I brought home quite a few plants today. I was given a large quantity of water irises. I certainly have plenty to complete my bog garden. And to think I was expecting to not finish it this season. These will be a wonderful addition. They have a lovely green foliage and produce an attractive blue flower. They can be planted in shallow water or in an area of consistently damp soil.

I have more plants than I will use this fall. I have spent this afternoon thinking of a way to store the additional plants until next spring. I think I have found my solution. I will bury an unused wading pool in an area of my vegetable garden. The plants are growing as a large mass. I will put the masses of irises in the small pool. I’ll add some garden soil or compost to fill in the rest of the pool area and add some water. A layer of mulch (leaves or straw) will be all that is needed to keep the hardy plants protected through the winter. In the spring I will move the plants out of the garden and find places for them.

I’ll post an update on the bog garden as soon as the irises are planted. I’m glad I waited on finishing it since I now have free plants to finish it with. I expect to add a few in and around my pond in the spring as well.

I’ll see you in the backyard!