Hill Rag

Dear Problem Lady

by: Anonymous

Not realizing that fertilizers come in many types, I used Hollytone – a fertilizer for acidic-loving plants – on my giant bearded irises. Now I’m told that bearded irises like an alkaline soil. Is there anything I can do now to remedy this problem?

Bearded iris like a soil that is very SLIGHTLY acid, with a pH of ideally 6.8. How much Hollytone was added? If it hasn’t been watered in, perhaps you can remove the handfuls of earth around the iris that contain the Hollytone, and add light, loamy other soil. If you have watered the Hollytone in, one expert thinks it will, over time, inhibit the iris from blooming. But that depends on what the pH of the soil was before the Hollytone was added. Supposing it was very acidic – then that’s bad. But if it was quite basic – perhaps then not so bad. Another expert thinks, “It is the sulphur in the Hollytone that will harm the iris roots.” The recommended fertilizer for tall bearded iris has a composition of 5-10-5 or 5-10-10. The first figure is nitrogen, the second Phosphorus, and the third Potassium. Hollytone’s composition is 4-6-4 – which does not seem wildly off. No one says to go about adding lime (which would counteract the acid). That might make matters worse. Lime is very strong. And, of course, no fertilizer of any sort should touch the rhizomes, ever.

I need ideas for floral gifts – to a hostess – or for a birthday. Something that won’t cost too much.

You could pick a cute little bunch of dandelions, to leave an impression that – although you did pick them yourself (caring) – you do not come from either Venus or Mars – but probably Pluto – unless, of course, you’re under four years old. How much is too much? Alstroemeria (Peruvian lilies) are wonderfully long-lived, and come in many colors, but you need several bunches (3 for about $20) to look decent. A single rose can be just right. Supermarkets have attractive cut flowers. Try Whole Foods.

Feeling beset by gardening problems? Send them to the Problem Lady c/o The Capitol Hill Garden Club at andrew@hillrag.com. Your problems might prove instructive to others, and help them feel superior to you. Complete anonymity is assured. Capitol Hill Garden Club programs are free, and resume on September 12, 2006.


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Dear Problem Lady

by: Anonymous
Not realizing that fertilizers come in many types, I used Hollytone – a fertilizer for acidic-loving plants – on my giant bearded irises. Now I’m told that bearded irises like an alkaline soil. Is there anything I can do now to remedy this problem? Bearded iris like a soil that is very SLIGHTLY acid, with a pH of ideally 6.8. How much Hollytone was added? If it hasn’t been watered in, perhaps you can remove the handfuls of earth around the iris that contain the Hollytone, and add light, loamy other soil. If you have watered the Hollytone in, one expert thinks it will, over time, inhibit the iris from blooming. But that depends on what the pH of the soil was before the Hollytone was added. Supposing it was very acidic – then that’s bad. But if it was quite basic – perhaps then not so bad. Another expert thinks, “It is the sulphur in the Hollytone that will harm the iris roots.” The recommended fertilizer for tall bearded iris has a composition of 5-10-5 or 5-10-10. The first figure is nitrogen, the second Phosphorus, and the third Potassium. Hollytone’s composition is 4-6-4 – which does not seem wildly off. No one says to go about adding lime (which would counteract the acid). That might make matters worse. Lime is very strong. And, of course, no fertilizer of any sort should touch the rhizomes, ever. *I need ideas for floral gifts – to a hostess – or for a birthday. Something that won’t cost too much.* You could pick a cute little bunch of dandelions, to leave an impression that – although you did pick them yourself (caring) – you do not come from either Venus or Mars – but probably Pluto – unless, of course, you’re under four years old. How much is too much? Alstroemeria (Peruvian lilies) are wonderfully long-lived, and come in many colors, but you need several bunches (3 for about $20) to look decent. A single rose can be just right. Supermarkets have attractive cut flowers. Try Whole Foods. Feeling beset by gardening problems? Send them to the Problem Lady c/o The Capitol Hill Garden Club at andrew@hillrag.com. Your problems might prove instructive to others, and help them feel superior to you. Complete anonymity is assured. Capitol Hill Garden Club programs are free, and resume on September 12, 2006.