The Straw, put it on...take it off...put it on...take it off

The last thing that gets done in Nov., and one of the first projects of early spring. The straw! It's an endless job. We cover our iris beds every year with about 200 bales. Many of our plants are moved, divided or new stock purchased etc. every year. Winter mulching will help ensure their survival. Established beds in your garden shouldn't NEED winter mulch, but if you can, why not then? The fall of 2005, I decided not to mulch about 1/2 acre of iris, of course, no snow accumulatd there, lost about every one. Lesson learned. If you would like some early spring exercise, bring your rake or pitchfork to Earthworks Gardens. No annual fee to join this work-out center.