Spring is here! The other day Ursula (Mistress of the Garden) and I tackled the perennial beds. In particular, a huge plot of Siberian Iris needed to be divided. The plant was at least 20 years old, maybe 30, and it had probably never been done before. The plant was no longer flowering well, and the job couldn’t be put off any longer.
We didn’t know what we were getting into. We struggled and strained, jumping on shovels and pitchforks in an attempt to break through the iron mass of roots. An axe would have been a more appropriate tool. In the end, we managed to pull the beast out, and use a saw to hack it into manageable pieces. By the time we got the thing replanted with fresh compost, we were both aching, sweaty, and bone tired.
I’ve since read somewhere that Siberian Iris resent being moved. Never mind them, I’d say my feelings on the subject are a bit stronger.
So here’s my advice to you, dear gardeners:
Siberian Iris = run very hard the other way.
POLLENATRIX 