"Merlebleu" is situated on 3 landscaped acres along  the historic River Road parkway in St. Andrews, Manitoba (164 River Road), approximately 2 km. north of Larters at St. Andrews Golf Course. 

I started collecting iris, lilies and various other perennials prior to moving to River Road in 1999, but  really started expanding the collection in earnest in 2000.  The property was a blank slate, in fact, its original name was "Tallweed".                                          

The property was re-named "Merlebleu" in 2011 after having attracted nesting bluebirds in 2008. We are so happy that they have returned every year since then. The first year (2008) we had a very harsh spring, and unfortunately the eggs didn't hatch. 2009 brought the flood, and although we observed the bluebirds when they returned to check out the accommodations, they left before their nesting.  In 2010 there were four fledglings, who came back in September to bid us farewell for the winter. In 2011 we were amazed to have had two separate fledges.  At one point, there were 8 bluebirds in the yard!  Check out our slide shows later, or  See slide show of our feathered friends now!

"Merlebleu" is also home to numerous perennial flower gardens, feature dry river bed with bridges, raised vegetable beds with mulch pathways, 200-ft amur maple hedge (which is absolutely glorious in September),  greenhouse. raspberries, strawberries, grapes, herb gardens, fruit trees, flowering shrubs;  and vignettes and seating areas throughout. Every year there is a new project in the making! Last year we started our labyrinthe garden with an oriental inspired pergola and feature pagoda gate at the end of the dry creek bed.  This year we will be expanding the pond area.  Browse our slide shows later, or  See slide show of various vignettes on the property now!

I grow most of the classes the iris classes,  but as of 2010 had not yet overwintered Arilbred or Spuria, which can be a challenge in this zone.  I purchased some Arilbred and Spuria cultivars  in the fall of 2010, and I am so happy to report, that there were no losses! Four of the eight spuria bloomed which is very exciting, as most people have never seen these bold and beautiful iris. Eventually they will be from 4 - 5 feet tall. Due to this early success, the spuria collection has been expanded  significantly.  The jury is still out on the Arilbred, as the two I have did not bloom last year.

We have also had reblooming iris, some of which have rebloomed 3 times in one year!  Some of the "usual suspects" are:  Blueberry Tart, Royal Overtime, Didgeridoo, Forever Blue, Cimarron Rose, Summer Recall, Wizard of Hope, Forever Blue and  a species Spuria.  This year there were rebloom stalks on a Tall Bearded, Red Revival, unfortunately the weather didn't hold out long enough for the four buds to open.

Currently, I have catalogued 500 DIFFERENT cultivars . Photos of every iris  have not as yet been uploaded; and is a work in progress. However, as you browse through the photo galleries,  you will see many of the different types, forms, and colors available. Keep checking back, my goal is to have a photo of every cultivar that is grown here.    
   
All photographs on this website were taken by Sandra Eggertson (copyright 2011) in my gardens and have not been altered as to color or form. Permission to reproduce photographs is required.