Re: Vic -- Iris tridentata -- Emailing: CIMG0444.JPG

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I mostly use containers (either 1/2 oak barrels or large
plasitic planters) with drainage holes part way up the
side. This seems to keep I. tridentata wet enough without
any standing water that would let mosquitos breed.

Two years ago I planting some I. tridentata in very rich
potting soil. I had no problems with them dying but they
skipped a year of bloom, producing only large folliage
until the nutrient levels came down. They are blooming
again this year.

For potting soil I use Kellogg Patio Plus, but regardless
of the perenials I plant, I always add some mixture of
inorganic material: sand, perlite, vermiculite, pumice,
etc to maintain soil structure as the organic material
breaks down. This potting soil is a great source of
organics but I've had some bad experiences with compacted
soil using it plain, particularly in deeper containers.

Ken Walker
Concord, CA USA

On Thu, 23 Jun 2011 20:47:09 -0400
"Mark A. Cook" <b*@bellsouth.net> wrote:
> Vic,
> Do those tubs with no drainage cause a lot of
>mosquitos?
>
> Mark A. Cook
> b*@bellsouth.net
> Dunnellon, Florida [Southwest part of
>Marion County]
>