Now Is the Time for Dividing Bearded Iris

Bearded irises need dividing every three years or so. The end of this month is the traditional time in Southern California. Dig up the rhizomes, separate, save the healthy ones, trim the leaves and roots so they are about 6 inches long and replant. Space rhizomes about 4 to 6 inches apart.

Naked lady (Amaryllis belladonna) gets its common name from its habit of blooming in August with big pink trumpets, after the foliage has withered. It is best planted or divided right after bloom.

From the Los Angeles Times

California Garden Calendar

Talk about summer landscapes 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge. Free with garden admission of $5. For information, call (818) 949-4200 or visit www.DescansoGardens.org.

Begonia show and sale sponsored by Palos Verdes branch of American Begonia Society, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula. Free with $5 garden admission. For information, call (310) 544-1948.

* Send garden announcements to Garden Events, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012, or e-mail to garden @la times.com.