Get a perfect perennial for California gardens

Bearded irises are among the best drought-tolerant – and deer-resistant – perennials for California gardeners. They produce abundant spring blooms (and sometimes more in fall) with little effort or water.

Add some to your garden with rhizomes from the Sacramento Iris Society.

On Saturday, Aug. 2, the Iris Society will host its annual Rhizome Sale at the Shepard Garden and Arts Center. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (or until all the rhizomes are sold). Admission and parking are free.

Rhizomes are bearded irises’ fleshy underground stems (with roots attached). Late July and August is prime time for digging up iris rhizomes and separating them to produce more individual plants. Members of the Iris Society have been busy digging and dividing their own iris gardens, producing a wide selection of desirable varieties. Bearded irises come in virtually every color of the rainbow and countless combinations.

“We will have a large selection of rebloomers, which have an extended bloom season,” says sales chairman Stan Logan. “A demonstration table will be set up to show how rhizomes should be planted. A labeling station will allow you prepare a free permanent garden label for each of your rhizome purchases before you leave. Remember that irises are both deer- and drought-resistant, which make them ideal additions to your garden.”

Shepard Center is located at 3330 McKinley Blvd., Sacramento, in McKinley Park.

More details and directions: https://www.sgaac.org/