This time of year, tons of free plants are waiting for you to claim them—and they’re sitting right in your own yard. It’s one small upside to fall yard cleanup: All those perennials you’ve been ...

Master Gardeners answer on how to divide those gorgeous, showy irises Question: Only a few of my bearded irises bloomed this season. They’re forming large clumps and seem to be getting pushed out of ...

Bearded irises are a long-time favorite for most Illinois gardeners, coming in a wide range of bright colors and hues and a distinctive floral scent. Most varieties flower during April and May. Iris ...

Irises in peak bloom at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve on Friday, April 3, 2015. The beloved icons of spring in the swamps are making a come back after sustaining damage from ...

FARGO - Last weekend I took my wife, Mary, on a romantic getaway. I found the perfect destination. Yes, we drove to the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum near Chaska. You're probably ...

Iris in bloom (top), iris borer larva in an iris rhizome (bottom) Q • My irises didn’t bloom well this year, and a friend recommended that I divide them. When is the best time to do that? Any tips on ...

Irises are among the best-known and beloved of all perennial flowers. Easy to grow, they provide several weeks of bloom with little or no effort by the gardener. Today's irises come in many colors, ...

Bearded irises are a long-time favorite for most Illinois gardeners, coming in a wide range of bright colors and hues and a distinctive floral scent. Most varieties flower during April and May. Iris ...

Part of their popularity likely springs from the fact that they are pretty easy to take care of and one of the earlier plants to flower in the spring. In addition, if you live in an area where you ...

Divide iris every three or four years. August and continuing into September is the best time to divide irises. Lift the clump from the soil with a garden fork, gently separate the rhizomes or roots.

As a general rule, most perennials can be safely moved either in the early spring, after the ground is warm and the plants are just starting to come up, or in the fall after blooming is finished.

Many area gardeners want to use more native plants in their landscapes. There are wonderful trees, shrubs, vines and herbaceous plants native to Louisiana and the Gulf Coast that are excellent choices ...