Re: iris fan, fancier, fanatic--alpacas and iris

Actually iris and alpacas are very compatible. We use the alpaca manure to make the best compost in which to plant the iris (along with alfalfa pellets, steamed bonemeal, trace minerals needed in our soil.) The alpacas have not eaten the iris, at least not in the 8 years we have had alpacas. Our fiber sheep before that didn't touch the iris either. Some chicken damage to early leaves, but I'm down to one hen who will not stay in the chicken yard. Deer didn't bother the iris in the years before we were heavily deer fenced, but I am beginning to hear about deer damage to iris, including a TV news report showing pictures of iris leaves with the tops eaten of at Hayden Village, ID. I have a great picture of my stud MacLeod standing beside a large row of iris--'Seakist,' 'Siverado," and 'Skylark's Song' can be seen. If you are curious, we plant alphabetically since we have a large number of iris. 

Robert and Linda Karr
Newport Naturals At Spruce Corner
Iris and Alpaca Farm
Newport, WA
www.sprucecorner.com 
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