In article , Dwayne jenco@st-
tel.net writes
Mike, I don't know the answer, but my brother is a fanatic about cutting off
the flowers as they die. I do it also, I toss the iris, rose, peony, etc.
blooms back into the garden after they aren't pretty anymore. Vie been told
that it encourages the plant to bloom, but mostly if makes the plants look
better if the old flower is removed. Plus, I am returning the nutrients
back to the flower bed by throwing them back. If the plant is diseased, I
don't throw it back, but burn it.

Leaving the flowers on to make seed heads may look untidy but gives food
for the birds, and thus, of course, attracts more of them to your
garden.

No point with a lot of double flowers, because they'll not make seed
anyway.
--
Kay
"Do not insult the crocodile until you have crossed the river"