A Gift Grown at the Gardens
How the 2026 Member Plant Gift came to be
Follow the journey of the 2026 Member Plant Gift grown right here at the Gardens! Senior Horticulturist Julia Adams collected seeds from the Japanese irises (Iris ensata) in the Japanese Garden and nurtured them from seedling to maturity. The beautiful irises will be ready to bloom in the spring. Active & new Friends members can pick up their free plant at the membership table during the 2026 Fall Plant Sale (Sept.18–19). Available while supplies last.
A late-season bounty
Senior Horticulturist Julia Adams harvested dried pods from the Japanese irises (Iris ensata) growing right in the BBG Japanese Garden for our Member Plant Gift available at our 2026 Fall Plant Sale (Sept. 18 –19).
It starts with a seed
She then hand-collected seeds from the three-chambered pods for storage. With iris seed propagation, it takes two plants to make something new. Pollen from one plant is used to pollinate the seed-producing flower of another. The resulting seed pod can produce plants that look like either parent—or any combination of the two. Learn more about seed saving at our upcoming Seed Saving Workshop on Tuesday, September 22.
Grown with care
Julia planted and nurtured each seedling in the Gardens’ greenhouses. They were grown with the same care as the original irises.
Why we love them
“They are perennials that grow best in damp, rich, acidic soil. I personally like to plant them in the Japanese Garden for the subtle grace that they bring to the landscape.” — Julia Adams
Japanese irises favor a sunny spot, but will tolerate light shade. They need abundant water during the growing season and will multiply over time.
How to claim yours
Active & new Friends members — visit the membership table at the entrance of the Fall Plant Sale for your free Member Plant Gift. (Colors may vary from those pictured)
Member Early-Bird Shopping
Friday, September 18 | 8 a.m.–noon
Open to the Public
Friday, September 18 | Noon–5:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 19 | 8 a.m.–2 p.m.