Re: CULT: new to iris growing
- To: i*@egroups.com
- Subject: Re: [iris-talk] CULT: new to iris growing
- From: i*@aol.com
- Date: Thu, 6 Apr 2000 06:20:57 EDT
In a message dated 4/5/2000 7:16:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time, bonds@istar.ca
writes:
<< The soil is "new subdivision clay" and I was going to simply add
triple mix, peat moss, and aged cattle manure to prepare a number of
beds, but was wondering if there was anything else I should add for
iris - a bit of sand for drainage? >>
Hi....um.... You!
We are more or less neighbors since I live just south of Buffalo and spend
considerable time in Canada.
I think we share the same soil and so I can speak to bed preparation. What
you're suggesting would be perfect for siberian and japanese irises... they
would like a rich, acidy and moist spot and that's just what you're
suggesting.
For the bearded irises, however, you'll need to lighten up our clay somewhat.
I've learned that sand isn't the answer. Wet clay + sand = concrete.
I highly recommend raising your beds.... doesn't have to be fancy - mounding
the soil will work just fine. Get lots of organic material in there - other
than peat moss. If you can find some good compost, that is excellent.
Builder's sand (which looks like tiny gravel) is also good. Save the manure
for the beardless irises since we have a rot problem with bearded types and
too rich a soil is actually not good for them.
How lucky you are to be situated near both McMillan's and Chuck Chapman's!
And I hope you can make it down for some of the Western NY iris events - show
the end of May, sales in June and in July, and banquet - featuring John Coble
and Bob Bauer of Ensata Gardens - in September.
Kathy Guest in East Aurora, NY
Z5-6
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