In an attempt to remove poor soil and add better soil near the irises I purchased just last summer, I ran into a large rock that turned out to be right under an iris, and in removing the rock (bigger than my head), the iris came out as well. I am so bummed, because I really want to see the blossoms; it has about four buds that are ready to pop open. Because it has essentially been transplanted, I'm wondering if it is necessary to trim it back as I usually do for transplanting. Any thoughts?

Just quickly replant it and it should take off, don't let it dry out. If the talk is far enough along you can cut it and put it in a vase and it should open, although it's color may not be as bright.

If you do decide to keep the stalk intact, weigh down the the iris so the wind and weight of the blooms don't cause the rhizome(s) to come out of the ground. I would also stake the bloom stalk(s) to give it some added support.

I once had a bird break off a stalk with buds on it on an iris I had never seen before. I opened a bud and saw a tiny version of the flower inside. The colour and the pattern were all there. If buds fail to open after you replant your iris, open the bud and take a peek.

Good news -- the blossoms survived, at least most of them. A yearling deer on a taste adventure, I suspect, came by and nibbled off the top bloom. If it weren't for the young deer checking out what's good and what isn't, "deer resistant" plants would have a better chance.

"Magical Encounter" is the iris that went through the uprooting and nibbling experience. She is supposed to be about three times this tall; I'm hoping the soil amendments will make a difference for next year. I bought her last summer from Shreiner's Iris Gardens, and I am glad the rhizomes I got from them were so sturdy and reproductive.

I can see why you were keen to see this one.