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Yesterday I completed hand hoeing, weeding and fertilizing all plants in the south iris gardens. This entry will provide an ongoing record and reminder what was done, and in what garden. The job here was to remove by shovel all dandelion growth down to at least six inches sub-soil level. This is one of the toughest weeds to control with herbicides, regardless of what the 'slick' TV ads say! I spot treated these last summer repeatedly, but growth kept reappearing. In addition to the dandelions I removed every visible trace of chickweed which is notorious here. After weed removal, I hand hoed each clump which numbered well over 100 plants. Afterwards I spread one tablespoon of Triple phosphate (0-46-0) around each clump on all sides. Next I sprinkled Preen pre-emergent herbicide generously along the rows insuring plenty of granule saturation of each entire row, especially within the rhizome mass. This is one place a hoe can't reach without damaging the shallow roots and fleshy parts of rhizomes. Rain is forecast for late tonight and during the day Friday. So other iris beds will likely be done in the following week to allow soil to dry.
Entries and Updates
Apr 7, 2006
Today I had an opportunity to take a picture of the south iris garden to show what was done in my initial comments above. This garden is roughly twice the size it was one year ago. The expansion was needed to accommodate new seedlings in the seedling beds at upper left. A path from left to right separates the two areas (just below the copyright information). The section nearest the camera contains named Tall Bearded irises. A string marker is seen at upper right, and marks a row of TB crosses where new seedlings should emerge within the next two weeks. That is the only row that has NOT been "Preened". Needless to say, if I don't stop expanding iris gardens, lawn mowing will take less time, since there is much less grass to cut.
Apr 7, 2006
Today marks the completion of hand hoeing and "Preening" the north iris garden. The only project remaining for the two primary iris gardens is to run the tiller between the rows. This will need somewhat accurate timing since the soil is still a bit too moist, and I want the soil to "fluff" and aerate as I till. This will also incorporate the Preen and phosphate well into the mix. It will also reduce soil compaction between the rows. Another benefit will be improved drainage. With only a few weeks to go, I predict the first TB iris bloom here by May 15. Usually it is Jesse's Song to open the first flower: Although last year it was Clarence. (Added Note:) This iris garden is on a sloping angle, with the highest point being nearest the camera to the right. There is a difference in elevation at upper left corner of the garden being about 18" lower than the right side nearest the camera. Even I noticed this effect in the picture along with a pile of leaves next to the shrub, which I forgot to dump on the compost.
Apr 8, 2006
I wanted to show in this photo what the north iris garden looked like just barely one month ago. Here it is seen looking from the opposite direction.
Apr 11, 2006
Yesterday, April 10th was a gorgeous day with lots of sun, mild temperatures in upper 60's and gentle spring breezes. I took the opportunity to roto-till both primary iris gardens between the rows. I use a tiller which allows me to walk beside it so I don't compact the soil by following behind it. As stated above I strongly feel this aerates the soil and mixes the herbicide and fertilizer well into the soil. I will reapply the Preen herbicide again in early July; this should keep the gardens relatively weed free for the summer. Below is a photo showing the south iris garden after tilling.
