When we moved here 40 years ago, we discovered a tiny, 5 inch iris growing in the woods all around the house.  Whether it had been planted or was native, we do not know.  It is a joy to see it blooming in the early Spring.

The Bearded Iris are set in 20 beds on two levels, with a sloped path between the levels. The soil on this mountain is very rocky, and they had to be sifted out by wheelbarrow loads, hundreds of loads.  We then added composted cow manure and brought in top soil, mixing it all together.

The beds are fertilized each Spring and Fall using a "Garden Special" mixture that contains minerals and micronutrients.  The result is strong, healthy plants that show very little black spot.