Because iris borers are a serious problem with bearded iris, it is a good idea to dig up the plants and divide them every three years. This provides you with an opportunity to look over the rhizomes (the enlarged stems used for food storage) and remove any borers and damaged tissue. The plants can also be rearranged and replanted for a different display next season, and the process should not adversely affect next season’s bloom.
The best time to do the work is between late July and early August. The first step is to dig up the entire plant and remove the soil from the roots. Then look over the plant and find the fan of leaves at the ends of the rhizome root. This fan is what you will return to the ground. With a sharp knife remove the fan of leaves along with 4” to 5” of the fleshy rhizome root. Each plant may yield 3 to 5 (or more) fans. When the fans have been harvested, you can compost the rest of the root. If there is any sign of borer damage, put the old root in the trash instead.
The next step is to cut back the leaves on the fan. Trim them so that 4” to 5” of leaf remains on each rhizome. Now you’re ready to plant the fans. Each rhizome should be planted so that it is half in the ground and half above the ground. The fan of leaves will show the direction the new plant will grow, and you’ll want to arrange them so they don’t grow together.
Water the new bed after planting.
A temporary mound of soil should be placed over the rhizomes (not the leaves) for about two weeks; this allows the new plants to root into the soil. If the mounds weren’t in place, wind or animals could damage the new planting. After two weeks remove the mounds and expose the rhizomes.
Beneficial Nematodes
Beneficial nematodes are microscopic parasitic roundworms that feed on insect pests in the soil. They can be used to control grubs, cutworms and iris borers. A study by the American Iris Society has shown that beneficial nematodes are equal to or more effective than chemicals while posing no threat to humans, wildlife or plants. To control iris borers, nematodes are best applied in the spring when the soil temperature is above 50°F (about the same time that you would apply crabgrass preventer). The nematodes come in a little sponge; soak it in one gallon of lukewarm water for a few minutes. That allows the roundworms to move into the water. Then you just sprinkle the nematode filled water over the irises on a cloudy, rainy day. Though spring is the best time to apply these helpful worms, nematodes can be released any time during the growing season.
Repairing Dog Spots
in the Lawn
Female dogs are hard on the lawn; their urine can kill the grass. During the summer it’s difficult to repair that damage by seeding because the hot, dry weather stops germination. You could repair the lawn by patching it with a fresh roll of sod, but the sod will most likely look different from the grass you have in the yard, and the repairs will stand out like a sore thumb. To fix dead spots with almost invisible flair, repair them with your own sod. Find a place in the yard that is seldom seen–maybe at the back of the garage or the side of the house–and use this
area as your own sod farm.
Dig out the dead grass in squares, loosen the soil and level the bottom.
From your “sod farm” cut out a piece of sod that is the same size as the damaged area. Move the sod to repair the damage. Water and keep the newly sodded area moist. In mid-August, if
you reseed the area where you harvested, the grass will fill
in before winter.
Once you’ve repaired the damage, you can keep it from
happening again with GUARD DOG™ lawn protectant, a new
product formulated to reduce the impact of dog urine damage.
Did You Know?
The small dots on the outside of a
strawberry are the true fruits (seeds)
and the tasty berry is the carrier.
Tips
You can easily measure the amount of water your sprinkler is putting down by placing pie pans or tuna cans in the area. Time how long it takes to collect an inch of water in the pans. That way, if you use a water timer, you can sprinkle your lawn and garden while you’re away from home without wasting resources.
Flowers and gifts from Bachman’s make any day a special one. When you order your flowers or gifts online, you know you’ll be getting a beautiful fresh floral arrangement from a trusted florist known for outstanding floral design, plus quality and service.
If you’re sending flowers or gifts out of town, you can rely on us to choose the best florist from either the FTD or Teleflora nationwide flower network. Florists who can be counted on to deliver the best fresh floral arrangements and gifts, even when doing a same day delivery.
