As I approached their house, I was confronted with an astounding sight: over a third of an acre of irises of every imaginable color in full bloom right smack in the middle of the desert. The Tiens have grown over 1600 different varieties of iris in one of the most inhospitable climates for vegetation, and have succeeded admirably. It was an overwhelming experience: the color alone was as sensual and vigorous as anything to be found in the most lush tropical environment, and the scale of the planting is greater than a standard residential lot. Even my three-year old was affected by the irises as he spent an hour just running up and down the rows of flowers (until corralled by Sasha). Coming from Houston to the desert had already been quite a shock--my hometown now looks inappropriately overgrown--but to find something as amazing as Dr. Tiens' irises in the late, windy days of Spring was a great pleasure. And, as with the discovery of Iowa in Spring, I am humbled by the display.