I hope you are enjoying the spring blooming flowers, trees and shrubs. My landscape has been very slow but it is finally coming around. I’ve been moving plants and doing a lot of pruning.
Many homeowners are re-doing their lawns this spring. Think about the water situation before designing a landscape. Consider what areas will be used for lawn, play area, patio, ponds, ground cover and shade areas. Use about 20% for lawn. Most grasses need 6-8 hours of sunlight, one inch of rain/watering per week, and regular fertilizing and maintenance. Regular mowing and edging will keep the weeds in control. Proper cutting height is very important. St. Augustine should be cut 2½ - 3 inches high. Zoysia and Bermuda will usually be mowed a little shorter.
Iris is a welcome sign of Spring. July and August is a good time to divide and transplant the Iris. They can be transplanted anytime the ground isn’t frozen. Fertilize in early spring and again in late summer. Iris will not bloom well if they are too crowded. Using a garden fork, dig deep beneath the clump and dig it up. Separate as many pieces as possible without damaging the roots. Wear gloves when digging and working in the soil. Bacteria in the soil can cause skin problems. Dig a hole, add fertilizer and bonemeal or cottonseed meal, mix with the soil and water in. Water again in a week if it doesn’t rain. Purchase some re-blooming Iris. They usually bloom in early spring and again in October. There are about 1200 varieties of the Tall Bearded Iris in a rainbow of colors.
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