CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A friend and fellow gardener recently sent an e-mail with two extremely informative Web site suggestions. I'm hesitant to include them in this column, because now everyone will know where I get all of my answers!

The first is about.extension.org. It's an "Internet-based collaborative environment where Land Grant University content providers exchange objective, research-based knowledge to solve real challenges in real time."

Translation: Extension agents helping folks like us. The part of the site that's most useful to me, as a home gardener, is the "Ask an Expert" section. I tried it, with great results.

I typed in the question "Is it too late to divide Siberian Irises?" at 10 a.m. on a Thursday. After a staff meeting and a quick lunch, I sat down at the computer and found this reply:

A question you asked via eXtension's 'Ask an Expert' tool has been answered!

Question asked:

Is it too late to divide Siberian Irises?

Answer:

You can divide an iris any time after blooming is completed. But, for best results, divide the plant in late summer and early fall. Fall is the best time to plant the rhizomes to allow for adequate root growth and establishment before winter. During late summer, the buds for next year's blooms are formed.

Before dividing an iris, cut the leaves to about one-third their full height. Dig up the entire clump of rhizomes. It may be necessary to wash away some soil to see just how the rhizomes look. The most vigorous rhizomes will be those on the outer sides of the clump. Carefully cut the clump apart, saving the vigorous ones and discarding the inner, leafless ones. Be sure the new rhizome has some roots, 3-4 inches of rhizome, and a fan of leaves. When separated from the clump, each division is ready to plant.

For maximum display of flowers, irises need to be dug and divided every three to four years. If iris plants have not flowered well, look for a new location during renovation.

I would also advise you to check with your local County Extension Office.

- Craig Wood

University of Kentucky

I felt like I had a new friend! While I had asked a very simple question, I'm sure that any gardening question is fair game for the experts on this site. And the last suggestion, "Check with your local County Extension Office," is always good advice.

The other recommendation from my gardening friend is a diagnostic site managed by the Bartlett Tree Experts Co., www.dddi.org/bartlett/.

While there is no Bartlett Tree Expert location in West Virginia and you must be a customer to use portions of the site, there are many parts of the site that are invaluable.

In the "What's wrong with my tree?" section, visitors to the site can print information from the Bartlett Tree research laboratories in Charlotte, N.C., on a wide variety of topics. They include different tree species "Plant Health Care Programs," technical reports on various pests and diseases, as well as reports on many environmental issues such as drought, dieback and decline, construction damage and other problems. I could have used several ink cartridges printing out the pamphlets and articles that I found interesting.

Perennial of the year

The Perennial Plant Association has named Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola' as the 2009 Perennial Plant of the Year. Golden variegated hakone grass or golden variegated Japanese forest grass are common names for this perennial. This hardy ornamental grass grows 12 to 18 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide with an arching form that resembles a cascading miniature bamboo. It can be used as a groundcover, a border-front specimen, a mass planting or in a patio container.

Reach Sara Busse at sara.bu...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-1249.