Is the bearded iris for you? Well, the more you learn about this versatile little bloom, the more you will appreciate its simple splendor. With old-fashioned grace, the bearded iris is available in a host of colors and sizes. Fun to share, easy to grow and care for, they incorporate nicely in sunny landscapes.

Bearded irises range in height from about 8 inches high to 3 feet. The smaller the iris, the earlier in the season it will flower. A small cluster of the dwarf varieties will work nicely in a rock garden. Taller varieties work well as borders or in a sunny corner all by themselves.

The key to growing them is how you plant the odd-looking rhizome. Unlike most other bulbs, only the roots are buried in the soil. Bearded iris are very drought tolerant; they prefer sunny locations where the soil can dry out between watering. Before planting, work your soil well by adding a soil amendment like Master Nursery Planting Mix. Add a little bone meal or a bulb food such as Master Nursery Bone Meal and your plants should thrive and bloom their hearts out for you.

Caring for and sharing your bearded iris is not complex. Several years after being planted, iris clumps will become crowded and blooms will suffer. If you noticed less blooms or no blooms on your iris this past spring, it's time to divide the clumps. Right now is the perfect time to divide iris. Lift the entire clump with a garden fork. Cut apart the new younger siblings from the old center rhizome, allow a day or two to dry, and replant as before. Or if you prefer, share with friends and neighbors so you can buy some new colors! If your iris don't need to be divided, but you want to give them a little pick me up – spreading compost around them will help put nutrients back into the soil. Just be sure not to bury the rhizome, the top of the rhizome should be exposed rather than covered.

Early fall is the best time to select and plant bearded iris. We have many outstanding color selections in stock and invite you to come in for a visit while supplies last.

One of the easiest ways to add more interest to a garden is by adding plants with different colors, textures, shapes and sizes. Different textured plants can also help create an illusion of space and add "flavor" to any garden design.

Texture is frequently associated with foliage. However, the woody structure of a tree or shrub is also part of the texture. Fine texture is associated with small leaves and thin branches. Coarse texture is achieved with larger leaves and thicker, sparse branches.

Coarse textures are more appropriate for larger landscapes, while fine textures are more appropriate in a smaller landscape. A small area can be made to look larger by using finely textured plants, whereas coarsely textured plants make great accents in larger landscape designs.

Examples of coarse-textured plants would be aralia, hosta, loropetalum, sedum and lamb's ears. Examples of fine-textured plants would be artemisia, breath of heaven, ferns, fine line buckthorn, grevillea and lavender. You can add color to a garden by adding plants such as barberry, heavenly bamboo, heuchera or the new 'Tiger Eyes' sumac, which combines both texture and color.

You can create a greater sense of depth in your garden by placing darker colored, rough textured plants to the front of your planting areas and put light colored, fine textured plants towards the back. Also, remember to keep smaller growing plants in front so they won't be hidden by the taller ones. If you have the space, try to place textured plants in small groupings for extra impact.

Adding textures and elements of interest to your garden will create more visual and sensory experiences for you and your guests. And the more experiences, the more memorable your garden will be. But don't get too carried away. Try and limit yourself to two or three different colors or textures along with green for the perfect effect.

We have many unique plants that will stand out in any garden setting. Our staff of nursery professionals will be happy to show you their favorites and help you find the best choices for your garden.