Flowers of the Crested irises (Iris cristata) and Japanese Roof iris (Iris tectorum) are fading after several glorious weeks. Their period of bloom is extended by the varying degrees of shade as the irises’ vigorous clumps have been divided and planted through the garden.

The crested and roof irises kick off the iris season that will stretch through much of the next month. By necessity, the garden’s irises are ones that tolerate varying degrees of moisture, from soggy to dry, though always in full sun.

The crested androof irises thrive despite my neglect in dry ground and soil that is occasionally waterlogged. Japanese (Iris ensata), Blue Flag (Iris versicolor), Louisiana (Iris louisiana), Siberian irises (Iris sibirica) thrive in the moist lower rear garden, though a few have become overly shaded.

Typically, I can not recall the varieties to recommend one rather than another, but I’ve had no difficulties with any. The choice should be determined by flower color, knowing that all will perform splendidly in sunny parts of the garden.

Unfortunately, Japanese irises planted in the wet margins of the koi pond have succumbed to competition from the aggressive yellow flag irises (Iris pseudacorus, below). Without draining the fifteen thousand gallons of water where many dozens of koi reside, the yellow flags are impossible to remove. Instead, I monitor the overflow and the drainage to the wetlands below the garden to assure that none escape.

I don’t recall, but it’s possible I planted the yellow flags before learning of their aggressive nature. In any case, I enjoy the yellow flowers, and all of the irises that ornament the garden through the second half of spring.