Approximately 40 minutes south of New Orleans lies Barataria Preserve which is part of the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve (most refer to Barataria Preserve as the "Jean Lafitte Swamp" or just "Jean Lafitte"). Although the Jean Lafitte Swamp encompasses approximately 23,000 acres, one of the things it is most famous for are the giant blue irises which bloom each spring.
Apparently, the irises are not as abundant as they were 10 to 15 years ago due to a couple of factors. Several hurricanes, including "the Storm" (which is how everyone around these parts refers to Hurricane Katrina), filled the swamp with brackish water. In addition, the Storm opened up the tree canopy causing many different types of plant life to grow instead of irises. To read more about Barataria Preserve and the irises, see http://www.nps.gov/jela/learn/nature/where-have-all-the-flowers-gone.htm
Jean Lafitte has been on my "local bucket list" for several years but I never got around to visiting it until this year. Little did I know how much I've been missing out on. Unfortunately, I visited as a major thunderstorm was approaching so my visit was brief. I couldn't stop thinking how amazing it is that this wild and beautiful place is so close to New Orleans. I saw my fair share of irises so I can only imagine what the area looked like pre-Storm. It's not just the irises which make the swamp an enchanting place, the trees draped with Spanish moss, spider lilies, and wildlife make you quickly forget your city worries.
happy sunsets, love, and wanderlust!
christina
Spider Lilies
Spanish moss
Spider lilies