 Growing Gardens
with Julia Hancock
Waving the Flag
Flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) and sweet flag (Acorus calamus) are two delightful perennial plants which, although they don't come from the same family, enjoy similar growing conditions.
Like other members of the genus Iridacea, the flag iris bears handsome, metre-long, sword-like leaves from a rhizome that looks like a knob of ginger. But it is the flowers which are the main attraction, when they appear in spring and summer as vivid yellow beacons, clustered in twos and threes at the end of a long stalk.
Both foliage and flower are suitable for indoor arrangements, as is the dried seed head but if you cut it off you will deprive your plant of the opportunity to self-seed. If you can't resist decapitating it, you can also propagate this iris by dividing its rhizomatous roots.
By contrast, the flowers of Acorus calamus from the family Aracea are relatively insignificant and its most appealing distinguishing feature is its foliage. Like other members of this family, which includes the philodendrons and epipremnums, its leaves are the main reason for home cultivation. Its common name makes reference to the slightly citrus-scented, narrow, strap-like leaves which form a clumping plant of around 60cm high and wide. Normally grassy in both shape and colour, the variegated form of sweet flag, A. calamus 'Variegatus', has creamy striped leaves.
Flag iris and sweet flag both prefer wet, swampy soils in sunny and protected positions. They are ideal as marginal plants around ponds and dams in frost-free areas, where they can be allowed to spread and colonise.
They escape the attention of pests and are resistant to disease and require little maintenance apart from ensuring they are always kept moist. Tidy up spent foliage and flower stalks in autumn and divide large clumps every five years or so in winter to keep them looking fresh and productive.
Lismore Garden Club News
Lismore Garden Club is keen to interest potential new members in joining the club. All you need is a keen interest in gardening and people. The joining fee is only $5. For further info phone Mary on 6621 5293.
What to plant:
Flowers: Snapdragon, Salvia, Stock, Portulaca, Phlox, Petunia, Nasturtium, Lupin, Impatiens, Gloxinia, Gerbera, Gazania, Everlasting Daisy, Cosmos, Coleus, Cockscomb, Chrysanthemum, Celosia, Carnation, Iceland Poppy, Californian Poppy, Calendula, Bedding Begonia, Candytuft, Amaranthus, Aster, Alyssum, Lobelia, Gypsophila.
Vegies: Tomato (frost free areas), Sweet Potato (shoots), Radish, Peas, Spring Onion, Lettuce, Herbs, Asian Greens, Carrot, Capsicum, Broccoli, Bean (dwarf and climbing), Asparagus (crowns).
Jobs to do: July is a good month to move established shrubs. Dig around the plant with a sharp spade, taking as much soil and rootball as possible. Before lifting plant, prepare hole in new location, a little larger than required. Lift plant into a wheelbarrow or onto tarp. Place plant into new hole, back fill and water with tepid water and seasol.
Gardening tip: Make your own organic liquid fertiliser. Two thirds fill a large container, (eg clean drum, old washtubs or similar) with water. Place a hessian bag or onion bag of well rotted animal manure with top tied, into the water. Suspend from the top. Leave for 2 weeks, agitating regularly. The liquid can then be applied to all, including native plants, with a watering can.
Happy gardening - Ron Burns
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