OT-Bio
- To: i*@egroups.com
- Subject: OT-Bio
- From: L* M*
- Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2000 21:04:44 -0000
-------------------------- eGroups Sponsor -------------------------~-~>
Special Offer-Earn 300 Points from MyPoints.com for trying @Backup
Get automatic protection and access to your important computer files.
Install today:
http://click.egroups.com/1/6347/0/_/486170/_/969311743/
---------------------------------------------------------------------_->
Hi, I am new to this list, and I would like to introduce myself. My
name is Laetitia, and I live in North Jersey. I am really a beginner,
and have been planting a few iris these past 3 years, stuff I picked
up from Home Depot, and occasional gifts. But this year I really got
hooked, after reading thru the online catalogs, so have made some
mail order purchases, and am eagerly anticipating what they will look
like next spring. I am also fascinated with the historic iris, after
picking up a garage sale book written by an iris grower in the 60's.
Most of my iris are tall bearded, and not all bloomed last spring
(forget the rebloomers... I'm still working on trying to get them to
bloom once!) This year I have been taking extra good care of them,
giving them extra fertilizer, weeding around them constantly, and
they seem to have responded with additional healthy growth.
There were a few questions I had, and if someone has a few minutes to
answer, I would be greatly appreciative.
Do any of you mulch iris in the winter? If so, what would you use? I
know they won't die without it, but perhaps it would be of some
benefit. Late in the season, around August, the iris gradually start
getting yellow or brown leaves. Is it better to cut them off? I don't
know if these leaves protect the rhizome, or maybe they are better
removed to prevent insects and rot from getting in.
My worst problem is 2 Siberians I bought this Spring. They grew about
8 inches, and that is it. They are in with the Tall Bearded. Perhaps
they take 2 years to get established.
Do they need something special? Maybe I should dig them up and
replant them with something I forgot? Right now my soil is acid,
moderately well drained, a little hard and and rocky, with lots of
sun.
Well, thanks for listening. For the few days I have come here, I have
learned alot. Thanks especially for the answer about spots on the
leaves being fungus. It is common where I live, and now I can do
something about it.
Laetitia, North Jersey, region 6, I guess.
