Hi Faye,
Glad to answer questions for you, however, I think you have a beautiful garden and obviously are an accomplished gardener.

After a terrible summer drought and water bills that were just stupid we did have an irrigation system installed about 2 yrs ago. It's an in ground Hunter system and we hired a professional. We also had to have a new well dug to feed the system.

How often do I water? Probably too much. I have the system set to water at each station for 40 mins. It's more important to water deeply than to water often. We are having a dry period right now and I tend to let the system run everyday when we don't have rain. I probably don't need to water more than twice a week.

As for fertilizer...I use granulated 10-10-10 in the spring in the flower beds. This year the bag is still sitting in the garage waiting to be spread out, lol! When I put the fertilizer out I just throw it by hand all over the flower beds.

I am blessed with really great soil and I believe that is the big reason my plants do well. I have lots and lots of worms. When 3 of the 5 LARGE flower beds were made (2003) I added compost and good topsoil. The other 2 original flower beds have been in existance for 20+ years. My beds are what I call "raised beds" as they are approx 5" above the lawn level. I think this helps drainage. I also keep the beds mulched.

I'm honored to answer your questions and thank you for the compliments on my garden.
Vikki

Thanks Vikki,

Is your irrigation system the drip type or pop up sprinkler type? I have read that drip is the best but it doesn't last as long. What ever you have is working just fine.

I have thrown fertilizer in my beds by hand as well and thought I was taking the easy way out but it does work.

I don't have the good soil that you have and have to make all my beds raised out of necessity.

Thanks again for sharing your gardens and knowledge.

faye