Ken, Harris Brake is in Perry County. Perry Co. is just to the west, and a bit north, of Pulaski Co/Little Rock. You would think being that close to the capitol that it would be a bit less rural. There is one grocery store in the entire county but there is an abundance of churches in every denomination imaginable scattered throughout the byways, communities and back roads. There is a modicum of stop signs.... but no traffic light at all. I moved here 18 years ago and even though everyone is gracious and friendly I am still considered a newcomer. smiles

My Irises spout a lot of new foliage growth this time of year.

Our would be putting up new growth if we would get some water.

grannysgarden said:Ken, Harris Brake is in Perry County. Perry Co. is just to the west, and a bit north, of Pulaski Co/Little Rock. You would think being that close to the capitol that it would be a bit less rural. There is one grocery store in the entire county but there is an abundance of churches in every denomination imaginable scattered throughout the byways, communities and back roads. There is a modicum of stop signs.... but no traffic light at all. I moved here 18 years ago and even though everyone is gracious and friendly I am still considered a newcomer. smiles

I think that "new comer" thing is common , everywhere, in small towns. My grandparents moved here in 1935.....and we're still "the new folks"

We moved here in 1985. People who don't know us personally refer to us as the *Chicago people*..............it's never gonna change.

I don't have that problem. Born, reared, and lived in the deep south my entire 72 years.

I get a lot of growth about now because the temps have gotten cooler. The real burst of growth though starts in early spring. Starting in early March. Blooms start in April with the dwarfs. I am a "bit" further north than you so your growth & bloom probably will start a bit earlier.

We are not seeing much new growth because we need rain so badly.

Lucy, me too!

I am from Massachusetts and live in Maine. Maine-iacs call us Massholes.

My irises that didn't bloom began their growth spurt much earlier then those that bloomed. Some that I raised seeds on are even slower. There is some variability between cultivars too, as to when they sent out new increases and new leaves. I think that during what we call the dormant stage is when the rhizome is growing. Seems that the rhizomes I dig now are larger then the ones I dig right after bloom.

I do get some new growth now and also in the spring. With the weather and being so dry, my irises don't know what to do.

I've gotten around the relative lack of water by individually watering directly onto the
newly planteds, sometimes daily, and only watering the older clumps once a week. Lots of new growth.
The individual watering is a chore, using a watering can, but all but one or two of the new
ones are doing well. I haven't given up on any of them.

We have used the watering can method as there is a watering ban right now (& over the summer.)

It's been so hot and dry here I'm just glad my Iris did not turn into prunes.

I'm glad I didn't turn into a prune.