> I have an unexpected large amount of leaves this fall, mostly large elm > leaves, so I have been piling them on my flower beds as a mulch. Most of my > Iris still have green leaves. Is it OK to bury them under leaves? Dear Colleen, I would not recommend this for any bearded iris. If you have a very dry winter you can give them a THIN layer of shredded leaves, but NEVER bury bearded iris. Most bearded iris are native to dry climates and moisture around the base of the leaves can lead to rot very easily. I suspect they will just fine without any leaves on the bed. Good luck. Jim W.