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Jun 10, 2026
The Art of Gardening at Sissinghurst
Tidying up bearded irises
with TROY SCOTT SMITH — Head Gardener at Sissinghurst. Garden Writer, Speaker & Lecturer.
Lesson 44 of 56
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You’ll learn what to do in early June to keep these seasonal stars looking their best.
From the Lesson Workbook
Tidying up Bearded Irises
Early June is also a time to tidy irises to make sure they stay looking their best.
Tidy bearded iris foliage as it starts to go yellow.
- This shows off the flower spikes that are still to flower.
- Iris pallida subsp. pallida is an exception that has fabulous architectural foliage.
- Simply peel back the foliage and remove it by hand.
- Once there aren't many leaves left, cut the remaining leaves down to an arrow shape.
- This means water runs off rather than running down and rotting the rhizome.
Lifting and Dividing
- As they finish flowering, it is the perfect time to lift and divide.
- Discard old rhizomes and replant the best ones.
- Do this every 3-5 years.
Plant Directory
Iris pallida subsp. pallida
Orris
Hardy semi-evergreen perennial from rhizomes
Iridaceae
Glossary
Rhizome
An underground stem that acts as a storage organ, from which plants such as irises and cannas grow.
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Interior and exterior confidence
Create Academy has been such a great resource. I'm in the middle of renovating a bungalow with a very large garden and the courses have offered a wealth of information to dive into and explore new ideas. I'm...
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Absolutely love Create Academy
Absolutely love Create Academy! The instructors are extremely informative, and it is beautifully filmed. Create Academy is great value for money and plan on renewing my subscription yearly because there are ...
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Magic in small spaces
Butter's creativity is stunning! Her ability to incorporate brilliance in small gardens is magical!
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May 30, 2026
Your Instructor
Troy Scott Smith
Head Gardener at Sissinghurst. Garden Writer, Speaker & Lecturer.
Troy Scott-Smith, previously head gardener of Iford Manor and Bodnant garden, now oversees the cherished grounds of Sissinghurst - one of the most famous gardens in England and is designated Grade I on Historic England's register of historic parks and gardens. Coming from a family of committed naturalists, Troy is a seasoned horticulturist, writer, designer and consultant, Troy is also a respected member of the RHS Floral Committee. When he set his sights on the head gardener role, he did so with refreshing candour, speaking passionately of the garden’s need for thoughtful evolution. It is a mark of the National Trust’s forward-thinking spirit that they embraced his vision, inviting him to guide this historic landscape into a compelling new chapter.
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