This news update is being written at the beginning of November 2010. The autumn frosts have begun, albeit sporadically, but the leaves are starting to fall from the trees and the daylight hours are becoming noticeably shorter.The work at Iris of Sissinghurst has concentrated on lifting and dividing bearded iris in the stock beds.These have then been potted using a special soil/compost mix ready for 2011. The de-weeding of the stock beds has taken a great deal of time. The level and range of weeds this year has been a real problem. The long dry spell in the first half of summer followed by regular intervals of light rain in late July and August (Remember this is west Kent) must have contributed to the spread of weed infestation.
Discussions are taking place about the Shows for 2011. Chelsea is always high on the agenda. Iris of Sissinghurst will not be growing for Cayeaux in 2011. A mutual decision has been made by Cayeaux and Iris of Sissinghurst to have a break from Chelsea for next year. However plants have already been prepared for at least one Show Garden. Details of the exhibitors that will have Iris of Sissinghurst plants will be annouced in the next few months.
A number of new varieties will be available for 2011. This will include Kent bred varieties as well as good quality iris from other parts of the world. It is always worth checking the website for these new varieties. Photographs are included when available.
Autumn flowering bearded iris ( see remontant) and non-bearded iris have brought a welcomed show of colour to the nursery. This has included Midsummer Nights Dream and Pure as Gold a new bearded iris available to customers. Kilndown, a wintering flowering iris (Unguicularis) is now in full flower and looks spectacular.
A great deal of work is taking place in the polytunnel & solar tunnels. Old leaves are being removed from bearded iris and an insecticide used to discourage over wintering greenfly.A final tidying up will taken place during November and watering will be kept to a minimum over the winter period.
