Re: CULT: Newbie: cult., pests, companion plants and true color of C

To prepare a new iris bed I spade it up well then add and dig in lots of compost
and some bark mulch (I too have heavy clay soil.   When I plant, I rake the soil into raised rows with depressions in between.   Then for the next three years I add compost in the depression.  By the fourth year it is usually all flat and it is time to redo the bed.   I also use alfalfa pellets (horse) but I have learned by
sad experience that it must be put underground or it will cause leaf spot.   Good luck.                                           Pat in Dallas  
  
----- Original Message -----
From: phantomfyre
Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2002 1:00 PM
To: iris-talk@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [iris-talk] 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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