East facing Iris patch needs help - October 30th, 2006 at 03:55 AM
Hi
I've started working on my iris patch, it's a two ft. strip along the house on the eastern side... there is a building (woodshed) about 10 ft. directly east of the patch, so it only gets maybe 4 - 6 hours of direct sun, the rest is partial or shade. There is my herb garden directly accross from it (east) sided up to the woodshed, and it does well. My problem is, the iris patch is shaded alot from the house, and although the iris grow there, they don't bloom every year. The rhizomes are huge and in good shape, but I'm wondering if the soil needs something too. I pulled out the rogue iris that were headed under the house, lol! So I can plant something taller behind them... the 'million dollar' question is WHAT to plant there. I have a ton of stuff now, so any suggestions? I may have it already. I am a first year gardener... but am ok at starting seeds inside.
Thanks a ton
Lorena
I've started working on my iris patch, it's a two ft. strip along the house on the eastern side... there is a building (woodshed) about 10 ft. directly east of the patch, so it only gets maybe 4 - 6 hours of direct sun, the rest is partial or shade. There is my herb garden directly accross from it (east) sided up to the woodshed, and it does well. My problem is, the iris patch is shaded alot from the house, and although the iris grow there, they don't bloom every year. The rhizomes are huge and in good shape, but I'm wondering if the soil needs something too. I pulled out the rogue iris that were headed under the house, lol! So I can plant something taller behind them... the 'million dollar' question is WHAT to plant there. I have a ton of stuff now, so any suggestions? I may have it already. I am a first year gardener... but am ok at starting seeds inside.
Thanks a ton
Lorena