Some of you may remember back in July when Holland Bulb Farms brought back their oh-so popular “Trivia Month” on their facebook page. One of the trivia questions centered around my blog article “Garden Makeover: Bridget Edition” and promised the winner a blog post featuring THEIR garden! The lucky winner was Seth Denny, 24-year old of Austin, Minnesota.

The Gardener

Seth remembers his first gardening experience when he was just 4 years old. He recalls helping his mom dig up what soil he could from the garden and also recalls his first trip to the greenhouse. It was there that he picked out a Bergenia (GREAT choice!) and his love affair with plants began. He started his own gardening journey just last year when he moved into his current apartment. Seth gardens because of the joy it brings to himself and others. “No one can feel bad when they look into a sea of pink, purple, and white floral beauty!” he says.

Due to the third-shift nature of his job, Seth says he finds himself in his garden most often times in the early morning hours. What a beautiful time to be out in the garden! I have often fantasized about doing the same: sneaking out of the house before my girlies wake and getting some much needed garden therapy in before the day begins. Unfortunately for me, it never gets much past the fantasy Seth’s work schedule affords him almost all of the daylight he could desire and says he spends an average of 2 hours each day out in his garden performing various tasks of pruning, weeding, and watering. When he’s not in the garden, he enjoys hiking and biking, and an occasional card or video game on the rainy days. He is also kept busy by tending to his aquariums and his two feline friends, Meg and Hermie.

The Garden

Seth’s “apartment” is hardly one at all but a mid-nineteenth century farmhouse which has been converted into four separate dwelling units. What a great place to rent! Seth says that when he first moved in last April, the surroundings were nothing more than remnants of the previous dweller’s work from many years ago. The landlady of the apartment is “one of the nicest people” Seth says he has ever met (lucky you!) and when he expressed interest in caring for the yard, she was delighted! The gardens were filled with a seemingly endless army of weeds, slugs, and ants, as well as terribly overgrown perennials. As Seth began to dig in June, he soon found more than fifteen thirty-pound cement slabs and many other various rocks surrounding the house. These structures, as well as the overgrown plants, all needed to be removed prior to planting anything substantial.

In this one short year, Seth has completely transformed his surroundings. He has removed the cement slabs and major rocks from the ground, making it a great place for new plants to take root. He has installed a flagstone walkway to replace the old crumbly sidewalk. He has extended the gardens to wrap all the way around the perimeter of the house, softening the look of the yard and blending this beautiful piece of history with the landscape. One section of his garden he has devoted to his strawberries and a few smaller shade annuals, bordered by hosta. He uses iris and hollyhock along with catmint and peonies as a backdrop to many of his garden areas. In the midsummer, a fragrance dances through the garden as a result of the Stargazer lilies Seth has placed throughout the taller-growing plants. He split the iris which were terribly overgrown and replanted seven individual plants which have since flourished. And let me tell you: this is one ambitious gardener! Seth tells me that he even successfully over-wintered his impatiens, geraniums, and mums from last year. I don’t think I’ve ever even done THAT! Seth has also had great luck with using seeds, growing some Celosias up to his hip! He also concentrated on growing more vegetables this year in an attempt to save some money on groceries and was quite successful. (Take a look at the large tomato in the photo below.) He says he took full advantage of the “plethora of great deals” from Holland Bulb Farms to fill his garden. Now that’s smart shopping!

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Seth’s garden is the “micro-climate” he seems to experience. The foundation of the house has aged quite a bit and he feels that perhaps the heat loss around the house creates these warmer pockets along the perimeter. Some of his gladiolus returned this year, even though Seth technically resides in a Zone 4. He wonders if perhaps he could plant a semi-tropical perennial garden even in his Minnesota backyard. Based on the enthusiasm of this gardener, I expect that he’ll try it!

All in all, I’d say that Seth Denny’s story is truly one of success and inspiration. Not only has he found a hobby he truly enjoys, he has made his landlady extremely happy and has been showered by compliments from passer-by’s as well as neighbors at how wonderful the yard is looking! Keep us the good work, Seth and keep us posted! Thank you for sharing your story.

Until next time,

Have a comment to share with other readers? Feel free to post below. Have a question specifically for Bridget? Feel free to email her at bridget@bulbblog.com!

I have to admit, I find the month of August extremely enjoyable for two opposite reasons: on the one hand, I love the summer and the beautiful weather August can typically bring, but on the other, I love the fact that autumn is not fall off. As long as the winter can get here in the upper Midwest, there is something comforting to me about the day that I pull out my favorite sweater, pack away the shorts, and throw a log on the outdoor firepit for the first time.

Since this month of August is now upon us, I’m beginning to plan the location where I’ll be planting my bearded iris. One of the first fall-planted “bulbs” (technically a rhizome) available and also one of the first that should be planted, bearded iris are possibly one of the most elegant, well-loved, and easily recognized blooms in the spring garden. While reading various articles written about this plant, I find it interesting that some refer to it as “extremely easy to grow” and others warn against its difficulty level. I feel as though bearded iris are not any easier OR more difficult than any other plant. Simply follow the tips below for planting and dividing and you’ll have a successful iris garden as well!

Planting

• Bearded iris should be planted during the late summer and early fall months. For most of the United States, this time period ranges from early August to late September. Unlike many of the other fall bulbs, iris rhizomes require a good establishment prior to the onset of frost.
• Bearded iris should be planted just below the soil’s surface. One of the biggest killers of bearded iris is excess moisture. You can avoid this by being careful to only lightly cover the rhizome with soil. If “fans” of the previous season’s foliage are still intact (as most rhizomes are harvested), allow this foliage to stick up out of the soil.
• Plant in a sunny, somewhat dry location. Iris should receive at least 6 hours of sun per day. More than 6 hours is better as it will help to keep the rhizome dry.
• Space rhizomes to allow for good air circulation. Iris rhizomes should be spaced at least 12-18″ apart (a tad closer if planting dwarf varieties) to allow adequate air flow between the plants. Avoid mulch directly over the rhizomes to allow air to reach the soil surface.
• Fertilize twice per year for best show of flowers. Apply a granular fertilizer once in the early spring and then once after flowering.
• Keep plants clean. Remove flower stem and seed pod after blooming. Cut remaining foliage within 4-6″ of the ground’s surface in the fall.

Dividing

Unlike most fall planted bulbs, bearded iris require dividing once every 2-4 years in order to continue to perform at their peak. This is best done in the late summer, just as the weather begins to turn cooler. Follow the tips below for a successful dividing experience.

• Be careful not to damage or accidentally cut the rhizome while digging. Dig around the rhizome with a garden fork, leaving enough space between the fork and the rhizome as to not accidentally damage the rhizome.
• Look for “branching” or segmented sections of the rhizomes to divide along. Divide the rhizome by breaking with your hands whenever possible. Using a sharp knife or garden pruners is also on option but can spread disease. Attempt to keep all sections of rhizomes at least 3″ in length.
• Inspect rhizomes for health and overall condition. Discard of and remove any parts of the rhizomes which are hollow, soft, contain borers (white insects), or have a undesirable smell.
• Cut foliage within 4-6″ of rhizome. Remove any rotten or damaged foliage by clipping it off shorter than the 4-6″ if necessary. Replant rhizomes as above.

I tend to consider gardening my therapy for dealing with the change of seasons: with each new season, comes a new adventure in the landscape. Perhaps you can look to fall with joy this year as you plan your bearded iris garden! I know which iris are MY favorites

Until next time,

Have a comment to share with other readers? Feel free to post below. Have a question specifically for Bridget? Feel free to email her at bridget@bulbblog.com!

An old-time favorite but still a very frequently used perennial, the Iris is truly timeless. Whether it be a the romantic, frilly Beardeds or the more modern, chic Dutch Iris, both add elements to the garden which are unmatched among other perennials. August is often referred to as “Bearded Iris Month” simply because bearded iris like to be planted in late August or early in September for best results. Today I thought I’d just give a general overview of both for those readers who may be slightly unfamiliar with the difference or maybe just wanted their memory refreshed.

Bearded Iris

Typically sold as “rhizomes”, Bearded Iris (or sometimes called German Iris) are the elegant queens of the late spring

This Red at Night Bearded Iris is one of the most popular!

garden. The rhizomes are planted just below the soils surface, with little to almost no soil cover. The roots grow out of the bottom of this rhizome, creating a solid foundation for which the plant to grow. These Bearded Iris typically produce blooms made up of standards (the petals which stand upright) and falls (the petals which point downwards). The falls are covered with a soft “fuzz”, creating the beard which gives the iris its name! These rhizomes are best planted during the fall season but be sure to give them plenty of time to become established prior to any frost. They are great naturalizers (meaning they multiply quickly) and are reliably perennial. If you’re interested in more than a one time bloom, check out some of the Reblooming Bearded Iris!

Dutch Iris

Dutch Iris, although similar to Bearded Iris in bloom shape, have many of

This Orental Beauty Dutch Iris boast of bi-colored blooms of yellow and lavendar.

their own characteristics which make them highly sought after. Their extremely narrow, long leaves make elegant additions to cut flower arrangements and the blooms tend to last an extremely long time making them a florists’ favorite! Dutch Iris come in a variety of blues, yellows, purples, and white. If you’re looking for a more unique, later spring-blooming boarded plant, try some of the dwarf varieties like the Cantab or  the Danford Dwarf Dutch Iris!

So do yourself a favor this year and plan for fresh cutflowers out of your own garden next spring! Plant Iris SOON! And if you need some help choosing, try checking out some great Bearded Iris Collections!

Until next time,

Have a question about iris or any other bulb gardening topic? Ask Bridget! Email her at bridget@bulbblog.com! If she features your question in a future post, you’ll receive a Holland Bulb Farms coupon for your next order with Holland Bulb Farms!