Re: New iris

Hi Barbara,

I'm guessing that if you're in zone 6 you're in southern Idaho?

We're located about 13 miles from the Idaho border and roughly 60 miles
south of Canada in a frost pocket that usually makes us comparable to a warm
zone 4. This year we're all enjoying an extended 2nd summer (The frost has
already nailed most of the tender annuals) so hardy perennials might be able
to get their roots down in time for winter.

Neil's correct about the chilly nights. Even with daytime temps hovering in
the 70s and 80s the nights crash to the high 30s and it won't be long till
we see some more freezes.

I've been planting bearded and beardless in the past few weeks and all get
the same treatment. They're soaked overnight at least to be sure the plants
are hydrated then planted out and mulched well with a raw wool blanket. In
past seasons I've mulched with any number of things to keep the ground from
freezing and give the plants extra time to get their roots down.... bark,
rocks, newsprint, and pine needles.

In addition, a loose pile of branches over and around plants tends to help
moderate the temperature while letting in moisture and sunlight. Branches
are taken off in late spring when most of the heavy freezes are past since
they also give the plants a head start.

Good luck,
Christy

Skip & Christy Hensler
THE ROCK GARDEN
Newport, WA
http://www.povn.com/rock/

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