About Zydeco and Louisiana Irises

Zydeco is an indigenous music of Louisiana that evolved from rich and diverse cultural origins.  It developed from the music of French speaking people of color in Louisiana.  In the 30s and 40s, this music was very similar to Cajun music, but after WWII it began to take on different influences, including blues and rock and roll.   While the fiddle is generally absent, Zydeco added the accordion, electric guitar and bass, drums, sometimes a saxophone, and it employs a distinctive corrugated metal rubboard called a frottior.

 

Louisiana irises also are indigenous to Louisiana, have diverse origins, and the hybrids have evolved a rich blend of colors and forms.  For Louisiana irises, like Zydeco music, the period after WWII was one of extraordinary development as new forms were discovered and hybridization transformed and expanded the diversity of the plants.  
 

Both Zydeco music and modern Louisiana irises are a gumbo of distinct influences blended to excite the palate and stimulate the senses.  And like Cajun cuisine, they are both highly adaptable to the preferences of the entire country
 

Zydeco Louisiana Iris Garden is the outgrowth of a thirty year hobby growing and hybridizing these irises.  It is a small and personal operation in the New Orleans area.  Hopefully it will grow but retain the personal spirit that binds iris growers and makes this more fun than business.