Daffodils…check. Tulips…check. If you truly want to add amazing colors to your garden, don’t leave the incredible iris off your flowering bulb checklist. After all, iris is named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow! But with almost 300 species to chose from, where can you go for iris advice? Join iris expert Ross “Rusty” BeVier Thursday, May 12th from noon – 1:00 p.m. for a Green Thumb Gardening Tips Zoom presentation, “Types of Iris, and Their Propagation” for a colorful discussion on growing the irresistible iris.

Ross will talk about the history of iris and first varieties, the types of iris and their uses in gardens, and newer varieties and where they can be found. He will go over growing techniques needed to maintain an iris bed, the sequences of growth, and why they are so important to successful iris growing. Ross will discuss the importance of using the right fertilizers and how fertilization effects the quality of growth. He will also delve into diseases to watch for and corrective measures you can take if problems occur.

Ross believes that knowing more about each type of iris can open a larger world of gardening possibilities. “Maintaining healthy plants and growth characteristics adds to the beauty of a garden and enhances the other plants present. Adding newer varieties can be a surprising change to gardens and add to their enjoyment,” he said.

Join our online Zoom presentation by clicking here.

Or join by phone: 253-215-8782

Meeting ID: 920 0799 1742

Passcode: 709395

As a Master Judge in the American Iris Society and iris hybridist, Ross has been growing iris for nearly 50 years. He and his wife owned and operated “My Wild Iris Rows,” a commercial iris garden and has given talks to schools, garden clubs and iris clubs for nearly 25 years.

He holds a teaching degree for industrial arts and a minor for teaching Botany. He is a “rabid” salmon fisherman who also grows fig trees, “I love growing fig trees and have nine growing and pruned for this climate…I like to spread the trees around, much like iris.”

The “Green Thumbs Garden Tips” education series, sponsored by the WSU Clallam County Master Gardeners, is held on the second and fourth Thursday each month through October. In November, December, and January, one lecture is offered. Scheduled presentations are subject to change. Visit the WSU Extension Clallam County website calendar for the latest information on upcoming presentations. For questions, call 360-565-2679.

Green Thumb Education Series Presentations are held from 12 to 1 pm on the second and fourth Thursdays of most months. Talks are currently only being offered by online streaming, due to current social distancing concerns with COVID-19. Please see instructions for accessing the live stream. Presentations and associated printed materials will be archived on the local articles and archived presentations portion of our website. These events are free, but donations to help support the WSU Clallam County Extension Master Gardener program are appreciated.