It's iris time!

It's mid-May and the irises have started to bloom!  Shown are some of my favorites (including the first that I call "Black Beauty").  Irises are easy to grow, but some gardeners do not like to grow them due to their short bloom time and the yellowing foliage left over after blooming.

Here are some design tips that I've used to make irises a favorite part of my late-Spring garden:

1) Don't just plant a long row of irises in one location, as is the old-fashioned tradition.  Once they have bloomed, you just have a long line of their green spikes that turn brown.  Instead, spread irises throughout the garden to mix in and complement your other perennials and annuals.  When they are finished blooming for the season, their foliage with blend in with the garden.

2) Select a variety of irises with staggered bloom times, from the early blues and purples that bloom early May to the later varieties.  Don't forget to try some re-blooming irises too.