CULT: Newbie: cult., pests, companion plants and true color of Cranberry Ice?

Hello, everyone! I love iris, but must admit that most of the 
conversations on this board go way over my head. Oh, well, I'll keep 
reading, and maybe someday, I'll be a "real" irisian. <G>

This year, I am planning to get a real start on my iris collection. 
So I am wondering if anyone has some advice on how to prepare a bed 
for the first time. I have clay soil. What should I add to the soil?
(for texture, nutrients, etc?) I do know they don't like wet feet.

Also, did a search in the archive here on the iris borer, and have 
mostly alleviated my fear of them, only to stary worrying that I will 
lose my new babies to rot, other pests/diseases, etc. I have seen 
several different remedies for these varying ailments, but does 
anyone have a suggestion for an all-purpose, protect-all "bath" for 
my new iris rhizomes when they arrive?

Thirdly, as much as I love iris, most of the season they don't look 
too attractive, so I want to intermingle my iris with other flowers. 
Any suggestions for good companion plants?

One last question: I have seen a couple different photos 
of "Cranberry Ice." One looked like a dark maroonish/brick red (seen 
at: http://shop.store.yahoo.com/iris/7601.html), and the other more 
of a bright magenta color (similar to a lighter version of "Lady 
Friend") (seen at: http://www.snowpeakiris.com/iris2000/navpage.htm). 
Which is more correct? 

Thank you in advance for your help, advice, and knowledge.
Diana
Central VA, z7


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