irises available plus make new friends with Joe and Donna Spears. When you visit be sure and tell Joe and Donna, "Linda sent you!"

Thank you Joe for letting me run wild in your garden!

P.S. If you'd like to know more about the town of Argyle, this is what the Argyle Chamber of Commerce has to say:

"The citizens of Argyle, Texas settled here because they found this beautiful, quiet town to be the perfect getaway from the “big city.” Residents love the small-town, rural environment that provides a peaceful community for raising families, relaxing at home, but also enjoy the convenience of close proximity to the Flower Mound, Lewisville and the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex for commuting, shopping, dining, and entertainment."

Copyright 2009 Linda Bourgault, lulugraphix and Double D Enterprises. All rights reserved.