Beardless (Japanese or Siberian) irises need to be divided regularly. As they grow, the center of the plant weakens or dies. Dig out the clump, cut out 4-to 6-inch segments from the outer ring and discard the center. Plant your renewed irises in soil that has been improved with compost or other organic matter, making certain to keep them at the same depth as they were before.
Wake up your lawn by raking with a metal spring rake to remove dead grass and winter debris. Overseed thin or bare areas, and add compost to enrich your soil without the need for chemicals. Consider adding clover to your lawn; it creates a green lawn, doesn’t need fertilizer. It creates its own by fixing nitrogen from the air into the soil. Along with not bagging clippings, you will green up your property and save money.
Start the month by removing old mulch, leaves, and evergreen branches from your perennial beds, but stay out of the beds so you don’t compact the soil.
