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Welcome to our Head Gardener’s Journal

In this monthly column, we will share technical aspects of our work and also keep you up to date about ongoing projects. If there is any topic you might want to hear more about, please ask during your next visit!

Iris Festival

One of the highlights of Morton Hall in May and June is the display of Iris germanica, Iris sibirica and Iris ensata in various parts of the garden. In total, there are about 40 different Iris varieties, flowering in succession from the beginning of May right through to the end of June.

Iris germanica ‘Maui Moonlight’ in early May
Iris germanica ‘Rio Rojo’ in mid-May
Iris germanica ‘Deep Pacific’ at the end of May
Iris germanica ‘Tide’s in’ and ‘Dusky Challenger’ in early June
Iris sibirica ‘Tropic Night’ and ‘Summer Sky’
Iris ensata ‘Sensation’ and ‘White Ladies’

The more vigorous Germanica irises need splitting after flowering every three to five years to ensure a reliable display. Occasionally, they are sprinkled with lime of magnesium in spring which is thought to be beneficial. Sibirica and Ensata irises are divided in the autumn as necessary and fed in the spring with a seaweed extract.