I can’t get enough of garden tours! They are so inspirational and provide so many ideas for what I can do in my yard. Plus, many are staffed by experts who can answer questions and provide guidance.
Gladiolus is a summer blooming corm and best planted in early spring. In my zone (9b), corms are typically planted starting in February. Though the corms start to sprout in my yard in December/January. In colder zones, wait until your soil is workable in early spring. Your gladiolus will bloom in about 60 days or so after planting.
Irises are a very low-maintenance flower, but they need a little attention when they get crowded to keep them blooming. You just need to divide them, which is super easy. You’ll then have exponentially more rhizomes for your garden, or better yet, to share with friends and family. All of the irises in my yard have come from my parents’ and friends’ gardens.