Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, September 11, 1994 TAG: 9410170009
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOHN ARBOGAST
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
A: Iris rhizomes can be dug, divided and transplanted any time after the plants have bloomed, but now is an ideal time.
Dig under a clump of iris rhizomes (those fleshy underground stems that produce the leaves) and lift out the whole clump at once. Wash away the clinging soil and use a sharp knife to cut iris rhizomes apart so that each division has at least one growing point (or fan of leaves), a few inches of healthy rhizome and a number of well-developed roots.
Replant each division right away so that the tops of the rhizomes are just slightly above the ground if the soil is rather heavy, as it often is in these parts. Spacing between clumps should be about 10 inches.
The time to dig, divide and replant garden peonies is in the latter part of their growing season when the peony foliage begins to decline naturally.
Cut peony tubers apart so that each division has at least three to five eyes and a taproot. Replant garden peonies (tree peonies are different) so that the uppermost eye or bud is not more than two inches below the ground surface.
Q: Last year the town dug and rocked a creek bed for springs and road runoff through our backyard. It looked beautiful, and we even built a bridge. How can we get rid of tall grasses and other weeds overtaking and choking the stream without endangering the environment? How can we dam a small portion of this creek to grow decorative water plants? Also, please give any suggestions for a decorative grass that can grow tall on a small hill that is too steep to mow. Mr. & Mrs. H.M.B., Christiansburg
A: Talk to someone in your local Montgomery County Extension Office at 382-5729 about specifically identifying your aquatic weeds so that proper controls and timing can be recommended.
Since that small stream was built to carry storm runoff in addition to the water from springs, you should contact town authorities before you work on damming a portion for a water garden. After permission has been given, use catalogs and nurseries/landscapers offering water garden supplies or plants, in addition to books, to find step-by-step instructions.
Most roadbanks that are too steep to be mowed are planted with a mixture of tall fescue and crownvetch. Tall fescue is not considered a "decorative" grass. Ornamental grasses that might be suitable for a bank would include fountain grasses and maiden grasses. However, weed growth around ornamental grass will likely be a problem.
Q: Nothing is killing the Colorado Potato Bugs. What should I do for 1995? I have used Sevin, diazinon and lime. H.L.K., Troutville
A: The 1994 Pest Management Guide from Virginia Tech recommends 1 percent rotenone dust for hard to kill Colorado potato beetles on Irish potatoes. Rotenone is an organic insecticide, but it is produced by some traditional garden chemical companies and thus is available. I have no way of guessing about any new products for '95.
Send short questions about your lawn, garden, plants, or insects to Dear John, c/o the Roanoke Times & World-News, P. O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010-2491. We need your mail, but this column can't reply to all letters. Those of wide appeal will be answered each week. Personal replies cannot be given.
by CNB