This is a subject that is dear to my heart and as time permits I will add more thoughts and suggestions to this topic. Irises are often overlooked by designers and yet their foliage can be a strong counterpoint to the foliage of other perennials and evergreens. They are particularly attractive with the popular tall grasses. We have created some new planting beds with Iris, grasses, shrubs and evergreens. Pictures and details to follow as the season progresses.

Here are a few thoughts:

White flowers make the garden sparkle. Check out Granny's Lace, a spectacular Tall Bearded that is a pristine white goddess in the garden.
Tall Beardeds come in a wide range of heights from 28-40”. Be sure to plant a variety of heights along with a mixture of early and late blooming varieties.
Extend your Iris season. Be sure to plant a variety of Miniature and Standard Dwarf iris which bloom throughout May and re-blooming irises which bloom again August, September and even October.
For co-ordinating colour schemes, select irises that repeat a colour from one Iris to another. For example, Thornbird has purple–wine veining on the soft ochre falls. Plant it with a purple –toned Iris such as Gypsy Romance or Mulled Wine.
Ponds are popular and nothing looks nicer than a tall stand of Siberian Iris. Blooming throughout June, their slender foliage continues to add a reed like vertical form to the garden.
Peonies and lilies are wonderful companion plants for Irises. The Iris foliage also complements later blooming perennials and shrubs.

Xeriscaping with Iris

Iris make the perfect plant for water wise gardening. Beginning in the fall of 2005 and continuing each year, Bob and I worked with the City of Brantford and Brantford Garden Club. We are creating a demonstration garden encouraging homeowners to choose plants that can grow with less watering. We have included some pictures and a list of water-wise plants will follow as the garden progresses.

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