When it comes to mulching your garden plants, the winter season is the ideal time to do so. The purpose of mulching is not to protect them from the cold, but to protect them from the freeze-thaw cycle that can cause a lot of damage. To ensure the best protection, it's important to select a mulch that won't compact and provides good insulation. Organic materials are the best choice for mulching, such as dry grass clippings, shredded leaves, hay, and street straw.
These materials will help create a natural space in your garden where butterflies and other visitors can find flowers to feed on and host plants to lay eggs. When planting irises in Minnesota, it's important to provide good drainage to prevent the iris from getting wet with their feet. Digging a trench with a garden tractor and pushing the soil over the iris is a great way to do this. Additionally, removing old, discolored flowers from shrub roses can improve the shape of the plant and encourage more flowers to bloom as summer progresses.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your irises will thrive in Minnesota's climate. With the right mulch and proper care, you can enjoy beautiful blooms all season long.