Karen finally found something that the deer won't eat!!!   YAY! for you!!!!!

 

Bearded Iris are beautiful perennials named after the Greek Goddess of the Rainbow.

 

The best time to plant iris is early spring, to give them a chance to establish their roots before blooming.  Late autumn planting doesn't offer this, and they don't grow as well.  Be careful not to bury the rhizome; it could prevent the plant from blooming.  Iris also doesn't like mulch;  I guess the roots want to "breathe."

 

When they become overcrowded they don't bloom as well, so they need to be divided.  It is usually done after blooming, by lifting out the entire clump, and cutting it into individual plants.  Each rhizome will have a fan of leaves. 

 

This is the time to replant, or share with your friends and neighbors.  Everybody loves Iris.

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!