Q: I am in the process of developing an iris bed but I don’t want to have a solid stand of green leaves after the iris blooms. What are some complementary flowering plants I can mix in that will give bright colors and extend the blooming season?

A: My friend Mickey Gazaway at Pike Nursery suggests reblooming daylilies like ‘Stella De Oro’ or ‘Happy Returns’. You could get even more flowers by scattering cosmos or zinnia seeds in the bed each spring. Both of these flowers are annuals and won’t compete much with your irises.