You're right Debra Would a small above ground flowerbed be a good idea? Mary Ann and Celia I hope you take pictures of your new iris beds once finished?
I may try doing a raised bed this year. I did something similar to the flowerbed my irises are in. Its a little higher than the surrounding soil. Wow that sounds like a lot of work Mary Ann.
I will most definitely post pics when it's done. I just have to find out how much grass I can take out. DH is protective of his grass. He hates mowing it all but I have to encroach slowly. LOL
Today the petals are starting to form on one of my bearded irises. Its a deep purple color so I can't wait until it fully opens. The other one has pencil thin flower stalks, and stupid me accidentally broke one stalk when I was trimming an oleander. I nearly cried when I saw the broken flower stalk. It shows up more bluish in the photo but its actually dark purple.