"Virgin" soil question

Thanks to all who wrote an answer on my huge rhizomes.  Now, to further the
investigation...  why do irises do "better" in "virgin" soil that has not
had irises in it before?  The area they were in was all grass before, and
that is the same case now.  Do they deplete the soil quickly, or is it that
they just like all the bone meal I work in after the peat moss and manure
tilled in?  Since we dont have a rot problem here (not yet at least), in
east Texas, zone 8, I have never worried about "over" fertilizing.  The soil
is more clay/"red dirt" than anything else, the amending helps keep loose.

I guess I am just surprised that 3 seperate folks stated that they liked the
"virgin" soil or bed.  I was kinda surprised they bloomed so quickly.  But I
must admit the soil here is "good", I had to transplant some monstera
plants, some as old as 16 years, into TRASH CAN size planters after 2 years
in the soil mix from the back yard.  I use a wheel barrel and mix up 1/3
soil, 1/3 peatmoss, 1/3 large chunk vermiculite.   It is still pretty "red"
when I am done--it works!!!

Just curious,
East Texas, zone 8,
Sharon A. Ruck,  the herb and Harley Davidson lady
sharon@software.nsbf.nasa.gov
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