Irises-(Dr. Pauline Thompson variety) – Part 4 of 4

In part four of the Dr. Pauline Thompson Irises series I will show hoe I started a flower bed by my steps. This time I used a new less time consuming method.

CA Darko-Gosnell 2008
Early July-2008

The first thing I did was measure 2 feet out from the steps and placed a fence guide. Then I measured and dug holes 2 ½ feet apart for the Irises, placed some granulated fertilizer in the hole, placed some compost on top of the fertilizer and added some water to the hole. To prep the Irises cut the tops off 2inches from the bulb. When planted fan the roots out, place in the hole, cover with dirt just covering top of bulb, press firmly and water

CA Darko-Gosnell 2008
Late July 2008

Notice the Iris in the front has grown. You can see the leaves that were cut and new leaves shooting up. Annuals and bi-annuals were planted around the Irises.

CA Darko-Gosnell 2008
Early August 2008

The level part of the stairway show how the mulch was put down. Usually I do not dig up the grass but in this case I did to level it out. In the front of the photo you can see newspaper with mulch on top. To do this first water the ground, place 10 layers of newspaper (DO NOT use the shiny ads in the newspaper), wet thoroughly, add 1-3 inches of mulch, water thoroughly and gently step on the mulch. The newspaper keeps the weed population down.

CA Darko-Gosnell 2008

Mid September 2008

The annuals and bi-annuals are in full bloom. Next year the dirt and mulch will be removed to reveal the top of the Iris bulb so they can bloom.

High Density Gardening

“Love of flowers and all things green and growing is with many men and women a passion so strong that it often seems to be a sort of primal instinct.”
-Helena Rutherford Ely