m.n. Payne Medal

BUTTERFLIES IN FLIGHT j

(Aitken'91),JA I

1998 /IDS

/Kedal TOlnneis

william Mohr Medal

PRAIRIE THUNDER (Black '90), AR (Tied with BOZRAH, pictured in October '98 Bulletin, page 54)

Bulletin of the American iris Society

ISSN 0747-4172

Volume lxxx, No. 1 Series No. 312 January 1999

Editor: Terry Aitken, 608 NW 119th St., Vancouver WA 98685-3802; aitken@e-z.net Advertising Editor: Jean Erickson, 4036 Trinity Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95405-7714 Photo Team: Robert Rank, 8426 Vine Valley Drive, Sun Valley, CA 91352-3656 Scientific Editor: Adele Lawyer, 4333 Oak Hill Road, Oakland, CA 94605-4523 Layout & Graphic Design: Scott Aitken, Flash Graphic Design ,

2760 NE 98 St, Seattle WA 98115-2447; zebra@chcs.com

The Bulletin of the American Iris Society is published quarterly by The American Iris Society. Publishing Office, 8426 Vine Valley Drive, Sun Valley, CA 91352-3656. Periodical postage paid at Sun Valley, CA, and at additional mailing offices. Subscription price is included in membership dues. All copy due in Editor’s office by Oct. 15 (Jan.), Jan. 15 (April), April 15 (July), July 15 (October). This Bulletin was printed by Great Impressions. Copyright © 1999 The American Iris Society.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Bulletin of the American Iris Society,

8426 Vine Valley Drive, Sun Valley CA 91352-3656.

How to reach the American iris Society:

Membership, Dues, Missing Bulletins: Marilyn Harlow, PO Box 55, Freedom CA 95019-0055. (408) 722-1810, 9:00AM - 6:00PM Pacific Coast Time Business matters of the Society:

Jeanne Clay Plank, 8426 Vine Valley Drive, Sun Valley CA 91352-3656.

Bulletin advertising: Jean Erickson, Advertising Editor,

4036 Trinity Dr, Santa Rosa CA 95405-7714 (707) 526-5204.

Articles appearing in this publication should be considered the opinions of the authors. Technical articles reporting the results of research will be summarized as news reports, with references made to specialized journals where more complete information can be found.

Permission is granted to non profit organizations to reprint original material appearing in this Bulletin, on condition that both the author and the publication are credited, and a copy of your

publication is sent to the editor. AiS Membership Rates:	Overseas Rates:
Annual, Single: $18.00	Annual, Single: $23.00
Dual: $23.00	Dual: $26.00
Triennial, Single: $43.00	Triennial, Single: $54.00
Dual: $54.00	Dual: $65.00
Life, Single: $360.00	Calendar year memberships. May be paid
Dual: $435.00	by check, VISA, or Mastercard. Overseas
Youth, without Bulletin: $4.00	memberships include first class postage, and are payable in U.S. currency.
Youth, with Bulletin: $7.00 Visit the AIS Website: http://www.isomedia.com/homes/AIS

2

yAnxetican 3tis Society

1

The American Iris Society is a nonprofit institution incorporated February 2, 1927, in the County of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania. By the terms of the Charter, the Corporation has no stockholders and exists for the sole purpose of promoting the culture and improvement of the Iris.

Officers:

President: Clarence Mahan, 7311 Churchill Road, McLean, VA 22101, (703) 893-8526

First Vice President: Terry Aitken, 608 NW 119th St., Vancouver, WA, 98685-3802 (360) 573-4472

Second Vice President: Jeanne Clay Plank, 8426 Vine Valley Drive, Sun Valley, CA 91352-3656, (818) 767-5512

Secretary: Ruth B. Simmons, PO Box 392, Walters, OK 73572-0392, (580) 875-2271

Treasurer: Jay Hudson, 33450 Little Valley Rd., Fort Bragg, CA 95437, (707) 964-3907

Editor: Terry Aitken, 608 NW 119th St., Vancouver WA 98685-3802, (360) 573-4472, Fax (360) 576-7012

A dministratiue Officers:

Registrar: Keith Keppel, po Box 18154, Salem, OR 97305, (503) 391-9241 Membership Secretary: Marilyn Harlow, po Box 55, Freedom, CA 95019-0055, (408) 722-1810 Recording Secretary: Anne Lowe, 12219 Zilles Rd., Blackstone, VA 23824, (804) 265-8198 Publication Sales Director: Irv 6c Nancy Pocklington, 609 Harrington St, Carlinville, IL 62626-1230, (217) 854-2184 Ombudsman: Lew Begley, 1930 Wilkinson Rd., Mesquite, TX 75181-2204, (972) 289-7107

Directors:

Past Presidents: Marion Walker, Harold L. Stahly, Ronald Mullin, James Rasmussen, Kenneth M. Waite, Claire B. Barr, Dave Niswonger

Terms expiring in 1999: Terms expiring in 2000: Terms expiring in 2001: RVP Representative:

Mike Lowe Shirley Pope

E. Roy Epperson Jean Morris

J. Farron Campbell Kathy Guest

Brad Kasperek

Michael Moller Riley Probst

Paul Gossett Maxine Perkins

Barbara Figge Bobbie Shepard

Chairs of Standing Committees:

Affiliates: Shirley L. Pope, 39 Highland Ave, Gorham, ME 04038, (207) 839-3054 Awards: Farron Campbell, 5637 Saddleback Rd., Garland, TX 75043, (972) 240-4016 Calendar: Olive Rice-Waters, 1914 Napa Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94707, (510) 526-2853 Convention Liaison: Paul Gossett, 1708 E. 53rd St., Tulsa, OK 7105-5726, (918) 745-0852 Exhibitions: E. Roy Epperson, 1115 Delk Dr., High Point, NC 27262, (336) 883-9677 Foundation Liaison: Roger P. Mazur, 5824 Erskine #7, Omaha, NE 68104 Historical: Larry Harder, Box 547, Ponca, NE 68770, (402) 755-2615

Honorary Awards: Dave Niswonger, 822 Rodney Vista Blvd., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, (573) 334-338 3

Insurance: Michelle Snyder, 7855 Ellenbogen St., Sunland, CA 91040, (213) 525-3794

Judges: Ron Mullin, Route 3, Box 84, Pawnee, OK 74058-9302, (918) 762-2430

Library: Keith McNames, 7711 Pries Dr, Salem, OR 97303, (503) 463-1875

Membership Contest: Lynda Miller, 12788 E. 191st, Noblesville, IN 46060, (317) 776-0323

Policy: Mike Lowe, 12219 Zilles Road, Blackstone, VA 23824, (804) 265-8198

Public Relations: Kathy Guest, 494 North St., East Aurora, NY 14052-1446, (716) 655-1762

Registrations: Keith Keppel, PO Box 18154, Salem, OR 97305, (503) 391-9241

Send all registration applications, and $7.50 payable to ais, to Keith Keppel.

Robins: Libby Cross, 8907 Potts Creek Road, Covington, VA 24426, (540) 747-2123

RVP Counselor: Michael Moller, 3750 W. Arrowhead Rd., Littleton, CO 80123, (303) 797-8341

Scientific: Dr. Chandler Fulton, 21 Hillcrest Road, Weston, MA 02193, (617) 891-4015

Scholarship: Dr. John J. Taylor, 3747 E. Kent Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85044-4576, (602) 759-3128

Section Liaison: Riley Probst, 418 N. Van Buren, St. Louis, MO 63122, (314) 822-2485

Silent Auction: Barbara Figge, 6805 Kentucky Ct. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, (505) 881-3859

Slides: Hooker Nichols, 3365 Northaven Rd., Dallas, TX 75229, (214) 352-2191

Ways & Means: Maxine Perkins, PO Box 494, Mesilla Park, NM 88047-0494, (505) 524-1529

Youth: Jean Morris, 682 Huntley Heights, Ballwin MO 63021, (314) 256-392 7

3

MIS Sections; (ist line = Presidents, 2nd line = Memberships)

Median iris Society:

Dorothy Willott, 26231 Shaker Blvd, Beachwood, OH 44122 Rita Gormley, 6717 Martha Dr., Cedar Hill, MO 63026

Society for Siberian irises:

Tom Abrego, PO Box 693, Newberg, OR 97132

Howard Brookins, N 75 W14257 North Point Dr., Menomonee Falls, WI 53051-4325

Spuria iris Society:

Tom Abrego, PO Box 693, Newberg, OR 97132

Bobbie Shepard, 3342 West Orangewood, Phoenix, AZ 85051

Society for Japanese irises:

Terry Aitken, 608 NW 119 St., Vancouver, WA 98685 Robert Bauer, 9823 E. Michigan Ave, Galesburg, MI 49053

Reblooming iris Society:

Rosalie Figge, 4 Maryland Ave, Towson, MD 21286-1100 Charlie Brown, 3114 S. FM 131, Denison, TX 75020

Dwarf iris Society:

Brad Kasperek, 9130 North 5200 West, Elwood, UT 84337-8640 Lynda Miller, 12788 E. 191st, Noblesville, IN 46060

Society for Pacific Coast Native irises:

Jay Hudson, 33450 Little Valley Rd., Fort Bragg, CA 95437 Terry Hudson, 33450 Little Valley Rd., Fort Bragg, CA 95437

Species iris Croup of North Pm erica (SIGNM):

Carla Lankow, 11118 169th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98059 Colin Rigby, 18341 Paulson SW, Rochester, WA 98579

Historic iris Preservation Society (HiPS):

Doug Goodnight, 1005 Gamblin Ln., Hobbs, NM 88240

Andree Desiree Wilson, 15 Brace Bridge Rd, Newton Centre, MA 02158

poopmntSmg socimtms:

Aril society international:

Scott W. Jordan, 3500 Avenida Charada Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107 Reita Jordan, 3500 Avenida Charada Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107

Society for Louisiana irises:

Farron Campbell, 5637 Saddleback Rd., Garland, TX 95043 Elaine Bourque, 1812 Broussard Rd. E, Lafayette, LA 70508

	single	single	dual	dual
Section Membership Rates:	annual	triennial	annual	triennial
Median Iris Society	$5.50	15.00	6.50	17.50
(Overseas members add $5 per year for postage)
Society for Siberian Iris	5.00	13.00	6.00	15.00
Spuria Iris Society	6.00	15.00	8.00	18.00
Society for Japanese Iris	3-50	9.00	4.00	10.50
Reblooming Iris Society	5.00	13.00	6.00	15.00
Society for PCNs	4.00	10.00	5.00	12.00
Species Iris Group	4.00	10.00	5.00	12.00
Dwarf Iris Society	4.50	12.00	6.75	18.00
Historic Iris Preservation Society	5.00	12.00	6.00	15.00
Aril Society International	10.00	28.00	13-5°	33-50
Society for Louisiana Irises	7.50	18.00	9.00	22.50

4

T^c^lons &. "TR.e^ionut *&lce ^>tesidents

I: Maine, New Hampshire , Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut ana Rhone island:

Ada Godfrey, 9 Bradford St., Foxborough, MA 02035, (508) 543-2711, <hmwalk@ici.net>

2: New York:

Peter Weixlmann, 280 Seneca Creek Rd, West Seneca, NY 14224, (716) 674-6289, <Pweixl@aol.com>

3: Pennsylvania ana Delaware:

Vincent Lewonski, 509 S. Bishop Ave., Secane, PA 19018-2903, (610) 623-3921

a: Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, west Virginia, and North Carolina:

Sara R. Marley, 13358 Sagle Rd, Purcellville, VA 22132-9404, (540) 668-9004, < digger@anent.com >

S: South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Puerto Rico:

Randell Bowen, 528 Forest Ridge Dr., Shelby, NC 28152, (704) 434-6118

6: Ohio, Indiana and Michigan:

Howard Hughes, 210 Parkway, Lapeer MI 48446, (810) 664-5525

7; Tennessee and Kentucky:

Mary ^pmffri'an, 521 KickapooTr., Frankfort, KY 40601, (502) 695-1506

/' 8: Minnesota and Wisconsin:

EdfOvin W. Kelsey, W. 9155 Schofield Rd., Poynette WI 53955, (608) 635-7169

4. 9: Illinois:

Orville Dickhaut, iQ2 Sherwood, Carlinville IL 62626, (217) 854-3418

* SO: Louisiana:

Elaine Bourque, 1812. Broussard Road East, Lafayette, LA 70508, (318) 865-5859

ft; Idaho, Montana and Wyoming:

CMrryl Afeyer, 2532-Highwood Dr, Missoula, MT 59803, (406) 251-5800

\ 12: Utah:

Bra'd Kasperek, 93^0 North 5200 West, Elwood, UT 84337, (435) 2S7~°73^

, 13: j Washington, Oregon and Alaska:

Lorena Reid, 41886 McKenzie Hwy., Springfield, OR 97478, (541) 896-3756

f4: Northern California, Nevada and Hawaii:

Kitty Loberg, 1900 Mountain View Ln., Redwood Valley, CA 95470, (707) 485-7907

IS: Southern California and Arizona:

Dr. Herbert Hoik, 14115 Pear St., Riverside, CA 92508, (909) 780-0335

16: Canada:

Catherine Boyko, Rt. 9, Bains Rd., Dunnville ONT NiA2w8 Canada, (905) 774-8360

17: Texas:

Bonnie Nichols, 3365 Northaven Rd., Dallas, TX 75229, (214) 352-2191, <bjnhtn@aol.com>

18: Kansas and Missouri:

Jim Morris, 682 Huntley Heights Dr., Ballwin MO 63021, (314) 256-3927

IQ: New Jersey:

Raymond Rogers, 503 Lee Ave., North Brunswick, NJ 08902, (732) 249-9478

20: Colorado:

Fran Evers, 4955 Pine Ridge Rd., Golden, CO 80403

21: lowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota:

Carolyn Lingenfelter, 1108 North 9th St., Norfolk, NE 68701, (402) 371-3658

22: Arkansas and Oklahoma:

Louise Carson, 5027 NW 24th PL, Oklahoma City OK 73127, (405) 947-1710

23: New Mexico:

Barbara Figge, 6805 Kentucky Court NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110

2d: Alabama and Mississippi:

Leland Parkins, 759 Dogwood Tr., Remlap, AL 35133, (205) 681-3349

5

*/\3S> bulletin

Table of Contents

Regular Features:

Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 6 Page 8 Page io Page 12 Page 59 Page 67 Page 86 Page 88 Page 89 Page 90

articles:

Page 21 Page 23 Page 31 Page 39 Page 41 Page 44 Page 46 Page 51 Page 55 Page 59 Page 60 Page 62 Page 64 Page 71 Page 80 Page 83 Page 83 Page 84

Officers 8c Committee Chairpeople AIS Sections

Regions 8c Regional Vice Presidents Presidents Message, Clarence Mahan Editors Message, Terry Aitken Youth Views, Jean Morris International News, George & Margaret Sutton Directory of Display Ads Design Corner, Carolyn Hawkins Official AIS Storefront AIS Slides For Rent AIS Bulletin Advertising Rates Shopping Section

1999 AIS Convention Invitation New AIS Directors New Regional Vice Presidents Approach to Red Iris, Don Spoon Rocky Road to Red Irises, Terry Aitken AIS Library Update, Keith McNames Denver Convenion Review, Gisela Dathe 1998 AIS Show Winners Report 1998 AIS Artistic Show Report 1998 AIS Youth Show Report 1998 Display Report 1998 Exhibition Certificates 100 Favorite Iris

Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting Membership Contest, Lynda Miller Memoriam: Norman J. Frisch In Memoriam AIS Foundation

Front cover photo by Robert Plank: Baumunk Garden, Colorado. AIS Convention, 1 998. Back cover photos from AIS Convention, 1 998.

FEB 2 :> .1999

6

p. 'Stesidcnts /Kcssa^c

Mm imtrosimctmM

kif (Ztaience /fldluin, *Ul?$lnia

7 # i

HEN I JOINED THE AMERICAN IRIS SOCIETY nineteen years ago, I never imagined that a day would come when I would be entrusted with the duties of its presidency. But then neither did I imagine that the Society would become such an important part of my life. What I did know, right from the start, was that iris people are a very special tribe. Kindness, helpfulness, generosity, and good humor are so abundant in our Society that I am in constant awe at my good fortune to have found such wonderful people.

I could write a rather large book explaining how special iris people are. When I think of “iris people,” one person who comes to mind is Rilla Hickerson ofTulsa, Oklahoma. I first read about Rilla in a delightful article written by Addie Thain that appeared in the Region 22 News in April, 1984. I never met Addie, but I loved her story about how she came to join AIS and the role that Rilla played in “mentoring” her. Later I came to know Rilla, and what a happy, kind, joyous woman she is! How could one resist her mischievous sense of humor and honest concern for other people? Rilla has completed 85 hours

of judges’ training in the past three years. What an example for all of us!

When I think of “iris people,” another person I think of is Stephanie Rust, a youth member from Union, Missouri. Stephanie recently wrote to me: “I thought you would be pleased to know that I have remembered your request to recruit more AIS members. I have signed up the 7th and 8th grade science classes in my school, Crosspoint Christian School, for the classroom iris project...”. Stephanie also sets a standard of service we can emulate.

Serving you is a great honor, and I will strive to do my best to preserve our grand traditions and build on them to advance our Society in every possible way. I presented the AIS Board five goals at our last meeting.

The number one goal is membership . Building membership is important for several reasons. When we recruit new members we promote the flower

Clarence Mahan, AIS President

7

we love and also make new friends. Our shows are more interesting by having more exhibitors. We bring new talents and ideas into our Society. Wo n’t you please try to recruit at least one new member this year. Then be a mentor by encouraging the new member to come to meetings and shows. I am also asking each region to try its best to organize one new affiliate each year.

The second goal is to continue to improve our society s financial health. You will be pleased to know that we are in better financial shape this year. Our revenues were greater than our expenses last year, and we have restored all of the life membership reserves. We have cut costs, eliminated all salaries except one, and in general cut costs to the core. The key to improving our financial health now is building up membership.

Goal number three is to adopt policies and activities that provide greater empathy and support for iris hybridizers and iris nurseries. Hybridizing irises and selling irises contribute to our Society’s objectives. We want to promote these activities every way we can. One AIS Board action that will contribute to this goal was the decision made at the fall meeting to return to the policy of having no “set up” charges for ads in the Bulletin.

The fourth goal is to improve our AIS Library to the point that all our holdings are cataloged and available to AIS members and to other researchers. We will strive to publish a list of our holdings, and to make it easy, for a small fee, to obtain copies of materials via correspondence, telephone or email. Our library is the repository of our heritage, and its wealth of knowledge should and will be available to you.

Improved communications at all levels and in all ways is the fifth goal. An open and free flow of ideas, suggestions, and information on problems and needs is key to greater understanding and improvement. One way we can do this is to strive to continue to improve our Bulletin and ensure it comes out on time. Another way we will try to improve communications is by having an ombudsman. You can, of course, communicate with anyone you wish. The ombudsman will not replace any means of communication we have, but will provide one more communication channel.

Our ombudsman will be available to receive calls, letters and email messages whenever you have a problem involving an AIS activity that you are not able to solve, or when you have an idea or suggestion you want to make sure receives attention. If there is an immediate “crisis” issue, our ombudsman will get the information to the officers who may be able to solve it. Every matter brought to the attention of the ombudsman will be reported to the AIS Board of Directors. Dr. Lew Begley of Mesquite, TX has agreed to serve as our first ombudsman.

A special word of thanks goes to our outgoing president. Dave Niswonger is a man of many talents. His most sterling talent, for which I am deeply grateful, is that he knows how to be a friend.

8

Editors /Kessaze

b\f <Tmy y^itken, YOaskin^ton S>tate

URING THE PAST YEAR WE WERE ABLE TO PUBLISH OVER

ninety color photos of irises. As pointed out at the fall Board Meeting, I have been keeping tabs on Bulletin feedback and categorizing comments by topic and by source (beginners or veterans). Our diverse membership has many different perspectives on what they think should be described as “good content” in the Bulletin. Generally, comments are running about four to one in favor of what we are doing. We will do our best to respond

to constructive suggestions at our earliest opportunity. Please do feel free to contact me or any of the Board members.

As the AIS continues to improve its financial position, the Board has increased the Bulletin budget with a directive to further improve the quality of the product and the delivery system. This issue reflects many changes in the production and also anticipates a day when an index system will make back issues of the Bulletin more user friendly as a ready reference resource. The “perfect bind” system, with the date and edition number on the outside, should greatly improve the “search and find”

function in people’s libraries.

Our techniques of publication are once again changing. This should be the first issue that is produced entirely electronically — no more cut and paste. The more information (articles or advertising) that we can receive via e-mail or on computer disk, the more efficient will be the time frame required to process the Bulletin.

volunteers anyone?

In order to improve the processing time of each issue of the Bulletin I am looking for volunteer reporters who would be willing to work with

Terry Aitken, AIS Bulletin Editor

9

us and communicate via e-mail, dealing with specific topics such as Culture Corner, Convention Reports, Hybridizing Reports, Section News and Tall Bearded topics. These would generally be once a year topics.

Another project taking shape is the INDEX project We could use some volunteers to help with components of the Index. This will all be loaded into a computer program with a search by topic/author capability. This is proving to be a serious challenge as indexing options are limitless!

We look forward to the new year with determination that the Bulletin will better serve all of our members.

correctimms to preuious Bulletins::

October Bulletin , 1 998:

Page 19: 7th HM, STRIKE IT RICH incorrectly indicated the hybridizer was (Keppel, USA). The correct hybridizer is (R. Ernst, USA).

January Bulletin , 1 998:

Page 60: Correction to ’97 Nelson Award. TITAN’S GLORY should be replaced by DUSKY CHALLENGER.

r

Pewy Dyer injured twice last fall .

Perry claims to be alive today only because of the airbag in his car in the first (of two!) accidents. He escaped that incident with a broken ankle. The second accident broke his writing hand.

Perry Dyer is a past president of The Society for Louisiana Irises, and well known irisarian from Oklahoma. He still plans to have his garden on tour for the 1999 AIS National Convention (now that's dedication!).

V

10

^J'outk lytewg

by tyean £L. /IXowis, /Kissouti

MXcRerman Essay Topic for 1999

HAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING THING you have done as an AIS youth member and/or what do you plan to do next with your irises?” This is the 1999 topic for the Ackerman Youth Essay Contest, which is sponsored by the AIS Foundation. The writer of the winning essay will receive a $100. cash prize, so start thinking about your past iris experiences and what you would like to accomplish in the future. Essays should be written in 500 words or less and mailed by March 1st to Claire Honkanen, PO Box 235, Isle of Palms, SC 29451-0235.

Think about a time you had fun with your irises or iris friends and write about the experience in two or three paragraphs. Add a paragraph about what you would like to try with your irises next bloom season. These three or four paragraphs will be the middle of your essay. Next, add a short introduction paragraph and a short conclusion paragraph and you are done. It is a good idea to have an adult check your spelling and grammar before you copy or type your final version. While it is appropriate for a parent to proof read a youth essay, it is the youth member’s creative effort, so we ask parents to resist the urge to help in any other way.

This year’s essay topic gives all youth members the opportunity to write an essay. If you are a new youth member, you may write entirely about what you hope to experience in the future as an AIS member. Youth events enjoyed most in the past have been: entering iris shows, touring gardens at regional and/or AIS national conventions, participating in the

Jean E. Morris

Youth Committee Chairperson

11

youth coloring contests, learning how to cross pollinate an iris, writing to an iris pen pal and doing an iris craft project with a group of friends. Each youth member will have other interesting experiences to tell about. You could be $100. richer by spending a little time to write down your ideas on this topic in essay form. Remember the March ist deadline, and good luck to all!

Reminder

Nominations for the Clarke Cosgrove Memorial Award for Youth Achievement are due by January 31st, so please mail them right away to Jean E. Morris, 682 Huntley Heights Drive, Ballwin, MO 63021. Information and rules may be found in Youth Views , page 11, in the October 1998 AIS Bulletin. Please encourage your regions young people by writing a nomination today.

b

TBIS Members Have A Clear Choice ™

AIS Section or Independent Organization?

. / Herb, Kathie and 1 want the Tall ^ Bearded Iris Society to take its right- ful place as an influential AIS Section This!!! championing the small TB growers, Not this !

hybridizers, and commercial gardens. Other pow¬ erful forces are working to convert the TBIS into an independent ^organization focused on becoming a “marketing tool” for large > ^commercial gardens. Jjj

You will receive your director’s ballot with the March j< issue of Tall Talk. All members can vote for 3 directors and if you> jtwant TBIS to become a Section supporting the average folks, the> ^following candidates will work hard to make it happen!

[

L— T" — ▼ — ▼ — ▼ ▼

Dr. Herb Hoik Kathie Kasperek Brad Kasperek

12

international News

by tyeot^e Si button, daU^otnia

m "%

hen Clarence Mahan approached us about becoming the new International News editors, we were very honored, and at the same time somewhat apprehensive. We would be following in the footsteps of some very able people which is always a hard act to follow. There was also the time factor: did we want to add another responsibility to all the others that keep us busy? After much internal debate we decided if both of us did this, perhaps the work load would be spread, and there would be two different viewpoints (and ours are very different!), lending variety to the column. Our maiden effort is just that, an effort! As time goes on we will have resources in place, but at the moment this is all in a state of transition. If any of you readers come across an international item you think would be interesting, please send it along to us and we will be happy to consider it for inclusion. Likewise, if you have suggestions for what you would like to see included, please let us know. You can reach us at George and Margaret Sutton, 16592 Road 208, Porterville, CA 93257. Our phone number is (559) 784-9011. Our e-mail address is < suttons@lightspeed.net >.

Comparative Trial Resuits

This article was submitted by Derek Carver and is printed by permission from the British Iris Society Newsletter.

“Like most people, I regarded with some concern the weeding associated with growing TBs and my aim was to set up an experiment to see what could be done to ease the situation. I took nine identical rhizomes and planted them in a 3 x 3 block. The intention was to grow the first row normally (i.e. no special treatment other than being kept weed free). Around the second row I built a box and filled it with a reasonably thick layer of woodchip mulch — the same as I use in the rest of the garden apart from in the iris beds. As for the third row, it was my original intention to treat the ground with a pre-emergent weed killer as recommended in the books (the aim being to see what adverse effect, if any, it had on the irises), but all had been banned by the time I got round to conducting the experiment. So instead I left the third row completely unattended,

13

leaving the irises to grow in total competition with the weeds. The plants are now in their second season and there is no need to continue with the experiment, the results being so conclusive: Row i: The unmulched but weeded row produced really good plants, apart from the universal 1998 snail damage, with an average leaf height to 24" Row 2: The mulched George & Margaret Sutton row looks much more miserable with

International News Editors the leaves just managing to attain a

height of 14", the plants being proportionately smaller than those in row 1. Row 3: The non-mulched and non-weeded row is, perhaps, the most interesting. There is no difference whatsoever between these plants and those in row 2; they are about the same size. In other words, the failure to weed the plants produced precisely the same adverse effect as if one mulched to suppress the weeds. So one thing is extremely clear — get out the hoe and carry- on weeding!”

An Overview of the Australian iris Convention

October 20-27, 1998

From Ann Pearce in South Australia comes her description of her first iris convention.

“This was the first iris convention I have been to, of any sort, but from what I gather, Australian conventions are very different from those in the US. For one thing, we don’t have the extensive convention plantings, featuring the latest introductions. What we did see, however, was a selection of beautiful private gardens in the Sunraysia area, encompassing several different towns in three states, by virtue of being on the border. The Sunraysia area is very much based around the River Murray, one of the largest rivers in Australia, and is justifiably famous for its citrus fruit and vineyards. There was a great deal of variety in the type of gardens we saw on tour. Some were focused on irises, while others were a beautifully blended mix of irises with other plants. Roses were a strong feature, and two or three of the gardens we visited had some stunning poppies. Two other events of interest were the tours to David Ruston’s world-famous rose garden and the Australian Inland Botanical Gardens. David Ruston is the President of the World Federation of Rose Societies, and he has

14

the largest rose garden in Australia, twenty-seven acres of roses, with some interplantings of irises. He has a magnificent collection of spurias which were in peak bloom during our visit. He also has many tall bearded varieties, but we were only able to find one Louisiana. David Ruston is renowned for his floral art, and we saw some magnificent examples of this in a display at the Renmark Institute. There were many different arrangements using roses and the best displays of spurias, with some Louisianas, that you could hope to see.

“The Australian Inland Botanical Gardens is unusual in that it is a very young Botanical Gardens. Many of the world’s Botanical Gardens have been around for a very long time; some of the European ones are several centuries old. This one is in its infancy, less than ten years old. It is very much a community project; until this year they received no funding from either the state or national authorities. The rose garden was looking spectacular, and we were given a tour of the overall gardens in a tractor- drawn train! The most remarkable thing about the gardens we saw on tour was the contrast between the oasis of the gardens and the surrounding landscape. Those areas not under cultivation with vines or fruit trees looked rather dry and barren, even on the banks of the river. It was very much what I would think of as a true Australian landscape: the native vegetation is obviously well adapted to the harsh conditions. To see such beautiful gardens in that environment is a strong testament to the skill and determination of the gardeners, many of whom have worked hard for years to improve the soil and make it “gardenable.”

“One of the final gardens on tour, and one of the best, was that of Dianne Dalla Santa. Her garden is a superbly balanced mix of irises and roses, along with many other plants, including magnificent hippeastrums grown from seed, and some native frangipani trees, all set off by curved paths of lawn. I have no idea how Dianne managed to have such a well- maintained garden on show, given the months of work she put in as convention organizer in order to make the whole convention such a success.

“All in all, it was a most enjoyable week. I came home with new friendships formed and a head full of ideas, to find many more irises in bloom than when I left and plenty of hybridizing to be done. For those of you feeling envious of the spring bloom here while you move closer to winter, just remember that it will be our turn to enviously read bloom reports in a few months’ time when spring arrives in the northern hemisphere.”

15

British iris Society Convention in 2002

Cy Bartlett in Somerset, England advises that The British Iris Society will be eighty years old in ad 2002. It is planned to hold the next birthday Convention immediately after the Chelsea Flower Show, 24th - 28th May weekend. The last Monday in May is always a National holiday so it will be a “long weekend.” The venue will be Cheltenham in the West Midlands, and the West and Midlands Iris Group will host the event. Cheltenham has been selected because apart from being a very pleasant town with excellent shops, it is within easy reach of some of our more famous gardens such as Hidcote, Kiftsgate, Westbury Court and central for towns and cities such as Oxford, Gloucester, Worcester, Stratford- upon-Avon, Bristol and Bath. Wales too is only a short distance away. Guest irises should be sent to Ray Bomford, Convention Guest Iris Coordinator, The Hills, Beoley, Redditch, Worcester, B98 9AB, England, by mid-September 1999 (three years ahead). They will “copy” precisely the rules and regulations that the United States uses for guesting irises, to avoid confusion.

If you have any further questions, contact Cy at The Old Mill House, Shurton, Stogursey, Bridgwater, Somerset TA5 iqg, England.

Crowing iris in Denmark

Jan Jacobsen offers us the following information on the types of irises he is growing in Denmark. He advises that he is very much into SDBs, the smaller the better. Most of those are grown in raised rock beds where they seem to thrive. TBs are grown in ordinary garden soil with a high pH level with no problems. He has made some crosses in the last few years, but no records are kept. Bulbous irises are also normally grown in full sun, in raised beds, due to the fact that they sometimes get a lot of rain during the summer. Arils are a bit more difficult, but can be managed at a south facing wall. Until now he has only managed to get flowers with I. Iberica v. Elegantissima , but it was the most beautiful he had ever seen. He hopes to grow more of those.

irises in the Slovak Republic

Ladislav Muska sends the following about hybridizing in his country:

“The beginning of cultivating and hybridizing ofTB irises in Slovakia can be dated to fifty or sixty years ago in what was previously Czechoslovakia. The pioneers of amateur cultivating and breeding started their work on the basis of the “American School” and using American genetic material. The second wave of growers and hybridizers has accepted the results of the founders and continues in following the results of the

16

work of well known American experts. I shall try to give a brief account of the situation and problems of the “second wave” in hybridizing with my own examples in the garden.

“The beginning was typical of every beginner without a precisely defined goal and full of intuition and emotion. We began with varieties such as ALLEGIANCE, CRINOLINE, CRYSTAL BLUE, GLISTENING SNOW, LIME FIZZ, MATINATA , RADIANT APOGEE, STEPPING OUT, etc. We were fascinated and motivated by GRAND WALTZ and BABBLING BROOK. I have to admit the results were not very satisfactory.

“Later we worked with LACED COTTON, and in our gardens have bloomed BEVERLY SILLS, BRIDE’S HALO, GLORY BOUND, FABULOUS FRILLS, HONEY LACE, MYSTIQUE, MARY FRANCES, PINK ANGEL, RUFFLED BALLET, VANITY, VICTORIA FALLS, etc. LACED COTTON AND SILVER SHOWER were known as excellent parents for gene transmission of heavily laced irises. The results evoked the idea of creating a program for hybridizing heavily ruffled and laced irises. According to the opinion of our iris lovers, the “super dressy”, beautiful iris has to be heavy ruffled and very softly laced in addition to having acceptable characteristics for exhibition. These thoughts determined the next step in my program of cultivation.

“I expanded my collection by importing from USA. As a member of AIS, I was able to obtain information and make more contacts. I gained knowledge about pedigrees, chromosome structures of irises, genetic codes of heredity, chemistry and other bioprocesses. As a result, I obtained very good results from my crosses, the product of very long-term work. From these I selected about forty- five to fifty very nice varieties, one of which is DON EPIFANO (Pink Angel X Laced Cotton), which is perfectly ruffled and laced with expressive wide rimmed petals.

“The next stage began sometime in the mid eighties. I was at that time deeply impressed by varieties such as QUEEN IN CALICO, SKY HOOKS and RINGO. I started to think about a “magic triangle:” a plicata line, a spaceager line and a wide-banded iris line, all heavily ruffled and laced. I was trying to solve this problem as a small contribution to the dream of “tomorrow’s iris.” At this stage we already had first quality genetic material in APHRODISIAC, DUSKY CHALLENGER, EDITH WOLFORD, FRENCH GOWN, JESSE’S SONG, PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE, SILVERADO, TITAN’S GLORY, THRILLER, SONG OF NORWAY, SWEETER THAN WINE,

17

PROUD TRADITION, etc. Thanks to receiving information, personal contacts, experience and then application, I feel I have achieved a small success in my hybridizing. I have a good base for my present work and for the future. I have also been working with SDBs and IBs for about fifteen years. I think that the results are very solid.

“All my work is based on the classical use of pollen. I don’t use modern methods of genetic engineering, nuclear physics and other physical and chemical methods. In the seventies I was trying to apply some chemomitogenes and radiation, but I am convinced such work needs a scientific base, an experienced research system, very good laboratories of basic and applied research and a team of professional workers. This is all very expensive. Irises are not mass-produced agricultural products which are able to pay for complex scientific work.

“Iris hybridizing in Slovakia is in the hands of amateur iris lovers. We are trying to apply the results of science and research. We have contacts with professional institutes, agrochemical research, botanical gardens, etc. I believe that each year we will see more and more beautiful irises on the exhibition table and in our gardens. We have two iris clubs at which we share information, the Gladiola Slovakia Klub in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, and the EIS Klub, composed of iris lovers from Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Poland.”

‘Beau.tifuC Custom ‘Designed

14/^t QoSd Iris (Pendant or Pin

Pzvo Different Sizes

( 612)535-9491

Diamonds & Cjofd Int.

4086 Lafeiand Stve (J\[ PoS Sins dale, S\d9\[ 55422

18

future (Conventions

amciai setteaule

Year	City	Headquarters	Date	Chairman
1999	Oklahoma City,	Biltmore Hotel 401 South Meridian OK City, OK 73108	4-8 May	Ron Mullin Route 3, Box 84 Pawnee, OK 74058 (918) 762-2430
2000	Dallas, TX		15-20 Apr	Bonnie Nichols 3365 Northaven Rd Dallas, TX 75229 (214) 352-2191
2001	York, PA	Marriott Hunt Valley Inn 245 Shwann Rd Hunt Valley, MD 21031 (410) 785-7000	22-26 May	Jason Leader RD 2, Box 223A Glen Rock, PA 17387 (717) 428-2068
2002	Memphis, TN	Memphis Marriott 2625 Thousand Oaks Memphis, TN 38118 (901) 362-6200	25-29 Apr	Jim Browne 750 Cherry Rd. Memphis, TN 38117 (910) 685-1566
2003	Virginia		16-21 May	Clarence Mahan 7311 Churchill Rd McLean, VA 22101 (703) 893-8526
2004	Spartanburg, SC			Marshall L. Goforth 8837 S. Green River Rd Gaffney. SC 29341 (803) 487-4082
2005	St Louis, MO		Riley Probst,	St. Louis, MO
2006	Portland, OR		William Plotner, Molalla, OR
2007	Oklahoma City		F. W. McVicker, Kingfisher, OK
Scheduled Fall Board Meetings:
1999	St Louis, MO	Henry VII Hotel St. Louis, MO	5-7 Nov	Rita Gormley 6717 Martha Dr Cedar Hill, MO 63016
2000	Lincoln, NE	Best Western Airport Inn 3-5 Nov Interstate 80	Henry Wulf 7172 South 70th St Lincoln, NE 68516-2607 (402) 423-7172
2001	High Point, NC		2-4 Nov	Dr. E. Roy Epperson

1115 Delk Dr High Point, NC 27262 (910) 883-967 7

19

/\3S (Convention

rc is the Place To Be m §999

b\f I'ion /KuLLin, Oklahoma

HE Sooner State Iris Society and Region 22 invite you to Oklahoma City for the annual convention of The American Iris Society May 4-8, 1999. Headquarters will be the Biltmore Oklahoma.

Tour gardens are all inside the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area so that bus rides will all be short. The tours go from the southern suburbs of Blanchard and Newcastle to the northern suburb of Edmond, and to the west to Yukon. Four gardens inside the city limits are on tour. Scheduling has been done to assure that a small number of people will be in any one garden at one time.

With financial help from nearly all the iris clubs in Arkansas and Oklahoma, the committee has been able to set a registration fee which should allow any AIS member to attend.

Airport courtesy vans are available, and the hotel is just a few minutes away.

Early registrations are requested. Banquet facilities may not be large enough and early registration will help us to know if a change in banquet location will be required or if attendance must be limited. If you know you will not attend either of the banquets, please inform the registrar.

A large number of guest irises have been received, and these have been planted in eleven gardens. These gardens range from small to large. Perry Dyer’s Contemporary Garden is the only commercial iris garden on tour, but the Woodruff, Fernandes and Watson gardens are spacious and feature all the guest plants. The Fernandes garden has many types of other plants and the water gardens are spectacular, both here and next door.

The Parrish-Skrapka, Hawley, Jones, Beasley, Scott and Matthews gardens are regular home gardens with some twists. The Parrish-Skrapka garden is spacious with huge clumps of irises and many trees, but other different things you’ll see include a working oil well, a planting in the middle of a divided street, and a commercial outlet for some pretty exotic plants.

The Will Rogers Park Garden is a public planting and is maintained by the Oklahoma Iris Society.

No pre-convention tours are scheduled, but arrangements can be made for visitors to see the Murrah Memorial (site of the OKC bombing), the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, the State Capitol with oil wells on the

20

grounds, Omniplex, the Myriad Gardens or other places of interest.

All types of restaurants are within walking distance of the hotel headquarters. Parking is free for those who drive (Meridian exit off 1-40). The hotel is a two story building and very sprawling, so if you have any problems with walking, please request a room close to the meeting rooms when making hotel reservations.

What will the weather be? Who knows! This is changeable Oklahoma, you know. We can assure you that it won’t snow! Normally, May weather is warm, probably humid, and perhaps windy. Do bring rain gear, just in case. However, we have requested no rain for tour week. By the way, we have flattened all the mountains so that the buses will have no difficulty in reaching the gardens.

We in Oklahoma pride ourselves on our friendly ways. Join us this spring for irises, and for fun, and we’ll be the friendly folks who will be glad you joined us. Remember, “OKC is the Place To Be”. One month after the AIS Convention, some of the same gardens will host the AHS (American Hemerocallis Society) national convention.

The Sooner State Iris Society

is pleased to announce our TWENTIETH annual

POLLEN DAUBER'S SEMINAR

featuring

GEORGE SUTTON

On Hybridizing Space Age & Reblooming Iris

February 26 - 27, 1 999

George will speak to the Society on Friday, February 26th following a 6:30 pm pot luck dinner. Pollen Dauber's Session will be from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday, February 27th. Seminar fee is $20.00 per person.

For assistance, call: Dr. William E. Jones, 2312 Butternut Place, Edmond, OK 7301 3, (405) 478-3498 or come to the Will Rogers Garden Center, 3400 NW 35th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

21

^American 3tls Society (Convention

Presented by Sooner State Iris Society and Region 22

May 4- 8, 1999

Convention Headquarters:

Biltmore Hotel Oklahoma 401 South Meridian

Oklahoma City, OK 73108 Room Rates: $59.00 plus tax,

Phone (405) 947-7681 One to Four People per room

Toll Free (800) 522-6620

Please reserve your room directly with the hotel, stating that you are with The American Iris Society Cut off date for blocked rooms is April 15, 1999.

Convention Registration Fees:

Postmarked by March 15, 1999 $120.00

Postmarked from March 16 to April 15 $137.00

Postmarked after April 15 $150.00

Youth Registration (age 18 & under) $95.00

Partial registration rates will be available for advance registrations only. No registrations for the Welcome Dinner or Awards Banquet only after April 15th. If it is necessary to cancel reservations, notify the registrar. We will make every effort to give 100% refunds, but late cancellations may receive less than full reimbursement.

Mail Registrations to: Mona French

4521 NE 55th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73121-6024 Phone (405) 424-6634 (evenings) E-mail <monalou@flash.net>

Please list names of registrants exactly as you want them printed on your name badge. Make checks payable to“1999 AIS Convention”.

22

Mountain View Iris Society

Presents:

"Tour W

Mountain View Iris Gardens

10:00AM-6:PM t May It tt

“When you've seen the rest, why not visit the best"!

Your invited to join us the day after the National AIS Convention for our annual BBQ/Garden Tour ! Visit the many “Guest Beds" (Attenberger, Barnard, Burseen, Cnsminger, Kasperek, Magee, Niswonger, Pyburn, Schreiner, Spoon, and Sutton) planted for this special event which is located over looking Lake Ellsworth and MT Scott. It’s only a 5S minute drive from OK City. For Directions and a welcome packet , call (580) 4*52-5183 or MVISOK @ AOL.COM. Admission to include food & drinks free?!

23

/l\eet the /Slew rE$itectofi9

MSS Bourn

I

ACH YEAR AT THE FALL AIS BOARD MEETING, SEVERAL BOARD I positions come up for election. This year’s Board positions were filled by the following people:

J. Farron Campbell

New AIS Director

Farron Campbell, 44, was born and raised in south central Louisiana and attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana and Louisiana State University. His interests in horticulture and floriculture began in junior high school, where he was active in 4-H.

In 1986 Farron became interested in Louisiana irises and attended the annual convention of the Society for Louisiana Irises. Here he met and became involved with his mentors, Marie Caillet and the late Joseph K. Mertzweiller. In 1990 he was named co-editor of SLI’s quarterly Newsletter. He also served a term on the board of directors of SLI before being elected Vice President. He currently serves as President of SLI. He edited the current Louisiana Iris checklist published by SLI, and also was a member of the editorial staff which produced the 1 995 Special Publication.

Farron is a garden judge and a life member of both AIS and SLI. He compiled the section on Louisiana irises in the current AIS Handbook for Judges and Show Officials. He is a member of the Iris Society of Dallas as well as the Fort Worth Iris Society.

Farron has worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone for 21 years. He began hybridizing shortly after he became interested in growing irises. In 1997 he released his first Louisiana iris introductions.

Barbara Fiyge

New AIS Director and New Vice President , Region 23

Barbara was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but moved to New Mexico in 1947, where the high desert climate suits her to a ‘T\ She

24

graduated with a BA and MA in History and Government from the University of New Mexico and went on to teach those subjects in high school in Albuquerque.

After her marriage to Roger and the birth of daughter Debra, Barbara “retired” from teaching to become a full-time Mom to Debra and later Steven. This also gave her more time to indulge an old love: gardening. While her family in Wisconsin had always had a garden, during the Depression and World War II, the emphasis had been on vegetables with perennials like roses and peonies, bleeding hearts and columbine filling out the spaces.

The home she and Roger moved into had some irises, notably a white — new to her. She attended a local society’s sale and joined the New Mexico Iris Society in the early 6o’s. By the mid 6o’s she had also joined AIS and began the process of becoming a judge. Her first training session was conducted by AIS Past President William Bledsoe. Her collection of irises grew to about 350.

Barbara has served in almost every office and chairmanship in NMIS, is in the third stint as its newsletter editor, an Active Master Judge and has served the last six years as Judges Training Chairman. She currently edits the Region’s Irisletter ; and is Region 23 ’s new RVP. Roger retired in 1991 after 32 years in APS teaching history. Barbara currently is employed by a real estate appraisal corporation. They will celebrate their 38th Anniversary in March. They have one and 7/9 grandchildren.

Kathy Guest

New AIS Director

Although Kathy has always had her grandmother’s irises, which she took with her wherever she moved, she had no idea that AIS even existed until a chance conversation in 1983. It wasn’t long before she had not only received a bag of ‘late model’ TB’s, but was invited to an iris meeting and the rest is history. Kathy now grows in the neighborhood of 400 different iris varieties in a small suburban lot, with an emphasis on beardless types. As most iris growers do, she has daubed some pollen — but claims all she got from that is personal

25

satisfaction! Kathy served as Chairman of the Western New York iris club for four years and as RVP for Region 2 for the past 3 years. She continues as editor of their local newsletter, and also Regional Membership and Judges Training Chair. She serves as Publicity chair for the Japanese Iris Society and is on the Board of the Society for Siberian Irises. In addition, she sat in on the AIS Board meetings as Recording Secretary for the past two years.

Kathy is also active in other organizations. She is President (and founder) of the Buffalo Area Daylily Society and belongs to various other plant organizations. She serves on the Board of the Buffalo &Erie County Botanical Gardens and also acts as Membership Chair. But before sounding too much like a “club woman”, she says she is only involved in these things because she loves to garden and thinks she can help others to love it too.

Kathy has lived in western New York all her life. She is married to Leonard, a Technology teacher, and they have two grown children, Jennifer and Troy. Kathy is very honored to have been elected to the Board and asked to serve as Public Relations Chair. She plans to be in touch with many of you through your RVPs and Affiliates early in 1999, and welcomes any input anyone may have. She believes that we need to work together to keep AIS growing, and looks forward to this opportunity.

Bobbie Shepard

New AIS Director

Bobbie was born in Florida and moved to Phoenix, Arizona on July 4th, 1951. She met and married her husband, Don. In December of 1951. They have two married daughters, a granddaughter, a grandson and four miniature doxies.

Bobbie’s background is in bookkeeping; she has worked for various financial companies and then for a CPA. She “retired” in 1973 to become a full time homemaker, but managed to stay busy with a dressmaking and alteration business. Bobbie volunteered for PTA, Girl Scouts and various school activities involving her daughters.

In 1969 a neighbor gave the Shepards two varieties of tall bearded irises. They knew nothing about irises, but both fell in love when they saw SNOW QUEEN bloom. A notice in the newspaper advertised a rhizome sale for the local society. They bought fifty varieties at the sale

26

and became members of the society. Since then Bobbie has as an officer in several capacities in her local society, chair for several Region 15 Spring treks, as well as Chair of the AIS National Convention in Phoenix in 1987. Bobbie has served in many positions for Region 15, including RVP in 1994. She is an Active Master Judge, served AIS on the Personnel Committee and chair of the RVPs’ meeting. She is very active in the Spuria Iris Society, currently serving as treasurer and membership chair. She was also chair of the Region 15 Spring Trek/Mini Spuria Iris Society Convention held in Phoenix in April, 1998. This was the first time the Spuria Society has sponsored a ‘national’ convention.

In addition, Bobbie spends a majority of her time in running their business, Shepard Iris Garden. They have their garden open every April during peak bloom so many people can get acquainted with irises. In her spare time Bobbie enjoys crafts involving her fantastic sewing machine. With the aid of the computer, the machine creates all types of embroidery patterns, many of which are irises!

Bobbie and Don enjoy the visitors who come to the garden and have met many wonderful people within the AIS activities and their association with irises.

Lew Begley

New Ombudsman

Lew Begley has been appointed to the position of AIS Ombudsman, a new position approved by the Board of Directors at the fall meeting.

Lew is a native Texan, residing in Mesquite, Texas. He attended the University of Texas in Austin, acquiring his liberal arts degree, and then continued on with his medical studies at Baylor College of Medicine at Houston, Texas. He went into family practice in Mesquite, and is now retired. Hobbies include photography, travel, reading, classical music and collecting most anything, attending concerts and growing irises. His property includes water ponds — great for growing Louisiana irises — waterlilies and koi fish.

Lew started growing irises in 1989 after being given some as a gift and attending the iris show in Dallas. He is currently a member of the Iris Society of Austin, Iris Society of Dallas and the Fort Worth Iris Society. He enjoys entering the iris shows and has been an AIS accredited

27

judge for three years. He considers the national convention “a must”, and has attended all since 1993, when his garden was included in the tour. He really enjoyed meeting all the irisarians, and looks forward to the year 2000 for “Destiny Dallas” national convention, April 15 - 20th, when you will again be invited to view his garden and water ponds. He assures us there will be lots of new irises, water lilies and koi fish as well.

Lew sees his new job as Ombudsman for the AIS as an opportunity to help you the members get your ideas to the directors of the Board and to help solve problems when other channels of communication are not producing results. He looks forward to meeting many of you at the upcoming AIS convention in Oklahoma City, May 4 - 8th. In the meantime, Lew can be reached as follows:

Lew Begley 1930 Wilkinson Road Mesquite, TX 75181-2204 Phone (972) 289-7107 E-mail < lewgeo@aol.com >

Lew looks forward to hearing from you — he says “the line is always open for any problem or suggestion you might have”.

Jay Hudson

New AIS Treasurer

Being of Dutch heritage, Jay has always had a passion for flowers and business. His initial business experience came from the early days of Silicon Valley where he worked for a large corporation followed by being president of a start up company. Following a health problem, Jay and his wife Terri, a retired teacher and his right arm, moved to the North Coast of California to begin new careers.

They owned a seafood processing company until the time their son was involved in a serious automobile accident and required a change in lifestyle to care for him. The desire for a home based activity led to the discovery of irises and the creation of a nursery business. These activities along with managing money for trusts and a conservatorship fill his days. They have two adult children, their son, and a daughter who is a marketing manager for a Silicon Valley company.

Jays hobbies include his involvement in iris, where he currently serves as President of the Society for Pacific Coast Native Iris, Redwood Iris

28

Society of Region 14, traveling with his family and daily stock market activities.

Taking over and managing the successful 1996 Sacramento Convention is one of his greatest achievements; the people he met there led to his current position. His goal is to continue to lead AIS to a strong financial position and bring all of the financial activities into today’s computer age.

Ron Mullin

New Judges Training Chair

Ron Mullin is a native of Oklahoma who has spent 30 years as a teacher, although the last six years have been part time. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Central Oklahoma.

In 1965, Ron joined AIS as a birthday gift to himself. Almost immediately he began working for the Society as editor of the Oklahoma Iris Society newsletter. After that he edited the Sooner State Iris News and the Region 22 News. This led to a guest editor’s job for the October, 1974 AIS Bulletin. He later served as editor of the Bulletin.

Ron’s first job on the national level was counting the ballots for the Judge’s Choice vote. After that, he served on the Median Society Board, as RVP of Region 22 twice, club president twice, chairman of an AIS national convention three times, as AIS Membership Secretary, AIS Judges’ Training Chairman, as First Vice President and as President of AIS from 1984 - 1986.

During his tenure in AIS, Ron has given programs in 19 of the 24 regions, and has given programs in four of those regions more than six times each. He edited the RVP Handbook and the Handbook for AIS Conventions , and was on the committee to revise the Handbook for Judges and Show Officials for the past two issues.

Ron belongs to six iris clubs in Oklahoma. He grows approximately 1000 irises in his garden in Pawnee, Oklahoma and has done some hybridizing, resulting in the introduction of six tall bearded irises. As if school work and all the activities of all those iris organizations were not enough, he also works for the football and basketball teams at Pawnee High School as their statistician.

Ron says he is counting on the help of the RVPs as he starts this second term as Judges’ Training Chairman. Several years have passed since the last time, and help is appreciated more with each passing year.

29

Ruth B. Simmons

New Secretary

Born and bred in Oklahoma, Ruth and her husband Jack live on a farm three miles southwest of Walters. Jack raises cattle and wheat. Ruth raises over 700 varieties of iris and has many cats, but not for sale or profit.

The Simmons have two married children and four granddaughters living in the same area, engaged in farming and ranching. Ruth cares for her four granddaughters every opportunity she gets and took two of them to the national convention in Denver.

Ruth joined Southwest Oklahoma Iris Society in 1982, and has served in many offices, including president for four years. During these years, she was also president of the Southwest District of Oklahoma Garden Clubs, Inc. She has served for two years as State Historian for Oklahoma Garden Clubs, Inc.

Ruth has been the Publication Director for the Historical Iris Preservation Society of AIS since 1992. She became an AIS Garden Judge in 1992, and is also an accredited Flower Show Judge. She is the state president elect for the Oklahoma Council of Nationally Accredited Flower Show Judges. Also a Master Gardener, Ruth gives many programs on irises and gardening in Oklahoma and Texas.

Ruth is active in the Oklahoma Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women. She was employed at the local bank for 10 years, working her way from bookkeeping to Trust Officer. She also is a recruiter for the local American Red Cross blood drives. Ruth was the editor for the Region 22 Newsletter for seven years. She is currently very active in the newly formed Tall Bearded Iris Society, being on the Editorial Committee for their publication Tall Talk. In her spare time Ruth enjoys working on the computer and sewing. “I look forward to working with friends, getting to know more friends and promoting and sharing our love of iris.”

30

KEITH KEPPEL

P. 0. BOX 18154 SALEM, OR 97305

1999 INTRODUCTIONS

GOOD HUMOR (Shoop) TB, ML 38" (inv. Orange Burst, Dream Affair, Blazing Light, Dutch Magic, Blushing Duchess, etc.) Blended purplish rose, apricot rose bitone, solid red beards. A happy iris! #91-27. . . $40.00

LEADING LIGHT (Shoop) TB, M 36" (((Orange Burst x Fancy Lady) x sdlg.) X Private Treasure) Standards primrose shaded peach; falls bright lemon yellow with small but eye-catching white spot. #92-18. $40.00

LONELY HEARTS (Keppel) TB, EM 36" (Dawn Sky X Screen Play) Pinkest-ground plic we’ve seen... falls with rosy amethyst shaded and

dotted band, coral orange beards. #91-86H . . $40.00

LOTUS LAND (Keppel) TB, M 36" (Broken Dreams sib) Buff pink with

suede-like finish. Good breeder. #92-97B . $40.00

SEA POWER (Keppel) TB, M 38" (Yaquina Blue X Jazz Me Blue) Cornflower to campanula blue, paling to light chicory blue at margins — which then accentuates the heavy ruffling. Voted favorite seedling at 1 998

Region 13 spring meet. #93-89B . . $50.00

SILK BROCADE (Keppel) TB, EM 35" (((Highland Haze x Change of Heart sib) x (Ever After x Lorilee)) X Dawn Sky) Creamy white ground, bishops violet plicata markings applied in near-solid marginal strips of fine dots.

#91 -88B . $40.00

SUSPICION (Keppel) TB, M 38" (Wishful Thinking X Spring Shower) Envy green-yellow, tattletale grey in standards. #93-83H. . . . $40.00

TANGLED WEB (Keppel) ML 37" (inv. Rosarita, Rancho Rose, Gigolo, Foreign Accent, etc.) Dark prune to eggplant plic, rattan fall blaze partially hidden by markings; beards violet and pumpkin. #91-11 8C. . $40.00 WILD WINGS (Keppel) TB, EM 34" (Night Game sib X Romantic Evening) Very dark violet standards, smooth black falls with clean hafts and rusty terra cotta beards. Lovely lilting form as if poised to take flight. A favorite

with visitors. #93-72A . . $45.00

BISTRO (Gatty) IB, EML 27" (Quote X Keppel bitoned brown plic sdlg.) Goldenrod; near-solid buckthorn brown fall wash. #Y-8-6. . . . $20.00

BRIGHT CHILD (Keppel) SDB, E 1 0" (Firestorm X Quote sib) Clear lemon

yellow to chrome glaciata. #92-10A . $15.00

GIMMICK (Keppel) SDB, EM 11 “ (Rusty Dusty X Quote) Exceedingly dark port plic, small lemon yellow fall blaze. #91-57P. . . . $15.00

MOCHACCINO (Keppel) SDB, M 12" (Quote X sib) Warm brown, falls with a large dollop of whipped cream in the center. #91-53B. $15.00

MUSIC (Keppel) SDB, EM 12" (Tweety Bird X (Gigolette x Fairy Lore)) Apricot buff, red violet fall markings, fire red beards. #94-23A. $15.00

SNICKERS (Keppel) SDB, M 14" (Gimmick sib) Blended honey brown to caramel plic. Best seedling, Vancouver 1998 show. #91-57Z. $15.00

SPREE (Keppel) SDB, M 15" (Jade Jewels X Chanted) Cyclamen to coronation purple, bluer blaze and beards. #91-25L . $15.00

Please add $4.00 for shipping/handling. July/August delivery.

Catalogue $2.00 — deductible from order.

31

/Keet the New

%

egional Vice Presidents are elected to three year terms by their Regions and approved by the AIS Board at the fall meeting. This year’s elected RVPs are as follows:

Ada Cod ft ay

New Vice President , Region 1

Ada Godfrey was born and raised in England in a family where gardening was as natural as breathing. She learned how to cook and the art of raising geraniums from her grandmother, and from her father she learned to gather seed pods as she learned to walk, and how to set cuttings of chrysanthemums and roses along with reading, writing, and arithmetic.

When Ada came to the USA with her husband, Bill, and two children, she found that although geraniums grew well, chrysanthemums had a much shorter blooming season, and hot dry summers and Japanese beetles made it a little more difficult to grow roses. A chance purchase of eight irises from Melrose Gardens, back in the ’70s, which thrived in her New England garden, began a great obsession.

Both Ada and Bill are AIS judges and hybridizers with the concentration on rebloomers for Ada. Together they operate Hermit Medlar’s Walk, cataloging all kinds of bearded irises and growing many of the beardless such as Siberian, Japanese, and Louisiana irises.

Ada has served as secretary of the Iris Society of Massachusetts, membership chair and secretary of HIPS, is the current secretary for The Society for Siberian Irises, and the convention chair for the upcoming Iris Odyssey Convention of 2001, for median, dwarf and species irises.

Peter weixlmann

New Vice President , Region 2

Peter is a native of western New York. His interest in irises and gardening was by no means since birth. Although his maternal

32

grandparents lived next door and his grandfather was a retired farmer, coming from a long line of farmers, Peter says that while growing up he wanted nothing to do with digging in the dirt, weeding or going to help at his uncle’s farm.

After graduating from college with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and an Associate degree in Radiological Technology, Peter settled into a “normal” life of going to work and other pursuits of young adults, as well as traveling abroad. He had planted several irises around his home, but that was as far as it had gone. Then he met a co-worker who was perusing an iris catalog. She turned out to be the secretary of the Western New York Iris Society and invited him to an iris meeting. He went and met all these strange people who did nothing but talk about irises, much to his amazement and bewilderment. However, it wasn’t long before Peter himself was hooked. He became vice chair of the local area, helped out with the show and sale and became an auctioneer. Since then he has served on the Board of Directors of the Empire State Iris Society and then as Vice President. As his participation grew, so did his love of gardening. Going on plant hunting expeditions with Kathy Guest, the former RVP, has become a spring tradition.

Peter now grows 400 irises of all types, hundreds of daylilies and other perennials. Apparently the recessive gene for digging in the dirt surfaced and he claims he is not happy unless he is in his work clothes, covered in mud, looking over a mountain of freshly pulled weeds in his iris garden. And his grandfather is looking down and smiling!

uincent Lewonski

New Vice President , Region 3

Growing irises is in Vince’s heritage as his parents grew them in Connecticut, and his grandfather raised and hybridized TBs. One painful childhood memory is of mulching the iris beds with wood chips, then de-mulching them as the rhizomes started to rot!

The iris bug hit Vince again about seven years ago as a result of acquiring bags of historic tall beardeds from his mother-in-law. A visit to Bill and Martha Griner’s garden in Bordentown,

33

New Jersey got him hooked. Each year since, the garden has grown (and the grass area has shrunk!)

Vince joined the AIS five years ago to learn how to control iris borers after they decimated the beds one year- — a situation that many irisarians in the East unhappily can relate to. He is a member of the Delaware Valley Iris Society and the Diamond State Iris Society.

Vince shares the house and garden with four cats and his wife, Susan, who prefers looking at the irises to weeding, spraying and digging them. He is the Quality Control manager at a glue company during his non¬ garden time.

Region 3 will be hosting the AIS National Convention in 2001, so preparation for that will be the number one priority. Vince loves to visit other people’s gardens and “talk irises”, and hopes to be able to attract new members through garden tours and shows. He feels fortunate that he will be able to turn for help to the Region’s many experienced irisarians, whose knowledge and love for the plant shows in their gardens. He hopes one day to be able to grow irises as well as they do! He looks forward to seeing you in York, Pennsylvania in 2001.

Sara Mar Key

New Vice President , Region 4

Sara is a ten year (and Life) member of AIS. She and her husband of 49 years, Walter, have a daughter and son who live in Sun Valley, California. A third son was killed in a motorcycle accident at the age of 28.

Before coming to Virginia twelve years ago, Sara and Walter were in dairy and poultry farming for 28 years, 4-H leaders for fifteen years, bred and raised registered Holstein cattle, and snowmobiled as a hobby.

Now they own and operate Rainbow Iris Garden in their spare time. The Marleys are managers of the 145 acre ‘Stoneleigh Knoll Farm’ located west of Leesburg, Virginia. A registered flock of North Country Cheviot sheep are maintained for breeding stock, fleeces and market lambs.

Sara, originally from western New York, is an accredited Garden Judge, past president of the Chesapeake & Potomac Iris Society, co-editor (with Walter) of the C & P Iris News, has been Show Secretary for the past five years, was secretary of the Reblooming Iris Society and is the new Display Garden Chairman for HIPS.

34

A member of the Ebenezer Methodist Church, she sings in the choir and is a participant in the Administrative Council of the church.

She is also a member of the Garden Study Club of Loudoun, Loudoun Valley Sheep Producers and Loudoun Valley Horticulture Association, likes to read, do counted cross-stitch embroidery and travel.

The Marley garden is the designated Display Garden for the Median, Reblooming, HIPS and Japanese Iris Societies for their area. They Grow over 1000 cultivars of bearded and beardless irises in addition to over 50 varieties of daylilies.

Saras term as RVP for Region 4 will coincide with the planning stages of the national AIS Convention to be held in 2003. She looks forward to serving the 700 plus members of Region 4 and AIS.

Randan eoiveit

New Vice President , Region 5

Randell grew up on a farm in rural Cleveland County near Shelby, North Carolina. He enjoyed the farm life and has been growing irises for about ten or fifteen years.

The entire Bowen family enjoys growing and showing irises. They became hooked at the national convention in Atlanta, Georgia in 1991. As their love for irises has grown stronger both Randell and his wife Pat have become AIS garden judges and are lifetime members of AIS. They have been married for 34 years, have two married children and a granddaughter, Megan. Their son and his wife have an iris garden, and daughter Tracie and her husband had their iris garden on the Region 4 spring tour in 1997.

Randell is a Computer Operations Supervisor for Rockwell Automation (Reliance Electric) in Kings Mountain, N.C. His degree is in computer programming. Since schooling is an on going process in addition to the job, the iris garden acts as a relief valve from the computer room environment. Randell is also active within his church. He is currently vice chairman of the deacons, member of several committees and has just recently become a member of the Gideon organization.

Randell has also been very involved in the local iris activities. As a member of the Piedmont Carolina Iris Society he has served as vice president, treasurer, and most recently, president. Along with Marshall Goforth he will co-chair the AIS national convention in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 2004.

35

Bonnie J. Nichols

New Vice President , Region 1 7

In assuming the role of RVP of Region 17, Bonnie Nichols brings a wealth of knowledge with her regarding all types of bearded irises. Having grown irises since she was a small child, Bonnie readily gives expert advice to any new irisarian who may have a question about our favorite flower. During the last seven years, Bonnie has quietly been building the foundation for a hybridizing program focusing primarily on the development of heat tolerant space age irises. Several future introductions have been selected and she looks forward to each spring bloom season in her seedling beds.

Bonnie served as immediate past Treasurer for AIS, and has held several local and regional official positions. Bonnie serves as both a garden and exhibition judge for the American Hemerocallis Society as well. She maintains a collection of over 1500 daylilies and also dabbles in some hybridizing.

Bonnie and her husband, Hooker Nichols, maintain one of the largest commercial iris gardens in Region 17. It was with great enthusiasm that Bonnie Jean Nichols accepted her nomination to become RVP of Region 17.

Raymond Rogers

New Vice President , Region 1 9

A lifelong gardener, Ray resisted the first attempt at a bite from the iris bug in 1966, when his mother told him to tear out the zinnias and plant 10 tall bearded irises in their place. Reluctance and resentment turned into total surrender when the first blooms (which included such oldies as PARTY DRESS, PIERRE MENARD and THOTMES III) appeared the next year. Since joining AIS in 1973 and making his first entries at the Pittsburgh Iris and Daylily Society show in 1974, Ray has gone on to become a successful exhibitor, an accredited judge, and an active member of several local iris societies, the latest being the Garden State Iris Society. The fairly recent discovery of medians and attempts at hybridizing TBs and MTBs have added fuel to the fire. Ray currently grows about 130 named cultivars and a few hundred seedlings.

Ray supports his gardening habit by editing and contributing to gardening (and other) books, which have included two large encyclopedias. When not tending the irises or the rest of his 2-year-old

36

garden, Ray prepares for the next spring Philadelphia Flower Show and autumn Harvest Show, where he has won a combined 2 Sweepstakes and 3 Runner-up to Sweepstakes. Ray is looking forward to working with the members of Region 19 as they explore new areas and ways to promote irises in New Jersey.

Fran Evers

New Vice President , Region 20

Fran was born and raised in Denver, Colorado and currently resides just west of this city at the base of the foothills north of Golden. Those attending the 1998 AIS Convention in Denver toured her garden. Gardening runs in the blood, with both her grandfather and mother being avid gardeners. Growing irises, touring iris gardens and entering shows together with her mother became an annual event starting in the early 1980s. Fran attended her first AIS National Convention in Fort Worth in 1993 and with that event any chance for not having iris as a priority hobby vanished.

The move to Rancho de Oro in the summer of 1996 was a dream come true. With more than 40 acres including stream and pond, the iris growing possibilities are unlimited. The beds for the convention plants and Fran’s collection expanded to over 700 varieties in her new location.

From the many guest medians, Fran developed a growing appreciation for these little guys, especially the MTBs and IB’s and joined the Median Iris Society this past summer. The arilbreds in the garden did so well that she also became a member of Aril Society International and is expanding this collection. She has been a member of HIPS since 1994, and exploration into the beardless iris world is probably on the horizon.

Fran was the Secretary/Treasurer for Region 20 from 1995 through 1998 and belongs to two of the Region’s affiliates. She became an accredited garden judge in 1998. Being a key supporter of the Region’s Annual Rhizome sale, she maintains an extensive and growing database and picture catalog of iris. She is also a regular contributor to Region 20’s semi-annual newsletter and enjoys promoting irises. As RVP she hopes to expand interest in irises and membership in AIS.

A Human Resources manager by profession, Fran currently works as a subject matter expert for a software development lab specializing in Human Resource and Payroll software. She likes to think of this work as making

37

dreams into reality which in a different way is what hybridizers do.

Fran is pleased to represent Region 20, and looks forward to working with both the people and the flower that we love.

Carolyn Lingenfelter

New Vice President , Region 21

Carolyn sees the love of a garden and the soil as a gift given to some of us. Fortunately her parents were farmers, and consequently her sister, brother and she were able to realize the importance of this gift and never give it up. Although none of them was actually a farmer, the love of working the soil has remained.

Around 1964, when Carolyn was establishing her own home and garden, her sister took her to visit a lady who was a master gardener and who specialized in irises, daylilies and hostas. She bought five or six irises (at a bargain), and received almost as many free. (Carolyn says the woman was the typical generous irisarian.)

Her first contact with AIS was when she attended a judges training session of Region 21. It was a couple more years before she joined a club or AIS.

About thirty years have passed, and Carolyn has served in most offices of the Elkhorn Valley Iris Society and on most committees. She helped rewrite the bylaws for both Region 21 and EVIS. She has attended fourteen National conventions and feels that each one is special in its own way. This year has been extra special for her since she is now a Master Judge, won her first Silver Medal, and has been appointed as RVP for Region 21.

Carolyn’s husband of nearly forty years is a retired math instructor. He taught for 35 years at their local community college where she is still a part time librarian. He has never caught the iris virus, nor has their daughter whose interest and business is quarter horses. The Lingenfelters have lived their entire lives in northeast Nebraska, and have only questioned “Why” when the temperature falls to minus 20°F with a wind chill factor of minus 60°F!

Barbara Figye

New Vice President , Region 23 and New AIS Director

Please see Biography under New AIS Directors, page 23.

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation

(Required by 39 USC 3635)

1. Publication Title BULLETIN OF THE AMERICAN IRIS SOCIETY	o 1 7I 4 1 7 | - I4 111 7I 2	1 October 1998
4. Issue Frequency QUARTERLY	5. Number of Issues Published Annually 4	6. Annual Subscription Price $18.00
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l. Complete Mailing Address ol Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher (Not printer)

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ises of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor (Do not leave

Publisher (Name and complete mailing address )

THE AMERICAN IRIS SOCIETY

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ir (Do not leave blank. II the publication is owned by a corporation. $

Unowned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm , give its name and'address as well as those ol is publishod by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address.)

THE AMERICAN IRIS SOCIETY

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13. Publication Title BULLETIN OF THE AMERICAN IRIS SOCIETY	14 Issue Oats lor Circulation Data Below July, 1998
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a. Total Number of Copies (Net press mn)	7,809	8,030
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(2) Paid or Requested Mail Subscriptions (Include advertiser's proof copies and exchange copies)	5,874	5,932
c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation w (Sum of 1Sb(1) and 15b(2 )) ~	5,874	5,932
d Free Distribution by Mail (Samples, complimentary, and other free)	45	45
e. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or other means)	0	0
t Total Free Distribution ( Sum of ISd and 15e) ►	45	45
g Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15f) ►	5,919	5,977
Distributed	(1) Office Use, leftovers. Spoiled	1,890	2,053
(2) Returns from News Agents	0	0
i. Total (Sum of 15g, I5h(1), and 15h(2)) |>	7,809	8,030
Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation	99.24%	99.25%

January, 1999 issue of mis publication.

17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Buwn^ss Manager, or Ownet>

yP

S and civil penalties).

Instructions to Publishers

t. Complete and file one copy of this form with y

r secunty holder is a trustee, include in items 10 an nclude the names and addresses of individuals wh< 5. mortgages, or other securities of the publishing c

a copy of the completed k f the person c

issue printed after October.

5. In item 16, indicate the date of the issue in which this Statement of Ownership will be published.

6. Item 17 must be signed.

Failure to file or publish a statement of ownership may lead to suspension of second-class authorization.

39

to 7\cd Dxis

Milan Emsminger

b\f V5on £poon, TViz^inia

LLAN ENSMINGER CAME WITHIN A HAIR OF PRODUCING A

spectrum red self iris. His first goal was to produce a pink amoena, as he said, like his wife Gladys, who had pure white hair that complemented her pink skin and red lips. He nearly met his goal, so he named this 34" tall bearded ALMOST GLADYS (’81) with white standards flushed pink at the base, coral pink falls with Vs" edging, and red beards. Allan said it was very difficult to obtain this pattern because he had to have three recessive genes homozygous (aaaa). Almost Gladys is a highly inbred cross ((Flame Kiss X (Extravaganza X Pink Formal)) X 64-17 X Ester Fay) X ((64-17 X Ester Fay) XJava Dove) (Both seedling 64-17 and Ester Fay are from highly inbred lines.) The cross 64-17 was ((Memories X Apricot Supreme) X (Extravaganza X Pink Formal)) X (Extravaganza X Pink Formal). From the cross ((Almost Gladys X Foolish Pleasure = Laurie X (Baccarat, a Laurie sibling X Laurie) X Almost Gladys) — a sibling of Sonja’s Selah X Christa — he obtained the 26" BB PEACE ON EARTH (90). Allan said that PEACE ON EARTH (color picture, back cover of AIS Bulletin #279) was the most outstanding seedling he ever produced; unfortunately, all the stock died from scorch after a fierce winter. Its had orient pink standards with gold glitter on the edges, peach falls, and poppy red beards. It was beautifully branched, ruffled and laced. But most exciting was that the poppy red beard color was extensively expressed in the bases of the standards and falls. This had never been seen before, or since, in any iris (except Ghio’s 1998 introduction HEAVEN, a white with coral red beards and solid coral red coloring at the base of the falls extending the full length of the beards).

Iris possess the same pigment, lycopene, that make tomatoes red, and it is fully expressed as spectrum red of different hues in iris beards. To be expressed, an iris must be homozygous recessive (tttt or tangerine) for this trait. To be spectrum pink, the other carotene pigments that are not shunted to lycopene must be absent or it will be peach to orange in color. It has been proposed that there is a dominant inhibitor (It) for lycopene expression. It is known that when you cross two pink irises with red beards (tttt and It It it it), or self one of them, you can obtain a

40

pure white flower with red beards, indicating the dosage and effect of the dominant inhibitor to the flower, except for the beard, has been increased to totality or homozygous dominant (It It It It). Possibly Peace on Earth had (tttt and it it it it ) allowing the lycopene to be expressed in the standards and falls. Now, if these two genes (t and It), and a gene for a dominant modifier (Mt), that makes the lycopene expressed only in the beard, are linked on the same chromosome; only a rare crossover could separate that linkage, or he may have obtained a low dosage of the modifier, such as (Mt mt mt mt). Possibly Ensminger obtained this rare event or the low modifier dosage with his pod parent for Peace on Earth. It may be possible to approximate Ensminger s cross by using the pod parent sibling Sonja’s Selah X Christa, and then sibling crossing the seedlings to obtain the spectrum red throughout the petals by making homozygous recessive the modifier (mt mt mt mt). Using reblooming pinks, such as Pink Attraction, as the pollen parent on Sonjas Selah might produce a reblooming spectrum red. Possibly the rare crossover event or low dosage modifier was brought in with Roger Nelson’s Christa (’85), a proven rebloom carrier. The goal of a spectrum red iris, that reblooms, may be only a few crosses away. That is exciting!

Note: The above article is reprinted with permission from

The Reblooming Iris Recorder, ; Spring 1998, Vol. 51.

Ginny and Don Spoon

41

‘Rocky Tioad to f\ed 3fiises

M Breeding strategw

b\f ^Zew\f jAitken, TOaskin^ton

ARE MANY APPROACHES TO THIS SUBJECT. One IS TO

start from the wild species. Another is line breeding using other hybridizers’ work as building blocks. Another manipulates the system, taking advantage of recessive or dominant characteristics. A fourth is to strike off into the wilderness, never to be seen again!

I would speculate that the wild iris method would have us start with the primary colors found in the wilds — white, purple and yellow. Many wild hybrids exist, thanks to the blundering greed and aesthetically challenged work of bumblebees. The natural hybrids would be crosses between purples and yellows, giving us layers of color generally resembling overused dishwater brown. With selective line breeding over fifty years, we could probably rise to today’s level of quality! (Bob Schreiner describes early breeding for reds. See Bulletin #191, Oct. 1968)

The building block theory strikes me as the shortest route to instant gratification. A good section on the history of red breeding exists in The World of Iris, pages 77-81. Also, on the scientific side, Norlan Henderson covers pigment colors on pages 360-374. In the mid seventies, the Schreiner family was in most successful pursuit of line breeding with SPARTAN and POST TIME (see photo, back cover, July 1997 Bulletin). It seemed an unlikely place for a beginner to “jump in”.

The next option was the recessive concept. Back in the seventies, I had heard that plicatas were recessive, which meant that, if outcrossed to a solid color, the solid color would usually dominate, but that you could acquire flower form, branching or whatever other characteristics you were looking for, from the plicata parent. We went to the Schreiner reds again and the Keppel plicatas, hoping for the best of both worlds. Post Time X Santana (yellow ground brown plicata) gave us a beautifully smooth, rich, red seedling. The plant carried 14 buds regularly and put on a magnificent display, with four or five flowers open at a time. The weight was more than it could bear, and the weak stems crashed to the ground. No introduction there! Another cross, Caramba X Spartan, produced a deep nut brown seedling, introduced as HAIDA DANCER (’84). This plant held up well with clean (no haft) color and good form. We drifted off in

42

other directions at that point, but hind sight (isn’t it wonderful?) would suggest further pursuit, either going back to the red parents to continue variations in red, or towards the plicatas for variations in plicatas. We may still do that!

About this time, we went off in another direction, as we had discovered that MYSTIQUE would produce superior seedlings when crossed with almost any other color. Needless to say, pollen from Mystique (it is pod sterile, almost) went back on our favorite reds. Spartan X Mystique produced JUNGLE PRINCESS (’89) with buckskin tan stands and glossy red falls. Post Time X Mystique produced WALKING TALL (’87). This plant did go one step farther when it was crossed with the newer Schreiner red, WARRIOR KING. This produced RAKU BLAZE (’96) and its rogue sibling, (to be introduced in 2000). On another tack, Joe Ghio got from Jungle Princess his recent introduction CHINESE NEW YEAR (see back cover). So the building blocks continue.

The fourth method of breeding for reds — ’’striking off into the wilderness” — is my current fascination. I theorize that the red violets surely must have red in them that can be line bred for red and perhaps seeking out those seedlings with reddish pigment and red or coral beards might be the guiding light. Keying on the red beards appears to be the best strategy. Searching through our breeding stock and crossing for red beards has produced some interesting red variants, the best of which is shown in color on page 61. This plant’s pedigree tracks back to 1978 and a cross for oranges (Glazed Orange X Tangerine Sunset) which produced a red bearded white. This plant when crossed with Lace Artistry (Buffy X Windsor Rose) produced a laced white with a soft pink beard. This seedling was crossed with GENIALITY (see back Bulletin cover, January ’97) to recover the red beard. Others in this line include (Modern Story, which tracks to Ovation) X Lace Artistry and (Persian Gown x Lady Friend) (see back Bulletin cover, April ’98). Finally, in the ninth generation, a cross with EVER AFTER produced this red seedling. Conceptually, this represents a long list of outcrosses involving building blocks from many other hybridizers with a dominance of Opal Brown’s red bearded work as the common denominator.

Where do we go from here? Jean Witt’s suggestion is to cross this plant with lemon yellows or “glaciatas” to maintain the brilliance. Going back to “recessive plicatas” is another option, and plicatas could be very useful, as first generation seedlings would probably be solid reds with red beards. At that point, there is an opportunity to go after red bearded red plicatas with the next generation.

43

Injecting rebloom into this color class would be great, with some likelihood of picking up vigor and durability as byproducts. The closest thing I can think of would be the red bearded pink rebloomers, such as PINK ATTRACTION. Going to PURE AS GOLD would not be overlooked, but the loss of the red beards is likely, at least in the first generation.

The median classes also stand in wait. Ben Hager’s MTB, NEW IDEA, would probably net you some reds, but the beards would be muted. PUPPY LOVE and PINK BUTTONS might save the brilliance of the reds. Carol Lankow’s SDB, JEWELER’S ART, has great red intensity and is a prime candidate to produce red intermediates, again with muted beards.

The next step is searching the market for newer introductions from other hybridizers to use as building blocks. AMBROSIE (R. Cayeux ’97) from France; EVER ANEW (D. Miller ’98) from Colorado and ARIZONA REDHEAD (Shepard ’98) strike me as good candidates, along with SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE (Schreiner ’96) Other hybridizers working this color group would include Linda Miller and Joe Ghio, and I’m sure there are others. No iris is an end product. It is simply a building block to different and better things to come.

"Japanese will Shine in '99"

Society for Japanese Irises National Convention

Portland, Oregon, June 24 - 26, 1999

Sponsored by The Greater Portland Iris Society

There will be two days of bus tours that will include five gardens. For further information, contact: Chad Harris, Chairman, PO Box 346, Washougal, WA 98671-0346. Phone (360) 835-1016; E-mail < RSJJ 9 8 A@Prodigy. com > .

Convention headquarters: Monarch Hotel

125 SE 93rd Ave

Clackamas, OR 97015

(503) 652-1515 or (800) 492-8700

Hotel rate: $88.00 Single-double, plus 6% tax. Mention SJI Convention for special rate. There is free parking and free bus service from the Portland airport to the hotel.

Registration is $95.00, postmarked no later than May 1, 1999, and includes two days of bus tours with lunches and two dinners. Send check, payable to 1999 SJI Convention, to Dale Grams, Registrar, PO Box 346, Washougal, WA 98671-0346.

- D

■/\DS /liitatif

'

bif Keith /KeNanxes, Ote^on

%

l A. E NOW HAVE IN PLACE AT THE AIS LIBRARY IN

Silverton a Gateway computer with a laser jet printer, a Xerox desk top copier, a phone line with a telephone /fax machine (plain paper), answering machine, and desk and chair, making an useable office environment. The Library phone and fax number is (503) 873-6831. We have not yet signed onto the Internet, but will do so shortly, during the rainy winter weather, so we can take full advantage of the 100 free hours offered during the first month.

Entered on the computer so far are Books, Check Lists , Registration & Introductions and Bulletins. The R&Is and Bulletins are on a database showing quantities on hand and excess available for either auction, sale, or some form of disposition.

Three bookcases were purchased to house the requested five loose copies of our Bulletins. Six two-year volumes were bound, leaving only 1997 and 1998 to be bound, and the rebinding of two other volumes correcting errors found in prior binding.

With the rainy season here, time is available and will be spent getting more information keyed into the computer.

We are still awaiting some records from the late 1980s and the early 1990s from the Historical Committee. We hope the transfer of these AIS records can be done in a timely manner so that the Library can provide an accurate inventory.

The Species Iris Group of North America

is pleased to announce the publication of the

Checklist of Species Iris

The Checklist will be published in two parts: Part I Botanical list of Species, Part 2 Alphabetical Cultivar list of species, their variations and hybrids. Orders postmarked before February 15, 1999 may be ordered at the pre-publication price of $10.00 the set plus postage.

Orders postmarked after February 15, 1999 will be $15.00 plus postage. Please add $3.00 for postage within the continental US, and $6.00 postage for overseas and Canadian orders.

The Checklist will be mailed by first-class priority mail.

Make check or money order payable to SIGNA and send to:

Robert Pries, 6023 Andre Road, High Ridge, MO 63049

45

1999 INTRODUCTIONS

KITTY DYER (P. Dyer '99). TB, 30" (80 cm), Midseason-Late. Named for my mother, Miss Kitty. A small-flowered TB, nearly Border Bearded in size and proportion. Glistening icy lemon standards. Falls are a shimmering pure ice- white with a narrow banding in icy lemon. Soft yellow beards. Excellent stalks, with 3 branches, 8 buds. Sdlg. #91-235A: (Vida X Spring Satin). $30.00

POETRY IN MOTION (P. Dyer '99). TB, 34" (86 cm), Midseason-Late. A sophisticated new plicata, with a white ground heavily stitched in medium orchid to lilac. The coral to shrimp beards occasionally sport a short coral horn. Beautiful branching, with 3 branches, 8 to 9 buds. Good plant habits. Sdlg. #91 -1 74A: (Lovebird X Tide Mark). $35.00

ZATON (P. Dyer '99). TB, 36" (91 cm), Midseason. Rich deep violet standards. Deeper (near-black) falls with a satin sheen. Beards are deep violet to black. Moderately ruffled. Exceptionally resistant to water spotting. Willowy stalks produce 3 branches, 8 to 10 buds. Healthy, vigorous blue-green foliage.

Sdlg. #90-40A: (Houdini X Navy Chant). $30.00

BLEACHED BLONDE (P. Dyer '99). SDB, 10" (25 cm), Midseason. Dearie, your ROOTS are showing! An ivory to cream-based "barely-plicata", flushed butter yellow, with light blue stitching appearing only at the base of the standards. Falls are ivory, lightly banded yellow, with warm yellow shoulders (no plicata markings). Light yellow beards. Outstanding form, substance, and vigor.

1 branch, 2 to 3 buds. Sdlg. #94-71 A: (Chubby Cheeks X Gigolette). $12.50

GAILY FORWARD (P. Dyer '99). SDB, 12" (30 cm), Midseason. Standards and style arms are bright yellow with the falls blended in honey (no stitching).

Falls are white, edged in chrome yellow, with honey plicata brushings only at the shoulders. Beards are root beer with an old gold base. 1 branch,

3 buds. Sdlg. #91-73A: (Varmint X Tricks). $12.50

RADIOACTIVE (P. Dyer '99). SDB, 12" (30 cm), M-L. Bold and daring. Bright medium yellow standards. Falls are a rich cherry to mahogany red with a 1/8" edge in yellow. Bright yellow beards. Smaller flowered and more compact in size and plant habits than Jazzamatazz. 1 branch, 2 to 3 buds.

Sdlg. #91 -309B: (Spot of Tea X Jazzamatazz). $12.50

STAR OF AFRICA (P. Dyer '99). SDB, 14" (36 cm), E-M. Lovely chicory blue self, complemented with brilliant, medium sapphire blue beards. Clean and crisp. Remindful of an SDB Song of Norway. Excellent plant habits.

1 branch, 3 buds. Sdlg. #89-21 A: (Blue Line X Serenity Prayer). $12.50

CONTEMPORARY GARDENS of Perry Dyer Rt. 5, Box 800 Blanchard, OK 73010

Send $2 for 1999 catalog , available in February.

46

^TMe rZ$envez (Convention

Mm European Perspective

by <3jlscLt\ ‘Z^athc, {yewiann

i

NCE AGAIN, OUR VACATION IN THE USA BEGAN WITH attending an AIS Convention, this time in Denver, Colorado. We attended the Region 20 Flower Show the weekend before which allowed us to see the differences between the show rules in our country and the US. We also enjoyed a pre-convention trip through the Rocky Mountain National Park and a tour of the Botanical Gardens.

The first day of the convention tour the Long Garden in Boulder was our destination, where, unfortunately, the weather did not present its best side. The guest irises, planted in easy to view, well marked rows, as well as a large collection of Dykes Medal irises, presented a colorful picture. Our special attention was caught by SNOW JOB (Black ’98), PRINCESS CAROLINE DE MONACO (R. Cayeux 98), Schreiners’ LUXOR GOLD (’98) and CITYSCAPE (’97), SUDDEN IMPACT (Tasco ’97), INDIAN SANDSTONE (Ernst ’96), HI CALYPSO (Hoage 98), ACOMA (Magee 90), POND LILY (E. Jones 95), and Siberians SENECA NIGHT SKY (Borglum) and BAND OF ANGELS (Hollingworth ’96).

On we went to the David Miller garden, where, luckily, umbrellas were not needed. Many rows of beautiful, large flowered irises behind the house made us reach for the cameras once again, to capture the eye- catchers among them in pictures. Among these were two Keppel 1996 TBs, LOCAL COLOR and NIGHT GAME; a pale yellow Nichols seedling, 9209-S, Stahly’s 93-36, and David Miller’s own CUSS A’BLUE STREAK (’93). We also liked BLUE EYED SUSAN (Lauer ’98), VIZIER, (Ghio ’98) and SIXTINE (Cayeux ’94). A wonderful planting of Spuria irises also deserves mention, including ADRIATIC BLUE (Niswonger ’96) and the large flowered, white-yellow Johnsen seedling JSPU-92-1. The light medium blue Siberian SENECA SKYLITES (Borglum ’96) was beautiful.

Lunch was at the Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory. Afterwards we had an interesting guided tour of warehouses, manufacturing and shipping. On the trip to the higher elevations of the Denver area our bus had difficulties and the last section of the steep incline to the garden of

47

John and Fran Evers was accomplished in reverse gear! Here, at more than 6,500 feet, it rained so hard it was impossible to take pictures. We peeked out from under umbrellas to view and evaluate the irises which were holding up pretty well.

Our last stop the first day was the Townsend Garden, also in Boulder. The garden is Carol’s masterpiece, designed in several levels, with a pond that is well integrated into the landscape with its big rocks and attractive plantings along the edges. An expertly executed landscape design displayed historic irises and new introductions demonstrating the development of bloom form and color. Of special note were IRENE FRANCES (Richardson ’95), ARCTIC EXPRESS (Gatty ’96) and the Cadd seedling 85-91-2. To his delight, my husband discovered the LGB model railroad tracks among the irises.

The second day of the tour we were off to Colorado Springs. The Knudtson Garden was across from the Mining Museum, giving us the opportunity for an exclusive tour of the mining operation which had taken place here in the past. In the garden most irises were not yet blooming, due to the fact we were at an elevation of over 7,500. Feet. However, the irises had developed healthy, large clumps, the ideal basis for great bloom to come.

At the Union Printers Home Garden the bad weather reached its worst. Hail and snow on blooming irises — we had never experienced anything like this in Germany! Fortunately, it is a rarity even for the U.S. (That evening we saw the official announcement: 34° for the low and a daytime high of 490!) On the historic grounds of the International typographical Union a number of old and new irises were planted, in the shape of a huge E in memory of the Dykes Medal winner, ELMOHR (Loomis).

The last visit of the day was to the Dr. Loomis Memorial Trial Gardens, at an elevation of 7,200 feet. We were guided by its director, Russ Eacker. Here, too, pouring rain and the soggy ground made it difficult to appreciate this beautiful, spacious garden. The layout made viewing easy with round or oval beds in which one, two or three year old plants were grown separately.

On the final day of garden tours the sun was shining brightly from a blue sky, and visiting the garden of Lowell Baumunk and Barbara Lewis became a special event for all of us. The guest irises were in full bloom, making photography easy. Outstanding varieties included RUB AN BLEU ( J. Cayeux ’97), POND LILY (E. Jones ’95), LYME TYME (Messick ’97), DEBBIE REYNOLDS (Schick ’96), DOUBLE BUBBLE (Ghio ’98), as well as seedling numbers FF178-1 (Schreiner) and 93B3, plicata (Stetson). In addition were a large number of arilbreds, named varieties

48

as well as seedlings by Lowell Baumunk and a good collection of historic irises. The garden was very cleverly designed by Barbara.

The bus trip continued on to the garden of Glenna Chapman, where each of the iris beds was given the name of a Colorado town. Here again I liked the eye catching colors of HI CALYPSO, and two KeppelTBs, CROSS CURRENT (’95) and DAYGLOW (’97), as well as AMHERST COLORS (Durrance ’93) and Stetsons RS9314.

Then we were off to the Hudson Garden. Here, alongside the pretty perennial border was the planting of guest irises in peak bloom. In addition to others already mentioned, we liked the nicely ruffled, light blue MONET’S BLUE (Schreiner ’98), which had perfect form and color. Impressive with good branching and strong stalks was IDITIT (Schick ’97) and Carr seedling 92-72A.

At the Love garden we found three rows of irises in full bloom. Noticeable was a large clump of BUISSON DE ROSES (R. Cayeux ’98) and a Cadd seedling 152-91-12. The Siberian LAKE KEUKA (Borglum ’91) was fascinating in this garden, as it had been in others, with its brilliant light blue coloring.

Our last stop was the Rob Stetson Garden. Welcoming us in the street, along the sidewalk, was a great border of beautifully blooming irises- — something that would be unthinkable in Germany. Against the wall of the house was a gorgeous Spuria seedling by De Santis, 84-40C, as well as MIDNIGHT RIVAL (Johnson ’92) and MISSOURI SPRINGS (Niswonger ’94). In the large planting of TBs we especially like STAR FLEET (Keppel ’93), GOOD VIBRATIONS (Schreiner ’97), ALPINE TWILIGHT (Durrance ’96) and COLLEEN’S DREAMSICLE (Spoon ’96).

Back in the bus, we had to turn in our ballots to select the award winners. The winners, POND LILY (E. Jones ’95) for the Franklin Cook Cup and SAN JUAN SILVER (D. Miller ’98) for the President’s Cup, were announced during the Awards Banquet. We were especially happy to see Keith Keppel awarded the Gold Medal, the highest AIS honor, for his untiring and selfless work.

Our sincere thanks to all for an unforgettable convention. The slides and videos Wolfgang took will be shown to iris friends in Germany, where we are certain the beautiful irises will create great excitement and enthusiasm,

Editor’s Note: Thanks to Ilse Rasmussen, Wichita, Kansas, for translating from German the above article for use in the Bulletin.

MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM: Reblooming Intermediate. Seedling 92BBWA-7. Very smooth iridescent dark purple, reminiscent of its grandparent TITAN'S GLORY. Wide and ruffled. 19". MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM is the best performer among our large collection of rebloomers. Rebloom begins in July and continues until frost here in Colorado. Rebloom reports have been received from all quadrants of the US. Vigor¬ ous plants with lots of increase. Some fertility. High Commendation 1998. (BEST BET X WHAT AGAIN). $20.00 postpaid

LOWELL BAUMUNK 1999 Introductions

KIT FOX: Standard Dwarf. Seedling. 94SCJm-1. Rich chocolate mahogany pumila spot nearly covers the falls. Snow white standards with a light touch of sunshine yellow on the ribs, giving the effect of a dramatic brown amoena. 12". The one you notice from across the garden (SASS WITH CLASS X JAZZAAAATAZZ).

$15.00 postpaid

Order directly from this advertisement or request our list of modern bearded iris Lowell Baumunk, 10918 N. Sunshine Dr., Littleton, CO 80125 <LBaumunk@aol.com>, (303) 791-0456.

50

The Society for

Louisiana Irises

i/KHte& uva/ //t'joi/?' a///' conae/itia/v is?/

L earn what Frank Chowning, Henry Rowlan and Richard Morgan always knew about Central Arkansas, a premier location for growing and appreciating the elegant Louisiana.

* juried iris show * resplendent tour gardens * informative judging school * symposia for experts and novices

Lodging at DoubleTree Hotel, Markham & Broadway, (501) 372-4371. For information on registering, lodging, etc., con¬ tact Tom W. Dillard, Convention Chair,

12 Normandy Road, Little Rock, AR 72207.

Phone (501) 666-7882. Email: tomd@cals.lib.ar.us

Hosted by

Central Arkansas Iris Society

51

jA3< S £>hoH>s

winners of 199S

Place of Show	Silver Medal	Bronze Medal	Best Specimen	Exhibitor
Region f
Auburn, ME	The Whites	Shirley Pope	SILVERADO (TB)	The Whites
Auburn, ME	Paul Dostie	The Whites	TRANCE (JI)	Paul Dostie
Boyleston, MA	Stephanie. Markham	David 8c Barbara Schmiederl. CRISTATA ALBA’(SPEC)	Stephen Smith
Shelburne Falls, MA	Deborah Wheeler	Andrew Wheeler	PHIL EDINGER (SPEC)	Andrew Wheeler
South Paris, ME	The Hazeltons	The Whites	CREME LADY (MTB)	The Hazeltons
Region 2
Albany, NY	Linda Montanaro	Bob Keup	I. PSEUDACOROUS (SPE)	Linda Montanaro
Buffalo, NY	Greg Schifferli	Peter Weixlmann	WINTER’S TALE (TB)	Donna Schifferli
Glens Falls, NY	Bob Keup	Jan Haney	DOTTED LINE (SINO-SIB) Bob Keup
Wappingers Falls, NY	Mickey Koschara	Christine Feger	SONG OF NORWAY (TB)	Mickey Koschara
Region 3
Cheswold, DE	Theresa Jewell	Joan Wood	LOYALIST (TB )	Elisabeth Unruh
Pittsburgh, PA	Larry Grundler	Mike Corle	LINGERING SPRING (TB)	Steve Hampson
Townsend, DE	Theresa Jewell	Joan Wood	CASCADE CREST (JI)	Connie Marino
Region a
Beltsville, MD	Dick Sparling	Ginny Spoon	IRIS GRACILIPES (SPE)	Clarence Mahan
Beltsville, MD	Ginny Spoon	Don Spoon	GOLDEN IMMORTAL(TB)	Ginny Spoon
Charlotte, NC	David Hull	Pat Bowen	RED DAZZLER (LA)	Katharine Steele
Charlotte, NC	Ginny Spoon	Lois Rose	HARVEST OF MEMORIES(TB) Phyllis Soine
Chesapeake, VA	Jan Bryant	Marian Rogers	CONJURATION (TB)	Matthew Pearson
Fairfax, VA	Clarence Mahan	Virginia Welazak	PHIL EDINGER (I. PSEUD) Clarence Mahan
Fredericksburg, V A	Lois D. Rose	Sharon Lipiec	MAJESTIC INTERLUDE (TB)	Jim 8c Gina Schroetter
Hendersonville, NC	Randall&Pat Bowen	June Middleton	COUP DE STAT (LA)	Randall8cPat Bowen
Pikesville, MD	Ginny Spoon	Pat 8cJohn Kwedar	FOREVER YOURS (TB)	Ginny Spoon
Towson, MD	Clarence Mahan	Carol Warner	CHESHIRE CAT (TB)	Ginny 8c Don Spoon
Virginia Beach, VA	Bill 8c JaNiece Mull	Marian B. Rogers	“BASTARDI” (I. PSEUD)	Matthew Pearson
Wheaton, MD	Carol Warner	Ginny Spoon	ROSEWATER (JI)	Carol Warner
Williamsburg, VA	James 8cNelda Pressly	Elaine Minnick	MATINATA (TB)	Elaine Minnick
Region s
Anderson, SC	Randell 8c Pat Bowen	Marshall Goforth	JOAN MORITZ (SDB)	Randell 8c Pat Bowen
Decatur, GA	Mark 8c Patty Franklin	Beverly Barbour	SILVERADO (TB)	Mark 8c Patty Franklin
Gaffney, SC	Randell Bower	Marshall Goforth	SILVERADO (TB)	Randell 8c Pat Bowen
Griffin, GA	Lucy Stewart	Betty Jones	FINE CHINA (TB)	Lucy Stewart
Milledgeville, GA	Joe Scott Watson	Charles D. Weathers	AFTERNOON DELIGHT (TB) Ira Parnell
Summerville, SC	Maggie Johnson	LucilleLimehouse	ENFANT PRODIGY (SPEC) Patricia Brooks
Region 6 Cleveland, OH	Tony 8c Dorothy Willott	Patricia Brooks Mike James	ARCTIC EXPRESS (TB)	Mike James
Columbus, OH	James Ryan	James Gossard	CONJURATION (TB)	James Ryan
Ft.Wayne, IN	Mike Myers	Lynda Miller	NOW THIS (SPU)	Lana Higgins
Grand Rapids, MI	Jon 8c Lois Wier	Mike Moorman	DUSKY CHALLENGER (TB)	Jon 8c Lois Wier
Hale, MI	Evelyn Momrick	Wilbert Emig	SPRING FESTIVAL(TB)	Evelyn Momrick
Indianapolis, IN	Charles Bunnell	Roger Miller	STIPPLED LADY (MTB)	Roger Miller
Kalamazoo, MI	Ensata Gardens	Jill Copeland	ROY DAVIDSON (SPEC)	Carol Kerr
Mansfield, OH	James Ryan	Martha Beal	CHANGE YOUR WAY (TB)	Fred Taylor
Middletown, OH	Sandra Rawlings	John Bruce	MAGHAREE (TB)	Sandra Rawlings
Muncie, IN	Christine Foy	Jack Norrick	CONJURATION (TB)	Christine Foy
Region r
Bowling Green, KY	Betty Wilkins	Inez Turns	VANITY (TB)	Betty Wilkins
Dresden, TN	Earnest 8c Deborah Royal Joy Seckler	PRIVATE TREASURE (TB)	Earnest 8c Deborah Royal
Florence, KY	Jess 8c Elsie Laws	Daryl Laws	SCANDIA DELIGHT (TB)	Jess 8c Elsie Laws
Jackson TN	Joe8dmogene Zacharzuk	Marilyn Woods	DUSKY CHALLENGER (TB)	Joe 8c Imogene Zacharzuk
Knoxville TN	John Couturier	Tom Parkhill	SOO LING (TB)	John Couturier
Lebanon TN	Russell Watson	Bess Thompson	PERSIAN GOWN (TB)	Bobby Eakes
Lexington, KY	Rita Adkins	Evelyn Barker	CAMBRIDGE (SIB)	Rita Adkins
Louisville, KY	Paula Beller	Butch 8c Sara Estes	CONJURATION (TB)	Kaye Moore
Memphis, TN	Lottie Lough	Mary Ann Collins	DUSKY CHALLENGER (TB)	Mary Ann Collins
Memphis, TN	James Russell	Elke Longsworth	MARY FRANCES (TB)	Linda Melear
Memphis, TN	James Russell	Brenda Belus	SWEETER THAN WINE (TB) Jean Batterman
Murfreesboro, TN	Bill Hurt	Russell 8c Jill Watson	SONG OF NORWAY (TB)	Sue 8c Layton Gossage
Nashville, TN	Bill Hurt	Darnell Hester	CONFECTIONARY (TB)	Bill Hurt
Paris, TN	Earnest8cDeborah Royal	Joy Seckler	I. PSEUDACORUS (SPEC)	Earnest 8c Deborah Royal

cMert’s Sainton Creek Garden.

Counting Sheep (Aitken), SDB

Marksman (M. Smith), SDB

1999 Introductions

See color catalog or website for additional introductions

Catalog $2.00

www.e-z.net/~aitken

608 NW 119 St Vancouver WA 98685

53

Silver Medal

Bronze Medal

Best Spe

Exhibitor

Place of Show

Region 8

Blaine, MN Hales Corners, WI Madison, WI

Region 9

Alton, IL Glencoe, IL Hinsdale, IL Hinsdale, IL Rockfork, IL Urbana, IL

Region f O

Lafayette, LA

Region 11

Boise, ID Missoula MT Ontario, OR Colman

Region 1 2

Logan, UT Salt Lake City, UT Salt Lake City, UT

Region is

Bellevue, WA Puyallup, WA Salem, OR Seattle, WA Spokane, WA Vancouver, WA Walla Walla, WA Yakima, WA

Region ia

Auburn, CA Capitola,, CA Chico, CA Fresno, CA Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV Oakland, CA Palo Alto, CA Redding, CA Redding, CA Sacramento, CA San Jose, CA Santa Rosa, CA Ukiah, CA Ukiah, CA Visalia, CA Visalia, CA Walnut Creek, CA Weott, CA

Region is

Palmdale, CA Riverside CA San Diego, CA Tucson, AZ Woodland Hills, CA

Region 17

Amarillo, TX Austin, TX Belton, TX Bonham, TX Cleburne, TX Dalles, TX Dallas, TX Fort Worth, TX Lubbock, TX Lubbock, TX Midland, TX

Walter E Doehne Francis Rogers Karen Eirich

Lu 8c Orville Dickhaut William Hessel Chuck Simon Chuck Simon Joe Stien

Jerry 8c Melody Wilhoit

Donetta Black

Gary Clark

Ken 8c Carol Colman

Jared Harris

Brad 8c Kathie Kasperek Joe Brown

Fran Hawk Marjorie Kilborn Mtn. View Iris Garden Marjorie Kilborn Norma Lunden Keith Keppel Margaret McCrae Majory Clements

Bertha Brownlee Lois Belardi Cloudia Owen George Sutton Jean Paul Oscar Schick Lewis 8c Adele Lawyer D 8c D Eigenman Edna Bryceson Sandy Olsen Joe Seibert Gigi Hall

Anna 8c David Cadd

Joanne McGrew George Sutton Edwin S. Matheny III Darrell 8c Diane Eigenman Betty Coyle

Richard Stretz Corrine Bromberger Steve Rocha Sally Cooperman Jean Bossier

Kenneth Mazurek Don 8c Pat Freeman RoyScConnie Rutledge Melvin Curtis Mary Huggins Hooker 8c Bonnie Nichols Linda Thornbrugh Joe Spears

Vernon8cDana Brown Lucille Sedgwick Lonie Mitchell

Mary J.8cVrgil Ingbretson Dorothy Vande Judith Baker

Nancy 8c Irv Pocklington Alice Simon Mark A. Timko Dale L. Hamblin Betty Blecher Cynthia Kermode

Edna Rosenbaum Bob 8c Billie Gray Lucille Pinkston

Jeffrey Walters

Ora Burton

Val 8c Barbara Wilson

Debby Cole Rita Butler L. R. Walker Jean Witt

Verniece 8c George Kubes John Ludi George Dietrich Mildred Grow

Yvette Meador Joe Ghio

Leo 8c Norma Barnard John Weiler Evelyn Condo Linda Pires Vernon Wood Bob Kravs Judy Wallach Carolyn Hoyum Joyce Ragle Philippa Alvis Alice Brigaerts

Jay Hudson Edwin S. Matheny III Michael Kreps R 8c B Circle Gardens Agnes Tupes

Calvin Bastiwick Carol Morgan Carol Morgan Kathy Chilton Pete De Santis

Edna Carrington Hazel Haik Jim Landers Oleta Walker Frank8cHelen Furr Linda Thornbrugh Lew Begley Linda Thornbrugh Vernon8cGlenna Keesee Vernon8cDana Brown Wilson Howell

DARK WATERS(IB) ZULA (MTB) SILVER YEARS (TB)

SUPREME SULTAN (TB) GUADALAJARA (TB) SKATING PARTY (TB) ACOMA (TB)

MAGIC SHOW (TB) SUSQUEHANNA(TB) NIGHT AFFAIR (TB) KELLEY’S CHOICE(LA) HANDSKAKE (TB) LONG’S PEAK (TB) PAULINE COOLEY (TB)

Mary Jean&Virgil Ingbretson Dorothy Vande Karen Eirich

Ernie 8c Ann Henson William Hessel Mark A. Timko Chuck Simon Shirley Stien Jerry 8c Melody Wilhoit

Sterling Okase Marjorie Kilborn L.. R. Walker Jean Witt Darrell Daniel Keith Keppel Margaret McCrae Ken Kennedy

Karen Lawler Lois Belardi Bertha Brownlee George Sutton Evelyn Condo Oscar Schick Lewis 8c Adele Lawyer John Jones Edna Bryceson Carolyn Hoyum Louise Allison Gigi Hall Hal Mattos Joanne McGrew Joanne McGrew Edwin S. Matheny III Edwin S. Matheny III Dorothy Rucker Sue Tosten

Babbette Sandt Mike Monninger Steve Rocha Sally Cooperman Jean Bossier

Kenneth Mazurek Roy 8c Connie Rutledge Opal Gary Dean Van Meter Myrtle Hodges Linda Thornbrugh Linda Thornbrugh Gene Holt Charles Post Barbara Benson Lonie Mitchell

ROBIN GOODFELLOW(MTB) SHIRLEY’S CHOICE (SIB) CHUBBY CHEEKS(SDB) CONJURATION (TB) ROSETTE WINE (TB) HIGHLINE AMETHYST(SPU)

Gordon Rabalais Jim Leonard OBVIOUS HEIR (LA) Gordon Rabalais

CELEBRATION SONG (TB) Chuck Stanley I. SAUGUINEA KAMAYAMA (SPEC ) Swede Gustafson THORNBIRD (TB) Ken 8c Carol

TENNESSEE WOMAN (TB) Jared Harris IRISH MOSS (SDB) Marian Daniels

SUN GODDESS (TB) Joe Brown

FINSTERWALD (IB) CHINESE TREASURE(TB) LILAC GARDEN (JI) DRADY’S GIRL (MTB) MASTER PLAN (TB) SPRING FRESH (SDB) TRIPLE WHAMMY (TB) BUTTERED BISCUIT (TB)

SPOONED BLAZE (TB) BRONZE ART(SPU) ETIQUETTE (TB) BLATANT (TB)

IMPERIAL BRONZE(SPU) JUAN VALDEZ (TB) PEACOCK GAP (PCN) GREETING CARD (PCI) LOS ANGELES (TB) BOZRAH (AB)

CRYSTAL RING (TB)

AIR SHOW (PCI)

PACIFIC HIGH (PCI)

RARE EDITION (IB) CONJURATION (TB)

IRIS FALVA (LA SPEC) STRANGER IN PARADISE (JI) NIGHT EDITOR (PCN) SILVERADO (TB)

ULTRA ECHO (BB) MANTRA (CA)

BLUE GLOSS (TB) IMPERIAL RUBY (SPU) BANDED BUTTERFLY (IB)

54

Place of Show	Silver Medal	Bronze Medal	Best Specimen	Exhibitor
New Braunfels, TX	Harvey A. Wilson	Bobbie Allen	HELLO DARKNESS(TB)	Bobbie Allen
Odessa, TX	Dr. John Howlett	Ann Carnes	SILVERADO (TB)	Debbie Davila
Sherman, TX	Tom Nuckols	Ellen Sullivan	ROYAL BLESSING (TB)	Charlie Brown
Sherman, TX	Alisa Peters	Ellen Sullivan	LEMON TWIST (TB)	Ellen Sullivan
Temple, TX	Jim Landers	Louise Gerstenberg	SKATING PARTY (TB)	Jim Landers
Waco, TX	Hazel Haik	Roy8cConnie Rutledge	GUADALAJARA (TB)	Roy8cConnie Rutledge
Region is
Augusta, KS	Mike Walz	Dorothy Dickson	INDUCEMENT (TB)	Dorothy Dickson
Crestwood, Mo	Jim Morris	Kevin Gormley	THORNBIRD (TB)	Riley Probst
Dodge City, KS	J.C. Sinclair	Robert Preston	DUSKY CHALLENGER (TB)	Jerry Shelly
Garden City, KS	Wanda Smith	Gail da Silva	RARE EDITION (IB)	Wanda Smith
Garden City, KS	Duane Hays	Wanda Smith	COPPER GLAZE (TB)	Duane Hays
High Ridge, MO	Frances Boyd	Stanley Grein	PINK PELE (IB)	Lee Charlton
Hutchinson, KS	Jo Anne Hooker	Nellye Drake	DUSKY CHALLENGER (TB)	Judy Eckhoff
Jefferson City, MO	Eric Tankesley-Clarke	Dan Judy	SOLOIST (TB)	Tankesley-Clarke
Lone Jack, MO	Ray 8c Judy Keisling	Irene Isbell	ROARING JELLY (SIB)	Ray 8c Judy Keisling
St. Joseph, MO	Bev Hoyt	Ray 8c Judy Keisling	MARVELL GOLD (LA)	Bev Hoyt
St. Louis, MO	Jim Morris	Jim Loveland	JOHN (IB)	Jim Morris
St. Louis, MO	Dan Delmez	Nyla Hughes	CENTER OF ATTENTION(JI)	Dan Delmez
St. Peters, MO	Riley Probst	Jim Morris	JEAN HOFFMEISTER(TB)	Sue Delmez
Springfield, MO	Calvin Helsley	Bev Dewitt	OLD BLACK MAGIC	Mary Brundage
Washington, MO	Mike Theissen	Carol Kuhlmann	STEPPING OUT (TB)	Mike Theissen
Wichita, KS	Helen Reynolds	Dorothy Dickson	BLUE EYED BLOND (IB)	Dorothy Dickson
Wichita, KS	Mike Hargrove	Helen Reynolds	ROMAN SUMMER (TB)	Tricia Ardisonne
Region 19
Deptford, N J	William 8c Martha Griner Ray Rogers	BEGUINE (TB)	William 8c Martha Griner
Lawrenceville, N J	William 8c Martha Griner Erin Griner	DUSKY CHALLENGER (TB)	Joe Griner
Morristown, N J	Joseph J. Griner	Bob Keup	TSUYUZORABARE (JI)	Joseph J. Griner
Region 20
Colorado Springs, CO	1 Fran Evers	Morris Steinheimer	NORDIC ICE (TB)	Betty Roberts
Denver, CO	Rob Stetson	David Thomas	AVANSU (IB)	Rob Stetson
Denver, CO	Lois 8c Orvid Olren	Fran Evers	COLORODOAN (TB)	Lowell Baumunk
Douglas County, CO	Randy Penn	David Thomas	APRIL FOG (IB)	David Thomas
Region 21
Lincoln, NE	Gary White	Eugene Kalkwarf	SPECIAL FEATURE (TB)	Gary White
Norfolk, NE	Carolyn Lingenfelter	Marjorie Jansen	POINT MADE (TB)	Dorothy Johnson
Omaha, NE	Jim Ennenga	Frank Luehbert	GRAPES OF WRATH (TB)	Jim Ennenga
Scottsbluff, NE	Leah Meininger	Leroy Meininger	RECHERCHE(TB)	LeRoy Meininger
Region 22
Edmond, OK	Leigh Ellis	Bonnie Hadaway	SKY HOOKS (TB)	Sharon Eisele
Enid, OK	Michael8cAnn Dee Barrows Bea Williams	STEPPING OUT (TB)	Carol Schultz
Hot Springs Village, AR	Jim Bledsol	Susie Smith	ALABAMA BOUND (TB)	Jim Bledsol
Lawton, OK	Marjorie Puckett	James Cooper	INCANTATION (TB)	Marjorie Puckett
Lawton, OK	Robert 8c Paula Medina	Ruth B. Simmons	THORNBIRD (TB)	Robert 8c Paula Medina
Lawton, OK	Marjorie Puckett	James Cooper	SWAZI PRINCESS (TB)	James Cooper
Lawton, OK	Donna 8c Lacy Hagood	Shirley Hollowell	PACIFIC MIST (TB)	Donna 8c Lacy Hagood
Little Rock, AR	M.D. Faith	Tom Dillard	I. PSEUDACORUS (SPEC)	M. D. Faith
Norman, OK	Mike Stevens	Ted Thompson	ARCTIC EXPRESS (TB)	Perry L. Parrish
Oklahoma City, OK	Tom Johnson	Rex Matthews	SINISTER DESIRE (IB)	Tom Johnson
Oklahoma City, OK	Kathy Poore	Rex Matthews	SKATING PARTY (TB)	Ted Thompson
Oklahoma City, OK	Tom Johnson	Loretta Aaron	KATHLEEN KAY NELSON (TB)	Tom Johnson
Oklahoma City, OK	Tom Johnson	Bonnie Hadaway	ROBUSTO (TB) Mona French 8c Greer Holland
Ponca City, OK	Bill 8c Carol Goldsberry	Ann Dee Barrows	FOOTLOOSE (TB)	John 8c Ginny Tripp
Searcy, OK	M. D. Faith	Lavera Johnson	CONTINUALLY (TB)	Lavera Johnson
Tulsa, OK	Dean 8c Georgia Brand	Jo Ann Minter	DUNE (AB)	Paul Gossett
Tulsa, OK	Dean 8c Georgia Brand	Dale Satterwhite	CHANGE YOUR WAYS (TB)	Ron Mullin
Region 23
Albuquerque, NM	Valerie White	Scott 8c Reita Jordan	EMERALD FANTASY (AB)	Scott 8c Reita Jordan
Albuquerque, NM	Valerie White	Hsia-Fen Tien	SHARINA (AB)	Valerie White
Albuquerque, NM	Valerie White	Hsia Fen Tien	DODGE CITY (TB)	Glen Neumeyer
Hobbs, NM	Kay Snead	Doug Goodnight	GOOD BYE HEART (TB)	Elaine Bartlett
Las Cruces, NM	Rosemary Anderson	Margaret Dean	KOORAWATHA (LA)	Ed Knoblauch
Roswell, NM	Mary Herrington	Gary Biggs	SOMETHING WONDERFUL(TB)	Sue Chambers
Roswell, NM	Pegi Naranjo	Carl Hass	RECURRING RUFFLES (TB)	Pegi Naranjo
Santa Fe, NM	Henry Day	Von J. Westley	LOVE FOR LEILA (SPU)	Karen Bergamo
Region 2a
Cullman AL	Evelyn Davenport	Lee 8c Myra Parkins	DUSKY CHALLENGER (TB)	Wilber Campbell
Grenada, MS	Walter Moores	Billie Lynn Jones	PRESENCE (TB)	Linda Melear

55

y^\5S y^itlstlc S>kow9

^ wm

Place of Show	Best Design	Artistic Sweepstakes	Best Design Youth
Region 1 Auburn, ME Auburn, ME Boyleston, MA Shelburne Falls, MA	Shanna Desotle Evelyn White Kathy Marble Kathy Marble	Shanna Desotle Evelyn White Kathy Marble Kathy Marble	Jolene Best Jolene Best Jaye Lynn Bennett Pauline Cerone
Region 2 Buffalo, NY	Judy Tucholski
Region s Pittsburgh, PA	Bettie Nutter
Region a Charlotte, NC Chesapeake, YA Fairfax, VA Fredericksburg, VA Vcirginia Beach, VA	Nancy Moore Jan Bryant Jan Bryant Clara Herbert Clara Herbert Martha Carter Martha Carter Mary Westfall & Maranne Gross
Region s Decatur, GA Gaffney SC Milledgeville GA Summerville, SC	Ruth Combs Ira Parnell Earnest Yearwood Betty Black	Ira Parnell Ira Parnell Barbara Mitchum	Andre Dixion Kristen Geeter
Region s Cleveland, OH Columbus, OH Grand Rapids, M I Hale, MI Indianapolis, IN Mansfield, OH Muncie, IN	Marija Zupancic Lila Aldrich Ruth Levanduski Kim Kocher Judith J. Vaught Johanna Bodiford Betty Thomas	Joy Fuhrmeyer Lila Aldrich Ruth Levanduski Kim Kocher Judith J. Vaught Johanna Bodiford
Region 7 Bowling Green, KY Lebanon, TN Louisville, KY Memphis, TN Memphis, TN Murfreesbord, TN Nashville, TN	Irene Hughes Sahra Todd Paul Owen Elizabeth Bader Jean Batterman Sheray Hoisted Sue & Layton Gossage	Irene Hughes Lou Ehrcke Paul Owen Ginnie Hill Jean Batterman	Gemma Mattock
Region s Blaine, MN Madison, WI	Virgil Insbretson Keith Eirich	Char Sindt Keith Eirich
Region 9 Glencoe, IL Hinsdale, IL Hinsdale, IL Rockford, IL	Pat Hessel Lucie Kajiwara Betsy Grimm Marcia Blassage	Barbara Bartolotta Lucie Kajiwara Betsy Grimm Marcia Blassage
Region ft Boise, ID Missoula, MT Ontario, OR	Louisa Cone Gary Clark Louisa, Cone	Louisa Cone
Region 12 Logan, UT Salt Lake City, UT Salt Lake City, UT	Lynn Hess Cathy Hagan Reed Kathie Kasperek	Charlotte Brennand Thomas J. Miller Thomas Miller	Damien Ducoing
Region is Puyallup, WA Spokane, WA Vancouver, WA Walla Walla, WA Yakima, WA	Ruby Glass er Norma Lunden Laurie Ystad Jean Dietrich Dorothy Monroe	Frances Rutledge Norma Lunden Nancy Miller Jean Dietrich Celeste Harwood

Artistic Sweepstakes Youth

Kristen Geete

Krissy Legg

(continued on page 57)

56

REBLOOM 8. SPACE AGE SPECIALISTS

GREEN THUMBER

Margaret Inez

(G. Sutton ‘99) TB SA $40

Thin Blue Line

(G. Sutton ‘99) TB $40

16592 Road 208 Porterville, CA 93257

559-784-9011*

Fax 559-784-6701*

High Point

(G. Sutton ‘99) TB SA $40 00

Add $5 for shipping. Calif, residents add 7y4% sales tax. Color catalog, $3, lists many other 1 999 introductions and thousands of quality irises.

‘Please note: This is a new area code.

Viper

(G. Sutton ‘99) IB SA RE $2000

Flight Commander

(G. Sutton ‘99) TB SA $4000

57

Place of Show

Best Design

Artistic Sweepstakes Best Design Youth

Artistic Sweepstakes Youth

region m

Chico, CA Fresno, CA Las Vegas, NV Redding CA San Jose, CA Ukiah, CA Visalia, CA Visalia, CA Weott,CA

Region is

Palmdale, CA Riverside, CA San Diego, CA Tucson, AZ Woodland, Hills CA

Region IT

Amarillo TX Austin, TX,

Bonham, TX Cleburne, TX Fort Worth, TX Lubbock, TX Lubbock, TX Midland, TX New Braunfels, TX Waco, TX

Region m

Augusta, KS Crestwood, MO Dodge City, KS Garden City, KS Hutchinson, KS Jefferson City, MO Lone Jack, MO St. Joseph, MO St. Louis, MO St Peters, MO Springfield, MO Washington, MO Wichita KS Wichita KS

Region m

Lawrenceville, N J

Region si

Lincoln, NE Norfolk, NE Omaha, NE Scottsbluff, NE

Region zs

Edmond, OK Enid, OK Donna Johnston Lawton, OK Lawton, OK Lawton, OK Little Rock, AR Norman, OK Oklahoma City, OK Oklahoma City, OK Oklahoma City, OK Tulsa, OK

Mary Old Laverne Cottet Evelyn Condo Mandy Picozzi Dorothy Goble Terri Hudson Dorothy Dominici Joe Nunes

Cheryl Deaton Elaine Monninger Kathy Walsh Sumi Pugh Helen Zeldin

Kathy Palmer Pat Freeman Oleta Walker Myrtle Hodges Joan Stanley Rosemary English Virginia Davis Lonie Mitchell Dottie Holmes

Lowell Markley Nadine Wallenstein Alice Sinclair Mary Lou Hays Pat Bass Carol Stegeman Debbie Hughes Lucille Boswell Veda Schlichtemier Vince Italian Donna Tetrick Luello Pehle Jay Westervelt Jay Westervelt

Gladys Ensmeniger Marjorie Jansen Ruth Ennenga June Hara

Maxine Hawley Doris George Donna Johnson Lois Arnold Donna Johnston Scottie Finney Debbie Woosley Nancy Kowalchyk Christal Sapp-Glenn Dottie Weissenberger Dottie Weissenberger

Laverne Cottet Evelyn Condo .. Linda Harding Dorothy Goble Jean Near Dorothy Dominici Dorothy Dominici Carol Dunning

Myrtle Hodges Jossephine Harp Rosemary English Louise Palermo Lonie Mitchell Terri De Coux Hazel Haik

Mary Jo Coloney Vince Italian Alice Sinclair Mary Lou Hays Pat Bass

Debbie Hughes Lucille Boswell

Vince Italian Donna Tetrick Luello Pehle Jay Westervelt Jay Westervelt

Marjorie Jansen Ruth Ennenga Viola Schreiner

Maxine Hawley

Lois Arnold Maria Edwards Velma Bluford Martha Walker Perry L. Parrish Christal Sapp-Glenn Dottie Weissenberger Dottie Weissenberger Jean Kersten

Kris Kooi Kaleena Price

Ashley Gratteau

Marc Loberg Shelby Sutton

Caitlyn Porter Hazel Haik

Chris Trout

Rachel Hindle

Lauren Harvath Kevin Gormley

Stephanie Rust

Jennifer Davis

Mathew Brooks Monica Combrink

Charity Thompson

Kelsey Henderson Trenton McVicker

Charlann Stonecipher

Kaleena Price Ashley Gratteau

Caitlyn Porter

Rachel Hindle

Lauren Haryath Kevin Gormley

Stephanie Rust

Jennifer Davis

Matt Hirsch Lawton, OK

Kelsey Henderson

Zachary Barker

Winnie Sogan

Region so

Colorado Springs, CO Joan James Douglas Co., CO Joan James

Denver, CO David Thomas

Denver, CO Dale Strickland

Betty Roberts

Elaine Monninger & Mike Monninger Jean E. Johns Sumi Pugh Eileen Fiumara

Kathy Palmer Pat Freeman

58

Place of Show	Best Design	Artistic Sweepstakes	Best Design	Artistic Sweepstakes
			Youth	Youth
Region 23 Albuquerque, NM	Kathryn Neeley	June Ballog
Hobbs, NM	Taylor Maxwell	Kerry Romine
Roswell, NM	Pegi Naranjo	Pegi Naranjos	Jennifer Moran
Roswell, NM	Pegi Naranjo	Pegi Naranjo
Santa Fe, NM	Shelby Green	Shelby Green
Region 2a Cullman, AL	Grace Steinke	Dorothy L. Holmes

Ruth Simmons (new AIS Secretary), and her grandaughters Charity Thompson and Carrie Simmons. At the Love Garden during the '98 AIS Convention in Denver.

59

■/\3S Shows

Worntm Winners of f 99B

Place of Show	Silver Medal	Bronze Medal	Best Specimen - Youth	Exhibitor - Youth
Region f Shelburne Falls, MA			SECRET MELODY (TB)	Casey Ryan
Region 5 Gaffney, SC Milledgeville, GA	Stacy Smart Bill Weathers	Stevie Smart Kristen Geeter	ROSETTE WINE (TB) GO AROUND (TB)	Stacy Smart Bill Weathers
Region 6 Cleveland, OH			WABASH (TB)	Angela Alflen
Region ia Chico, CA Ukiah, CA Visalia, CA	Kris Kooi Marc Loberg Brandon Sutton	Anna Kooi Brownie Troop 462 Shelby Sutton	SUPERSTITION (TB) CELEBRATION SONG (TB) HOT SPICE (IB)	Kris Kooi Marc Loberg Andrew Sutton
Region 17 Midland, TX Odessa, TX	Gregg Strauss Stephanie Strauss	Ryan Carnes Ryan Carnes	ARBITRATOR (SPU) SILVERADO (TB)	Gregg Strauss Bethany Davila
Region 18 Crestwood, MO Hutchinson, KS St. Louis, Mo Washington, MO	Eric Polette, Joyce Fields, Dan Huelsing Rachel Hindle Isaic Hindle Stephanie Rust Christopher Rust Stephanie Rust Christopher Rust	RASPBERRY SPLENDOR (TB) Chris Arthur FANCY TALES (TB) Rachel Hindle CLUE (SDB) Stephanie Rust ALCAPULCO SUNSET (TB) Nicole Grzeskowiak
Region 20 Colorado Springs, CO Kwinn Wyatt	Kasi Wyatt	WABASH (TB)	Kasi Wyatt
Region 22 Enid, OK Lawton, OK Ponca City, OK	Eric Whitebay Charity Thompson Eric Whitebay	Monica Combrink Carrie Simmons Monica Combrink	ALVA (BB) HOT STREAK (TB) BROWN LASSO (BB)	Eric Whitebay Charity Thompson Monica Combrink
Region 23 Albuquerque, NM	Kelsey, McGrath		ABUZZ (SDB)	Kelsey McGrath
Region 2a Grenada, MS	John Jones	Amy McDaniel	SUPERSTITION (TB)	Cheri McDaniel

DIRECTORY OR DISPLAY ADS
Page 52	Aitken’s Salmon Creek Garden
Page 49	Lowell Baumunk
Page 44	Checklist of Species Iris
Page 45	Contemporary Gardens
Page 17	Diamonds & Gold International
Page 43	Japanese Iris Convention, Portland
Page 11	Brad Kasperek,
Page 30	Keith Keppel
Page 22	Mountain View Iris Gardens
Page 20	Pollen Dauber’s Seminar
Page 50	Society for Louisiana Iris
Page 56	Sutton’s Green Thumber

‘Tfisflaus

' 1

Place of Show	Educational Commercial
Region 1 Boyleston, MA	Deborah Wheeler
Region a Beltsville, MD Hendersonville, NC Wheaton, MD	Donald Spoon Mrs. Jerry Grundies Don 8c Ginny Spoon
Region 5 Decatur, GA Summerville, SC	Ed Brown Claire Honkanen
Region S Cleveland, OH	Dorothy Willott
Region 7 Louisville, KY	Lula Reynolds
Region 1 3 Puyallup, WA Salam, OR	Evelyn Henley Aitken’s Salmon Creek Gardens Laurie”s Garden (Lorena Reid)
Seattle, WA Vancouver, WA	George 8c Carla Lankow Walsterway Iris Garden Aitken’s Salmon Creek Gardens
Region 14 Auburn, CA Sacramento, CA	Kathy Braaten Betty Schmidt
Region 17 Amarillo, TX Cleburne, TX New Braunfels, TX Waco, TX	Sue Bell Myrtle Hodges Kenneth Triesch Mary Fussell
Region 18 Crestwood, MO Jefferson City, MO St. Louis, Mo	Caitlin O’Neal; Jean Morris (Classroom Iris Project: 19 educational entries, 12 Blue Ribbons) Ashland Garden Club Candace Silistria - Bronze Medal Certificates for Stephanie Rust 8c Christopher Rust (17 entries; 13 Blue Ribbons Classroom Iris Project)
St. Peters, MO Washington, MO Hot Springs, AR Wichita, KS	Dan Pace (Marquette High School Classroom Project) Rachel Sterns Richard Edwardss James Rasmussen
Region 20 Colorado Springs, CO	Joe and Kay Gagnon
Region 22 Enid, OK Hot Springs, AR Lawton, OK Lawton, OK	Monica Combrink Richard Edwards Mariwaine John Marie Edwards

Region 23

Roswell, NM

Dennis Connell 8c De Anne Kidwell

DUSKY CHALLENGER (Schreiner '86)

- 1998 Nelson Award (best show specimen) - 1 999 Symposium Winner

Photo by SHIMIZU

NAGAI #6: Nagai-type Japanese Iris, which predates the Edo, ISE, and Higo types. See The ReviewM the Society for Japanese Irises, Fall '98, for article and 10 color photos.

See "The Rocky Road to Reds", page 41

Persian Gown Ever After

62

Exhibition (Z ettifo cates

For mas

Tall Bearded

Adkins, Rita Anderson, C.M. (Guy) Arbuckle, Alvin Baumunk, Lowell Baumunk, Lowell Baumunk, Lowell Baumunk, Lowell Baumunk, Lowell Bingham, James Black, Paul Black, Paul Black, Paul

Brand, Dean 8c Gerogia Brown, Randy Brown, Opal Burger, Ed Atten Carr, Frank by Joe Griner Carr, Frank Chambers, Sue Chapman, Chuck Clough, Bill Davis, Marvin C.

Dyer, Perry Dyer, Perry Ensminger, Allan Faith, M.D.

Feuerstein, - McWhiter Ghio, Joe Grise, William Harris, Jared Hagood, Lacy Hoik, Herbert James, Mike Jameson, Mike Johnson, Roy 8c Bev Johnson, Roy 8c Bev Kelsey, Edwin Koch, Bob Koch, Robert (Bob)

Lauer, Larry Lauer, Larry M.A.D Iris Garden Magee, Tom Magee, Tom Matlock, Anne

McWhirter, Jim by Feuerstein

Meininger, LeRoy

Moore, Randy

Moores, Walter

Mueller, Adam

Nebeker

Nichols, Hooker

Nichols, Hooker

Nichols, Hooker

Pinkston, Lucille

CWA - 98 91-27-12 80-2 95 X 8 H 95 TFV - 2 95 CTCE - 6 94X10-10 92 RuttK - 4 89 - 46 - 10 C 41 A A 59 F BC 1 A 829 - 8A #1

Classic Hues 92 - 05 - 04 FC - 91 - 3E

92 - 72 - A Sue’s Baby

92 - 287 - 10 HT 95 N2 - E88 - D ST ST Kitty Dyer 95 - 43 963

MH - TB - 1 95 - 48 - A C - EEE - X 7-9 LH - 96 - 07 68-33 97-7 Alan M. Turing 98-41 98-25 “Gam”

93 - 33 -1 92-6-10

Classic Suede 543 - 1 M 20 66 A. Old Santa Fe 927 B 31 - TB JPM 95 - 251 -1 95 - 25 - A 94-8A 95 - 18 - A 81 - 85 1051 9829 B 95 - 11c 975 0 A 95 - 10 - IB

Richlie, Wayne Roberts, Barbara Rogers, Francis Rowlan, Henry Rowlan, Henry Schick, Oscar Smart, Steve Sorenson, Don Spoon, Don Squires, Randy Sutton, George Tankesley - Clarke Tanton, Patricia Thayer, Loyd Tripp, George Vizvarie, Chris Wilkerson, Betty Willott, Tony 8c Dorothy Willott, Tony 8c Dorothy Zurbrigg, Dr. Lloyd

Brides Pearls JA 24 - 17 C - 5 - A 91TB6 91TB4 93 -41 - L03 PW TB - 92 - 12 -5 S - 91 - 19 - 7 97 -617 A 98 - 206 F - 214 - A RE 520 B BB1 - F IS 98 -5 95G - 2 - 2 SA- YH 1994 - 12 - 1 W 92 - 231 W 95 - 208 NN 32 - 9 - 2

Standard Dwarf Bearded

Aitken, Terry Bellagamba, Louise Black, Paul Dean, Walt Hazelton, Warren Keppel, Keith Keppel, Keith Keppel, Keith Lauer, Larry Messick, Virginia Ragle, Joyce

Schmieder, David 8c Barbara

Skillman, Bill

Spoon, Don

Spoon, Don

Tasco, Rick

Wood, Vernon

94 M 10 Bit of Envy B 299A Alene’s New Love 94-4-9 91 - 57 - Z 91 - 53 B 94 - 10 F 373 - 3 M 95 - 16

94 - 11 IOJ - 1 94 - ES - 1

98 - 1 96 - 58 - B 97 - 558 - A

95 - SDB - 04

98-22

intermediate Bearded

Black, Paul Black, Paul Black, Paul Keppel, Keith Pinegar, Darlene Smith, Marky D Sutton, George Sutton, George

A 119 Ds E 38 C C 109 F 93 - 1 H S S P -5 E 96 - 27. G - 86 - D PA 1 IB RE

Miniature Dwarf Bearded

Black, Paul Keppel, Keith Spoon, Donald Sutton, George

C 330 E 94 - 34 A 96-60C G - 89 - C

63

Bottler Bemraeti		Louisianas
Black, Paul	B - 192B	Bowen, Randall & Pat	946 E
Black, Paul	C - 396	Faith, M.D.	69646
Cadd, Anna & David	45 - 92 - 12	Morgan, Richard	L - 904 - DV
Mann, Barbara	91 - 5 - J	Haymon, Dorman	52 - 92 -1
Smart, Steve	PGB 93 BB 221	Haymon, Dorman	162 - 92 - 1
Smith, Marky D.	95 - 35 - A	Haymon, Dorman	28 - 92 -1
Spoon, Donald	95 - 182 A	Haymon, Dorman	64- 92 -2
Spoon, Don	Midsummers’ Eve
Sutton, George	G - 69	Japanese
Sutton, George	G-27X	Aitkin, Terry	90 -J6
Sutton, George	H - 179	Delmez Don	SBOST
Walz, Clancy	CA - 710 - IB	Delmez, Don	DW BV PU ST
		Delmez, Don	DB RU
Miniature Tall Bearded	Delmez, Don	DD KB WV
Nearpass, Charlie, by Don Spoon 94 - 404	Delmez, Don	DW BE
Nearpass, Charles by Don Spoon 94 - 404	Dienstbach, Marie	9556
Norrick, Jack	Chelsea Turner	Dienstbach, Marie	95 - 104
Probst, Riley	91PCLX 28RJ2	Hager, Dennis	LB 96 - 7
Wyss, Betty	892 - 15	Innerst, Sterling	4648 - 1
		Jewell, Theresa	90-02
Mril & Mrilbred		Walker, L. R.	93 - 66 - 15
Anderson, Jeff Beverly Sills X Pro News	White, John W.	95JI - W17-2
Annand, Robert	BA 91 - 99B	White, John W.	95JF-W16-3
Hoik, Herbert	332	White, John W.	93JI-B12-6
Jordan, Scott	J 93 - 2Q_
Jordan, Scott	J 93 - 10	Siberians
Jordan, Scott	59 Q_ 02	Bauer-Coble	S 95 Y - 1
McGrath, Pete	Me A91 - 22	Fulton, Chandler	F8A- 11
McGrath, Pete	Me AB 95 - 2	Grise, William	37
McGrath, Pete	Me AB 93 - 21	Helsley, Calvin	98-2
McGrath, Pete	Me AB 93 - 56 BRS	Morley, Kevin	92 - A
McGrath, Pete	Me AR 91 - 22	Morley, Kevin	92 -C
McGrath, Pete	Me AR 95 - 12 - A	Owen, Paul	4- Z
Norris, Sam	AB - N87 C	Pohlman, Neal	96 -29 -2
Shahak, David I. Samariae X I. Astropurpurea	White, John W.	93 A - B 3 - 4
Shockey, Howard	94 - 208 - 8A	White, John W.	93 E - 2
Shockey, Howard	87 - 3 - 3 A	White, John W.	93 B - B 4 - 7
Shockey, Howard	86 - 1 - F
Shockey, Howard	80 - 15 - 9 C	Spurias
Shockey, Howard	80 - 15 - 8 B	Cadd, David	8 -91-12
Shockey, Howard	92 - 210 A	De Santes, Pete	Franikins
Shockey, Howard	92 - 226 - A
Vossen, Carole	96 - 2.2	Species
Vossen, Carole	96-1.1	Sparling, Richard	WRD
		Weiler, John	Dardu
Californieae
Canning, Bob	93 - 02D	Sino-Siberian
Cole, Debby	95 PG 7	Reid, Lorena	94 - S - 67 - 13 E
Cole, Debby	95 PG 7	Reid, Lorena	95 - S - 114 - EJ
Hudson, Jay	JH - 98 - 42
Lawyer, Lewis & Adele	XP64E	versicolor
Wood, Vernon	W 96 - 16	White, John	J W - 95 - 02
Wood, Vernon	96-55
Wood, Vernon	98-20
Wood, Vernon	98-23
Wood, Vernon	98-38
Wood, Vernon	96 - 52 A
Wood, Vernon	98-38

64

lOO favorite 3*118

■ • r I ; S m wm

Below is the results of the Tall Bearded Symposium Ballot, which was included in the July ’98 AIS Bulletin. Ranking is shown for 1998 and 1999. All AIS members were eligible to vote (not just judges). Late returns were not counted.

1998 1999	Votes	Variety	Hybridizer	Year Season	Height Color
1	1	736	Dusky Challenger	Schreiner’s	’86	M-L	39"	dark purple
2	2	611	Silverado	Schreiner’s	’87	M	38"	It. silver blue
3	3	570	Jesse’s Song	B. Williamson’83	M	36"	wht. & vio. plicata
4	4	501	Beverly Sills	B. Hager	’79	M	36"	pink
5	5	460	Vanity	B. Hager	75	E-L	36"	pink
9	6	445	Edith Wolford	B. Hager	’86	M	40"	yell. S.;blue-vio. F.
7	7	443	Honky Tonk Blues	Schreiner’s	’88	M	37"	hyacinth blue
6	7	443	Titan’s Glory	Schreiner’s	’81	E-M	37"	dark violet
10	9	423	Before The Storm	S. Innerst	’89	M	36"	near black
8	10	402	Stepping Out	Schreiner’s	’64	M-L	38"	wht. & vio. plicata
12	11	401	Thornbird	M. Byers	’89	M	35"	ecru tan, vio. horns
13	12	381	Lady Friend	J. Ghio	’81	VE-E	38"	garnet red
22	13	380	Conjuration	M. Byers	’89	M-L	36"	wht. & vio., wht. horns
11	14	344	Laced Cotton	Schreiner’s	’80	M-L	34"	white
14	15	321	Mary Frances	L. Gaulter	72	M	38"	blue-orchid
26	16	314	Immortality	L. Zurbrigg ’84	M &Re30"	white
16	17	309	Song of Norway	W. Luihn	79	M-L	38"	powder blue
15	18	299	Victoria Falls	Schreiner’s	77	E-L	40"	blue; wht. spot on F.
21	19	290	Hello Darkness	Schreiner’s	’93	E-M	37"	purple black
17	20	285	Going My Way	J. Gibson	72	M	37"	wht. & vio. plicata
27	21	284	Skating Party	L. Gaulter	’83	M-L	40"	white
18	22	280	Supreme Sultan	Schreiner’s	’88	M-L	40"	yell. S; crimson F.
98	23	253	Mystique	J. Ghio	75	E-L	36"	It. blue S; dk.blue F
24	24	248	Champagne Elegance	D. Niswonger’87	M	33"	pink & apricot
20	25	247	Superstition	Schreiner’s	77	M	36"	maroon black
23	26	246	Joyce Terry	T. Muhlestein’74	M-L	38"	yell.& wht.yell.edge
24	27	235	Breakers	Schreiner’s	’86	M	36"	medium blue
46	28	231	Copper Classic	E. Roderick ’75	L	30"	burnt orange
19	29	228	Sky Hooks	M. Osborne ’80	M	36"	soft yell.; vio. horn
30	30	224	Yaquina Blue	Schreiner’s	’92	M	37"	medium blue
38	31	223	Acoma	T. Magee	’90	E	30"	pale bl./iv. vio. pic
31	31	223	Rustler	K. Keppel	’88	M	37"	gold-brown
36	33	222	Mesmerizer	M. Byers	’91	M	36"	white/whiteflounces
31	34	212	Everything Plus	D. Niswonger ’84	M	34"	blue-wht. &c vio. plic
48	35	208	Boogie Woogie	H. Nichols	’93	M-L	36"	Wht. S./F. cldy. vio.
34	36	201	Codicil	S. Innerst	’85	M-L	32"	It. blue, black beard
35	37	192	Gay Parasol	Schreiner’s	74	M	35"	lav. wht./rose violet
63	38	191	Fringe Benefits	B. Hager	’88	M	30"	orange
29	39	189	Bride’s Halo	H. Mohr	73	E-L	36"	white edged yellow
28	40	188	Dazzling Gold	D.C. Anderson’81	M	29"	yell.veined brown
44	41	187	Camelot Rose	C. Tompkins’65	M-L	30"	lilac/burgundy

65

1998	1999	Votes	Variety	Hybridizer Year Season	Height Color
48	41	187	Tiger Honey	B. Kasperek ’94		38"	butterscotch-caramel w/ wht. &yel. streaks
33	43	180	Anna Belle Babson	B. Hager ’85	M	36"	bright pink
39	43	180	Ringo	G. Shoop ’79	M	38"	white/grape edge
36	45	177	Queen In Calico	J. Gibson ’80	M	34"	apricot/red vio. plic
45	46	171	Afternoon Delight	R. Ernst ’85	M	40"	tan-gold/ maroon
47	46	171	Persian Berry	L. Gaulter ’77	M	35"	mulberry-lavender
73	48	170	Eagle’s Flight	Schreiner’s ’86	E-M	35"	blue & white plicata
43	49	168	Mulled Wine,	K. Keppel ’82	L	36"	raspberry-burgundy
61	49	168	Stairway To Heaven	L. Lauer ’93	E-M	40"	off wht. S./med. bl.F
87	51	166	Bayberry Candle	C. DeForest ’69	M	36"	chart., gold & olive
80	52	165	City Lights	M. Dunn ’91	M	37"	blue/white spot on F.
—	52	165	Fancy Woman	K. Keppel ’95	VE-EM38"	lilac purple luminata
90	54	163	Celebration Song	Schreiner’s ’93	E-M-L 37"	apricot-pink S., blue-lavender falls
53	55	161	Kilt Lilt	J. Gibson ’70	E-M	40"	tan-gold/maroon plic.
53	56	156	Babbling Brook	K. Keppel ’66	M	38"	light blue
66	56	156	Sweeter Than Wine	Schreiner’s ’88	E-M	35"	wht. S./royal pur. F.
41	58	155	Rare Treat	Schreiner’s ’87	E-M	34"	blue & white plicata
68	59	154	Black Tie Affair	Schreiner’s ’93	M	36"	inky black
63	59	154	Orange Slices	D. Niswonger’87	M	33"	light orange
56	61	152	Sweet Musette	Schreiner’s ’86	M-L	37"	flamingo/rose
39	62	151	Cherry Smoke	D. Meek ’78	M-L	34"	red black
59	63	150	Best Bet	Schreiner’s ’88	E	36"	It. blue S./dp. bl. F
53	64	147	Lemon Mist	N. Rudolph ’72	E	32"	lemon yellow
63	65	137	Blenheim Royal	Schreiner’s ’90	M	38"	medium blue
—	65	137	Clarence	L. Zurbrigg ’91	M&RE35"	white S; It. blue
77	65	137	Spirit World	K. Keppel ’94	E-M	36"	red-violet-orchid, white edgings
—	68	135	Gypsy Romance	Schreiner’s ’94	M-L	37"	violet raspberry
84	69	133	Study In Black	G. Plough ’68	E-M	36"	red-black
59	70	132	Eastertime	Schreiner’s ’80	M-L	38"	cream/gold edges
48	70	132	Lorilee	Schreiner’s ’81	M-L	37"	rose-orchid
42	72	130	Rosette Wine	Schreiner’s ’89	E-L	36"	petunia pur./wht.spot
—	73	129	Bewilderbeast	B. Kasperek ’95	M	30"	mauve streaked silver
56	73	129	Oktoberfest	W. Maryott ’87	M	37"	red- orange
87	75	128	Classic Look	Schreiner’s ’92	E-M	36"	white w/blue marks
76	76	127	Altruist	Schreiner’s ’87	E-M	37"	pale blue
69	77	124	Debby Rairdon	L. Kuntz ’65	M-L	36"	white/yellow trim
79	77	124	Feature Attraction	Schreiner’s ’94	L	37"	lavender-grape
51	79	122	Ruffled Ballet	E. Roderick ’75	M-L	30"	blue wht. S.; blue F.
66	80	121	Olympiad	J. Ghio ’84	E-L	38"	pale blue
51	81	120	Gypsy Woman	Schreiner’s ’85	E-M	35#1	- yell.S; cream F.
71	82	119	Lullaby Of Spring	Schreiner’s ’87	E-M	38"	mimosa yell./ mauve
74	83	118	Latin Lover	G. Shoop ’69	M	36"	lav. pink & grape
84	83	118	Purple Pepper	D.C. Nearpass ’86	M	35"	lav.blue& white plic.
81	85	117	Americas Cup	J. McWhirter ’89	M	40"	white
56	86	115	Grand Waltz	Schreiner’s ’70	M-L	35"	lavender-orchid
84	87	114	Shipshape	S. Babson ’69	M	38"	medium blue
96	88	113	Tennison Ridge	J. Begley ’89	E-M	38"	plum-wht.burg. plic.
94	89	ill	Holy Night	K. Mohr ’83	E	35"	deep violet purple

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1998 1999	Votes	Variety	Hybridizer	Year Season	Height Color
61	90	110	Bubbling Over	J. Ghio	’82	E-L	36"	blue/lilac
72	90	110	Night Ruler	Schreiners	’90	M	39"	dark purple
70	90	110	Raspberry Fudge	K. Keppel	’89	E-M	36"	rasp. & tan plicata
89	93	108	Dover Beach	D.C. Nearpass ’72	E-L	42"	white S., It. blue F.
98	94	107	Michigan Pride	T. Berndt	’76	M	35"	yell.wht.maroon plic.
98	95	106	Proud Tradition	Schreiner’s	’90	E-M	36"	S.lt.blue, F. m. bl.
92	95	106	Thriller	Schreiner’s	’88	M-L	36"	cerise/claret
—	97	105	Rhonda Fleming	R. Mullin	’93	M-L	35"	white banded lilac
78	98	104	Christmas Time	Schreiner’s	’65	M	41"	white, red beard
81	98	104	Leda’s Lover	B. Hager	’80	M	38"	white
—	98	104	Nigerian Raspberry	B. Kasperek ’95	M	36"	raspberry cream

splashed red &c purple

Runners-Up: Gnu (103), Pond Lily (103), Designer Gown (99), Master Touch (98)

New to the list: Bewilderbeast, Clarence, Fancy Woman, Gypsy Romance, Nigerian Raspberry Returning to the list: Rhonda Fleming

Dropped from the list: After the Storm, Busy Being Blue, Designer Gown, Ginger Swirl, Master Touch, Tripple Whammy, and Winter Olympics.

1999 Symposium percentages of Members Voting by Regions:

Region 12	90.61%	Region 13	18.1%
(77 out of 85 members voted!!!)	Region 21	18.1%
Region 11	46.7%	Region 20	17.9%
Region 5	30.7%	Region 9	17.4%
Region 8	28%	Region 7	16.8%
Region 24	22.7%	Region 1	15%
Region 22	22.4%	Region 6	14.8%
Region 17	22%	Region 4	14.2%
Region 18	19.6%	Region 16	13%
Region 23	19.6%.	Region 3	12.4%
Region 14	19.2%	Region 2	10.8%
Region 15	19%	Overseas	10%
Region 19	18.2%	Region 10	8.8%

Overall average of 1999 symposium vote: 21,84% 1,470 ballots counted

67

&

hif (3a'ioti{n ^Hawkins, ^yeot^ia

T IS SELDOM THAT I HAVE THE WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO

share Design Judges Training with various iris lovers — the group discussions are eye-opening and very rewarding.

The opportunity I am talking about happened in Hobbs, New Mexico at the 1998 AIS Region 23 Convention in September— and a large turnout arrived to hear the judges training on design and on tall bearded iris and color breaks conducted by Brad Kasperek. The nice thing about the agenda was that it included something for everyone — design, food, Brad, an auction with Doug Goodnight doing the honors, food, gardens, door prizes and did I mention food? To say that I had a good time is certainly an understatement.

Now that I have set the scene lets go to the lesson for the day. The principles of design were the foremost considerations.

BALANCE: is it going to fall over, does it lean, is it all in the bottom half of the assigned space? Helping to frame out balance and proportion was the use of backgrounds. This defines the space assigned.

DOMINANCE: was discussed and whether there was any one thing that dominated in the design. This could be a color, more of one type of flower than another, more round forms than linear, etc. If you have one area that is dominant you add interest and dilute monotony.

CONTRAST: was an easy principle as the smooth versus rough textures or even contrasting colors or forms add the needed contrast.

RHYTHM: is the dominant visual path through a design. You can get rhythm from line materials, gradation of the forms, repetition of the colors, etc. Does the eye flow through or does it stop here and there causing a static, boring design?

PROPORTION: is the relationship of areas and amounts to each other and the whole. Does the design fit the space alloted, and there can be some spaces in the design offset by plant material. One of the easiest proportion problems is the relationship of the design to the space and also the plant material to the container- — the container should not be one-half of the design but by bringing plant material over a container that is dominant will lessen the proportion problem and keep the plant materials in the prominent role of the design.

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SCALE: is simple the relationship of the flowers to each other, the sizes of the leaves, etc. Using huge flowers with small baby’s breath, for instance, is a severe scale discrepancy and disturbs the overall design. Also using leaves that don’t contribute or “fit” with the huge flowers can be a scale problem. Mother Nature designed iris to have leaves in scale to the iris, chrysanthemums (if well grown) have leaves in scale to the large show blooms that have been disbudded, and on and on with other flowers also.

The lecture was supported with many designs contributed by several of the attendees at the Hobbs Regional Meeting and the following examples were critiqued by the entire group.

Photo i is a basketball theme with the white chrysanthemum serving as the ball. The basketball rim provides the framing for the design and iris are strategically placed as added interest. After the session we placed some triangular shapes of paper on this circle, one at the top and one at the bottom facing in different directions. The change in form was very dramatic and added to the design (sorry we don’t have a picture of the design with those triangles, but it is a suggestion that you might want to try in your designs.)

Photo 2 is a piece of driftwood printed black that only needed a few iris and some foliage as the line is so outstanding. The foliage is arborvitae and adds a very interesting texture change for the iris.

Photo 1 Photo 2

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Photo 3 has a monochromatic color theme of browns, rusts, tans, etc. that was very pleasing. The iris even had a tan edge on the falls with goldish standards. Note that the large container could have been dominant but the plant materials brought over and in front of it reduce its importance and brings the plants materials into focus.

Photo 4 had palm spathes for the dominant line with the curled plant materials as an added interest. Combined with the iris are fatsia leaves demonstrating a good combination of materials in scale to each other. Photos i - 4 were done by Elaine Bartlett from Hobbs. Elaine was in charge of getting the designs for the critique and is also a National Council of State Garden Clubs Master Judge.

Photo 5 was done by Kerry Romine and is displayed in a container that he made. He designed it to let the design hang free. The heavy base supporting the design is black and disappears into the table covering which helps with balance. Lycorus is combined with iris and large smooth leaves are the foliage that add to the distinction of the design. Curly Ting Ting is added for interest. There is a contrast of colors and textures that makes for a very interesting and creative design.

Photo 3

Photo 4

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Photo 5

Photo 6

Photo 6 is a creative design using a dark purple iris with cyperus (Umbrella Plant) trimmed for the foliage interest. A vine was carefully placed throughout the design. This combination of plant materials and the use of a low container and an elevated container gave another expression of the original ideas that designers can create. This design was done by Pegi Naranjo from Roswell. Also many of the reblooming iris were provided by the Pecos Valley Iris Society of Roswell.

I hope sharing this meeting with you will let you see the outstanding designs that can be created using all different sorts of plant materials and line materials. Using the beautiful iris is our goal, and because the reblooming iris were available the program could easily demonstrate one more time how interesting and rewarding designs can be.

If you have any questions, please contact me: Carolyn Hawkins, 7329 Kendel Court, Jonesboro, GA 30236-2512. u

71

/Kinutes

of the mount of Directors meeting

Bedford, Massachusetts November 4, 5. 6, 1998

The regular Fall meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Iris Society was called to order by President Niswonger at 8:25 P.M. on November 4, 1998. Present during the various sessions were:

President Niswonger; President-elect Mahan, Immediate Past President Barr, 2nd Vice President and Editor Aitken, Secretary J. Plank, Secretary-elect Simmons; Treasurer Hudson; Membership Secretary Harlow; Recording Secretary A. Lowe; Publication Sales Directors I. and N. Pocklington; Advertising Editor Erickson; Legal Advisor R. Plank; Past President H. Stahly; Directors Epperson, Gossett, M. Lowe, Moller, J. Morris, Perkins, Pope and Probst. Directors- elect Campbell, B. Figge, Guest, Shepherd; RVP Representative B. Kasperek (12); Public Relations Chair Rice-Waters, Scientific Chair C. Fulton; Median Iris Society President D. Willott (6), Reblooming Iris Society President R. Figge (4); RVPs Thurman (7), Meyer (11), Reid (13), Loberg (14), Jim Morris (18), Carson (22), Bergamo (23), Parkins (24); RVPs-elect A. Godfrey (1) and S. Marley (4); guests L. 8e S. Markham, L. 8c J. Doucette, B. 8c D. Schmieder, B. Godfrey, E. 8c A. Gallagher, E. Fulton, Hall (1); Keup (2); W. Marley (4); Honkanen (5); D. Stahly, A. Willott (6); Trio (14); Begley (17); M. Niswonger (18).

President Niswonger welcomed the group and invited and encouraged all present to participate in discussions, with the reminder that only board members may vote. Introductions followed.

Minutes: The following additions and corrections were made to the minutes of the Spring meeting in Denver, Colorado as published in AIS Bulletin #310:

1) Secretary’s Report, pg. 80: should read: “...available for the cost of shipping ($3/100).”

2) Exhibitions Report, pg. 82: should be: “approximate” cost rather than “appropriate” cost.

3) Millennium Check List, pg. 86: “They were [to] make a report.”

4) New Business pg. 87: rewording: ...thanking David Miller and Region 20...

5) Section Liaison Report pg. 85: Tom Abrego should be added as Section representative to the Nominating Committee.

6) Membership Report, pg. 80: Delete first line of report and replace with: “The year of 1997 ended with 8,120 total members, up about 241 overall from the same period in 1996. A total of 697 members were dropped in March, 1997. Dues notices were sent to over 3,400 members in November, 1997 but 1,076 chose not to renew. About 37% of the 1,773 non-renewing members were one year members. The total membership as of April 30, 1998 is 7,463. Although we lost 1,773 during the calendar year of 1997, the membership is currently averaging about 1,000 new members per year which makes the overall loss lower.”

7) Awards System Review Report, pg. 82: Epperson asked that the following sentence be entered at the end of the report: “President Niswonger then polled the AIS Board of Directors by mail and the in principle proposal became de facto in a majority affirmative vote of the AIS Board of Directors.”

Pope moved that the minutes, including Epperson’s proposal, be approved as corrected. Kasperek seconded. Motion carried.

Board of Directors Election Report: Secretary Plank reported that there were no other nominations, therefore Farron Campbell, Barbara Figge, Kathleen Guest and Bobbie Shepherd are duly elected and qualified as AIS Directors with terms expiring in 2001. The 4 new Directors and RVP Representative Kasperek were welcomed and appreciation was expressed to retiring Directors Corlew, Harder, Rice-Waters and Wilhoit.

President’s Report: President Niswonger read a brief note from TBIS President, Phil Williams.

Interim Action: President Niswonger reported that Jay Hudson had been appointed as interim Treasurer to fill the vacancy created by resignation of Treasurer B. Nichols. Board was polled and

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appointment approved.

He announced that Marilyn Harlow has agreed to continue to serve as AIS Membership Secretary without salary.

Niswonger expressed thanks to Region 6 who has donated 25% of its Fall 1998 auction proceeds to AIS and will repeat this action in the Spring of 1999. Other regions were encouraged to follow suit. He also cited the Northshore Iris and Daylily Society, in Region 9, for their donation of S1000 to the Bee Warburton Fund. He noted that the Warburton Fund still needs contributions.

He requested approval of the appointment of Anne Lowe as Recording Secretary. J. Plank moved approval, Epperson seconded. Carried

He announced the appointment of Rosalie Figge as official Parliamentarian to the AIS. Barr moved approval, Pope seconded. Carried.

Secretary’s Report: J. Plank noted that this was her final report as AIS Secretary. She distributed spreadsheets which summarized the duties of her office, and commented on the large percentage of time that the Secretary must spend on financial transactions. “Aside from preparing the vouchers from which all AIS bills are paid, the AIS Secretary handles all money received by the AIS except interest generated under investments accounts under the Treasurer’s care, the money collected from Bulletin advertising, and the money collected by Membership for dues.... Gifts in all their forms represented more than 15% of the total income handled by the Secretary.” Plank wished her successor, Ruth Simmons, happy and interesting times and stated that her 5 years in the office had provided her with “many wonderful friendships and very few dull moments.”

Treasurer’s Report: In her final report to the Board, Past Treasurer B. Nichols noted that although our expenses during 1998 were 8% over budget, our income was 27% more than expected. Jay Hudson distributed the 1998 Financial report. Stahly asked if the Life Membership Fund had been fully restored. Hudson said that it had and that the interest now goes into the general operating fund. Epperson moved, Moller seconded that the 1997-1998 Financial Report be accepted subject to audit. Carried.

In response to a question from Gossett regarding a more efficient process for the deposit of funds, Secretary Plank explained the present deposit system for monies received by her office, and she also reviewed the voucher system for the payment of bills. It was noted that the present system is a good way to keep the Secretary and President informed of financial trends and potential problems. General consensus was that no change is indicated at this time.

The 1998-99 Budget preparation was deferred until Sunday morning.

Membership: Harlow explained the membership charts which had been mailed to all directors prior to this meeting. She reported a net gain of 160 members for fiscal year 1998. The top 4 regions are: Region 14-728; Region 4-700; Region 18-692; Region 6-512. J. Morris was commended for her outstanding youth recruitment program. The ‘user friendly’ membership policy enacted in June has increased the number of new members significantly. Harlow commended Region 4 for its persistence in pursuing changes in the membership renewal policy.

Mahan pointed out the inconsistencies regarding the deposit of funds handled through the Membership office. At this time, income from all goods sold are included in one membership deposit directly to the Treasurer. Mahan stated, that in the interest of accounting consistency, all monies except dues should go through the AIS Secretary. Mahan stressed the importance of written procedures regarding deposit and dispersal of AIS funds. Kasperek suggested that Treasurer Hudson evaluate the present system and report his recommendations at the Spring Board Meeting. Approved by consensus.

Editor: Aitken stated that he would be over budget for 1998. He discussed the need to transfer the printing and mailing to Portland, as well as his desire to use perfect binding rather than saddle stitch for the Bulletin. While more expensive ($ 1000 per issue), perfect binding removes the present restriction on the number of pages imposed by saddle stitch. Mahan moved, Plank seconded that AIS use perfect binding for the Bulletin. Motion defeated and question deferred until budget session on Sunday.

Regarding the TBIS complaint of insufficient material about Tall Bearded irises, Aitken reported that 77% of the photos and 82% of the articles in recent Bulletins have dealt with Tall Bearded irises. Excessive white space in the Bulletin is being addressed, and it was suggested that

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some of this space be filled with upcoming National Convention information. Aitken stated that he would like to recruit assistant editors to handle specific topics.

Volunteers are ready to start on the Bulletin Indexing project.

In addressing the subject of late Bulletins , Aitken asked if seasonal issues, (Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall) instead of specific months, would give the editor more leeway. In discussion it was noted that timing is critical in all issues and material should be in early rather than late. By consensus, this change was not recommended. It was strongly recommended that the Editor enforce the deadline on each issue.

Advertising Editor: Erickson reported ad income of $53,718.17 during the past 4 years. She noted that she would continue as Advertising Editor without salary. Following discussion of the present policy concerning set-up charges for ads, Mahan moved, Barr seconded, that AIS eliminate the set-up charges on all ads in the Bulletin. Motion carried.

Meeting recessed at 11 P.M., to be reconvened at 8:40 A.M. on November 5, 1998.

President Niswonger presented the Boehm Iris to President-elect Mahan. This porcelain iris, presented to AIS in 1977, resides with the current President of AIS.

Registrar: Plank presented Registrar Keppel’s report. Keppel reported a decrease in both the number of names cleared and revenues. He reported preliminary bids for printing the 1998 Registrations and Introductions and requested guidance as to the number to be printed. Probst moved, Pope seconded that 700 1998 R & /booklets be printed. Motion carried. It was agreed by consensus that the 1998 R & I price should remain at $7.00.

Publication Sales Report: Sales Director N. Pocklington reviewed the operation of her department and reported that her income had doubled and she was well within her budget. Use of the credit card has worked well. She noted that the Basic Iris Culture booklets are nearly gone, and that new and expanded information will be needed before it is reprinted. Mahan will pursue this. Plank moved, Pope seconded, that the Basic Iris Culture booklet be revised and reprinted no later than Fall 1999. Carried.

Reprinting of the 1979 Check List coincides with publication of the 1999 Check List and may impose a financial burden on AIS. Plank is to investigate prices for reprinting a soft cover 1979 Check List.

Noting that the Publication Fund is depleted, Stahly recommended that the fund be reinstated as a restricted fund with all publication sales going to the fund until a $50,000 cap is reached, at which time these sales would revert to the operating fund. President Niswonger appointed the following ad hoc committee to study reinstatement of the Publications Fund and report at the Spring meeting: Pope-Chairman, Hudson and Stahly. Plank moved, Epperson seconded approval of appointments. Carried.

Surplus Bulletin Chairman Gossett distributed his report, noting that he has available only 1997 Bulletins at this time. He cited NY, AZ, and OH as his best customers.

Affiliates Report: Chairman Pope announced that there are 177 affiliates, 6 of which are new ones. She requested input on a situation regarding Co-Presidents in an affiliate. Pope moved, Kasperek seconded, that the Affiliates Chairman can accept chapter Co-presidents as long as both of them, as well as all the other chapter officers, are AIS members in good standing. Carried

Mahan moved that RVP Lee Parkins, Editor Dorothy Holmes and Region 24 be commended for their positive progress in rebuilding the Region, adding new affiliates and producing an excellent publication. Kasperek seconded. Carried.

Awards Report: J. Plank reviewed Chairman Wilhoit’s report which had earlier been sent to all Board members. Wilhoit noted that Region 20 has offered to fund a new Franklin Cook Cup. Kasperek moved, Gossett seconded that AIS accept the offer of Region 20 to replace the Cook Cup. After discussion regarding replacement or refurbishing of the cup, Kasperek withdrew his motion. Kasperek then moved that AIS accept Region 20’s offer to either refurbish or replace the present Franklin Cook Cup. Gossett seconded. Carried. It was decided that if the current cup is replaced, it should be sent to the AIS Library. Wilhoit requested direction on the following issues:

Should the Awards ballot deadline be staggered to give Sun Belt judges an earlier deadline? Consensus was not to change present deadline structure.

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Should there be a return to using 4 regional tabulators to count ballots? There was strong support for this mechanism for tabulating votes. M. Lowe moved that the Awards Chairman be authorized to utilize multiple tabulators as needed. Kasperek seconded. Carried. Pros and Cons of using an optical scanner were discussed. M. Lowe moved that the Awards Chairman or AIS investigate the feasibility of doing mechanical or electronic tabulation of the Awards Ballot. Plank seconded. Carried. Mike Moller volunteered to assist with this project. RVP Meyer suggested that the Symposium ballot include a request that voter’s name be signed as it appears in the AIS Membership Roster.

Storage of back ballots should be worked out between the Awards and Judges Training Chairmen.

Division of Award duties, other than tabulation, among several people will be left to the discretion of the Awards Chairman.

Who accepts major medals for deceased hybridizers — the heirs or the owners of the garden? President Niswonger stated that, even if a business is sold, in the absence of a specific contract concerning awards, the medal should go to the heirs. Family of deceased winners will be contacted by the Awards Chairman and asked to designate a recipient. Kasperek moved that the incoming AIS President appoint a 3 member ad hoc committee to formulate policy for giving of awards to deceased hybridizers. Epperson seconded. Carried.

Registrar Keppel requested official Board approval of the following Awards policy: No iris unregistered as of the 1 December beginning of the Registration year shall appear on that year’s Award Ballot. Plank moved, B. Figge seconded. Carried.

Regarding disposal of AIS electronic equipment now with Wilhoit, Pope moved, Plank seconded, that the printer be sent to Harlow as a backup. Carried. Mahan moved, Pope seconded, that the obsolete CPU, monitor and keyboard remain with Wilhoit to dispose of as she sees fit. Carried.

Convention Liaison Report: Chairman Mahan reviewed the National Convention schedules. The Spring Convention will be in Oklahoma City on May 4-8, 1999 and the Fall Board meeting will be held in St. Louis on November 5-7, 1999.

Mahan led discussion concerning an earlier convening date for the AIS Board meeting during the Spring National Convention so as to enable those attending the meeting to participate in other scheduled activities. Since there were a number of RVPs present, Niswonger polled the group and the majority favored the earlier date. It was acknowledged that the advanced meeting time will be difficult for some members. Perkins moved that, beginning in the year 2000, the Spring AIS Board meeting will be scheduled 24 hours ahead of the usual time for this meeting. Plank seconded. Carried.

Meeting was recessed for lunch at 12:05 P.M. and reconvened at 1:40 PM.

Exhibitions Report: Chairman Moller distributed his report which detailed show statistics for the past year, commenting that he was concerned by the drop in Youth participation and that the reporting of Fall shows in the Spring was not functioning as expected.

Foundation Liaison: No report.

Historical: No report.

Honorary Awards Report: Chairman Barr reported that there are only 4 usable Distinguished Service Medals (DSM) remaining, but, before new ones can be struck, a new die must be obtained at a cost of $2000. Presentation boxes are also needed. Pope moved that Barr be authorized to proceed with ordering the new die, 25 Distinguished Service Medals and the appropriate number of presentation boxes. Plank seconded. Carried.

Barr thanked committee members-at-large D. Howard, B. Jones and A. Ensminger and all the Past Presidents for their faithful service. Selection of Honorary Awards deferred until later in meeting.

Insurance Report: Secretary Plank distributed Snyder’s report which addressed the question of provision of liability coverage for sections as follows: “If participants in the various sections are working for the benefit of the AIS and are members of the AIS, our policy will provide coverage against liability claims that the AIS is legally obligated to pay... No coverage would be extended to

75

persons not members of AIS.” M. Lowe recommended that it might be wise for each section take out an annual AIS membership and that AIS membership status of all section officers be verified by the Section Liaison Chairman. This matter was referred to Section Liaison Probst for follow up.

Judges and Judges Training Report: Secretary Plank distributed Chairman Corlew’s report. Jim Morris presented a petition for the reinstatement of Bob Pries as a Region 18 judge. Probst moved, Jean Morris seconded that Pries be reinstated. Carried. RVPs requested that the J.T. Chairman notify the RVP or regional J.T. Chair when their regional judges do not vote the ballot.

Epperson moved, Kasperek seconded that Helen Bliven (14) be added as a new apprentice judge subject to verification of her 3 years of AIS membership. Carried.

After further corrections to the list of judges, Epperson moved approval of appointment of all judges listed, with modifications as discussed, and that, in future, the Judges Training Chairman will routinely verify membership status of all new apprentices. Barr seconded, Carried.

Library Report: Secretary Plank distributed the report. Chairman McNames stated that the AIS Library is now fully equipped, and suggested that a fee schedule be developed for provision of library services. Consensus was that McNames should proceed with this task. He expressed concern regarding material still being held by AIS Historian Harder. Mahan will follow up on this matter.

Aitken addressed the need for Bulletins issues prior to 1980 for the Bulletin Indexing project. Shepherd offered to lend volunteers Gordon and Jan Hueller Bulletins as required.

Membership Contest: Chairman Miller’s report was distributed by Secretary Plank. Harlow expressed a need for clarification of point status when payment is completed for a Payment Plan Life Membership. President Niswonger asked that the record state that, “in the future, when payment is completed on a Payment Plan Life Membership, the points do not count as conversion points for the Membership Contest.” It was suggested that this rule be incorporated into the Membership Contest Rules. Approved by consensus.

Recessed at 3 P.M., reconvened at 3.25 P.M.

Policy Report: Chairman M. Lowe distributed current policy report and updated index.

Public Relations: Chairman Rice-Waters reported that the 1999 calendars were now available from AIS Storefront and that the pre-order plan was working well with 1700 already shipped. Rice-Waters gave price quotes for producing an AIS color membership flyer and various suggestions were made regarding format, composition and number to print. It was suggested that Rice-Waters secure other estimates in an effort to reduce costs. Mahan moved that the Board authorize Rice- Waters to proceed with the printing of 15,000 4-fold color brochures of acceptable quality at the least cost, subject to approval of the Executive Board. Plank seconded. Carried. It was further agreed that the Invitation to Join should be free to affiliates.

Registrations: Report included with Registrar’s earlier report.

Robin Report: The Robin Report was distributed by Secretary Plank. The interest in Robins appears to be declining. Chairman Cross will write an article for a future Bulletin.

Stahly recommended that Flight Lines , excerpts from Robins, be reactivated in the Bulletin. Topic to be considered later.

10 minute recess.

RVP Counselor Report: Chairman Epperson summarized his progress in working with the RVPs and Attorney R. Plank to gather necessary materials for Regions to be included in a group exemption letter as subordinate organizations sponsored by the AIS. Epperson stated that he would follow this project through to completion.

RVP Thurman (7) discussed a recent problem regarding a Region 7 member who had written to many AIS members and officials throughout the country. Consensus was that, while we must be open to comments from the membership, all concerned had responded appropriately in this case.

Kasperek cited the need for a dependable source of revenue to allow reduced reliance on membership dues for operating expenses. He presented rationale for an AIS Endowment Fund

76

which would generate income for operating expenses. This restricted fund would provide irisarians interested in Estate Planning another avenue of financial support to AIS. J. Plank discussed differences between an endowment fund, the interest from which is used for operating expenses, and the AIS Foundation, which funds specific projects. It was noted that there might be some legal problems in putting this type of fund in place. Kasperek moved, Probst seconded that the AIS President appoint a 3 member ad hoc committee to evaluate the feasibility of creating a restricted endowment fund to generate income for operating expenses, and the committee shall report at the next Board meeting. Carried.

Epperson distributed a list of 50 qualified speakers who are available to give programs on a variety of subjects. Each speaker’s area of expertise was specified.

Scholarship Report: Chairman Taylor’s report was distributed by Secretary Plank. The final draft of the 1999-2000 scholarship announcement for a $2000 scholarship for Graduate Study of the Iridaceae with priority given to studies on the genus Iris was approved in August. In early September, announcements were sent to 135 domestic and 20 Canadian educational institutions with graduate programs in one or more of the plant sciences. To date, no replies have been received.

Scientific Report: deferred until the evening session.

Section Liaison Report: Chairman Probst read a proposal from B. Kasperek to address inequities regarding non- AIS memberships within some sections. Kasperek noted that there are many non- AIS members in sections, especially from overseas, who are not interested in general AIS membership but who are interested in the sectional specialty. After brief discussion, Probst moved, J. Morris seconded, that sections of AIS may offer subscribing memberships which convey all rights and privileges of membership except the right to serve as, or vote for, an officer or director of the section. M. Lowe stated that a change in the bylaws must be made before this can be put into effect. After a lengthy discussion, Probst withdrew his motion.

Kasperek moved, M. Lowe seconded that the President appoint an ad hoc committee of 3 to review Article III, sections 3 and 5, of the AIS bylaws and make recommendations on amendments to the bylaws which will produce a logical and consistent AIS policy on rights and privileges of sections and cooperating societies. Carried.

Slide Report: Report was distributed by Secretary Plank. Chairman Nichols requested permission to purchase 10 slide trays, at a cost of $15 + tax, each. Moller moved, Perkins seconded that Nichols be authorized to purchase the trays. Carried.

Meeting adjourned at 5:15 P.M.; to reconvene at 8:30 P.M.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:20 P.M.; Niswonger called on Scientific Chairman Fulton for his report.

Scientific Report: Fulton stated that the McEwen disease project would continue another year as there had been difficulty in obtaining apogon plants sick enough to be evaluated. He recommended support for Andrew Wheeler, an undergraduate at Bates College, who has proposed a project dealing with chemically induced mutation in irises. Wheeler needs $178.10 for expenses. J. Plank noted that there were designated funds for iris research and she moved, seconded by Mahan, that AIS grant Andrew Wheeler a $200 scientific grant to study mutation in species, Siberian and Japanese irises, and that he submit a written report after the first year with follow-up as needed. Carried.

Fulton asked for suggestions for additional projects. A. Willott stated the need for chromosome counts and asked who presently performed this service. Fulton was asked to investigate the need for developing a resource for chromosome counts, and to find out who already has the necessary equipment. He was also asked to work up a cost analysis for implementing this project. Pigment studies, loss of native species, and a study of geographic distribution of borers were also suggested as possible topics for future projects.

Youth Report: Chairman Jean Morris stated that there were 175 new Youth members and that 23 regions now had Youth Coordinators. There has been an increase in classroom projects, especially in Oklahoma. Primary expenses are postage and photocopying. Morris stated that an

77

error in the Bulletin regarding Youth Medals should be corrected to read: . . .that “one set of Youth Medals are free” and are not a Storefront item as was reported.

Ways and Means: President Niswonger announced that Chairman Iris Larson had resigned. He expressed appreciation for her efforts in organizing the committee and noted that several of her suggestions should be considered as future fund raisers.

TBIS Proposal Study Committee: President Niswonger stated that he wished to retain the ad hoc Committee to Study the Tall Bearded Iris Society Petition for Recognition as an AIS/TBIS Liaison Committee. Kasperek moved, that the present committee be dissolved and that a new negotiating committee be appointed to function as the need arose. Epperson seconded. The motion was defeated when a tie vote was broken by President Niswonger who voted in favor of retaining the present committee members to serve as an AIS/TBIS liaison committee.

Committee to study Non-profit Incorporation and Tax Exempt Status for Sections, Regions and Affiliates: R. Plank stated that he felt that the Regions and Sections should proceed in parallel to seek 501(c)(3) status.

Rare Iris Study Center: President Niswonger reported a continuing exchange of seeds from Russia and China. Anyone interested in growing some of these irises can obtain seeds from Chairman Waddick.

Millennium Check List Committee: Stahly reported for Chairman Hughes that an alphabetical index consisting of varietal name and year of registration, in an 8V2 x 11 loose leaf format, complete through 1998, could be available for sale at the Oklahoma City convention; suggested price was $10. After lengthy discussion, Probst moved, Plank seconded that Hughes be authorized to print 50 trial run copies of the Index no later than the 1999 Spring convention. AIS will fund this printing. Carried. Stahly stated that he will see that the printout is proofed and that a sample copy will be sent to President Mahan for approval by the Executive Committee. Following approval, copies will be available for sale, on demand, at the Spring Convention in Oklahoma City. Guest moved a resolution of appreciation to Hughes for all his efforts in taking the initiative in this project. Perkins seconded. Carried.

Regarding preparation of the Electronic Check List on CD-ROM, Hughes recommended that a committee be appointed to oversee preparation and compilation of the Electronic Check List. President Niswonger made the following appointments: Stahly, Chairman; H. Hughes, K. Keppel, M. Lowe and R. Pries. Kasperek moved approval, Epperson seconded. Carried.

Installation of President: There being no further unfinished business, outgoing President Niswonger delivered brief farewell remarks and expressed appreciation to the Board and many others for their support during the past 3 years. He presented Mahan with the gavel and welcomed him as the new AIS President. Mahan responded with praise and gratitude for Niswonger s leadership. On behalf of the Board, Barr presented Niswonger with a gift.

Election of officers: Plank nominated Aitken for First Vice President, Niswonger seconded. Epperson moved that nominations cease and that the Secretary be instructed to cast a unanimous ballot for Aitken. Niswonger seconded. Carried.

Pope nominated J. Plank for Second Vice President, Aitken seconded. Epperson moved that nominations cease and that the Secretary be instructed to cast a unanimous ballot for Plank. Aitken seconded. Carried.

Plank nominated R. Simmons for Secretary, Niswonger seconded. Epperson moved that nominations cease and that the Secretary be instructed to cast a unanimous ballot for Simmons. Gossett seconded. Carried.

Plank nominated Hudson for Treasurer, Niswonger seconded. Epperson moved that nominations cease and that the Secretary be instructed to cast a unanimous ballot for Hudson. Niswonger seconded. Carried.

Guest nominated Aitken for Editor, Perkins seconded. Epperson moved that nominations cease and that the Secretary be instructed to cast a unanimous ballot for Aitken. Niswonger seconded. Carried.

78

J. Plank presented incoming Secretary Simmons with the AIS Corporate Seal, and the book containing the AIS minutes from 1920-1950.

Honorary Awards: The Board adjourned to Executive Session to discuss the recommendations of the Honorary Awards Committee and the Judges/Judges Training Chairman. Following the closed session, Mahan reported that Distinguished Service Medals will be awarded to Dave Niswonger and Olive Rice-Waters and the Hybridizer’s Medal will be awarded to Ray Schreiner. Roy Epperson was approved as an Emeritus Judge.

Regional Vice President Appointments: RVP Counselor Epperson distributed the following list of recommended 1999 appointments for RVP:

First Year Appointment:

Second Year Appointments:

Third Year Appointments:

Epperson moved, Niswonger seconded, approval of all candidates for RVP. Carried.

Appointment of Administrative Officers: President Mahan appointed the following:

Registrar: Keith Keppel

Membership Secretary: Marilyn Harlow

Advertising Editor: Jean Erickson

Recording Secretary: Anne Lowe

Publication Sales Directors: Irv and Nancy Pocklington

Ombudsman: Lew Begley: (position explained and Dr. Begley introduced)

Niswonger moved, Pope seconded that these appointments be accepted. Carried. Mahan noted that Advertising Editor Erickson would serve without salary.

Standing Committee appointments: Mahan requested approval of the following committee chairmen:

Plank moved, Pope seconded that these appointments be approved. Carried.

Mahan asked the group to consider production of 2 calendars in this fiscal year, budget permitting.

Mahan appointed Jean Witt, Jeane Stayer, and Marie Caillet as Members-at-Large to the Honorary Awards Committee to serve with the past Presidents. Niswonger moved, Pope seconded that appointments be approved. Carried.

Meeting was recessed at 11:30 PM., to reconvene at 8:00 A.M. on Sunday, November 6th.

Mahan opened the morning session at 8:00 A.M.

Plank asked for signatures for the Standard Banking Resolution for change of officers.

Mahan appointed the following committee to study the Endowment Fund proposal: J. Hudson, Chairman; B. Kasperek and R. Plank. Approval moved by Niswonger, Epperson seconded. Carried.

Mahan appointed the following committee to study Section membership and necessary AIS bylaw changes and report in the spring: Bobbie Shepherd, chairman; B. Kasperek, Rosalie Figge. Approval moved by Niswonger, seconded by Pope. Carried.

Plank stated that she and incoming Secretary Simmons agreed that the Book of AIS Minutes is too fragile to continue to move with the office of Secretary. The need for a constant environment was cited. Plank moved that the book of early AIS Minutes [1920-1950s] be sent to the AIS Library for preservation. B. Figge seconded. Carried. It was noted that a copy of these valuable historic records should be in a second location. M. Lowe moved that the AIS Minutes document be scanned or otherwise duplicated, as the AIS Librarian sees fit, and be distributed to more than one location. Gossett seconded. Carried.

Mahan announced that Epperson will take charge of the re-editing of Basic Iris Culture and will solicit assistance as needed.

Mahan announced that B. Figge will assume responsibility for extracting material for Flight Lines in the Bulletin.

79

President Mahan then outlined the following 5 goals which will be addressed during his term of office:

• improve communications at all levels:

• improve quality of the Bulletin and produce it in more timely fashion: It was agreed that Bulletin deadlines should be enforced so that the responsibility for timely submission of material rests with the originator of the material and not with the Editor.

• support hybridizers and commercial iris nurseries: M. Lowe moved that the AIS simultaneously publish the Commercial Directory \Shopping Section ] in the Bulletin and on the AIS web page. Niswonger seconded. Carried.

• strengthen the Library so that members can access material more easily:

• increase membership: Mahan noted that the way to increase membership was to increase the number of new affiliates. Pope commented on the need for good informative materials for new members. K. Guest gave a brief overview of the New York Handbook which is given to each new member in Region 2. Pope will have this manual at the Affiliates meeting in Oklahoma City. Epperson announced that the Board of Counselors’ meeting time had been extended and that he will present the N.Y. Handbook for consideration by the RVPs. Aitken noted that more incentives/ benefits are needed to encourage formation of affiliates. It was decided that free slides were one benefit AIS could offer. B. Figge moved that AIS restore one free set of slides per year to each affiliate. Kasperek seconded. Carried.

Mahan requested that he be sent copies of communications sent out by Directors, Committee Chairs and Administrative Officers.

Following discussion of concerns related to the AIS web page, M. Lowe moved that AIS establish its own domain and select an appropriate domain name. Aitken seconded. Carried. Lowe and Scott Aitken were directed to establish and register a domain.

The proposed budget was reviewed in detail and estimated revenues and expenses were discussed line by line.

Mahan announced that Moller has volunteered to construct 2 additional Iris Trivia slide sets.

Following input from RVPs regarding restriction of membership labels to regional publication use only, Epperson moved that the Membership Secretary be authorized to provide as many as 4 free sets of labels each year to a region as requested by the RVP or the regional Editor. Perkins seconded. Carried.

The possible need for a second terminal for processing credit cards was addressed by Loberg, RVP (14) who maybe able to donate a terminal presently in Region 14. Details will be worked out with Harlow and Pocklington.

Mahan noted that the budget appeared to be balanced.

With reference to previous discussions of the possibility of using perfect binding in the Bulletin and the production of both the 1999 and 2000 calendars during the coming fiscal year, Kasperek moved that AIS go to perfect binding for the Bulletin and that AIS produce 2 calendars this fiscal year if possible. Niswonger seconded. Carried.

J. Plank moved, J. Morris seconded, that the Board adopt the adjusted Budget. Carried.

Mahan thanked Hudson for assuming the duties of the Treasurer’s office prior to this meeting. Plank moved that a vote of thanks be extended to Bonnie Nichols for all her efforts in bringing us into solvency. Gossett seconded. Carried.

Mahan thanked A. Lowe for acting as Recording Secretary for this meeting.

Special thanks were extended to Barbara Schmieder for her efforts in organizing this meeting. Kasperek moved that the AIS Board formally thank the Iris Society of Massachusetts for their wonderful welcome and warm hospitality. Probst seconded. Carried.

Gossett issued the invitation to the 1999 National Convention in Oklahoma City, May 4-8.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 A.M.

Anne S. Lowe, Recording Secretary

80

/Kembetskip (Contest

mmm

bif jZynda /Kiilet, Indiana

The 1999 Membership Contest began October i, 1998. Three separate and distinct awards will be presented at the 2000 Convention — one to the youth, one to the adult, and one to the affiliate with the most total points. A minimum of 30 points and at least two participants in each category are necessary to qualify for the trophy plaques. Certificates of achievement will be awarded to all participants. A new 2000 Tall Bearded iris introduction will be awarded to affiliates earning 100 or more points and to individuals earning 55 or more points. Youth earn $1.00 worth of iris for each point, up to $50.00 worth. Names of the award winners will be published in the future.

Point Scale:

10 points for each new single annual membership 15 points for each new dual annual 20 points for each new single triennial 25 points for each new dual triennial 10 points for each new youth member added to an existing membership (same address)

25 points for each new youth member registered as a solitary member

The following points will be given for conversion from annual to triennial membership providing the membership has been in effect for a minimum of one year.

20 points for converting from single annual to single triennial 25 points for converting from dual annual to dual triennial 10 points for converting from single triennial to dual triennial 100 points for single life membership 150 points for dual life membership

Pules:

1. Membership application and payment of dues are made directly to the AIS Membership Secretary. Dues maybe submitted by the recruiter or by the new member.

2. Membership Chairman of the contestants Region (if there is an active chairman) and the AIS Contest Chairman (Lynda S. Miller, 11974

81

E 191st St., Noblesville, IN 46060) should be notified by the recruiter within 30 days. First submission can be checked back to October 1, 1998.

3. Each new membership should be reported with the following information: name, complete address and region number of the new member; the type of membership (annual, triennial, life) or conversion (single annual to single triennial, etc.). Also the name, address and region number of the recruiter. Only those memberships reported correctly will be awarded points. Please print clearly or type.

4. Renewal of memberships following a lapse of two years will count as new members.

5. New memberships received by the Membership Contest Chairman postmarked after October 1, 1999, or memberships not starting until January 2000 cannot be counted for the 1999 contest, but will be automatically credited to the recruiter for the 2000 contest.

Editors Note: Lynda is looking for donations from hybridizers to use as prizes for the Membership Contest. Four introductions for 2000 have been offered; she needs NINE more donations. If you can help out, please contact:

Lynda Miller 12788 E. 191st St.

Noblesville, IN 46060

Past AIS President Dave Niswonger passing the gavel to new President Clarence Mahan.

82

/Kemhetski'p (Contest

b\f Jlifnda /KlLUr, Indiana

Affiliate Participants:

1st place: Greater St. Louis Iris Society, Region 18, 1160 points

2nd place: Flaga Iris Society, Region 5, 310 points

3rd place: Tucson Area Iris Society, Region 15, 190 points

4th place: Fredericksburg Area Iris Society, Region 4, 1 75 points

5th place: Utah Iris Society, Region 12, 165 points

6th place: Chesapeake &c Potomac Iris Society, Region 4, 130 points

7th place: Iris Club of Southeast Michigan, Region 6, 40 points

8th place: Francis Scott Key Iris Society, Region 4, 20 points

9th place: Portsmouth, Chesapeake & Suffolk Iris Society, Region 4, 1 0 points

individual Participants:

1st place: Bob Keup, Region 2, 1020 points 2nd place: Nina Morgan, Region 24, 230 points 3rd place: Mary Herrington, Region 24, 95 points 4th place: Jan Hueller, Region 15, 80 points 5th place: (tie) Dorothy Holms, Region 24, 60 points Melania Kutz, Region 15, 60 points Margie Valenzuela, Region 15, 60 points

These points represent 130 new single annual memberships, 9 new single triennial memberships, 22 new dual annual memberships, and 4 new dual triennial memberships. There were 119 new youth memberships without Bulletin and 3 new youths with Bulletin. There were also 13 conversions from single annual to single triennial membership, 2 conversions from dual annual to dual triennial membership and 2 duals converted to life memberships

Nine Affiliates in six Regions, seven individuals from five Regions and no youth participated.

The 1999 Membership Contest rules and the prizes will be the same as 1998. See the previous page for these rules. All participants will receive a copy of the winner’s list and a certificate of participation.

/^otnxan 0.

mzw -tomt

83

Norman Frisch, 71, died August 5, 1998. He held a Ph.D in Mathematics from the University of Michigan. He was a professor of mathematics at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh for his entire professional career. He was preceded in death by a daughter Karen and his first wife Nancy.

Norman was known in the community for wine making, gourmet cooking and for growing prize winning irises. He was active in the Fond du Lac Iris Society and served as RVP of the American Iris Society from 1992 to 1994. He became an amateur radio operator as a youth and was a member of the Winnebago County amateur Radio Emergency Service along with his wife Ann. Norman and Ann were members of the Green Apple Friends of Folk. They taught for two years in Malaysia from 1989 to 1991 and traveled extensively together throughout Asia.

We extend our condolences to his wife Ann and other family members.

- \

in Mcmotiam:

| Nell Corlew (California)

John Craig (New Jersey)

Marjorie W. Deaton (Alabama)

Beatrice Fortner (Illinois)

Norman Frisch (Wisconsin)

Lt. Col Randolph Hall (Texas)

Bea Leach (Oklahoma) |

Jane McKnew-Bacon (Maryland)

Ila Nunn (Texas)

Mercedes E. Olsen (Washington)

Nancy Silverberg (Oregon)

Roberta (Bobby) Snell (Washington)

Florence Weed (Washington)

J

V_

84

American Ins Society Fonnclation

Contributions to the American Iris Society Foundation are used for the research of the genus iris, administration of scholarships and the support of the AIS Library through the Evelyn Jones Memorial Library Fund. This research includes the taxonomy as well as the cause of diseases and their cures. Over the years, grants have been issued to the top researchers and educational institutions throughout the United States as well as internationally.

April 1, 1998 - October 1, 1998

Contributions in memory of:

Ackerman Youth Essay Contest

Region 3, AIS Region 4, AIS Michael Bennett (KY)

Louisville Area Iris Society Opal Brown (OR)

Clara B. Rees Iris Society Joseph Ghio (CA)

Kathleen McCullough (OR)

Don & Sylvia Wood (WA)

Walla Walla Iris Society Verna M. Bennett George & Jean Dietrich (WA) Virginia A. Messick (CA)

Larry Harder (NE)

Robert Dunn (CA)

Kathleen M. B. Schick

Ben Hager & Sid DuBose (CA)

George & Mary Kato (WA)

Doug DeBok & Terry Dallas (OR) Jessie D. Olmstead (WA)

Joe Christopher (AL)

Region 7, AIS Pauline Cooley (OR)

Greater Portland Iris Society Marilyn Holloway (CA)

Virginia A. Messick (CA)

Larry Harder (NE)

Kathy L. Poore (OK)

Peter Corroo (CA)

Santa Rosa Iris Society Nell Corlew (CA)

Clara B. Rees Iris Society Elsiemae & Nelson Nicholson (CA) Joseph Ghio (CA)

Frances Couch (TN)

Twin Stale Iris Society Phillis Craig (NJ)

Garden State Iris Society Letha Dent (NM)

Pecos Valley Iris Society Sue C. Chambers (NM)

Roswell Iris Society Fran DeSantis (CA)

Robert Dunn (CA)

Bob Brooks (CA)

Mary Dunn (CA)

Virginia Messick (CA)

Kathy L. Poore (OK)

Howard Estes (OK)

Kathy L. Poore (OK)

Doris Foster (CA)

SD/IC Iris Society Bob Brooks (CA)

Mrs. Curtis Foster (KY)

Twin State Iris Society Norman Frisch (WI)

Fond du Lac Iris Society Larry Gaulter (CA)

Stockton Iris Garden (CA) Richard Gibson (CA)

Ben Hager & Sid DuBose (CA) Anna Lee Gossett (OK)

Burdella M. Rhodes (OK)

Clara Howard (CA)

Hi Desert Iris & Daylily Society Betty Ipsen (MN)

Charlotte & Wilbert Sindt (MN) Evelyn Jones (OR)

Kathy L. Poore (OK)

85

Evelyn Kegerise (PA)

Region 3, AIS

Ben Hager & Sid DuBose (CA) Deleware Valley Iris Society Bea Leach (OK)

Kathy L. Poore (OK)

Oklahoma Iris Society Louis Newman (CA)

SC/IC Iris Society Richard Randall (VA)

Sarah E. Worrell (VA)

Region 4, AIS Pauline Reindl (OH)

Central Ohio Iris Society

Dorothy Runde (CA)

SC/IC Iris Society Nancy Silverberg (OR) Virginia A. Messick (CA) Marilyn J. Holloway (CA) Bennett Jones (OR)

Mary Wais (NJ)

Garden State Iris Society Bea Williams (OK)

Kathy L. Poore (OK) Stephen Zdepski (NJ)

Garden State Iris Society

How can you make a contribution or memorial gift to the American Iris Society Foundation?

Checks should be made payable to the American Iris Society Foun¬ dation, When sending a memorial gift, please include the name and address of the next-of-kin, so an acknowledgement card may be sent. Your tax-deductible donations should be sent to:

The American Iris Society Foundation Roger P. Mazur Sec./Treas.

5824 Erskine #7 Omaha, NE 68104-4159

86

Storefront

- — - — — — — - - - — — — N

$27.00 The World of Irises

Highly recommended! 32 pages of full color. Edited by Warburton and Hamblen, 34 contributors and authors including international authori¬ ties. Published in 1978 and most authoritative book on all phases of irises. Scientific and popular. 6" x 9" hard bound cloth cover, 526 pages.

$15.00 Handbook for Judges and Show Ojficials

New release! Sixth Edition ©1998.

$1.50 ea., or Basic Iris Culture . Pamphlets. Great information $15.00 for 50 for new iris growers. Ideal for clubs or shows.

V _ _ _ _ _ J

$4.50 AIS Bulletins: Back Issues (not all issues available)

$14.00 ea. Check Lists: 1939, 1949, 1959, & 1969

Reprint. Soft cover.

$17.00 Check List, 1979

Reprint. Hard cover. Ten-year compilation of registrations 1970 - 1979.

$17.00 Check List, 1989

Hard cover. Ten -year compilation of registrations 1980 - 1989.

$7.00 ea. Registrations and Introductions:

199°, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998.

$2.50 Bronze 50th Anniversary Medals

The AIS 50th Anniversary medal in antiqued bronze. Suitable for pendants, show prizes, and special awards.

/ “ \

View Before You Buy!

The official AIS Website now has photos of several of the Storefront sales items, so you can see what they look like.

Go to: www.isomedia.com/homes/AIS

V —J

87

r		\
75th Anniversary Collection
$25.00 Commemorative Medal
Solid Silver, 1 Vi inches across. Only 500 struck. $4.50 Bulletin V		)
$2.50, 1 pack AIS Seals (50 per pack) $10.00, 5 packs Self-adhesive ovals are larger than a Official design in blue and green on	half dollar, silver background.

1998 Iris Calendar - While They Last

$2.00 each (+$i.oo shipping)

$10.00 (+$3.00 shipping) for packs of 10

$4.00, 1 pack Iris Post Cards (16 per pack)

$10.00, 3 packs $25.00, 10 packs

Announcement: AIS can now accept VISA & Mastercard (sorry, no other charge cards) for Storefront orders. When charging your order, please include card type and number, expiration date, and signature.

v _ _ _ _ _ _ y

Prices include postage and handling. Make checks payable to The American Iris Society, or include charge card information. Send order to:

Irv & Nancy Pocklington Phone: (217) 854-2184

609 Harrington St Carlinville, IL 62626-1230

=V\

Special offer on 1997 AIS Bulletin Back Issues

$5.00	10 Bulletins	$8.00	40 Bulletins
$6.00	20 Bulletins	$9.00	50 Bulletins
$7.00	30 Bulletins	$10.00	60 Bulletins

Ideal to hand out at shows, sales, and other activities. Assortment selected by AIS from available stock. Make check to American Iris Society. Order this special offer separately from regular Storefront orders, from:

Paul W. Gossett Phone (918) 745-0852

1708 E 53rd St.

Tulsa, OK 74105-5726 (Shipped after January 1, 1999)

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88

Rent Slide Seis from fhe American Iris Society

AIS Slide Sels available for 199&:

The Newest in Irises: 1993-1997 Introductions. Mostly TBs, but contains other types. Recent Award Winners: HM and AM Winners, 1992 - 1997 The Popularity Poll: Temporarily unavailable.

Types other than Tall Bearded: Bearded and beardless, arranged in blooming sequence.

Reliables: Mostly past award winners of various types — especially suited for newer iris societies and garden clubs.

1994 Portland Iris Convention

1995 York Iris Convention

Iris Trivia: This is a small set of slides and questions that can be used for a fun and informative meeting. (Use of all questions and slides takes at least one hour.)

To Order: Requests for slides should be made well in advance of requested date, preferably six to eight weeks. If optional, specify alternate sets and/or dates. Clearly print name and mailing address to whom slides are to be sent. Rental fee is $10.00 per set, payable to AIS. Only one set allowed for any request date. Slide sets are to be returned next day after viewing by Priority Mail. Send check with request to:

Hooker Nichols Phone: (214) 352-2191

3365 Northaven Rd.

Dallas, TX 75229

Section Slides Available:

The various Sections of AIS also have slide sets available for rent. These feature irises of each respective group. Rental fee is $5.00 per set, unless noted otherwise. Requests for these slide sets should be submitted as follows:

Arils and Arilbreds: Order from Scott Jordan, 3500 Avenida Charada NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107. Rental fee $7.50. Check to Aril Society International. Dwarf: Dorothy Willott, 26231 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood, OH 44122-7111.

Check to Dwarf Iris Society.

Historic Iris Preservation Society (HIPS): Contact Joan Cooper,

212 West Country Rd. C, St. Paul, MN 55113. Rental fee $7.50. Check to HIPS. Japanese: Order from John Coble, 9823 E. Michigan Ave., Galesburg, MI 49053. Check to Japanese Iris Society.

Louisiana: Order from Dalton Durio, 5853 Hwy 182, Opelousas, LA 70570.

Check to Society for Louisiana Irises. Rental fee is $10.00.

Medians: Contact Terry Aitken, 608 NW 119th St, Vancouver WA 98685. Check to MIS. Rebloomers: Contact Olive Rice-Waters, 1914 Napa Ave, Berkley, CA 94707.

Check to Reblooming Iris Society. Rental fee is $7.50.

Siberians: Order from Robert Hollingworth, 124 Sherwood Rd E,

Williamston, MI 48895. Check to Society for Siberian Irises.

Species: Several sets available. Order from Helga Andrews,

11 Maple Ave, Sudbury MA 01776. Check to SIGNA.

Spurias: To order, contact Patricia Brooks, 102 Jefferson Lane, Ladson, SC 29456. Check to Spuria Iris Society.

89

j^\3S> Tsulletln </\d T^atzs

Changes for f 999:

In an effort to encourage new commercial growers, the AIS Board voted to eliminate the “extra services” fees. The prices below are unchanged, but now include the cost of scanning, text, and layup. The sizes are slightly larger.

Also, we are now using an all- electronic setup with our new printer. As a result, we can no longer simply paste ads on paper. All ads submitted on paper will be scanned. If you have graphic images or logos as part of your ad, it would be best if you send them on a disk, or email them directly to Scott Aitken at <zebra@chcs.com> (payment must still be made through advertising editor).

Shopping section (formerly the “Commercial Directory”) found in the back of each Bulletin. Placement is alphabetical.

$42.00 r5/l6 inch Rate is for 4 issues.

. . i All ads are 2 Vs inch wide.

$58.00 1 inch

$73.00 2 inch

Display Advertising (Rate is for single issue)

Black & White:

$35.00	1 inch	1 x 4V4
$46.00	Va page	1 fsx 4% (wide), or 3% x 2 Vs (tall)
$58.00	Vs page	2V2 x 43/s (wide), or yVi x 1V2 (tall)
$81.00	Vi page	3% x 43/s (wide), or 7V2X 2 Vs (tall)
$104.00	% page	5 x 43/s
$115.00	Va page	5V8 x 4V8
$138.00	Full page	7V2 x 43/s

Color (price plus color separations at cost):

$150.00	Vs page mini ad (if space available)
$276.00	Full page, interior page.
$250.00	Full page, interior page, 4 consecutive issue discount.
$400.00	Full page, centerfold or inside back cover.
$425.00	Full page, inside front cover.
$500.00	Full page, outside back cover.
Terms

Payment is due with ad copy. Ads due: July 15 (Oct. issue), October 15 (Jan. issue), January 15 (Apr. issue), April 15 (Jul. issue). Send ad and payment (payable to AIS) to:

Jean Erickson, Advertising Editor (707) 526-5204

4036 Trinity Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95405

90

Bulletin of the MS Shopping Section

AAA QUALITY ENGRAVERS

Botanical Garden Quality Engraved Labels for Iris & other plants.

• U.V. Stable

• Quickly Installed

• AAA Service, 1-2 wks

• Black or Teal Green

• New Round Corners

Ask for FREE SAMPLE AAA QUALITY ENGRAVERS

5754 Oxford Place, Dept. IR New Orleans, LA 70131 (504) 393-6377 • Fax (504) 391-2225

(Continental USA Only)

Etnas tasia

Iris Portraits

Dramatic everlasting oil or pastel paintings of your favorite flower. Also, limited edition prints and notecards of original Iris art.

For a free sample:

call 503-292-1476

email paintings@anastasia.com web http://www.anastasia.com

or write 5328 SW Hewett Blvd.

Portland, OR 97221

For a catalog send $3.00 (refundable)

JVarstafr s «3rts

Tall Beardeds

102 E. Harney Lane Lodi, CA 95242 Phone: (209) 339-4747

thats: DEW-IRIS

Byron Aarstad, Proprietor

Send us a S.A.S.E. for a list of over 350 varieties

After Hours Iris Patch

Large selection of new and old bearded iris at affordable prices. Send $ 1 .00 for catalog

121 19 County Road A Liberty, MO 64068 816-792-1848

BLUE SKY IRIS

Debbie Gorham and Dob Applegate 19700 NW Adcock Rd Yamhill OR 97145 Siberian and Japanese Iris Price list available upon request

91

Shopping Section

Sainton Creek Garieit

zAward 'winning Irises

Introductions by Terry Aitken, Ken Fisher, Chad Harris, Bennett & Evelyn Jones, Carol Lankow, Marky Smith and Jean Witt.

$2.00 for Color Catalog

Aitken s Salmon Creek Garden 608 NW 119 St Vancouver WA 98685

Online catalog: www.e-z.net/~aitken

RGYLE

CRES

Joe & Donna Spears 910 Pioneer Circle East Argyle, Texas 76226 940/464-3680 http://homel .gte.net/argliris

For Catalog: Send two first class stamps and your address.

Historic and Modern Bearded Irises

BAY VIEW GARDENS

of Joseph J. Ghio

1201 Bay St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Send $2.00 for catalog listing the finest in Tall, Louisiana, Pacifica, and Spuria Irises.

Babbette’s Gardens

Specializing in TBs and Daylilies

Send $1 for Catalog Please make checks payable to: Babbette Sandt 40975 N 172 St East Lancaster ; CA 93535

Old & New Varieties GREAT VALUES

MJJEBIRD HAVEN

I H I S GARDEN

6940 FAIRPLAY ROAD SOMERSET, CA 95684

1$o! e 6T2lrc <&ir6ens

Ed & Rusty Ostheimer 1831 Bull Run Road Schriever, Louisiana 70360 Phone: 504-446-2329 Louisiana Irises Wholesale & Retail Color Catalogue: $2.00

* I i v *

l » r I

i ff

92

Shopping section

Attention All Iris Collectors !

Computer software to catalog and store your record keeping needs, specifically made for Iris collections. System minimum: VGA monitor, CPU 486, 586, 686, Pentium, or Pentium II, 8 meg ram, 6 meg disk space, 3.5 floppy. IBM compatible running Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows NT.

No programming is required.

Visit our web site at benterprises.com E-mail is bruce@benterprises.com Toll free is 1-888-434-9696 Send check or money order only.

$ 29.95 + $ 6.00 S/H = Total Cost $34.95. B. Enterprises 669 Peoria St. # 118 Aurora, CO 80011

George Clinton Bush Clean Shaven Iris Japanese - Siberian - Species Big list for a stamp. Reduced Prices. 1739 Memory Lane Extd York, PA 17402

{3Datzfpm&*>

RR #1 (8790 Hwy #24) Guelph, Ont., Canada N1H 6H7 (519)856-4424

Over 1000 Median & MDB Over 2000 total IRIS Rebloomers, Historical Pseudacorus, Species

$2.00 for Catalog Refundable from order

Specializing in Tall Bearded Irises

Located at 91 30 Highway 99E, Los Molinos, CA, just 30 minutes North of Chico.

Catalog $1 ( refundable ) send to

Gene and Tina Cabral P.0. Box 9264, Chico, CA 95927 530-345-3937

Specializing in TBs, BBs, IB, SDBs, and Spurias.

CAPE IRIS GARDENS

822 Rodney Vista Blvd.

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Catalog $1.00 — Refundable Dave Niswonger, Hybridizer and Grower

CHEK-DEN IRIS FARM

29523 Highway 36 Brookfield MO 64628

TB BB IB SDB RE SA

send stamp for price list

93

Shopping Section

CAL-DIXIE IRIS GARDENS

Largest selection of quality affordable bearded irises (new and old) in Southern California.

Herb and Sara Hoik

14115 Pear St. Riverside CA 92508

Catalog: 2 first-class stamps

CHEHALEM GARDENS

Tom and Ellen Abrego P0 Box 693 NewbergOR 97132

Siberian and Spuria Irises

Descriptive price list available upon request

CONTEMPORARY GARDENS

of Perry Dyer

Rt. 5, Box 300 Blanchard, OK 73010

Tall beardeds, medians, Louisianas and daylilies. Featuring intro¬ ductions of Perry Dyer, Augusto Bianco (Italy), and Louisianas from Kevin Vaughn (Mississippi).

1 999 National Convention Tour Garden.

Send $2 for 7 999 catalog.

DTUWC0TT

QTffiDERS

Siberian and Japanese Irises

Carol Warner 16815 Falls Road Upperco, MD 21155 (410) 374-4788

Send $1 for price list.

Comanche Acres iris Gardens

Route 1 , Box 258 Gower, MO 64454

Quality TB, BB, LA and median irises at reasonable prices.

— Introductions by —

Jim Hedgecock, Henry Rowlan and Jimmy Burch.

Beautiful tall bearded color catalog $300for two years.

Separate median and Louisiana lists $100 each.

OOLEY'S

D

11553 Silverton Rd. NE P.O. Box 126 Silverton, Oregon 97381

FEATURING THE FINEST OF TALL BEARDED IRISES QUALITY RHIZOMES

Incomparable Iris catalog in color

Send $5.00 for the catalog, then deduct it from your first catalog order.

D. and J. GARDENS

7872 Howell Prarie Road, N.E. Silverton, OR 97381

Introductions of Joyce and Duane Meek

See our ad in the April Bulletin Send $1.00 for catalog.

Shopping Section

DAVID IRIS FARM

2257 S. River Rd, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 Northern Grown Iris

Newer & older varieties - reasonable prices TB— BB— IB— MTB— MDB

Send first class stamp for list

f Ourio Gardens

Albert, Dalton, Ken and Belle

Growers and hybridizers of:

Louisiana iris Japanese iris Spuria iris Iris virginica Iris laevigata Iris peeudoacorus

Send $4.00 for your new, color catalog of irises and daylilies.

Louisiana Nursery 5853 Highway 182 Opelousas, LA 70570

Your garden deserves EVERGREEN labels

• Plant name engraved in U-V resistant green plastic plate; slips into galvanized steel backplate mounted on stem.

• Other galvanized steel products: plain plant markers, tag stakes, bloomstalk supports and rose pegging hooks.

Send first class stamp for brochure

Specialists in Japanese Iris. Catalog of descriptions with culture page: $2.00

9823 E. Michigan Ave. Galesburg, Mich. 49053

EVOLUTION INACTION IRIS GARDEN

Specializing in Alternate Flower Form. Jared Harris

93 E. 100 S, Logan, UT 84321 SASE for list.

FORTE’S IRIS GARDENS

Two locations to serve you! Virginia Forte 12312 S. Wilson Rd. Los Banos, CA 93635 (209) 826-4850 Send $1.50 for Catalog Hundreds at low prices:

TALL BEARDED!

REBLOOMERS!

HISTORICS!

Mary Forte 9320 Lakota Way Atascadero, CA 93422 (805) 466-7958 E-mail: jforte21@aol.com

95

Shopping Section

qOINMO (//Vj.

*/

•y

*

IRIS GRRD€N

Over 900 Varieties

* Tall Beards

* Dwarfs

* Space Agers

* Dykes Medals

Reasonable Prices Catalog $2.00 Refundable

21643 Shake Ridge Road Volcano, CA 95689 (209) 296-4436 Email loramasche@cdepot.net Internet http://welcome.to/irisgarden Wholesale Only on Site

STOCK REDUCTION

of 1 979 and earlier iris — $2.00 each + postage — Older Dykes $5.00 each + postage

Send SASE for list

Regular Catalog $3.00 deduct from catalog order

FOXES’

IRIS PATCH

9 2 - 4 8th St. SW Huron, SD 57350-6543

GOLDEN’S IRIS GARDEN

Specializing in newer and symposium TB iris.

4564 Robin Dr. Prescott, AZ 86301 (520) 445-0503

Send for free catalog.

FRIENDSHIP Wh GARDENS

v-'

s'

Specializing in Reblooming Irises Featuring Introductions by

Charlie Nearpass John Weiler Lloyd Zurbrigg and Joan Roberts

Descriptive catalog $2.00 Joan and Ken Roberts 341 Schwartz Road Gettysburg, PA 17325

Garden Fonts

... for affordable weatherproof labels.

Send for a FREE SAMPLE of Garden Fonts’ custom printed peel & stick labels for your new or used metal garden markers

By Mail Garden Fonts Dept 1

	1007 Province Rd Barnstead NH 03218
Phone	603.435.6128
email	gardenfonts@yahoo.com
or...	get more information, and order securely online at our new web site...

www.gardenfonts.com

HADAWAY FARMS

Route 1, Box 42M Carney, OK 74832

A FLOWER BED OF IRIS featuring tall and median bearded iris at affordable prices. Descriptive price list $1.00 (refundable with 1st order)

96

Shopping Section

[Wjermit

[/pedlars

@alk

Bill & Ada Godfrey 3 Pierce St Foxborough MA 02035

MDBS, SDBs, MTBs, IBs, BBs, TBs, REBLOOMERS

Display garden includes Louisiana’s, Siberian, Japanese, and Species.

Catalogue $1 (deduct from order)

IRIS

THE RAINBOW FLOWER

Video by Carolyn Hawkins,

AIS Judge for NCSGC, Inc.

Soil Prep, Planting, Dividing, Pests/Diseases, Hybridizing Designs and More!

38 Minutes. Perfect for club programs or club libraries.

■ $19.95 + $3 Postage/Handling’

Make check payable to: National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc.

4401 Magnolia i St. Louis, MO 63110-3492 (800) 550-6007

Iris Country

Historic Bearded & Beardless Irises. Historic Daylillies.

6219 Topaz St NE, Brooks, OR 97305 (503) 393-4739 (evenings)

IRIS and COLLECTIBLES

Jim and Vicki Craig

1 6325 SW 1 1 3 Ave Tigard, OR 97224 Tetraploids MTB IB BB TB

Send first class stamp for descriptive price list

The Iris Gallery

of Jay and Terri Hudson

Your Trusted Supplier of: Pacific Coast Species Unguicularis Siberian Spuria Bearded Iris

Year-round shipments of Pacific Coast and Unguicularis

SEND $2.00 FOR CATALOG

33450 Little Valley Rd Fort Bragg, CA 95437 1 -800-757-IRIS Fax: 707-964-3907

E-Mail: irishud@mcn.org

7280 Tassajara Creek Road Santa Margarita, CA 93453 (805) 438-3070 www.thegrid.net/irishill

JCNI’S DANCC-IN-RC-WIND H IS CARDEN

Joni L. Renshaw 810 S 14th Street Tekamah, NE 68061

Send $1.00 for Descriptive Catalog Listing over 1 ,000 Newer, Hardy TB and Median Irises at Affordable Prices.

97

Shopping section

Jump Creek Gardens

TB * IB * BB * SDB RE&SA

Quality Rhizomes at Competitive Prices

Descriptive Price List $2.00 deductible from first order

Route 1 Box 282 Marsing, Idaho 83639

KEITH KEPPEL

P. O. Box 18154 Salem, OR 97305

The Newest

Tall Beardeds and Medians, American and Foreign

Catalogue with Pedigrees $2.00

Deductible from first order

P.O. Box 19; Boulder, CO 80306

Since 1905

Iris from the “Top of the World”

Featuring Irises from: Magee, Durrance, Hoage, Lyons, Moller, Jorgensen, D. Miller and others.

KARY IRIS GARDENS

Ardi Kary 6201 E. Calle Rosa Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (602) 949-0253 Tall Bearded-Arilbred-Median

Lauer’s ‘J towers

th[ezver irises at 6 attain prices!

11314 tKandoCp ft Wilton, CA 95693 (916) 687-6134

LAURIE’S GARDEN

Lorena M. Reid (Reid) introductions of

Japanese, Sino-Siberians, Species & Interspecies Irises

Free list in spring, US only.

41886 McKenzie Hwy. Springfield, OR 97478

Shopping Section

Lone Star^Iris Gardens

Specializing in Louisiana Irises

INTRODUCTIONS OF

Farron Campbell Joe Mertzweiller Dorman Haymon Heather Pryor

OF AUSTRALIA

One of the most complete list¬ ings of Louisiana Irises available anywhere. Full range of modern introductions; many older, hard- to-find cultivars. Color catalog is $4. Write for yours today!

5637 Saddleback Road Garland, TX 75043

MARYOTT’S GARDENS

POBox 1177 Freedom, C A 95019-1177 Newer TB’s Retail/Wholesale Full color catalog $5 — Deductible

www.irisgarden.com

IRIS

HOSTAS

DAY LI LIES

Mid-America

Garden

Paul Black & Tom Johnson

COLOR CATALOG $3.00

Foreign $4.00 U.S. Funds

NOTE our NEW ADDRESS

P O BOX 18278 SALEM, OR 97305-8278

LORRAINE’S IRIS PATCH

20272 Road 11 N.W. Quincy, WA 98848 Dykes and many older Iris at most reasonable prices.

Mill Creek Gardens

Tall Bearded

Medians

MDB’s

Historic

Siberians

210 Parkway Lapeer, MI 48446-2385 (810)-664-5525 email: mcgiris@tir.com catalog $1.00 refundable

MILLER’S MANOR GARDENS

Roger and Lynda Miller 12788 E. 191 St.

Noblesville, IN 46060

MDBs, Medians TBs, Siberians Daylilies, Hostas and Potted Perennials

Newest irises at affordable prices

Send $1.00 for catalog , deductible from first order.

99

Shopping Section

MONUMENT IRIS GARDEN 50029 Sunflower Rd Mitchell, NE 69357

Featuring Tall Bearded Iris — New and Old. LeRoy Meininger — 1-308-623-2661 Catalog $1.00 — Refundable

Mountain View Gardens

“Located in Montana’s beautiful Flathead Valley”

SPECIALIZING IN SIBERIAN IRISES

Send 1 st class stamp for catalog.

2435 Middle Rd. Columbia Falls, MT 5991 2

MflPfl COUNTRY IRIS GARDENS

John & Lesley Painter

9087 Steele Canyon Rd. Napa, Ca. 94558

QUALITY TB IRIS

Irises grown in the world famous wine producing region of California

Send first class stamp for catalog available Arpil through July

I licodemus Iris (warden

Richard & Barbara Nicodemus

RR1 Box 297 Buffalo, MO 65622

Large selection of mostly newer:

TB • LA »JI*SPU® SIB Irises 1998 Catalog $1 (refundable with order) Visitors Welcome 417/345-8697

OUNTAIN VIEW

IRIS GARDENS

Large selection of iris at bargain prices. 100% extras with every order. Free ’99 catalog w/color. Donna & Lacy Hagood 6307 Irwin Ave Lawton, OK 73505 (580) 492-5183/536-3378 MVIGOK@AOL.COM

ftSHk

feature's Garden

40611 Dfxvy 226 Sdo, Oregon 97374

Japanese, Siberian, PCNs, Species

“Mail Order Catalog } 1.00 ‘Refundable

NEWBURN’S IRIS GARDENS

1415 Meadow Dale Drive Lincoln, NE 68505-1940

Growing over 1,000 varieties of tall bearded irises.

Some new and many older irises at reasonable prices.

Price List on Request

100

Shopping Section

NICHOLLS GARDENS

Japanese Rebloomers Siberian - Species LA - Median - TB Hosta & Day lilies

4724 Angus Dr, Gainesville, VA 20155 HTTP://www.he.net/ ~ngardens Catalog $1.00

cAlortfc 3ms Qmdm

Mary Ferguson

PO Box 595 Norfolk, NE 68701

Newer TB and Median Irises

Tall Bearded, Medians, Siberians, Species, Hostas and Daylilies

Price list $1 .00 (deductible with order)

Large selection of iris at discount prices. 100% BONUS with every order. Free ’99 catalog w/some color.

Mary & Jerry Turner 209 Lakeview Ave Apache, OK 73006 (580) 492-5183 & FAX OUTBACKOK1 @ AOL.COM

NICHOLSON’S WOODLAND IRIS GARDENS

2405 Woodland Avenue Modesto, CA 95358

We have several hundred iris vari¬ eties from which to choose. We always like to have visitors during bloom season. Very reasonable prices. Modesto (home of American Graffiti) is located in central California. Our location is very close to Hwy. 99.

Send $1 .00 for catalog Refundable with first order

email: iris4u@pacbell.net web: http://home.pacbell.net/7iris4u/

OHIO GARDENS

148 Alta St

Marietta OH 45750-2607

MTBs of Mary Louise Dunderman and W. Terry Varner.

Large listing of MTBs and Species. Also BBs. Catalog $1.00

ARIL and ARILBRED

IRIS GARDENS

425 E. LUNA AZUL DR. CHAPARRAL, NM 88021

101

Shopping Section

PEDERSON’S IRIS PATCH

Sibley, Dazey North Dakota 58429

Iris Capitol of North Dakota

Quality Tall Bearded Iris at Competitive Prices

Please send 2 first class stamps for price list

Mary Ann Spurlock 305-529-6534

oj-zcho

fj)e Jlo-i. OfLoi^A

• REBLOOMING IRIS

•TB-LA -SPURIA - 1000 Choice©

• Introductions of Nancy Bartlett and Betty Squires e Weddings & Special Events e Hass Avocados 8000 Balcom Canyon Rd.

Somis, CA 93066

\Free Catalog On Request _

2

%

8

%

3

Offering over 4000 Varieties of Bearded iris

Reasonable Prices Specializing in Rebloomers and Space Agers

“Try Us - You’ll Like Us”

Descriptive Catalog $5.00

(Refunded with First Order)

Tony and Irene DeRose 21680 Upper Pleasant Ridge Caldwell, Idaho 83605 (208) 453-1305

Clean-shaven iris, Uncommon perennials, Bog plants, Hostas &

Wildflowers,

Catalog $1 .00

A

wr/

PINE RIDGE GARDENS 832-1 Sycamore Road London, Arkansas 72847

Median & Dwarf Bearded Also: TBs, Siberians I florentina (orris)

Tracy W. Jennings P.O. Box 524 Rockford, MN 55373 Descriptive catalog — $1.00

RORIS

RORIS

GARDENS

8195 Bradshaw Road Sacramento, CA 95829 Phone: (916) 689-7460

Tall Bearded Iris

Send $5.00 for Color Catalog

(Deductible from 1st order)

Our 72 page catalog features a color photo of every flower we offer.

102

Shopping Section

ROCK SPRINGS IRIS FARM

Rt. 1 Box 238 B,

Henrietta Texas 76365

Reasonable prices Descriptive Catalog Send 2 first-class stamps

SPRUCE GARDENS

2317 3rd Rd WisnerNE 68791-3536 1000+ choice newer tall bearded irises 200+ newer Medians List $1.00 deductible

Stump Hollow Iris Garden e

Offering the finest in Bearded Iris 2364 Applegate Lane Payette, Idaho <33661-5017 E-mail floral@cyberhighway.net Price list available

3342 W. Orangewood Phoenix, AZ 85051

(602) 841-1231

BEARDED and SPURIA

GUARANTEED QUALITY - 1000 CHOICES Send 2 - 1st Class stamps for catalog

Spanish s7r*s Qt*r4m

Darlene Pinegar 40 South 200 West Spanish Fork, Utah 84660

Hybridizing for RE and SA irises.

Send 2 first class stamps for descriptive list of TB, Median, RE, and SA irises.

o^IRIS GARDENS

3629 Quinaby Road, Salem, Oregon 97303

Fine Iris for discerning collectors.

GROWERS - HYBRIDIZERS - ORIGINATORS

Americas Finest Iris Catalog. Accurate color illustrations, a treasure trove of information. $5.00

1000 TB Varieties

Rebloomers, Space Agers, Dykes Medals & more...

Catalog $2.00 (refunded with first order)

Keith Chadwick 14000 Oasis Road Caldwell, ID 83605 (208) 459-7185

SOURDOUGH IRIS GARDENS

109 Sourdough Ridge Road Bozeman, MT 59715-9264

Older varieties thrive in high altitude, colder climates. Reasonable prices.

Send long SASE for list available Apr. 15-Oct. 1

103

Shopping Section

IF YOU HAVE THE BEST

CUSTOMERS YOU HAVE TO GROW THE BEST

Over 1400 varieties of hardy tall bearded, licensed and inspected by Dept of Agriculture

Send $1 for catalog

Stanley Iris Garden

3245 N. WING RD, STAR, ID 83669 208 - 286 7079

TB’S PLACE

1513 Ernie Lane Grand Prarie, TX 75052-1106

New Introductions from Tom Burseen and most other hybridizers.

PLANT MARKERS

A unique and attractive tag. All metal and long lasting. Permanent and economical.

Perfect for Iris

Send self-addressed stamped envelope for description, price list and picture.

F. R. UNRUH

37 Oaknoll Road Wilmington, Delaware 19808 (302) 994-2328

SUPERSTITION IRIS GARDENS

Rick Tasco / Roger Duncan

2536 Old Hwy., Dept. A9 Cathey’s Valley, CA 95306

phone 209-966-6277 E-mail randrcv@sierratel.com

^BEARDED IRIS

miniature dwarfs to tails

tREBLOOMERS

hundreds; dwarfs to tails

tHISTORICS one of

the largest commercial listings

tARILBREDS a wide and varied selection _

INQREDlBUz CUSTOMER SERVICE

Descriptive catalog $1.50 Listing over 1,100 varieties

16592 Road 208, Porterville, CA 93257 209-784-9011 Fax 209-784-6701

Specializing in reblooming and space age iris. Over 1,500 varieties of tall bearded and median iris.

Catalog $2.00 deductible from first order

Please support our vendors.

Ten them you saw their ad in the MIS Bulletin!

104

Shopping Section

WILLOW BEND FARM

wiSlo wbead @ fgiLjtet

® Bob & Lynnjf

I

|\ Denton

» \ la

Resonable Prices

Free

Catalo

New & Classic Varieties

ail of the kes Winners

AnUi

1 145 li wj m Eckert, CO 8!4!8

ZEBRA GARDENS

' sR

PURSUING TOMORRC1V TODAY

Distinctive bearded iris. Broken color flowers, variegated foliage. TBs. Medians. & MDBs

Brad & Kathie Kasperek

9130 North 5200 West Elwood, Utah 84337 (435) 257-0736

Catalog $3.00

6 ‘Wittt&i&exsitf, tyanctewi n

Don and Ginny Spoon 1225 Reynolds Road Cross Junction, VA 22625 (540) 888-4447 e-mail: VSpoon@aol.com

over 4000 iris varieties with over 700 rebloomers

Bearded Iris ~ Introductions TBs ~ Medians — MDBs Modems ~ Classics ~ Histories

Send $2 for all descriptive lists or $ 1 for rebloomer list only Refundable with order

Satisfaction guaranteed

Advertising nays in the

ais Bulletin.

See page 89 for rates.

Alt photos this page fay Men

omtn^ u\

CHINESE NEW YEAR (Ghio '98), T8

All photos this poge by Aitken, except os noted.

	k * * j ^ **&r}
mSk\ ▼ ' ^ vSB t	DjH m:
■ 1 1 1 1 ^ j \ irry^k	W V * flV j W MM i

STARSHIP ENTERPRISE

$50.00

3629 Quinaby Rd. NE Salem, Oregon 97303 Online at www.schreinersiris.com Catalog $5.00

1

Bulletin of the American iris Society

ISSN 0747-4172

Volume lxxx, No. 2 Series No. 313 April 1999

Editor: Terry Aitken, 608 NW 119th St., Vancouver WA 98685-3802; aitken@e-z.net Advertising Editor: Jean Erickson, 4036 Trinity Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95405-7714 Photo Team: Robert Plank, 8426 Vine Valley Drive, Sun Valley, CA 91352-3656 Scientific Editor: Adele Lawyer, 4333 Oak Hill Road, Oakland, CA 94605-4523 Layout & Graphic Design: Scott Aitken, Flash Graphic Design ,

2760 NE 98 St, Seattle WA 98115-2447; zebra@chcs.com

The Bulletin of the American Iris Society is published quarterly by The American Iris Society. Publishing Office, Route 1 Box 67, P.O. Box 392, Walters, OK 73572-0392. Periodical postage paid at Walters, OK, and at additional mailing offices. Subscription price is included in membership dues. All copy due in Editor’s office by Oct. 15 (Jan.), Jan. 15 (April), April 15 (July), July 15 (October). This Bulletin was printed by Great Impressions. Copyright © 1999 The American Iris Society.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Bulletin of the American Iris Society,

P.O. Box 392, Walters, OK 73572-0392.

How to reach the American iris Society:

Membership , Dues , Missing Bulletins: Marilyn Harlow, PO Box 55, Freedom CA 95019-0055. (408) 722-1810, 9:00AM - 6:00PM Pacific Coast Time Business matters of the Society:

Ruth B. Simmons, P.O. Box 392, Walters, OK 73572-0392. (580) 875-2271.

Bulletin advertising: Jean Erickson, Advertising Editor,

4036 Trinity Dr, Santa Rosa CA 95405-7714 (707) 526-5204.

Articles appearing in this publication should be considered the opinions of the authors. Technical articles reporting the results of research will be summarized as news reports, with references made to specialized journals where more complete information can be found.

Permission is granted to non profit organizations to reprint original material appearing in this Bulletin, on condition that both the author and the publication are credited, and a copy of your publication is sent to the editor.

AiS Membership Rates: Overseas Rates:

Annual,	Single: $18.00	Annual, Single:	$23.00
	Dual:	$23.00	Dual:	$26.00
Triennial,	Single: $43.00	Triennial, Single:	$54.00
	Dual:	$54.00	Dual:	$65.00
Life,	Single:	$360.00	Calendar year memberships. May be paid
	Dual: $435.00	by check, VISA, or	Mastercard. Overseas

memberships include first class postage, Youth, without Bulletin: $4.00 and are payable in U.S. currency.

Youth, with Bulletin: $7.00

Visit the AIS Website: http://www.irises.org

y^mezican 3tis Society

1

The American Iris Society is a nonprofit institution incorporated February 2, 1927, in the County of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania. By the terms of the Charter, the Corporation has no stockholders and exists for the sole purpose of promoting the culture and improvement of the Iris.

offiseFs:

President: Clarence Mahan, 7311 Churchill Road, McLean, VA 22101, (703) 893-8526

First Vice President: Terry Aitken, 608 NW 119th St., Vancouver, WA, 98685-3802 (360) 573-4472

Second Vice President: Jeanne Clay Plank, 8426 Vine Valley Drive, Sun Valley, CA 91352-3656, (818) 767-5512

Secretary: Ruth B. Simmons, PO Box 392, Walters, OK 73572-0392, (580) 875-2271

Treasurer: Jay Hudson, 33450 Little Valley Rd., Fort Bragg, CA 95437, (707) 964-3907

Editor: Terry Aitken, 608 NW 119th St., Vancouver WA 98685-3802, (360) 573-4472, Fax (360) 576-7012

Mmini&tpotiwo &ffieerss

Registrar: Keith Keppel, po Box 18154, Salem, OR 97305, (503) 391-9241 Membership Secretary: Marilyn Harlow, po Box 55, Freedom, CA 95019-0055, (408) 722-1810 Recording Secretary: Anne Lowe, 12219 Zilles Rd., Blackstone, VA 23824, (804) 265-8198 Publication Sales Director: Irv & Nancy Pocklington, 609 Harrington St, Carlinville, IL 62626-1230, (217) 854-2184 Ombudsman: Lew Begley, 1930 Wilkinson Rd., Mesquite, TX 75181-2204, (972) 289-7107

tfiFostopg:

Past Presidents: Marion Walker, Harold L. Stahly, Ronald Mullin, James Rasmussen, Kenneth M. Waite, Claire B. Barr, Dave Niswonger

Terms expiring in 1 999 : Terms expiring in 2000 : Terms expiring in 200 1 : R VP Representative:

Mike Lowe Shirley Pope

E. Roy Epperson Jean Morris

J. Farron Campbell Kathy Guest

Brad Kasperek

Michael Moller Riley Probst

Paul Gossett Maxine Perkins

Barbara Figge Bobbie Shepard

Chairs of StaasSm® Committieos:

Affiliates: Shirley L. Pope, 39 Highland Ave, Gorham, ME 04038, (207) 839-3054 Awards: Farron Campbell, 5637 Saddleback Rd., Garland, TX 75043, (972) 240-4016 Calendar: Olive Rice-Waters, 1914 Napa Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94707, (510) 526-2853 Convention Liaison: Paul Gossett, 1708 E. 53rd St., Tulsa, OK 7105-5726, (918) 745-0852 Exhibitions: E. Roy Epperson, 1115 Delk Dr., High Point, NC 27262, (336) 883-9677 Foundation Liaison: Roger P. Mazur, 5824 Erskine #7, Omaha, NE 68104 Historical: Larry Harder, Box 547, Ponca, NE 68770, (402) 755-2615

Honorary Awards: Dave Niswonger, 822 Rodney Vista Blvd., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, (573) 334-33 83

Insurance: Michelle Snyder, 7855 Ellenbogen St., Sunland, CA 91040, (213) 525-3794

Judges: Ron Mullin, Route 3, Box 84, Pawnee, OK 74058-9302, (918) 762-2430

Library: Keith McNames, 7711 Pries Dr, Salem, OR 97303, (503) 463-1875

Membership Contest: Lynda Miller, 12788 E. 191st, Noblesville, IN 46060, (317) 776-0323

Policy: Mike Lowe, 12219 Zilles Road, Blackstone, VA 23824, (804) 265-8198

Public Relations: Kathy Guest, 494 North St., East Aurora, NY 14052-1446, (716) 655-1762

Registrations: Keith Keppel, PO Box 18154, Salem, OR 97305, (503) 391-9241

Send all registration applications, and $7.50 payable to ais, to Keith Keppel.

Robins: Libby Cross, 8907 Potts Creek Road, Covington, VA 24426, (540) 747-2123

RVP Counselor: Michael Moller, 3750 W. Arrowhead Rd., Littleton, CO 80123, (303) 797-8341

Scientific: Dr. Chandler Fulton, 21 Hillcrest Road, Weston, MA 02193, (617) 891-4015

Scholarship: Dr. John J. Taylor, 3747 E. Kent Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85044-4576, (602) 759-3128

Section Liaison: Riley Probst, 418 N. Van Buren, St. Louis, MO 63122, (314) 822-2485

Silent Auction: Barbara Figge, 6805 Kentucky Ct. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, (505) 881-3859

Slides: Hooker Nichols, 3365 Northaven Rd., Dallas, TX 75229, (214) 352-2191

Ways & Means: Maxine Perkins, PO Box 494, Mesilla Park, NM 88047-0494, (505) 524-1529

Youth: Jean Morris, 682 Huntley Heights, Ballwin MO 63021, (314) 256-3927

3

(ist line = Presidents, 2nd line = Memberships)

Median iris Society:

Dorothy Willott, 26231 Shaker Blvd, Beachwood, OH 44122 Rita Gormley, 6717 Martha Dr., Cedar Hill, MO 63026

Society for Siberian irises:

Tom Abrego, PO Box 693, Newberg, OR 97132

Howard Brookins, N 75 W14257 North Point Dr., Menomonee Falls, WI 53051-4325

Spuria iris Society:

Tom Abrego, PO Box 693, Newberg, OR 97132

Bobbie Shepard, 3342 West Orangewood, Phoenix, AZ 85051

Society for Japanese irises:

Terry Aitken, 608 NW 119 St., Vancouver, WA 98685 Robert Bauer, 9823 E. Michigan Ave, Galesburg, MI 49053

Reblooming iris Society:

Rosalie Figge, 4 Maryland Ave, Towson, MD 21286-1100 Charlie Brown, 3114 S. FM 131, Denison, TX 75020

Dwarf iris Society:

Brad Kasperek, 9130 North 5200 West, Elwood, UT 84337-8640 Lynda Miller, 12788 E. 191st, Noblesville, IN 46060

Society for Pacific Coast Native irises:

Jay Hudson, 33450 Little Valley Rd., Fort Bragg, CA 95437 Terry Hudson, 33450 Little Valley Rd., Fort Bragg, CA 95437

Species iris Croup of North America (sign A):

Carla Lankow, 11118 169th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98059 Colin Rigby, 18341 Paulson SW, Rochester, WA 98579

Historic iris Preservation Society (HIPS):

Doug Goodnight, 1005 Gamblin Ln., Hobbs, NM 88240

Andree Desiree Wilson, 15 Bracebridge Rd, Newton Centre, MA 02459

Coopetatiog Societies:

Aril Society international:

Scott W. Jordan, 3500 Avenida Charada Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107 Reita Jordan, 3500 Avenida Charada Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107

Society for Louisiana irises:

Farron Campbell, 5637 Saddleback Rd., Garland, TX 95043 Elaine Bourque, 1812 Broussard Rd. E, Lafayette, LA 70508

	single	single	dual	dual
Section Membership Rates:	annual	triennial	annual	triennial
Median Iris Society	$5.50	15.00	6.50	i7-5o
(Overseas members add $5 per year for postage)
Society for Siberian Iris	5.00	13.00	6.00	15.00
Spuria Iris Society	6.00	15.00	8.00	18.00
Society for Japanese Iris	3-5°	9.00	4.00	10.50
Reblooming Iris Society	5.00	13.00	6.00	15.00
Society for PCNs	4.00	10.00	5.00	12.00
Species Iris Group	4.00	10.00	5.00	12.00
Dwarf Iris Society	4.50	12.00	6.75	18.00
Historic Iris Preservation Society	5.00	12.00	6.00	15.00
Aril Society International	10.00	28.00	i3-5o	33-50
Society for Louisiana Irises	7-50	18.00	9.00	22.50

4

lR.e$ions &. <T\e<jloni\L ¥$ice ^fetesidents

I: Maine, Neva Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut ana Rhoae island:

Ada Godfrey, 9 Bradford St., Foxborough, MA 02035, (508) 543-2711, <hmwalk@ici.net>

2: Neva York:

Peter Weixlmann, 280 Seneca Creek Rd, West Seneca, NY 14224, (716) 674-6289, < Pwebd@aol.com >

J; Pennsylvania and Delaware:

Vincent Lewonski, 509 S. Bishop Ave, Secane, PA 19018-2903, (610) 623-3921 <VinceLewonski@yahoo.com>

a: Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, west Virginia, and North Carolina:

Sara R. Marley, 13358 Sagle Rd, Purcellville, VA 20132-1827, (540) 668-9004, <digger@anent.com>

5: south Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Puerto Rico:

Randell Bowen, 528 Forest Ridge Dr., Shelby, NC 28152, (704) 434-6118 <RBowen@shelby.net>

6: Ohio, Indiana and Michigan:

Howard Hughes, 210 Parkway, Lapeer MI 48446, (810) 664-5525 < mcgiris@tir.com >

7: Tennessee and Kentucky :

v. Mary Thurman, 521 KickapooTr., Frankfort, KY 40601, (502) 695-1506

I 8: Minnesota and Wisconsin:

Edwin .WfKelsey, W. 91^5 Schofield Rd., Poynette WI 53955, (608) 635-7169

9: lllinmis

Orville Dickhaut,;i02 Slferwood, Carlinville IL 62626, (217) 854-3418

ID: Louisiana:

Elaine Bourque, 1812 Broussard Road East, Lafayette, LA 70508, (318) 865-5859

f 11: Idaho, Montana and Wyoming:

'Carryl Meyer, 2532 H-lghvjpod Dr, Missoula, MT 59803, (406) 251-5800 <carrylm@bigsky.net>

12: utahl

Brad Kasperek, 9130^0^ 5200 West, Elwood, UT 84337, (435) 25 7~°73^ <zebrairisl@aol.com>

IS: Washington, Oregon and Alaska:

Lorena Reid, 4^86 McKenzie Hwy., Springfield, OR 97478, (541) 896-3756

. f4: " Northern California, Nevada and Hawaii:

Kitty Loberg, 1900 Mountain View Ln., Redwood Valley, CA 95470, (707) 485-7907

IS: Southern California and Arizona:

Dr. Herbert Hoik, 14115 Pear St., Riverside, CA 92508, (909) 780-0335

16: Canada:

Catherine Boyko, Rt. 9, Bains Rd., Dunnville ONT NIA2W8 Canada, (905) 774-8360

17: Texas:

Bonnie Nichols, 3365 Northaven Rd., Dallas, TX 75229, (214) 352-2191, <bjnhtn@aol.com>

18: Kansas and Missouri:

Jim Morris, 682 Huntley Heights Dr., Ballwin MO 63021, (314) 256-3927

19: New Jersey:

Raymond Rogers, 503 Lee Ave., North Brunswick, NJ 08902, (732) 249-9478 <rrogers@dk.com>

20: Colorado:

Fran Evers, 4955 Pine Ridge Rd., Golden, CO 80403 < EversJFW@aol.com >

21: lowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota:

Carolyn Lingenfelter, 1108 N. 9th St., Norfolk, NE 68701, (402) 371-3658 < carolyndl@hotmail.com >

22: Arkansas and Oklahoma:

Louise Carson, 5027 NW 24th PL, Oklahoma City OK 73127, (405) 947-1710 <joecar@flash.net>

2S: New Mexico:

Barbara Figge, 6805 Kentucky Court NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, <irisone@juno.com>

2a: Alabama and Mississippi:

Leland Parkins, 759 Dogwood Tr., Remlap, AL 35133, (205) 681-3349

5

*/\3S> bulletin

Table of contents

Regular Features:

Page 2	Officers Sc Committee Chairpeople
Page 3	AIS Sections
Page 4	Regions Sc Regional Vice Presidents
Page 7	President’s Message, Clarence Mahan
Page 9	Editor’s Message, Terry Aitken
Page 16	Youth Views, Jean Morris
Page 20	International News, George & Margaret Sutton , Bruce Filardi
Page 118	Official AIS Storefront
Page 120	AIS Slides For Rent
Page 121	AIS Bulletin Advertising Rates
Page 122	Shopping Section

Articles

Page 14 Page 15 Page 27 Page 42 Page 48 Page 52 Page 54 Page 58 Page 60 Page 63 Page 65 Page 70 Page 76 Page 79 Page 81 Page 85 Page 99 Page 103 Page 107 Page 109 Page no Page 117

1 1

1

Median Guest Request Bearded Guest Request New Zealand Irises, Terry Aitken Irises in Germany, Susan Weber Culture Corner, Terry Aitken Compost or Snake Oil, Terry Aitken\

Show Prep for Beginners, Terry Aitken

Bearded Iris Seeds, George Sutton

Seedling Selection, Rick Ernst

Companion Plants, Ray Schreiner

Fertile Intermediates, Marky Smith

The Great Clarence Mystery, Don Spoon

Siberian Iris Culture, John Coble

Siberian Hybridizing, Anna Mae Miller

’98 Spuria Convention, Bruce Filardi

Handbook forjudges Sc Show Officials, E. Roy Epperson

Robins Anyone?, Libby A. Cross

AIS Contributions Sc Gifts

To Be a Bee, Don Spoon

AIS Display Screens

1999 AIS Judges

AIS Financial Report

Front cover photo: Marky Smith. Unidentified tall bearded iris in the Chapman Garden, 1 998 AIS Convention in Denver.

6661 1 i WH

6

index of Advertisers:

Advertisers are listed alphabetically:

2000 Iris Calendar	Pg 46
Cape Iris Gardens	pg l9
Cooleys	pg 92, & back cover
D &J Gardens	Pg 8
Diamonds & Gold International	pg 87
EON Industries	pg 107
Fan’s Iris Garden	Pg 78
Friendship Gardens	Pg 51
The Gardeners Iris Book	Pg 109
William & Martha Griner	Pg 50
Hermit Medlers Walk	Pg 105
Sterling &c Barbara Innerst	Pg 94
The Japanese Iris	pg 108
Keith Keppel	Pg 47
Lauer’s Flowers	Pg 62
Long’s Gardens	Pg 88"89
M.A.D. Iris Garden	Pg 26
Lynn & Peter Markham	pg 106
Messick Iris Garden	Pg 64
Mid-America Garden	Pg 74-75
Miller’s Manor Gardens	Pg *3
Walter Moores	Pg 53
New Zealand Convention	Pg 32
Paw Paw Everlast Label	Pg 108
Pocatello, Idaho Iris Festival	Pg 93
Rainbow Acres	Pg 95
Roberts Backyard	Pg55
Schreiner’s	inside front cover
Shepard Iris Garden	Pg 9i
Family of Nancy Silverberg	Pg I2
Harold Stahly	Pg 4i
Superstition Garden	pg 69
Sutton’s Green Thumber	Pg 9°
Varigay Gardens	pg 18
Joe Pye Weed’s Garden	Pg 102
Winterberry Gardens	Pg 96-98
Zebra Gardens	Pg 56-57

7

/Kessa^e

b\f C^tatence /Kahan, X^Lt^Lnia

ur Bulletin is the AIS benefit that truly belongs to all of our members. It is the only benefit received by some of our members who cannot or do not participate in the range of iris activities offered by AIS. Ever since Robert S. Sturtevant took on the task of editing our first Bulletin we have been blessed by having dedicated, hard-working members who have stepped forward to take on the demanding task of editing our Bulletin.

I have had a love affair with the Bulletin ever since I joined AIS. I heard complaints about not having enough pictures in color, about having articles on iris stamps, and about any number of other supposed shortcomings, but these bounced off my uncritical mind like raindrops falling on an iris leaf. Once I joined the Board of Directors, however, I felt duty-bound to raise such complaints during meetings of the Board. Several people discussed a number of ways in which they thought the Bulletin could be improved at our meeting last year in Denver. Since that time I have heard both praise and complaints about some features of the Bulletin.

The most common complaint heard about the Bulletin is, quite understandably, when it arrives late. When articles do not arrive by established deadlines an editor faces a dilemma. Should the Bulletin go to print without material people will be expecting to be in it, or should the Bulletin be delayed until the material arrives? Our editor and I have agreed that he will no longer wait for late material. So, please, all of you writers and committee chairmen who have material for the Bulletin, get it to the editor before the cutoff date.

There will be a two-hour brainstorming session on the Bulletin at our convention in Oklahoma this year. This meeting will be open to everyone. Come and voice your views on what you would like to see or not see in the Bulletin. The Bulletin belongs to us all and your views are important. And while on this subject, here’s a big “thank you” to Terry Aitken for all his hard work for AIS and for his willingness to listen to everyone’s ideas.

I received an email message from Keith McNames on January 20,

1999* ^ said: “The AIS Library went on-line today with an address of : AISLIBRARY@aol.com.” Hurrah for Keith!

If you have not yet registered for the convention this year, you really should think about doing so. I have been to several AIS conventions in Oklahoma, and they have always been great fun. Those Sooners really know how to throw a bash, and the costs are considerably less than in many other areas. Best of all, they do indeed know how to grow beautiful irises in Oklahoma.

I recently bought a reprint of a classic horticultural book that I had wanted for a long time: Garden Shrubs and their Histories by Alice M. Coats. This book has a quotation from Marcel Proust’s novel Jean Santeuil that is poetic and beautiful, and I would like to share it:

. . . The only sound to be heard was that of the vain Virginia Creeper at her toilet , drying her scarlet leaves , and now and then letting fall a drop of water. ; which struck the flags with a pleasing “plop. ”

I would like to think that the “flags” are lavender-blue Iris pallida, but you may imagine them to be any iris of which you especially fond.

D & J GARDENS

Duane & Joyce Meek

7872 Howell Prairie Rd. NE, Silverton, OR 97381-9638 (503) 873-7603

1999 INTRODUCTIONS

ALMOST EDEN (D. Meek) TB, M-L, 36". Luscious rose tan standards, ivory falls blushed rose tan, darker hafts, ivory area around rose tan beard, (blue violet at end) falls lighten to ivory, (upon aging) to a narrow rose tan rim, wide, ruffled and lacy with candelabra branching of 5-6 + terminal, 7- 8 buds. (Spring Tidings X Glory Be) Sdlg. #91-1-0 $40.00

DREAM SCENE (D. Meek) TB, M-L, 35". Ruffled, lacy, deep fluorescent violet self, slightly open upright standards, self beard tipped cinnamon in throat, broad falls, darker haft, excellent branching, 4-5 + term., & 7-9 buds. (Awakening X Spring Tidings) Sdlg. #83-1-1 $40.00

EXPERTISE (D. Meek) TB, M, 35". Broad ruffled violet w/ distinctive subtle white pattern raying from the creamy beard, 4-5 br. + term., 7-11 buds. ((((Song Of Norway x Premonition) x (Apropos x Rococco)) x Blue Luster) X Blues Chaser) Sdlg. #74-2-1 $35.00

FOOL NUMBER ONE (D. Meek) TB, M-L, 34". Perfectly domed apricot standards, fall base is apricot w/ burgundy streaks from coral beards to ruffled & picoteed fall rims, 3 br. + term., 6-7 buds. (Gigolo X (Queen In Calico x Mountain Melody) Sdlg. #6- 1-1 $35.00

HIDDEN RICHES (D. Meek) TB, M, 33". Pale ruffled blue, deep blue around soft blue beard tipped creamy yellow, deeper blue styles, 3-4 br. + term., 9- 12 buds. (Honky Tonk Blues X Carriage Trade) Sdlg. #181-1-5 $35.00

HONEST ILLUSION (D. Meek) TB, M, 32". Mauve flushed rose, fight area under melon beard, deep ruffles, exquisite! 4 br. + term., 7-9 buds. (Delirious X Chapel Bells) Sdlg. #116-1-1 $35.00

SEA SWEPT (D. Meek) TB, M-L, 34". Deeply ruffled pale blue w/ dotted hafts, ivory area under pale violet blue beard, (tipped yellow in throat) & pleating down sides of falls, 4 br. + term., 8-10 buds. Sib to EXPERTISE, Sdlg. #74- 1-1 $40.00

If ordering from this ad please add $4.50 for shipping. ($5 east of the Mississippi) If you’ve not ordered in the past 2 years, & want to receive our catalog, send $1 (deductible from your ’99 order.)

9

^ditots /lA&ssaac

More Feedback "

b\f <Zewi{ jAitken, TOashin^ton S>tate

T THE FALL BOARD MEETING THERE WAS APPROVAL FOR A change in the bindry method for the Bulletin from saddle stitch to perfect hind. This opens the door for taking bids from a broad range of publishers. The bindry method also opens up economical opportunities for more color in the Bulletin , which will become evident with this issue. Quality control on halftones will also be upgraded with the April issue through computer enhancement. Feedback indicates the membership is almost 100% in favor of the new perfect bind method.

There has also been feedback to the “political” advertisement submitted by Brad Kasperek. AIS does not currently have a policy regarding political advertisements, so no editorial decision was warranted. However, I am sure the Board will examine this issue at their next meeting.

Deadlines for the Bulletin allow the editor to begin work on the next issue shortly after the published deadline. The editor is not obligated to accept material beyond this date, however with newer publishing methods, it is possible to accept late display ads (but not Shopping Section ads) right up to the time when we lock in on page count, which is what we routinely do. My advice to advertisers is to get your money into the Advertising Editor by the Bulletin deadline, so that we can block out a space for you; then get the text to me as soon as possible. In the case of new introductions, the iris names must be cleared with the Registrar before the Advertising Editor will accept the ad.

The question regarding AIS financial health has been raised by a few people. In 1995 AIS invested a substantial sum for the reprinting of The World of Iris. That converted cash into the Bookstore inventory where the sales of that book are now returning the investment back into cash flow. In short, the AIS remains in good financial health, and that improving trend is further illustrated by the Quarterly Report submitted by the treasurer, elsewhere in this issue.

10

Corrections to preuious Bulletins:

January Bulletin , 1999:

Page 78: The following information was inadvertently omitted from the Board Minutes:

Regional Vice President Appointments: RVP Counselor Epperson distributed the following list of recommended 1999 appointments for RVP:

First Year Appointments:

Region 1	Ada Godfrey
2	Peter Weixlmann
3	Vincent Lewonski
4	Sara Marley
5	Randall Bowen
17	Bonnie Nichols
19	Raymond Rogers
20	Fran Evers
21	Carolyn Lingenfelter
22	Barbara Figge
Second Year Appointments:
Region 6	Howard Hughes
8	Edwin Kelsey
9	Orville Dickhaut
11	Carryl Meyer
14	Kitty Loberg
16	Catherine Boyko
18	Jim Morris
22	Louise Carson
Third Year Appointments:
Region 7	Mary Thurman
10	Elaine Bourque
12	Brad Kasperek
13	Lorena Reid
15	Herbert Hoik
24	Leland Parkins
Epperson moved, Niswonger seconded, approval of all

Standing Committee appointments: Mahan chairmen:

Affiliates: Shirley Pope Awards: Farron Campbell Calendar: Olive Rice-Waters Convention Liaison: Paul Gossett Exhibitions: Roy Epperson Foundation Liaison: Roger Mazur Historical: Larry Harder Honorary Awards: Dave Niswonger Insurance: Michelle Snyder Judges: Ron Mullin Library: Keith McNames Membership Contest: Lynda Miller

requested approval of the following committee

Policy: Mike Lowe Public Relations: Kathy Guest Registrations: Keith Keppel Robins: Libby Cross RVP Counselor: Mike Moller Scientific: Dr. Chandler Fulton Scholarship: Dr. John Taylor Section Liaison: Riley Probst Silent Auction: Barbara Figge Slides: Hooker Nichols Ways and Means: Maxine Perkins Youth: Jean Morris

Plank moved, Pope seconded that these appointments be approved. Carried.

</~[ow to 'Re^ste’t and 3ntxodu.cc an 3xls

These instructions apply to the registration of all classes of irises except bulbous irises.

te&gistresti&n

1. Write to the AIS Registrar, Keith Keppel, R O. Box 18154, Salem, OR 97305, for a registration blank, enclosing check for the registration fee payable to the American Iris Society. The fee is $7.50 per registration, or $10.00 if transferring a name from a previous registration.

2. At the same time, select a name which has not previously been used and submit it for approval. To determine availability of name, please refer to all ten-year Check Lists (beginning 1939) and annual Registrations and Introductions booklets (beginning 1990). Please also suggest alternate names. A name is not registered until the registration application has been completed and approved and a certificate of registration returned to you.

3. Names should follow the rules established by the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants. Rules are subject to change, but at the present time the following names will not be permitted:

a. Names of living persons without their written consent, or names of recently (10 years) deceased persons without permission of next of kin or other authority.

b. Personal names containing the following forms of address or their equivalent in another language: Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms.

c. Names including symbols, numerals, non-essential punctuation or abbreviations.

d. Names beginning with the articles “a” or “the” or their equivalent in other languages unless required by linguistic custom.

e. Names in Latin or in latinized form.

f. Slight variation of a previously registered name.

g. Names in excess of three words, ten syllables, or thirty letters.

h. Names containing the word “iris” or “flag” or the species name of any recognized species of Iris, or formed wholly by recombining parts of the parental species’ names.

i. Names containing the hybridizer’s name in possessive form.

j. Names which exaggerate or may become inaccurate (e.g. Heaviest Lace, Tallest Black), or which are composed solely of adjectives which could be construed as a simple description (e.g. Pale Blue, Ruffled).

k. Names translated from the original language; they should be transliterated as necessary.

4. Previously registered names may be re-used only if (a) the original registration has not been introduced or distributed by name, (b) does not appear by name in the parentage of later registrations, and (c) a statement of permission is obtained from the prior registrant.

5. Names will not be released as obsolete unless there is proof that no stock now exists and that the iris was not listed as a parent in registrations.

INTRODUCTION

Introduction is the offering for sale to the public. Catalogs, printed lists, and advertisements in the American Iris Society Bulletin are acceptable means of introduction. It is a requisite of awards of the Society above that of High Commendation. A variety is not eligible for listing on the awards ballot until after it has been recorded as introduced by the Registrar- Recorder. Send the Registrar a copy of your list, catalog or advertisement by first class mail so verification of introduction can be made.

The Registrar will supply a sample application form upon receipt of a stamped self- addressed envelope.

12

(r ^

Attention: Hybridizers and introducers

It is your responsibility to notify the Registrar when irises are introduced. This information is necessary not only for our iris history, but also to make your introductions eligible for A.I.S. awards.

Proof of introduction (catalog, price list, page from regional or sectional publications, etc.) should be sent first class to the Registrar. (Introductions made by display ads placed in the A.I.S. Bulletin are automatically picked up and need not be submitted.)

Although this should always be done in a timely manner, 1999 is an especially critical year. Work has begun on the 1999 ten-year Checklist. If your iris was introduced in the ’90s, it should appear in this reference book.

Keith Keppel, Registrar PO Box 18154 Salem, OR 97305

V . — m

To all of our friends who gave so freely and generously in honor of

NANCY SI LVERBERG

we would like to express our deepest heartfelt gratitude

Mrs. Isabell Thompson Susan Harrison, Sandi Thompson-Chittenden David Silverberg

13

MILLER’S MANOR GARDENS

Lynda & Roger Miller 12788 E 191 ST Noblesville, IN 46060

1999 INTRODUCTIONS

ACE (L. Miller) MTB, 2211 M. Ace is the darkest MTB plicata we have see and very vigorous. The standards are white with a deep violet overlay. The falls white ground are marked deep violet with a belly stripe and overall dotting which becomes a solid border at the edge. Pale violet beards are tipped golden bronze.

4094B : Cherry X Manisses $15.00

CHELSEA TURNER (J. Norrick) MTB, 1811 L. Crisp, bright, and well formed describes this little beauty with bright yellow standards and light yellow falls edged bright yellow. Great bud count and stocks for showing and in the garden.

92-4: Spanish Coins X Topsy Turvy $15.00

FOOLED ME (L. Miller) IB, 18" E-L. At a distance you will see mottled purple and white blossoms of which no two are alike. But up close you will see the real charm, a perfect stitched edge of purple on the ruffles. Electric blue beards. Very vigorous. 795C: Cimarron Rose X Melba Hamblen $ 1 5 .00

SCHOOL DAYS (L. Miller) SDB, 11, ML. Remember the olden days of the violet-gray school slates, that is the color of the large spots on these round waxy rich cream blossoms. Gracefully ruffled and flared falls, cream beards. 3 buds.

2093 : Cosmos X Cream Cakes $12.50

CHARGED UP (L. Miller) TB, 34", L. Standards are light rose over a pale orange ground with dark apricot style arms. But the name comes from the lightly ruffled falls of rose magenta over dark apricot with a stripe of apricot extending all the way down the falls from the brilliant tangerine beards.

100791: (Far Corners X Marmalade) X unknown $35.00

NOBLE LADY (L Miller) TB, SA, 33", M. Pretty in pink is this small of stature lady. She wears a dress of pale pink with a slightly paler ruffled shirt with rose lines at her hafts. Her outfit is set off by tangerine beards and small orchid horns.

4494B: Christa X Pagan Pink $35.00

WINNING TICKET (L. Miller) TB, 32", E. Beautiful wide ruffled huge blossoms of white with a slight blue tint in the standards. Falls have long stitched lines of dark lavender toward the white lightly tipped gold beards.

4894A: Pagan Pink X Acoma $35.00

Add $5.00 handling when ordering from this ad.

Visa & MC accepted

Send 01.00 (deductible from first order) for descriptive catalog also featuring hostas, daylilies, and rare perennials.

14

mmmmm aovssev 2001

Guest Ms Request

The Iris Society of Massachusetts will host the IRIS ODYSSEY 2001 Convention in eastern Massachusetts, May 18 - 20, 2001

Hybridizers are invited to submit miniature dwarf, standard dwarf, intermediate, arilmeds, miniature tall, border beardeds; species and species crosses recently introduced, or seedlings under consideration for introduction. These irises will be exhibited in eight gardens.

Send guest irises to:

Bill Godfrey, Guest Iris Chairman 3 Pierce St (Rte 140)

Foxborough MA 02035 (508) 543-2711

When sending guest irises, please observe the following guidelines:

1. Up to five rhizomes of each variety or seedling will be accepted.

2. Guest irises will be accepted from July 5 - August 31, 1999.

3 . The name or seedling number must be clearly indicated on each rhizome.

4. Master packing list is to accompany each shipment and shall include:

- Hybridizer’s name, address, and phone number;

- Name or number of the variety/seedling;

- Year of introduction;

- Type of iris;

- Height and color;

- IMPORTANT: SEASON OF BLOOM (Early, Mid, Late, etc.).

5. When guest irises are named after shipment, please notify the guest iris chairman before September 31, 2000 for accurate recording.

6. An acknowledgment of receipt will be mailed to all contributors. Contributors will later be asked for instructions regarding disposition of plants. Failure to reply by May 1, 2001, will be considered as an order to destroy all stock. All returned guest plants will be shipped postpaid.

7. The Convention Committee will exercise all precautions to see that no plant is traded or sold, and that no seed is set, or pollen used.

8 . The convention committee will adhere to the Code of Ethics as printed in the AIS Convention Handbook. Only rhizomes received through the guest iris chairman will be listed in the convention booklet.

i -J

15

Request for Guest Bearded l rises SUSQUEHANNA. 2001

The Susquehanna Iris Society will host the 2001 Convention of the American Iris Society.

The Guest Iris Committee invites hybridizers to send guest rhizomes of recent introductions and seedlings of bearded irises under consideration for introduction. Please observe the following guidelines when sending guest irises:

1. Up to three rhizomes of each variety may be shipped.

2. Guest Irises will be accepted from July 1 - August 30, 1999.

3. All official guest irises must be shipped to:

Patricia A. Leader

Iris Guest Chair

9328 Forest Road

Glen Rock, PA 17327

4. The name of the variety or seedling number must be clearly marked on each rhizome. In addition, the following information must be clearly marked for each plant on a SEPARATE PACKING LIST.

A. Hybridizer’s name and address.

B. Name or seedling number of the variety.

C. Type of iris (TB, IB, MTB, SDB).

D. Height, color, and bloom season (E, M, L).

E. Year of introduction (if introduced).

5. If a guest seedling is named, it is the responsibility of the hybridizer to notify the Guest Iris Chairwoman not later than Dec. 1, 2000.

6. A receipt will be mailed to all contributors. Shortly before the convention, contributors will be asked for instructions regarding the distribution of the plants. Failure to reply by June 15, 2001, will be interpreted as permission to destroy all stock. All official guest plants which are to be returned will be shipped postpaid, except to foreign addresses.

7. The Convention Committee and owners of tour gardens will follow the Code of Ethics as printed in the AIS Convention Handbook.

8. The Guest Iris Committee will not be responsible for losses beyond its control, and only Irises received through the Guest Iris Chairwoman will be listed in the convention booklet.

16

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b\f foan £L. /IXoviis, / His sou'll

RIS PEOPLE LIKE TO HAVE FUN. ThATS ONE REASON THE AIS appeals to youth members. And why not? Having fun is, well. . . fun! On occasion, we older people may need to examine the way we do things to guard against monotony. The same old routines and programs can be boring, which is not fun.

The following are several “fun” ideas affiliate members have shared, some of which came directly from youths. Try a few. Perhaps they will bring a smile to irisarians of all ages.

Name a youth as Program Chairman. This is a good way to ensure new, fun ideas.

Show the “Iris Trivia” slides available from the AIS. They are in demand because they are fun. Several new trivia programs will be available soon.

Set aside ten minutes before each iris business meeting for this “ice¬ breaker.” Tape a familiar iris name to each member’s back upon arrival. Everyone must circulate and ask questions to guess his/her iris variety. If your meetings are too rushed for this type of fun, try it at your Holiday party or at your garden tour lunch stop.

Come dressed as your favorite iris, at a specific meeting or near Halloween. Many clubs have reported the fun involved with this activity.

Instead of a Holiday gift exchange, ask members to bring donations of non- parishable items for a local food pantry. Arrange for advance pickup so youth members can help load the cans, etc. onto the truck. Helping others can be fun and gives a feeling of accomplishment.

Sing iris songs together. Any familiar tune will do if clever club members will make up some funny iris words. The Iris Society of Massachusetts entertained attendees at the AIS Fall Board Meeting with wonderful iris songs. Ask them to share a few. What fun we all had!

Appoint a few people to be responsible for sharing an iris culture tip. Using less than five minutes per meeting, important ideas may be passed on to less experienced gardeners.

Keep a collection of iris word games and run off copies for extra fun on bus tours. Word searches, Dykes Medal name puzzles, stories with hidden iris names, iris word scrambles, etc., are all fun and challenging.

17

Let's Put Mote FUN in Show Schedules

Before show schedules can be really fun, your affiliate must offer a Design Division. Please have one with classes for adults and youths. Choose an overall theme that is of interest to all ages. Perhaps a display of show schedules at AIS Conventions or at Regional Meetings would be helpful, as many people are inexperienced at writing the design portion; or the same person has done this job for many years and has run out of ideas.

One of the most clever show schedules we’ve seen was written by Steve and Susan Smith of Kirkwood, Missouri, entitled “Hats off to Irises.” Classes included, “Grab your coat and get your hat...,” “The Brown Derby,” “The Mexican hat dance,” “All my exes live in Texas, that’s why I hang my hat in Tennessee,” “In your Easter bonnet,” and, for youth members, “The Mad Hatter.”

We will long remember the iris show held in conjunction with the 1992 AIS Convention in Atlanta. The theme, “Say Yes to Irises,” was carried out in both Design and Educational Divisions. AIS Sections and Cooperating Societies were invited to enter an educational display. Everyone had fun!

In the bicentennial year of 1976, one show schedule theme was, “It’s a Grand Old Flag.” A welcome poster sported the U.S. flag over which an iris had been superimposed. Classes included important places the U.S. flag has flown — Arlington, Iwo Jima, the White House, Alaska, Independence Hall and the moon, one could get really creative for the year 2000. Start thinking.

Themes for Classroom Iris Project show schedules have included “The Solar System” and “The Inventors.” A bit off-beat, you may think, but they were also workable and fun.

As the new bloom season begins, take a minute to step back and enjoy the beauty of your garden and shows. Perhaps voting to sponsor a Classroom Iris Project would bring more fun opportunities than you imagine. Get involved with your iris club and share a smile, take part in a few giggles, cause a belly-laugh. Plan to make changes which add more fun to your iris functions.

Notice

The AIS Website has moved, and now has a permanent domain name. The new URL is:

www.irises.org;

V- D

18

advertisement ADVERTISEMENT advertisement It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words.

I have no picture.

SOLOMON’S SEAL

When I first began to hybridize IRISES over 40 years ago, I communicated with some of the prominent hybridizers of the day attempting to milk their minds of the “know how” that they had gained from experience. The response to these letters was great. Most hybridizers are very generous in sharing information associated with their beloved hobby.

By the early 1950s, most new TB introductions were tetraploids. A number of Iris hybridizers were convinced that these tetraploids didn’t leave much room for improvement and advised me to expend my hybridizing efforts on Siberians or Spurias

Little did they realized the potential for change that is inherent in tetraploids. Every year among my seedlings are Irises that are different and call for improvement. Wouldn’t this be great if it had better form or better branching, etc.?

Back in 1990 a guest Iris in our garden was SPECIAL FEATURE introduced by Manley Osborne in 1988. Special Feature has beautiful flounces instead of beards. The petals and flounces are an attractive violet-blue. I thought to myself, “Now this I like. Wouldn’t this be outstanding if the flounces were a different color than the petals?”

So since then, part of my hybridizing efforts has been towards a TB Iris with white standards and falls and purple flounces. It isn’t easy. I haven’t grown enough seedlings to produce the color break that will allow the flounces to be a different color than the falls.

But as serendipity along the way, we got a beautiful white seedling with large pointed purple beards on a superb stalk. We named this seedling SOLOMON’S SEAL.

If you are interested in growing SOLOMON’S SEAL or any of the other hardy Ensminger introductions, send a stamped, self- addressed envelope for our price list available in early June.

Allan Ensminger VARIGAY GARDENS

7909 Cornhusker Hwy Lincoln, NE 68507

19

CAPE IRIS GARDENS

822 Rodney Vista Blvd., Cape Giradeau, MO 63701 (573) 334-3383

INTRODUCTIONS from DAVE NISWONGER

LINE DANCE (Niswonger ’99) Sdlg. SDB 1 0-94: SDB 29-91 : ((Chubby Checks x SDB 10-88: (Auburn Valley x Unknown but Hand pollinated)) X Unknown. SDB, 12 “ (31 , cm), M, Very pale blue plicata blend on white ground with some infusion of beige. The beard is blue to purple. EC’97 $1 5.00

DREAMLAND (Niswonger ’99) Sdlg. Sp 1-94: Sp 8 88:((Sp 6-80: (Far Out x Redwood Supreme) x Unknown)) X Firemist. Spuria, 42" (107 cm), M. Walker Ferguson earlier than 1 967 when he introduced Fireplace, felt that a pink spuria possible, He also thought that the use of Fireplace in hybridization would be a possible approach Over thirty years have passed and we havn’t gotten a pink spuria but I still think its possible. Here is another step along the way that may lead to this elusive dream. This is a blend of yellow and rose with a light touch of violet, especially in the crest. The yellow signal blends out to the edges of the falls. It doesn’t set seed easily but pollen is potent $30.00

MISSOURI MIST (Niswonger ’99) Sdlg. 71-95: Honky Tonk Blues X Upside Down. TB, 38" (97 cm), M. This is a reverse amoena with dark blue stds. and near white falls. The tangerine factor is present; as evidenced by its orange-tangerine beard. An easily grown vigorous plant that is well branched. It can have four blooms open, at once. It is fertile both ways and was the Best Seedling in the SEMO Iris Society Show of 1997. EC’97 $35.00

MISSOURI SMILE (Niswonger ’99). Sdlg. 45-95: Sky Blue Pink X Sdlg. 46- 92: (Pink Blue Genes x Fontaine). TB, 36" (91 cm), M. You can bet that when 1 come upon a blue bearded iris you’re going to see me smile. This one happens to be a mauve Pink with a blue beard on the end followed by a mixture of blue and tangerine giving the effect of a sienna beard, It -has all the good traits and fertile both ways $35.00

PINK BLUSH (Niswonger ’99) Sdlg. 43-95: Be A Dream X Wish. TB. 32" (81 cm), M. For some time I’ve been interested in a white iris with a fuchsia blush around the hafts. This is not it but maybe a step in that direction. It is white with a blush of pink at the hafts and a little in the midribs. The beard is white based with tangerine tips. Fertile both ways $35.00

TRANS-ORANGE (Niswonger ’99) Sdlg. 22-94; Apricot Frosty X Sdlg. 19 83: (Love Chant x Ambrosia Delight). TB, 36" (91 cm), Ml. Here’s an orange amoena with a slight touch, of orange in the stds. and a fine edge of white around the orange falls T he beard is orange and there’s a touch of orange in the white crest. It has some defects noted in the foliage (wish it was dark green and more upright) and the stem which tends to twist. 1+1 has produced some outstanding seedlings in various colors of orange and apricot amoenas $35.00

Enclose $5.00 for shipping Catalog $1 .00, refundable

20

3ntematlonaL /\]ews

b\f Syeot^e Si /l/iaz^azet button, (Zati^ornLa with T^tucc ^bdatdi, O^e^on

S YOU WILL NOTE THE INTERNATIONAL NEWS COLUMN now has a collaborator in Bruce Filardi of Oregon. Bruce has volunteered to help with the column, and to that end has joined the French and German Iris Societies. Since he is fluent in those two languages as well as Spanish, he will be translating articles from their publications that should be of interest to iris lovers in this country. We are most pleased to have his help, and thank him very much for his offer. Most of this issue’s material is the result of his collaboration.

British iris Society Coes to Prague

by Clive Russell

The Botanical Garden at Pruhonice, about nine miles outside Prague in the Czech Republic, probably has the world’s largest collection of specie iris, as well as quite a fewTB hybrids. This will quite probably be the last year the collection will be housed there, and after this year’s bloom everything will be dug and split/separated/composted. The Kent Group of the BIS has organized a trip to see this historic garden, plus the surrounding area. It will be a week’s visit, leaving on Monday June 7 and returning on Sunday June 13. Milan Blazek, the person responsible for the upkeep and control of the iris collection, will act as guide, and is organizing visits to the Botanical Garden as well as excursions in and around Prague. The price is expected to be a little over $450.00, which includes round trip flight to Prague from England and six nights B &c B accommodation in pension-type hotels. Single person, single occupancy may be higher. Lunches and dinners are extra, and can be arranged on an ad hoc basis, so that those adventurous types can try out the local cuisine. Meals are very reasonable, about $3.00 each or $6.00 a day, since breakfast is included with your accommodation. Evening entertainment is also very reasonable and includes symphony, opera, jazz clubs and classical music events. In addition there are guided tours to museums, castles and buildings in Prague.

21

While official cut-off date is March 6th, Cy Bartlett, BIS president has extended this deadline for registration to mid May. So, if you are interested, contact either of the following two people as soon as possible, with your name, address and telephone number and any special requirements for accommodations:

Mr. J.R. French Mr. Cy Bartlett

Castle Reach The Old Mill House

Rayleigh Shurton

Essex ss6 9T1 Stogursey, Bridgwater

England Somerset TA5 iqg

England

Note: Prices quoted above are U. S. dollars.

Can you Help?

by Bruce Filardi

The following is a list of plants the French Iris Society is hoping to locate for their display gardens at their big millennium iris festival “Franciris 2000.” In addition, the irises will thereafter be part of, for lack of a better term, the French National Historic Iris Collection. The FIS would appreciate any help we can give, and I hope we might be able to find a few of these that they haven’t been able to locate in France. If you grow any of the following, or if you know a source for any of them, please contact: Monsieur Gerard Briere

Les Jardins de Broceliande Route de Montfort 35310 Breal-sous-Montfort FRANCE Older French irises:

ALICE HARDING (Cayeux ’32) ALTO (Vilmorin)

ANNE MARIE CAYEUX (Cayeux) ANTIGONE (Cayeux ’37) ASTEQUES (Vilmorin) AURACANS (Vilmorin) AURORE (Vilmorin)

BLOIS (Vilmorin)

CARAIBES (Vilmorin)

CARIOS (Vilmorin)

DAKOTA (Vilmorin)

DAX (Vilmorin)

DEJAZET (Vilmorin) ELDORADO (Vilmorin)

EVIAN (Vilmorin)

FREJUS (Vilmorin)

FRIVOLITE (Cayeux ’29)

GIEN (Vilmorin)

GUSTAVE COURBET (Cayeux ’27) HOSSEGOR (Vilmorin) HURON (Vilmorin)

ISOLINE (Vilmorin)

KIDAL (Cayeux ’32)

MIRIAM (Vilmorin)

OLYMPIO (Cayeux ’36) POMPEE (Cayeux 59) SEMIRAMIS (Cayeux ’29) TORANQUOS (Vilmorin)

22

Recent French irises:

AQUARELLE (Fedoroff ’93)

BOULE DE NEIGE (Cayeux ’62)

ECUME (Anfosso ’86)

EVENOS (Fedoroff >5)

FRIVOLE (Fedoroff >5)

GURLI (Cayeux)

JOLI MAI (Cayeux ’60)

KARU (Fedoroff >4)

MADAME R HUET (Cayeux ’57)

Dykes and Florence Medal winners

BEWITCHING (Lyon FM ’68)

CHRISTIE ANN (Gaulter FM ’67)

DANCER’S VEIL (Hutchinson FM ’63)

FIRST VIOLET (DeForest DM ’56)

FOGGY DEW (Keppel FM >1)

IKAR (Volfovitch-Moller FM ’95)

Ten rap cmMmssps

by Bruce Filardi

The results of a recent poll of French Iris Society members indicated the following ten top favorites, in the order given: MARY FRANCES, VANITY, BEVERLY SILLS, OVATION, THEATRE, VICTORIA FALLS, MYSTIQUE, BABBLING BROOK, ECHO DE FRANCE, SAPPHIRE HILLS.

Me 1 ms from the ntn^mn stss Seeietw

Sergey Loktev reports that the Russian Iris Society had 152 members at the end of 1998, including 14 foreign ones (two are from the USA). In 1998 they registered 50 cultivars (35 TBs, 5 SDBs, 3 BBs, 3 JIs, 2 IBs, 1 MTB and 1 AB) by ten hybridizers from Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and Slovakia (37 cultivars among them are Russian ones). They had four iris shows last year, in Moscow itself, in a town in the Moscow region, in Krasnodar in the North Caucasus area and in the Far East in a small town not far from Vladivostok. There was judging only at the Moscow show. The top ten winners were COPATONIC, CELEBRATION SONG, AVALON SUNSET, DELTAPLANE and VISUAL ARTS, HELLO DARKNESS, TIGER SHARK, EDITH WOLFORD, ART CENTER, and SPINNING WHEEL.

They are continuing their Moscow International Iris Competition (TBs). During the first two Competitions in 1996 and 1997, only varieties

MARGINAL (Anfosso ’87) NUAGE ROSE (Cayeux >9) PREMIER BAL (Cayeux ’78) RIVIERA STOP (Anfosso ’90) ROUGE ROYANS (Lanthelme ’97) THEO D’OR (Lanthelme ’97) UBU BLUES (Anfosso ’94) VIREVOLTE (Cayeux ’90)

MIDNIGHT WALTZ (Burbridge FM ’64) MISSY YORKTOWN (Innerst FM ’87) QUEEN OF FLORENCE (Mallory FM >5) ROSSO FIORENTINO (Specht FM ’73) STEADFAST LOVE (Carr FM ’94)

23

by hybridizers from the former Soviet Union (Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan) were judged. In 1998-99 they will judge only foreign varieties especially picked by the Presidium of the Society. Varieties entered in 1998 had to be newer than 1980; this year they will have to be newer than 1985, and newer than 1990 next year. Starting in 2001 they hope to judge varieties sent both by Russian and foreign hybridizers. In 1998 they received irises for the 2001 year Competition from four American hybridizers, and will be happy to have their continuing participation. Ten judges took part in the 1998 Competition judging. The results were as follows: 1) BE A DREAM (Niswonger ’92), 2) MUKADDAM (Muska ’94), and 3) RARE OCCASION (Gatty ’94). Special medals were sent to the hybridizers.

RIS awards are only for TBs at present. All of the 16 judges (nine of them probationers) took part in last year’s voting. The results: High Award (not yet named) had no claimant, nor was there an AM awarded. HMs were awarded for MUKADDAM (Muska) and OKAVANGO (Muska); and an HC for seedlings to GUS ARSKAYA BALLADA (Loktev).

Also last year there were two Symposiums (popularity polls), one for TBs and the other for Medians which included SDB, IB, BB, and MTB. Top favorites in their seventh TB Symposium were:

1 COPATONIC

2 BEVERLY SILLS

3 THORNBIRD

4 SILVERADO, SUPREME SULTAN (tie)

6 EDITH WOLFORD

7 SUPERSTITION

8 MASTER TOUCH, CELEB RATION SONG,

HELLO DARKNESS (tie)

11 BEFORE THE STORM, CONJURATION (tie)

The most popular variety among those registered by the Russian Iris Society was TASHKENT.

In their first Median Symposium, the top varieties were:

1 BROWN LASSO (BB)

2 BATIK (BB)

3 ZING ME (IB)

4 CALIFORNIA STYLE (IB), CURACAO (BB) (tie)

6 JAZZAMATAZZ (SDB)

7 APRICOT FROSTY (BB), BALLET LESSON (SDB),

KADAICHA (IB) (tie)

10 BRASH (IB), GINGERBREAD MAN (SDB), EYE MAGIC (IB), LEMON POP (IB), LUNAR FROST (IB), PHILANDERER (IB), SOLNECHNY ZAYCHIK (BB) (tie)

24

Last year RIS held their first Convention, and will try to have one each year. With the present financial crisis in Russia it will be difficult. However they welcome American visitors in Moscow, especially during the bearded iris season from the end of May to the end of June. 36 persons took part in the Convention, two of them from abroad (Ukraine and USA). The Convention lasted from June n-13. The first day they visited the main botanical garden and two other places in Moscow where botanical organizations grow other plants in addition to irises. The second day they visited Sergey’s iris garden with more than 1000 varieties from the 80s and 90s of which about 85% — 90% are TBs. At this garden they carried out judges’ training. On the third day they visited the Moscow Iris Show and had their meeting where they discussed questions concerning irises and iris culture in Russia. That day they also had a banquet, at which each participant received a special badge and other small souvenirs with the Russian Iris Society emblem on it.

Belgium Report

by Willy Hublau

Here in Belgium we had a very wet bloom season, but the irises flowered like never before. Bloomtime for the bulb and dwarf iris started very early. Outstanding were SERENITY PRAYER, JUNGLE WARRIOR and MAKING EYES (all SDBs), which were in full bloom at the same time as the springtime perennials. In the MTB category, REMINISCENCE was outstanding in the rock garden. In the IB and BB categories, MAUI MOONLIGHT, SONYAS SELAH, and HONKYTONK HUSSY were the favorites.

Then it was time to go to the 42nd International Concorso in Florence, where I was a judge. The hospitality of the Italian Iris Society people was excellent. We saw a garden in full bloom, where the combination of old olive trees, climbing roses and the most beautiful irises was breathtaking. From the garden you have the most beautiful view of the city of Florence. To work and judge irises in this garden with other judges was very interesting and a good learning experience for me. (See Hublau’s report below.)

Back home in Belgium the TB flower time had started. The broken color irises from Brad Kasperek were new to me. The Zebras have received a lot of interest from the garden visitors, and most of them liked the special color patterns. The space age irises from Sutton’s were special too. I love the spoons and enormous flounces. BYE BYE BLUES, ALABASTER UNICORN and RINGS OF SATURN were real show

25

irises in my garden. But the most striking iris was a three-year-old clump of SUKY. It carried 16 flowerstalks with 156 flowers. Most of the iris lovers voted for it as garden queen!

It was fascinating to see it in combination with the dark red poppy “Turkenlouis”.

Report from Florence

by Willy Hublau , Belgium

Last winter I was invited to be in the judges panel for the 42nd Concorso del Iris in Florence. It was one of my great wishes that came true. My wife and I landed at the Florence airport on Saturday evening. Valeria Romoli, one of the hard workers for the society, met us. After her kind welcome words she drove us to the San Remo, a nice hotel close to the splendid city center and walking distance from the iris garden. Next morning after breakfast the official program started, with a meeting with the international judges. They were Margaret Longo and Valeria Roselli from Italy, Isidore Golob from Slovenia, Joe Ghio from the USA and me. It was a pleasure and an honor for me to be a part of this judges’ panel. I enjoyed working in the enormous iris field with Joe Ghio, team leader, and the other well qualified judges.

For the Concorso we had to judge 15 BB’s and 89 TBs. The flower season was early and most of the BB’s were finished, but the judging work had been done by Margaret Longo and her very competent Italian judges. Most of the judging we had to do was on the TB’s. Three sunny days were taken to do the selecting. The group of irises were of a very good quality, with splendid new color combinations and well formed stalks with many flowers. The selection was difficult but we found the prize winning irises.

The Italian Iris Society offered us a very interesting agenda which included a visit to the Festa del Iris at the Farmaseuthica Di Santa Maria Novella, one of Europe’s oldest Farmaceuthic Monesteria. The Rotary Club of Florence invited us for a supper in the Grand Hotel Minerva. Most special was the visit to the Villa la Magio for a lunch offered by the Contessa Amati Cellesi.The lunch was superb and the irises in the garden were breathtaking. On the all day trip to the Chianti area we saw fields with thousands of Iris pallida. Both the view and the scent of this mass of irises were overwhelming. The visit and lunch at the Gastello da Verrazano was outstanding. At the Guido del Innocenty s nursery at Barbezina val d Elsa we saw many irises in a beautiful decor. In addition the Tuscany cheeses, breads and other traditional foods and wines were

26

superb. Joe Ghio declared this must be heaven!

The award ceremony at the impressive Palazzo Vecchio was one of the high points for me. (The results can be found in the AIS Bulletin, October, 1998.)

We had a very good and instructive time in Florence. The city of Florence, President Sergio Orsi, Margaret Longo and all the hard working society people can be very proud. They did great work to promote the irises!

M.A.D. IRIS GARDEN

BOB DUNN

4828 Jela Way, No. Highlands, CA 95660 (916) 482-0562)

1999 introductions

BAY CITY (B. Dunn) Sdlg. B2126A. TB 36" EML Dark violet blue self; beards light violet, deeper tips. (Larry Gaulter X B1003A; (Allstar X Busy Being Blue) $35.00

BRIGHT NIGHTS (M. Dunn) Sdlg. M2010-3 TB 36" EM Ruffled lilac, rose and blue blend, F. with smokey rose edge; style arms copper; beards old gold; slight sweet fragrance. (Delirious X Kamora) S3 5. 00

DIVINE DESIGN (M. Dunn). Sdlg.M1063A.TB 36" EM. S. Cream ground, deep chocolate plicata edging; stlye arms brown; F. cream, deep cocoa edging and faint midline; beards old gold; heavily ruffled, lightly laced, Slight sweet fragrance. (Patterns X Change of heart) S 3 5 . 0 0

MELON RITA (M. Dunn) Sdlg. M2001-11 TB 36" EM. S. Orange buff, pink cast; style arms orange buff; F. orange buff, pink cast; beards burnt orange; heavily ruffled. (Pulsar X 867yf, Gardenlite sib) S3 5. 00

OLYMPIC ODYSSEY (M. Dunn) Sdlg. M2149A. TB 36" M S. Pale lilac; Style arms lilac; F. white, very small deeper lilac edge; beards pale yellow; heavily ruffled. (Patterns X Handshake) S 3 5 . 00

PAL JOEY (M. Dunn) Sdlg. M1059A. TB 36" EM Ruffled copper rose, F. lighter; beards bright orange; ruffled, faintly laced; slight sweet fragrance. (California Classic X Copper Lace) S35.00

Please order from this ad. Add S5.00 for shipping. California residents add the appropiate sales tax. Some previous intros, are available ask for price list. Shipping from July 14 thru September 14

27

New cZ>eiiLmd 3tises

me f 998 iris cmnwention

b\f ^lewif y4itkenf YOashin^ton

N SPITE OF MY MUCH EARLIER BOOK LEARNING IN THE

Canadian school system, including world geography and history, I found myself ill prepared for the great adventure that lay in store for my wife and I in New Zealand, where we attended their Iris Convention. There are many things that books just don t tell you. Our instinctive reaction is to try and relate our new experiences to something more familiar.

The climate and geography of the convention setting in Oamaru (middle east side of the South Island) probably most closely resembles that of Oakland and the San Francisco Bay area of California. Our general impression during our three week tour was that New Zealanders are passionate gardeners, willing to take on gargantuan garden tasks and routinely expect inspiring results. The people we met had ready smiles, upbeat greetings, and were more than willing to go out of their way to help us along our journey. This was truly an adventure of a lifetime.

Within half a day of landing in New Zealand we were strolling through an iris field near Hamilton, an hours drive south of Auckland. (The experience kept the adrenaline flowing as we learned to negotiate intersections from the “other” side of the road, and with the steering wheel in an unfamiliar location!) We found Heritage Horticulture in the rolling hills and winding back roads west of Hamilton. Without so much as a street number or visible sign, we turned into a driveway that “looked” suspiciously like it should have irises. The bloodhound instincts still worked! An energetic young lady led us to the iris plantings in a nearby field where tall bearded rows were in peak bloom. We were greeted by the familiar faces of SILVERADO, (Schreiner ’87), HOUDINI (Maryott ’85), CAMEO WINE (Rlyth ’83), CITY LIGHTS (M. Dunn 91), PASS THE WINE (Blyth ’86) and SHINE ON WINE (Blyth ’88), one of Barry’s earlier red variegatas which showed exceptionally strong foliage. We also found BREAKERS, Schreiners excellent mid blue, and an old favorite, BAYBERRY CANDLE, an olive/yellow blend. These last two, as our trip unfolded, were seen blooming everywhere we went in luxuriant excellence. Then there was JESSE’S SONG, the soft violet white plicata with elegant form, and the very vigorous LOYALIST

28

(Schreiner), a rich claret wine. We came to realize that many irises that did well on the popularity pole in the U.S. also did well in the South Pacific. It was a great start to our great adventure.

Our next stop was the beautiful east coast port of Tauranga. (I love the New Zealand names! They are strange phonetic translations of the complex native Maori names, wrapped in a stout English accent which frequently left us wondering not only what did they say, but how did they say it!) Here we renewed our acquaintance with Grant lies whom we first met at the Detroit convention, and got a tour of local iris nurseries in the making. I finally got to see the blue walking iris Neomarica Caerulea (see photo: page 36), a distant relative of the iris family and a native of Sao Paulo, Brazil. This plant is larger than its relative, the white form, having leaves over an inch in width and standing about four feet tall. The flowers are nearly four inches across and petals an inch wide. We walked the field rows of irises again and the same members of the Popularity Poll were blooming enthusiastically, along with Barry Blyth’s hybrids which were a more common sight in New Zealand. His wine Siberian COOLABAH was most impressive on the day of our visit.

We headed south toward Wellington through the central lake region of Rotorua to our next stop at the Tikitere Gardens. This nursery covers 35 acres with massed planting of rhododendrons, azaleas, hostas, Japanese maples, plus many other “never seen before by us” plants. The most unique plant here was a double Kalmia, MADELEINE. Approximately an acre of potted plants were neatly arranged under shade cloth and beside this was the iris field of approximately 10 yards by 100 yards in length. Here the standout was DARKSIDE (Schreiner ’85), a deep purple sporting three good branches. The soil was a sandy loam on the dry side. The growing fields were broken up by fifty foot tall dense evergreen windbreaks which we would come to appreciate before we left the islands.

We crossed the central high desert plateau past sleeping volcanoes on our way to the O’Tara Birch Nursery near Palmerston North, on the west coast of the North Island. We received a hearty welcome by the owners and were given a “cook’s tour”. This was the largest iris nursery that we would visit in New Zealand. The “paddocks”, defined by evergreen wind breaks, were two to five acres each. In one, tall bearded irises were growing vigorously. We enjoyed seeing huge two year clumps of the reverse blue amoena EDGE OF WINTER (Schreiner ’83), their inky black SUPERSTITION (’77), and the ever present BAYBERRY CANDLE. Another much larger paddock contained Siberian irises in mass plantings which included CAESAR’S BROTHER by the thousands in deep

29

purple, probably one of the most climate tolerant of Siberians. Other large plantings featured AQUA WHISPERS (A.M.Miller ’88), sanded rosy lavender, and SULTAN’S RUBY (Hollingworth ’88), a deep wine red, among many others.

Two paddocks contained water irises. Again we saw mass plantings of I. laevigata Monstrosa, an elegant six fall type, light lavender with flecks, and I. laevigata Semperflorens, the deep blue rebloomer. Banks of Japanese irises at water’s edge included SILVERBAND, the variegated JI with deep purple species-like flowers. Most of the other Japanese irises were not yet in bloom. Louisianas were in their glory, with IMPASSIONED, a blue violet with prominent green signal, and FLIGHT OF FANTASY looking very exuberant. The Spurias were on higher ground, and many were in pots, the primary retail trade. IN DEPTH, a deep purple, looked very happy, while FAR OUT (photo: page 35) was positively “inspired”. Also among the potted retail stock, flowering happily, were quantities of FROSTED CRANBERRY (A.M. Miller ’91), winner of the 1998 Morgan Wood Medal.

In another paddock, a man-made lake at least an acre in surface, was under construction with terraces for thousands of Japanese irises planned, plus a background of freshly planted rhododendrons and flowering cherry trees on the surrounding banks of the lake. This was truly Herculean planning for future iris and a must see stop for any irisarians visiting the islands.

We left O’Tara Birch with great reluctance, and it was becoming apparent that TIME was our biggest handicap. Our next stop was the beautiful port city of Wellington where we would catch a ferry to the South Island. Wellington, capital of New Zealand, compares favorably to San Francisco, with rolling hills covered with homes, a large harbor and even a reputation for earthquakes!

After a long and uneventful ferry ride, we embarked in a new rental vehicle, challenged by “accouterments of navigation” (turn signals) in a new location! The Road to Richmond/Nelson snaked along rugged cliffs overlooking the spectacular fjords of Marlborough Sound. This road could seriously challenge Hawaii’s infamous “Road to Hana” for the most hairpin turns per mile! However, it was an inspiring drive and we soon arrived on the fertile plains of Nelson. Our objective was to locate Allison and David Nicoll at their Richmond Iris Garden. We were escorted to the iris field rows where we were attracted to a commotion down the other end of the rows. First the glint of sunshine on something shiny; then there arose out of the Louisiana iris undergrowth, the familiar sight of Keith Keppel, who had made himself unabashedly at home in the

30

New Zealand iris fields. Following a short visit, we were off to the field rows of tall beardeds where we found many more familiar irises doing their “exemplary thing”: EVERYTHING PLUS (Niswonger ’84), with great branching; UNFORGETTABLE FIRE (Schreiner ’91), exhibiting excellent red color; GYPSY ROMANCE (Schreiner ’94), a rich mulberry; and HALO IN YELLOW (Niswonger ’89), with the most intense yellow rim and ruffles I have ever seen. LOOP THE LOOP, an earlier Schreiner plicata, in snowy white with a defined rim of deep purple, showed fantastic vigor. Their SKIER’S DELIGHT was an outstanding white, and RON (Hamblen ’81) was an exceptional mid blue. The best pink of the day was PREJUDICE (Grosvenor ’88).

The next day we were off cross country to the New Zealand National Convention in Oamaru. We were welcomed enthusiastically by Judith Neilson, president of the New Zealand Iris Society, then introduced to the other host officers with whom we would become better acquainted during the week ahead.

My tour report began with the garden of Max and Joy Lory. New Zealanders are collectors of unusual plants and we were constantly in awe of plants we had never seen before. I was particularly impressed with a variegated Tulip tree which was in bloom, with tea cup size flowers. We came across several familiar iris faces. SILVERADO and GRECIAN SKIES, a soft blue with tangerine beards (always one of my favorites) were obviously very happy in the New Zealand setting. Elsewhere in the grounds, we found LOYALIST, a rich claret wine color and BEVERLY SILLS, a bright pink, behaving respectably. Plantings of tall spurias were integrated among the rhododendrons and trees that lined the driveway. As I picked my way through the highly diverse landscape beds I came across a large protea, referred to as “Pink Mink” in Hawaii. This was one of the plants I watched for as an indicator that we were still in a northern California type climate. Another plant that drew a lot of attention was a Weeping Buddleia ( B.Alternifolia ).

The largest collection of bearded irises we saw during the convention tour was in the gardens of Brian and Barbara Harris, under the commercial name of Waimate Iris Garden. From the luxuriant growth, it was apparent that their climate was sufficiently warm to get the extended growth that can be seen in the San Francisco area of California. Huge two year clumps were masses of healthy stems with loads of flowers. Generally the flowers looked better than we are used to seeing them. RHONDA FLEMING (Mullin ’93), obviously a new arrival, looked positively elegant in form, showing off its soft white/violet plicata pattern.

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KATHLEEN KAY NELSON (Hager ’93) in deep blue ruffles, carried nice showstalks. STRATAGEM (Ghio ’89), a different amber-peach blend with deeper hafts, was putting up a marvelous clump of stems. CARIBBEAN DREAM (Schreiner ’90) was lined up like sky blue soldiers on parade. MAGIC SHOW (Keppel ’94), a yellow- rosy/brown plicata, put on an excellent show. SPANISH FIREBALL (B.Jones ’95) formed several flaming orange clumps. TOM JOHNSON (Black ’96) has never looked so good! Huge, floriferous clumps of red-bearded black irises! The grand slam hands down winner for floriferousness had to be BAHLOO (R. Caldwell ’87) (see photo: page 39) Flower form is average, but it sure put up the bloomstalks with masses of eye-catching bright yellow flowers!

Medians were also in full to late bloom. RED ROOSTER (Durrance ’90), BB, looked the best Fve ever seen it. PETITE BALLET (Keppel ’92), a plicata BB, displayed elegant form. MAUI GOLD (Aitken ’92), IB, put up furious growth and masses of intense yellow flowers. SPITFIRE (Hager ’92), a red-bearded white BB had great form. SEA CADET (Aitken ’93), a deep blue BB with ramrod stems, showed great discipline.

The irony of all of this is: the winner of the cultivar show at Oamaru was Brian Harris’ Siberian entry, CORONATION ANTHEM!

Our final stop one day was Gwenda Harris’ Otepopo Garden Nursery. As we walked down the garden path to the nursery, we were greeted by intensely planted perennial beds. Mixed through the perennials were a diverse group of irises. We said hello to a Siberian named “Ernie”, saw a Tectorum called “Honiana Love”, some spuria species Ruthenica and Maritima , also a pale blue chrysographes. In a separate garden featuring Siberians, all looking very happy with themselves, we saw the miniature BABY SISTER, the older PINK HAZE, and GOLDEN CRIMPING all looking very good. A very large Japonica was nearby.

Next to the Siberians was another iris bed with a focus on more arid growing types. BLUMOHR, an aril with two branches, was thriving. Other arils were in various stages of growth and I did not get their names.

Tucked off in a corner out of harm’s way were several new iris arrivals. GEISHA, a lovely blue violet plicata intermediate carried 4 bloom stalks. BANGLES, an amethyst-blue violet MTB, was as vigorous as ever I’ve seen it and carried seven bloom shoots. These plants obviously were enjoying their new home in the South Pacific.

Gwenda’s private garden was another riot of color, texture and forms. Here we found a tall bearded pink amoena iris in glorious fresh bloom. A central feature in another bed was a magnificent clump of SUN RAY

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REFLECTION, a yellow TB which, Gwenda assured me, was very long lasting and a reliable performer. Further downhill in the inner sanctum of private plantings we came across a huge population of Lorena Reid’s Sino-Siberians standing shoulder tall, but with just occasional bloom at this time.

Following the convention we took a quick tour of the south end of the South Island. Our visit to the Mossburn Iris Nursery showed overnight frost damage indicating the influence of Antarctic storms. Some of the more durable survivors were HELLO DARKNESS (’92) and NEW CENTURION (’93), both Schreiner TBs; MORNING SHOW (Ensminger ’88), wine red IB; and DARK WATERS (Aitken ’92), a deep ruffled purple IB.

We stopped briefly at the Tregarden Nursery, where ponds were a main feature. We found PACIFIC RIM (B. Jones ’91) and several other PCIs making a valiant and promising attempt at survival. In this more temperate climate the Louisianas were not yet in bloom, but we saw mass plantings of the “New Zealand Iris”, identified as Iridaceae Libertia ixioides (smaller) and grandiflora (larger form). This family of plants can be found in Chile, South America, as well as being native to New Zealand and hardy to -15° c (5° f). The plant forms dense tufts of upright grassy foliage with bloomstems carrying many clusters of small (one half inch) white three petal flowers (see photo: page 36).

The great range of iris types that we saw, and all growing to magnificent proportions, left us with a desire to return someday to visit the people and this lovely land “down under” in the South Pacific— a land called New Zealand.

A lew SLealand 3tls Society (Convention

Te Awamutu

(north island, 1 hour drive south of Aukland)

5th to 9th November, 1999

Contact: Mary Barrell

26 Lindale Street Morrinsville New Zealand

^ Phone/Fax: 64-7-889 3688 _

CLARENCE (Zurbrigg '91), page 70

DAUGHTER OF STARS, (Spoon seedling)

DREAMING RAINBOWS (Spoon seedling)

Dtiscs

in

leznxanh

REBECCA PERRET (Cayeux '92)

FEU DU CIEL (Cayeux '93)

MER DU SUD (Cayeux '97)

FAR OUT (Hager 75),

Spuria at Otara/Birch Garden

tytlszs in SLcaltxnd

KATHLEEN KAY NELSON (Hager '93), TB at Waimete Garden

SPITFIRE (Hager '92), BB at Waimete Garden

All photos this page: Aitken

Species

in

/\)ew SLealand

I. VERSICOLOR 'NANCY JOHNSON'

NEOMARICA CAERULEA

All photos this page: Aitken

^Ul§> s In New SLeALwnd

RHONDA FLEMING (Mullin '93) at Waimete Garden

HALO IN YELLOW (Niswonger '89) at Richmond Garden

SUNRAY REFLECTION (Ernst '92) at Otepopo Garden

All photos this page: Aitken

Lory's Garden 'on Tour', with Siberians in the Landscape

All photos this page: Aitken

ALPHASPU (Jenkins '92), Spuria

MARBLE CAKE (J. Taylor '93/'94), Australian Louisiana

(ypuzla (Convention, phoenix 1<p<p8

41

HAROLD L. STAHLY

8343 Manchester Dr., Grand Blanc MI 48439

New irises from Evelyn Robarts and Hal Stahly:

BACKWATER BLUES (Stahly ’99) TB, EM, 35". Medium blue violet self with white vein network from beard and midrib to a 1/4" band of deeper color edging standards and falls. The color is reminiscent of a Japanese Iris pattern. Blue beards tipped bronze inside. Wide, ruffled, semi-flared flowers, excellent branching and buds. Sdlg. 94-17: BALTIC STAR X PAINTED PLIC. $35.00

BODY AND SOUL (Stahly ’99) TB, EM, 37". Apricot falls (RHS 16B) slightly lighter in center, shoulders touched pink; standards are a little deeper ( 1 9A) with orange-pink suffusion in center; styles 19A with pink midrib. Bright tangerine beard (30A). Beautiful ruffled form, well branched, with eight buds, this is a gorgeous flower. Sdlg. 93-9: (Sun Fire x (Orange Chariot x Barcelona)) X Esmerelda. $35.00

BUTTERFLY HOUSE (Robarts’99) TB Space Ager, M, 35". Warm white Self with tangerine beards that end in large, upturned white flounces. Style arms are’ pale yellow. The slightly fragrant flowers are nicely formed and ruffled; the flounces develop consistently and uniformly, and the whole makes a very attractive picture. Stalks are well branched with good bloom succession. Sets seed very readily. Barley Green X Bearded Wonder. $35.00

EMBRACEABLE YOU (Stahly ’99) TB, ML, 38". Standards are buff-pink (RHS 16D to 36D); falls are ivory white with a narrow buff-pink rim and reverse; deeper buff-pink on shoulders and styles. Bright orange-red beard (30B). This has pleasing ruffles, light lace, and wide parts. Seven buds. Sdlg. 92-76: Halo in Orange X (Sun King x Marmalade). $35.00

SIBERIAN IRISES:

ACTIVE DUTY (Stahly ’99) SIBERIAN, M, 37". Deep wine red (near RHS 80A but deeper) standards and falls; styles slightly lighter with deeper midrib. Falls 1 1/2" wide and rounded, flaring-arched. Standards 1 " wide, carried at 45°. Color is deeper and with less blue than its parent. Green signal with slight blue halo. Easy and vigorous grower; one side branch, usually five buds. Sdlg. 92-36: Temper Tantrum X unknown. $35.00

FROSTED EMERALD (Stahly ’99) SIBERIAN, ML, 26-30". White standards are wide and ruffled, near horizontal; white styles are wide and feathered with a yellow-green midrib. Falls open pale green, fading to very pale green; strong green signal area. Falls are wide, arched, moderately ruffled. Usually one side branch and three or four buds. Sdlg. 93-49: Snowy Mountain X Bellissima. $40.00

Please include $4.00 for shipping. No catalog, but a price list of our previously introduced varieties is available. Write if interested.

42

Otises in ^jetmanxf

b\ f Susanne TOebet, ^ermanif

n Germany we don’t have nurseries which specialize only in irises and hemerocallis as in the United States. In France there are three or four such nurseries.

The perennial plant nursery of Grafin von Zeppelin, where I have worked for fifty years, is exceptionally diverse. In addition to the specialties of iris, hemerocallis, peonies and oriental poppies, about 2,500 different kinds and species of perennial plants are propagated and sold. This is why the quantity of all iris varieties sold usually does not exceed five hundred, and we thus try to keep our stock limited. If we buy ten new varieties, ten older ones must be eliminated. During the last few years we noted that there are several very similar new varieties, especially in certain color ranges, e.g. mulberry-violet (LOYALIST) and apricot- orange (FIRESIDE GLOW). It requires several years of observation to find out the really best cultivars. Old reliable varieties should be preserved, and I’m delighted when I find an iris such as BABBLING BROOK or AMETHYST FLAME in a modern catalog.

German taste differs from that of some other nations, and only a few people are fond of mixed colors and blends. THORNBIRD would never have won the Dykes Medal in Germany. Most of our customers prefer clear, shining colors and seifs or bicolors such as amoena and variegata.

The selection of foreign hybrids of the last ten to fifteen years which I discuss in this article is naturally a personal one, but it also represents the choice of our staff and customers here in Germany.

Some of the Best Cultiuats of Cayeux (Stance)

For many years we have been observing with interest the advances of irises in the French colors — bleu, blanc, rouge — by Jean and Richard Cayeux. The lightest variety with white standards, a nice lavender-blue border around white falls and an orange beard is REBECCA PERRET (’92) which has perfect branching. Its “brother” MARBRE BLUE (’93) has blue violet falls with white at the hafts and many blue veins and a deep orange beard. We prefer the third “brother” BAL MASQUE (’91) with deep violet falls, white at the hafts and also violet veins and a bright orange-red beard. PARISIAN (’94) has the same colors but the falls are

43

a deep lavender-blue and the beard is a shining red. HORTENSE C. (’91), named for the little daughter of Richard Cayeux, shows white standards with a rosy shimmer, and the falls are a velvety deep violet with an attractive red beard — branching, proportion, and the number of buds are excellent.

In the spring of 1998, my expectation of the first flowering of RUBAN BLEU (’97), the top creation of this Cayeux line, was realized. The falls really are more blue than the others in this “family”, and the two flowers withstood a very heavy rainstorm.

A great surprise was MER DU SUD (’97), not only because of the clear medium blue color with a light blue beard, but also the delightful, long lasting flowers on the young plant. Inasmuch as this iris is a child of DUSKY CHALLENGER, I suspect it has inherited other good attributes. See photos: page 34.

ANDALOU (’95) is a top iris among the variegatas with a very clear contrast of the bright yellow standards and the velvety brown-reddish falls. Here it is planted next to other variegatas, and you can see the improvement. The bright fiery orange FEU DU CIEL (’93) competes very well with the American varieties FIREBREATHER and FIRESIDE GLOW, and it seems to grow very well; it won a high award in Courson in France. Another novelty by Cayeux is AMBROISIE (’9 7), a child of the rose HELENE C. (a 1994 introduction of Richard Cayeux). It is a deep raspberry-mulberry red with a raspberry-copper beard. Very distinctive!

An extravagantly showy iris for experts and artists is TERRE DE FEU (’97). It has copper-red standards and copper-brown falls with a large violet spot, and the whole flower is powdered with gold dust.

irises from the United States

Here I think the most successful hybridizer is the Schreiner family in Salem, Oregon. They corresponded with Grafin von Zeppelin for about seventy years, and she received a lot of wonderful and reliable irises up to World War II and again after 1948. My personal preference is the color blue, and the Schreiners have an immense number of perfect blue varieties which grow very well; most of them are resistant to bad weather conditions.

An old variety I would not like to be without is SAPPHIRE HILLS C 71) — a classic beauty. It was Jean Cayeux who recommended the very rich flowering HONKY TONK BLUES (’88) to me; it is a distinctive blue that you can recognize among all the other blue irises. RAPTURE

44

IN BLUE (’90) and STAR SAILOR (’97) are among my favorite sky blue irises. In the spring of 1998 COLOR ME BLUE (’97), with nice ruffled flowers, a creamy white beard and a sweet fragrance, flowered for me for the first time. The wonderful YAQUINA BLUE (’92) is a deeper blue tone between sky blue and azure. The ultramarine blue BREAKERS (’86) attracted attention in several gardens in England. In 1993, the deep blue BLENHEIM ROYAL (’91) achieved the award for the best sale value in Florence.

We have a lot of new nearly black varieties, and it is difficult to choose the blackest. For years SUPERSTITION was the one here; it had a top position and I still like it. Now we have DUSKY CHALLENGER (’86), Dykes Medal winner in 1992, and NIGHT RULER (’90), with large, nice ruffled flowers, and much admired by our visitors. In 1998 I saw OLD BLACK MAGIC (’96) - black velvet with a little reddish shimmer and dark brown beard - for the first time. BLACK TIE AFFAIR (’93) and HELLO DARKNESS (’92) are irises I noted in Schreiner’s Gardens in 1994, and I thought them to be the blackest - and that includes the beard. Now we are looking forward to BEFORE THE STORM (Innerst 1989) which received the Dykes Medal in 1996 and is a child of SUPERSTITION.

SILVERADO (’87), Dykes Medal winner in 1994, is a silvery bluish- white iris with all good attributes - one of the most ordered irises here. The early flowering PROUD TRADITION (’90), with broad hyacinth blue falls and silvery blue standards is an eye-catcher in the border beside early rosy peonies.

Besides the wide ranges of blues, an enormous number of different colors comes from Schreiners. JAZZED UP (’94) has white standards and deep rosy lavender falls with a white beard. Here it is planted beside Cayeux’s JOLI COEUR (’92) in the same color but with a tangerine beard.

ROSETTE WINE (’89) in deep raspberry-orchid rose with a distinctive white spot and wonderful branching is admired by our visitors. LOYALIST (’86), SULTRY MOOD (’89) and GYPSY ROMANCE (’94) are a shade deeper with bluish-violet shimmer and luminous power. THRILLER (’88), in uniform aubergine purple with a dark beard, is very spectacular. CHAMPAGNE WALTZ (’94), with yellow-apricot standards and creamy white falls with a nice yellow band, has a tangerine beard. It won the Premio Firenze in 1997. CITYSCAPE (’97) is the same color combination but more apricot than yellow. Very new for us in 1998 was FALL FIESTA (’92) which has creamy white standards, falls in

45

amber tan tones, and a light yellow beard.

Of all the dark red irises, we prefer WAR CHIEF (’94) which has a striking yellow beard and flowers freely. It does not fade in the hot sun. We saw SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE (’96) for the first time in 1998; it is a more mahogany red and the flowers are enormous and ruffled.

The most surprising color combination was the early flowering LET’S BOOGIE (’97), a gift from the Schreiners. It has light apricot standards and deep aubergine-purple falls with an apricot spot and red veins under a tangerine-red beard. It is much more colorful than the catalog photo. What a pity that its flowering was over when most of our visitors came!

Some tall bearded favorites of other hybridizers which I think are very important include CONJURATION (Byers ’89) and NEUTRON DANCE (Blyth ’87). CONJURATION won the Premio Firenze in 1993, and the American Dykes Medal in 1998. I like this late flowering iris with high, well branched stems and eight to ten nice medium sized blossoms. It has clean, white standards tinted with rosy violet spots; falls that are white with broad amethyst violet edges; and tangerine beards with white horns. NEUTRON DANCE, a yellow amoena, is my favorite from Australian hybridizer Barry Blyth. There is sharp contrast between the white standards and bright yellow falls. The first yellow amoena, PINNACLE by Mrs. Stevens, came from New Zealand in 1949. What an enormous development in fifty years!

Our best selling pinks are VANITY (’75) and BEVERLY SILLS (’79), both Dykes Medal winners and both hybridized by Ben Hager, but a real eye-catcher is the border bearded PINK BUBBLES (Hager ’80), with numerous ruffled, pink flowers. I particularly like Hager’s iris EDITH WOLFORD (’86), Dykes Medal in 1993, because I met the sympathetic and ready-to-help- patroness whose name was given to this iris.

In 1997 1 received some novelties from Clarence Mahan CLARENCE (Zurbrigg ’91) is an astonishing near amoena-luminata with white standards tinted by light lilac and a deep white wash and beard on the purple falls. It attracted attention from our visitors. We are eagerly waiting to see whether CLARENCE, ROSALIE FIGGE (McKnew ’93) and SUKY (Mahan ’91) will rebloom here. ROSALIE FIGGE is a dark purple. SUKY is a violet with large white “zones” on the standards and around the beard on the falls.

We observe all interesting new iris varieties at the nursery for three years before we select the most reliable and best growing cultivars for introducing in Germany. We have a large number of small gardens in

46

Germany and so it is important for us to be able to offer a selection of intermediate bearded, border bearded and miniature tall bearded irises. Interest in these irises is increasing. The Aitken’s varieties grow very well here and provide an abundance of flowers. The IB, HOT SPICE (’89), is an eye-catcher among the early irises. It has chocolate brown standards and bright yellow falls with yellow stitching. MAID OF ORANGE (’89), a BB, is bright orange and has a long flowering time. Other attractive Aitken BBs are SUNNY GLOW (’94), an apricot with a deep orange beard; the dark red CRANAPPLE (’95); sky blue MAUI SURF (’90); and deep violet MAUI MAGIC. These are “must have” varieties.

The Aitken TB which I prefer over all others is ISLAND SURF (’94). I consider it the top reverse amoena with blue standards and nice frilled bluish-white falls and a dark blue beard. RAKU BLAZE (’96) is an exciting TB with brassy yellow to brown standards and copper falls with an intense violet blaze. This is a variety for specialists and is somewhat similar to Cayeux’s TERRE DU FEU

After the Oregon Convention in 1994, we received from the Craigs their charming MTBs PAYOFF, which has white standards and purple falls, and RAVE REVIEW (92), lavender and pink; and BOUQUET MAGIC (’93), aTB with white standards and purple falls edged in white.

This past year we again received some interesting new iris cultivars, and so we are looking forward to the iris season in 1999!

2000 Irises

From Gardens in Fire Countries.

The Indespensable Calendar for Plillennium’s End

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Order Now from 1914 Nappa Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94?0? Invoice included widi order, pay on delivery

Aher riau 15, Include your check with order Purchase from AIS Sforefronf 609 Harrington, Carlinvillc, IL 62626-1230 Wholesale price: $30/fen copies

47

KEITH KEPPEL

P. 0. BOX 18154 SALEM, OR 97305

1999 INTRODUCTIONS

GOOD HUMOR (Shoop) TB, ML 38" (inv. Orange Burst, Dream Affair, Blazing Light, Dutch Magic, Blushing Duchess, etc.) Blended purplish rose, apricot rose bitone, solid red beards. A happy iris! #91-27. . . $40.00

LEADING LIGHT (Shoop) TB, M 36" (((Orange Burst x Fancy Lady) x sdlg.) X Private Treasure) Standards primrose shaded peach; falls bright lemon yellow with small but eye-catching white spot. #92-18. $40.00

LONELY HEARTS (Keppel) TB, EM 36" (Dawn Sky X Screen Play) Pinkest-ground plic we’ve seen... falls with rosy amethyst shaded and

dotted band, coral orange beards. #91-86H . . $40.00

LOTUS LAND (Keppel) TB, M 36" (Broken Dreams sib) Buff pink with

suede-like finish. Good breeder. #92-97B . $40.00

SEA POWER (Keppel) TB, M 38" (Yaquina Blue X Jazz Me Blue) Cornflower to campanula blue, paling to light chicory blue at margins — which then accentuates the heavy ruffling. Voted favorite seedling at 1 998

Region 13 spring meet. #93-89B . $50.00

SILK BROCADE (Keppel) TB, EM 35" (((Highland Haze x Change of Heart sib) x (Ever After x Lorilee)) X Dawn Sky) Creamy white ground, bishops violet plicata markings applied in near-solid marginal strips of fine dots.

#91 -88B . $40.00

SUSPICION (Keppel) TB, M 38" (Wishful Thinking X Spring Shower) Envy green-yellow, tattletale grey in standards. #93-83H. . . . $40.00

TANGLED WEB (Keppel) ML 37" (inv. Rosarita, Rancho Rose, Gigolo, Foreign Accent, etc.) Dark prune to eggplant plic, rattan fall blaze partially hidden by markings; beards violet and pumpkin. #91-11 8C. . $40.00 WILD WINGS (Keppel) TB, EM 34" (Night Game sib X Romantic Evening) Very dark violet standards, smooth black falls with clean hafts and rusty terra cotta beards. Lovely lilting form as if poised to take flight. A favorite

with visitors. #93-72A . $45.00

BISTRO (Gatty) IB, EML 27" (Quote X Keppel bitoned brown plic sdlg.) Goldenrod; near-solid buckthorn brown fall wash. #Y-8-6. . . . $20.00

BRIGHT CHILD (Keppel) SDB, E 1 0" (Firestorm X Quote sib) Clear lemon

yellow to chrome glaciata. #92-10A . $15.00

GIMMICK (Keppel) SDB, EM 11 “ (Rusty Dusty X Quote) Exceedingly dark port plic, small lemon yellow fall blaze. #91-57P. . . . $15.00

MOCHACCINO (Keppel) SDB, M 12" (Quote X sib) Warm brown, falls with a large dollop of whipped cream in the center. #91-53B. $15.00

MUSIC (Keppel) SDB, EM 12" (Tweety Bird X (Gigolette x Fairy Lore)) Apricot buff, red violet fall markings, fire red beards. #94-23A. $15.00

SNICKERS (Keppel) SDB, M 14" (Gimmick sib) Blended honey brown to caramel plic. Best seedling, Vancouver 1998 show. #91-57Z. $15.00

SPREE (Keppel) SDB, M 15" (Jade Jewels X Chanted) Cyclamen to coronation purple, bluer blaze and beards. #91-25L . $15.00

Please add $4.00 for shipping/handling. July/August delivery.

Catalogue $2.00 — deductible from order.

48

C3 uitutc C^otncn 7999

update

by ‘Tmy glitken, TOaskin^ton

N THE FOLLOWING, I AM USING “CHEMICAL” IN THE BROADEST sense of the word. Water, soap and compost are chemicals every bit as much as fertilizer, insecticides and fungicides.

Too much water can rot some irises; alkaline water will kill Japanese irises. Soap will kill beneficial insects as quickly as pests and compost can pollute as easily as fertilizer. We need to understand the implication of using any and all of these “tools of the garden trade” which enhance our ability to live in harmony with our gardens. All of us, back yard gardeners and commercial growers alike, are motivated to use as little of any of these elements as we feel is necessary to get the job done. When using any chemical, always follow manufacturer’s instructions. It is a good idea to do a “test spray” on a small area first.

For backyard gardeners, many of the techniques usually identified as “organic” may work just fine to keep pests and diseases to a minimal nuisance. Commercial growers, shipping internationally, certify that their plants are pest free and disease free. This requires more judicious control and is in the best interest of irisarians world wide.

Disease Control

• Leaf Spot: Use two or three of these in rotation at three week intervals: Daconil \ Bay let on, Cleary 333 6F, Benlate , Zineb 75, Kocide 101, Rallye, Funginex.

0 Soft Rot: Scrape away damaged tissue.

1. Drench with liquid bleach (can be diluted with water)

2. Agri-mycin 17 or Agricultural -Streptomycin (for severe cases)

• Crown Rot (Beardless): Subdue, Cleary 333 6F

0 Botrytis (root rot): Terraclor (use as a drench)

Weed Control (Best applied during active spring growth)

1. Roundup. Great on grass, dandelions, chickweed. Ineffective on clover, except in stronger doses. Most effective in early spring. Watch out for “drift” on iris foliage which can be harmful if not fatal to the plant. (See Bulletin article, page 9, Oct. ’98.)

49

2. Ornamec , Poast, or Envoy , Vantage. Selectively kills most types of grass. Can be sprayed on iris clumps. (Do a test spray first!) Very slow acting, so start early in spring, when temperatures are above 5o°f.

3. Confront , Stinger (restricted). Kills thistles and some broad leaf weeds quickly and permanently. Does not harm grass. Rumor has it that they do not harm irises. (Do a test spray first!)

4. Manage (Monsanto). For Nut Sedge. Very expensive. Alternative is to brush Roundup concentrate directly onto the foliage.

Fre-Emergence weed Control

1. Surflan. For bearded and beardless irises

2. Princep or Simazine (same thing). For bearded irises only — do not use on beardless irises! Alternate use of (1) and (2) every six months, bearded irises.

(Warning: do not use Caseron. It stunts irises!)

insect Control

1. Orthenex (mixed with Funginex for insect and disease control). Systemic

2. Cygon HE (Dimethoate). Systemic. Effective for about three weeks

3. Marathon. Systemic

Apply at three week intervals, or as needed. Add liquid detergent as a stickative.

4. Soap.

5. Naturalis-O. A contact fungus that attacks insects. This is a sticky material that must be sprayed weekly on underside of leaves.

6. Beneficial Insects. Expensive and only moderately effective.

7. Beneficial Nematodes. Expensive and only moderately effective. (See Bulletin article, page 35, Apr. ’98)

8. Nemacur. Control of parasitic nematodes. (See Bulletin article, page 25, Jam’97). Restricted, but easy to use. (Not in CA)

9. Marigold Golden Guardian. For control of parasitic nematodes. (See Park Seed Catalog, or call (800) 845-3369)

Other Cultural Features

• Mulch on beardless irises, but not bearded ones. Bark chips, straw, pine needles.

• Remove spent bloom stalks to prevent bee cross seedlings from contaminating the flower beds. Do not cut back green foliage.

• Water as needed to maintain growth in irises, except Spurias and Arils, which prefer to nap in the summer heat.

50

• Fertilizer:

- Fall: low nitrogen, if any

- Spring: io-io-io, one month before bloom. (Run soil test for more accurate advice.)

- At transplant: Rapid Gro (short term, quick release). (Never fertilize newly transplanted Japanese irises.)

- Add alfalfa (pellets) at 80 lbs per 500 sq.ft, worked into the root zone at transplant time.

- Run soil test for more accurate advice.

- Bone Meal: avoid using with Japanese irises. It may kill them!

Silicons Cure nil?

Food for Thought. . .

The Dyna-Gro Corporation is promoting a fertilizer call Pro-TeKt which may be the answer to every iris grower’s prayers. It is a liquid that provides supplemental potassium (3.7%) and Silicon (7.8%). Benefits include greater tolerance to environmental stresses, such as heat, drought, salinity, mineral toxicity or deficiency, and improved resistance to insects and fungi, such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and Pythium. Silicon is also deposited in the cell walls of roots where it acts as a barrier against the invasion of parasites and pathogens.

This material is highly alkaline (pH-10). Avoid use on Japanese irises.

For further information contact the Dyna-Gro Corporation, 1065 Broadway, San Pablo, CA 94806, phone (800) 396-2476.

In Canada: Dyna-Grow-Canada (604) 272-027.

In Australia: P R Orchids 065-831650.

1999 Introductions By the Late Franklin Carr

Unfinished Business- TB 46" M One of the last crosses Franklin made, obtained by us before he saw it bloom Standards and style arms are pale violet, narrowly edged darker violet. Falls are rosy purple, with a lighter violet edge. Hafts marked white and brown-, orange beards; rosy purple spoons. Great branching and bud count! EC 1998 $35

Pilgrim’s Quest- TB 36" M Stds. light bluish violet turning darker at throat; violet veining. Falls white turning bluish violet in throat; white beard, yellow in throat. $35

Color Brochure available upon request.

Write To: William and Martha Griner 21 Chesterfield Road Bordentown, NJ 08505

51

FRIENDSHIP GARDENS

341 Schwartz Road Gettysburg, PA 17325

1999 INTRODUCTIONS

CONFEDERATE CAVALIER (Jane McKnew by J. Roberts ’99) 36" (91 cm.) M. Sdlg. 99 39. Laced and heavily ruffled confederate grey with gold haft markings and a faint gold trim on the edges of the falls. The beards are gold, tipped grey, EC ’91. Moonlit X Visual Arts. $35.00

IO (Jane McKnew by J. Roberts ’99) 36" M. (91 cm.) Sdlg. 89-7. Beautifully ruffled flaming yellow space age iris. The beards are deeper yellow with white horns. Excellent branching with 12-16 well placed buds which ensure a long bloom season. All of this is complimented by a pronounced sweet fragrance. Best Seedling ’91. Copper Lace X Hands Up. $35.00

LOVELY FRAN (Weiler’99) Sdlg. 88-135A-RE. 36" (91 cm)- EM- L & RE. This neglecta plicata has light blue-violet standards with white falls prominently stitched and stippled with dark blueviolet on the edges. Sturdy stalks produce 34 branches bearing 8-11 buds for a long bloom season. Dependable and abundant rebloom comes late in summer to autumn’s end. Great vigor, rapidly producing clumps. RE in CA, MD, PA (zones 6,7,9). Avalon Bay X Earl of Essex. $35.00

SET SAIL (Zurbrigg 99) 35" M. A neglecta or blue- violet bitone, suggestive of an amoena, with spoons or little flounces on all blossoms. Lovely form with good substance, stalks and branching. The plant is fertile both ways, and is giving excellent offspring. Renown X Mesmerizer. $35.00

UNCHAINED MELODY (Mahan ’99). Sdlg. 88801. TB, 36" (91 cm), EM & RE’ (Sept/Oct.). Ruffled white self with flaring falls; white beard tipped yellow. HARVEST OF MEMORIES X SOAP OPERA. A very dependable cold climate rebloomer combining the strong remontant characteristics of its grandparent, CORN HARVEST, with the fine form of Joe Ghio’s SOAP OPERA. Until now, the best modern white cold climate rebloomers have been dominant whites out of violet lines. This new white iris offers outstanding breeding potential for attaining improved orange, brown, variegata, red and pink rebloomers. RE: CA,PA,VA (zones 6,7,9). $35.00

INTRODUCTION SPECIAL// Order ALL 1999 introductions for $150. 00

To order from this ad include $4.50 shipping. No extras are given on this special.

Catalog $2.00

Although we specialize in Reblooming Irises, we also have once blooming tall bearded, median, dwarf, and historic irises. Gift Certificates are available for all occasions. A FRIENDSHIP GARDENS GIFT CERTIFICATE for Mom/Dad on Mother’s/Father’s Day would be a beautiful way to say thank you.

52

Compost at £>nake Oil ?

by ‘Tmy f^itken, TOaskin^ton

OMPOST APPEARS TO BE THE SOLUTION TO MANY GARDEN

soil problems. If your soil is heavy clay, add compost! If your soil is sandy, add compost! One of the big problems with any organic product is that you really don’t know what you’re getting. What is the content analysis? The strength? The age? Even if you make it yourself, you don’t really know the makeup of the end product.

We have added substantial quantities of alfalfa meal to our fields each year. [Seev4/S Bulletin, October ’96, p. 45.] Our plants have responded well. Last summer we noticed that the ground was cracking as it dried between weekly waterings. We thought this must be the result of the fact that the alfalfa was being completely absorbed or used up between application time in late August (transplant season) and the following summer. We felt that the addition of organic fibrous material would remedy this situation — and that spurs me to write of my experiences with other forms of compost over the years.

One year we brought in a 30 cubic yard truckload of finely ground bark dust. This is not “compost” in the traditional sense, but it does provide instant fiber for moisture retention and improved tilth for our very fine river-bottom loam. Traditional wisdom indicates that the decomposition of the bark fibers will rob the plants of nitrogen; my rationale is that with 3 to 6 feet of annual rainfall, we lose a good part of our nitrogen anyway. We compensate for this in the spring by using high nitrogen lawn fertilizer. Of course, areas with less rainfall don’t have this problem. Our plants have done just fine with this system.

Another year we decided to purchase several dump truck loads of compost from a recycling organization. It was highly touted as being “free of heavy metals” (whatever that means!). As we spread this wonderful looking material on the fields, we occasionally noticed the glitter of shards of broken glass. Then, as we began to focus in earnest, we found lots of broken glass. But glass is an “inert material”, right?! For the past five or six years, we have had coffee cans strategically located around the fields for collecting glass shards. Snake Oil!

53

With the rapid growth of recycling facilities around large urban areas, more and more good local compost sources will be available. You simply need to do a sampling or trial run, so you don’t repeat our mistake with a large batch that contains glass!

We have had compost arrive steaming hot — too hot to handle, and too “green” to use. This can be stockpiled for later use after it has cooled down. We have had the best results with well-aged compost from a local mushroom-growing plant; delivery distance is the main logistical expense, but this is a fine source if you have one near you.

Farms are doing a better job these days with “controlled composting”. This consists of stockpiling on concrete floors and with raincovers to prevent leaching into the groundwater and drinking water sources. Again, it is important for you to get to know your local source and inspect the facility.

We also compost our own plant material — leaves, grass clippings, etcetera. We have a “dump area” which by transplant time grows into a pile about the size of a dump truck or two. In the fall, we level it with a tractor, then rototill with existing soil. If we ever suspect that there is a soil-borne problem, we take soil samples to a lab for testing, and we apply Terraclor as a probable solution until the real culprit is identified. I theorize that most diseases and insects were here long before the irises arrived, and they’ll be here long after we’re gone. We just have to apply our best cultural practices and live with them!

Ortho publishes a very good book on composting, called Improving Your Garden Soil. It should be available at your garden store, and I highly recommend that you pick up a copy if you are interested in this topic.

If you were to ask me: “Can you have too much compost?”, my answer would be “Not in my experience”.

.liter j^k.o Moores

Rt. 1, Box 630, Oakland, MS 38948 (601) 623-0037

IR-el&looaMLiinLg IiHLtfrofliJLClfioinLS

AZURE REPRISE TB 34", Sky blue self $30

LIBRA STARTB 34", Dark blue/violet zonal $30

WARM PUPPY IB 1 8", Pink self Free with above

Order from this ad. No list. Add $3.30 for Priority Mail.

See at http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/2920/

54

<6>Atw fiat T^czinnets

b\f ^Zerrif -f\ltken, YOashin^ton

S WITNESSED BY THE RASH OF SHOW RESULTS IN THE January Bulletin , bloom season brings out the exhibitionist in many of us. Actually, an iris show is an opportunity to share the exquisite beauty of an exceptional specimen with friends and future friends. Enthusiasm is infectious, so spread it around! Each year, AIS is joined by approximately 1500 newcomers, and many of these “new friends” will be testing their wings on the exhibition benches. Following are a few suggestions to help them succeed.

First, when selecting stems for show specimens, go into the middle of an iris clump where the stems are straight upright and flowers are parallel to the ground. Too often, judges see curved stems — a flaw that cannot be corrected on the bench. Curved stems can be dramatic and beautiful in a flower arrangement, but are a fault in a show specimen.

Second, select stems from two-year-old iris clumps. Almost any garden perennial puts on a superior performance in its second year. This will be evident on the showbench through better branching and increased height and bud count.

Third, select stems for cleanliness. They should be free of bugs, dirt, brown tips, or any other damage. A perfectly clean stem can become a candidate for Best Specimen of Show. Specimens are supposed to be graded on a point scale, and 90% is still a blue ribbon, so a less-than-perfect stem might still earn a ribbon — but why not improve your chances? (Some judges will take issue with me on that! Others may argue that there is no such thing as a perfect specimen. Life is too short for this debate!)

Fourth, ask for help from the veterans in your local club. They can give you hints on how to minimize minor flaws. They may suggest trimming damaged foliage with a very sharp blade, or they may give you hints on removing dirt or spent flowers.

Fifth, when you are ready to present your flowers, check each bloom for freshness. The first sign of a flower’s aging is transparency around the edges of the falls, and you can be sure that the judges will spot it immediately and deduct points. If one of your flowers is displaying this fault, it is probably best to remove it very carefully from the stem so that

55

nobody can tell that it’s missing.

Sixth, give some thought to how you will transport your plants to the show. With time, all of us invent our own ingenious methods of getting flowers to a show undamaged. Just keep in mind that stems have a tendency to swing and sway with every ripple and turn in the road. Keep your prize specimens away from the windows and each other. This is no easy job!

Seventh, keep your cool. Keep telling yourself that you are doing this for fun, and to share beauty with your friends. Show setup can be a tense time and nerves tend to fray as setup deadlines approach. This is normal for all of us; just take it in stride, and remember that your friends are just as tense as you are.

Eighth, please give the judges the benefit of the doubt for exercising their best judgment. Many show decisions are very difficult because the judges are asked to compare apples with oranges, or to weigh the relative importance of different flaws. It is always wise for a Show Chairperson to set up judging teams of three (or some other odd number), so decisions do not end in a tie vote.

Ninth, go home with the attitude that you are now a wiser person and have learned from your experiences. Make up your mind that you will do an even better job at the next show. Part of that improved performance will be accomplished by applying better cultural practices to all of your perennials. (Read more in the Culture Corner.)

Tenth, get involved. Obtain a Handbook for Judges and Show Officials from the AIS Storefront so that you know what the judges are looking for. Encourage your local iris society to have a program on show preparation. Volunteer to clerk at the show so that you can learn from the judges’ discussion.

May all your shows be wonderful!

Roberts Backyard

Introductions by Merle Roberts 101 Banks, Grand Coulee, WA 99133 (509) 633-0715

WIDDERSHINS (M. Roberts ’99) Sdlg. I- 103 A: (Bogota X Chocolate Marmalade). TB, 32". Strong coloring that will grab your attention. 1" white flash below orange beard, honey yellow falls with border of burnt honey brown. Standards rose brown. Strong grower with lots of buds and increases. Can be viewed on the Internet at

http;//www.televar.com/~irisbuff/. $30.00

Enclose $4.00 for shipping. Previous introductions SHOPTALK '97 and COLUMBIA SPRINGS '96, will send upon request with order.

56

ZEBRA

G

uX

p

9130 NORTH 5200 WEST ELWOOD, UTAH 84337-8640

Phone: (435) 257-0736 Fax: (435) 257-4660 E-mail: zebrairisl@aol.com

Kathie and I deeply appreciate your understanding and help while we “enjoyed” an iris crop failure (Too wet and cold) last year at our “gnu” location in Elwood. Thankz to all the folks who returned our National and Regional Convention irises, we planted adequate stock and should have all our intros available except VIOLET TIGER. All your 1998 coupons and gift certificates will be honored again this year, and if you need replacements from 1997 orders, please let us know.

This year we’ve added an introduction from Jared Harris to those of Don Nebeker and Hyram Ames for a total of 1 1 intros this year.

Our “gnu & improved” catalog has a color insert for more pictures, and so of course, we want your help in paying for it! Thus when you write for a catalog, Brad would appreciate a $3 donation towards his photography lessons. (Frankly, I believe it’s a lost cause, but I guess we’ll keep humoring him.)

Up to our “alligators' in MUD!

All orders of 2 or more irises from this ad are postpaid ($5.00 shipping for just 1). Order all 11 for just $199.99 and save $155.

AARDVARK ANTICKZ (Kasperek 99) IB 21” M. Charming “buggy” blend! Lightly ruffled gold, tan & grayed yellow blend, silver-white inclusions, generously peppered in purple “antz”. Purple ribbed, yellow style arms and orange beards. 5-6 buds.

Quicken X Gnus Flash (sdlg. 94B-52A) . $25.00

AFRICAN WINE (Kasperek ‘99) MDB 8” M. Elixir of the Gnuz! Flaring, lightly ruffled opulent burgundy falls edged in cabernet, topped by cabernet standards and tan & wine style arms. Brunt orange beards tipped lavender. 2-3 buds.

Orange Tiger X 92M-6T (sdlg. 94M-64A) . $15.00

Brad says his photography will get “ better ”

if he just buys a macro lens. (Oh sure!)

57

mmmmm/mmm

ALPHA GNU (Kasperek ‘99) Species X 22” VE (with SDBs). A “gnu” be- ' ■ ginning! Red-violet streaked silver-white self. Falls reflect the aphylla r parentage and beards are light yellow beards. 4-6 buds.

Batik X Ostry White (sdlg. 94-13-20) . . . $25.00

ANACONDA LOVE (Kasperek ‘99) BB 24” ML. Heartstrings squeezer!

Clean light pink standards, faint silver-white streaking. Ruffled, satiny, beet-root red falls streaked in shades ranging from light pink to silver- white. Lightly laced, beet-root & pink style arms, orange beards, 7 buds

92B-56R X Tanzanian Tangerine (sdlg. 94B-43B) . $30.00

BEVERLY IN WHITE (J. Harris ‘99) TB 30” M. Gorgeous, laced, Beverly Sills’ sport! Heavy lace adorns substantial white standards and semi-flaring falls. Light coral red beards combine with a soft pink glow eminating form the throat to complete this sensual delight. 7 buds.

(Sport collected in D. Pinegar’s Spanish Fork Iris Garden) . $40.00

GRAPE SNAKEZ (Kasperek ‘99) TB 37” M. Stalks! Buds! Closed standards! Toffee standards, light silver-white streaking and purple flecks, toffee & grape style arms repose upon semi-flaring ruffled, grape purple falls with cream and silver-white streaks. Dark gold beards,

7-10 buds. (Sorry, no rattlez.)

Bewilderbeast X Gnus Flash (sdlg. 94B-34D) . . . $40.00

RHEA PEERZ (Kasperek ’99) IB 21” EM & RE. Fall rebloomer, zone 5 ! Creamy, light chartreuse-yellow standards, ruffled, flaring lemon-yellow falls, deeper yellow on shoulders. Yellow style arms and beards, 5 buds.

Grace Thomas X Ditto (sdlg. 92R-42A) . $25.00

ROSE D’MAI (H. Ames ‘99) TB 32” M. Ruffled, dusty blue-rose self!

Falls are semi-flaring, light lavender surrounds rose beards. Style arms have matching light lavender mid-rib. 7 buds.

Rosecraft X Fara Morgana (sdlg. A907) . $35.00

SERENGETI SPAGHETTI (Kasperek ‘99) TB 32” M. Too many blooms! Rhizomes like to produce multiple stalks covered in flowers possessing clear dawn pink standards with muted silver-white streaking. Ruffled, semi-flaring, dawn pink falls with modified silver streaking have a “netted” pattern of spirea red and beet-root purple overlay. Lightly laced orange-red style arms, tangerine beards. 7-20 buds per rhizome.

Bewilderbeast X Tanzanian Tangerine (sdlg. 94B-25A) . $40.00

SKYETOUCH (D. Nebeker ‘99) TB 36” ML. Gleaming fluffy cloud ! Ruffled, brilliant clean white standards float above brilliant white falls banded with a 1/4" Veronica Violet halo fading to white at about 3/4".

Style arms white tinted violet. Orange beards, 7 buds.

Nebeker 994-3 X Delightsum (sdlg. N1 100-7) . $40.00

TRICERABOTTOMZ (Kasperek ‘99) TB 30” M. Tri-colored foliage!

The foliage is streaked in white and light yellow-green, my most stable pattern yet. Modem, substantial, light Egyptian-buff flowers, in cool weather develop faint amethyst violet overlay. Toffee beards, 7 buds. ,C:

Ensminger sdlg. X Capricious (sdlg. 89F-6B) . $40.00 - ^

mmmutmmmmM

58

7B>eazded 31tis Seeds

M ' witUxeF’s Treatment

b\f e^jeo’i^e button, (Za.tL'fjotnla

FEW YEARS AGO, WE WROTE AN ARTICLE FOR THE REGION 14 Bulletin about caring for and planting iris seeds. Due to increasing interest recently about our method, we decided to update the information.

Here in Porterville, California, we start collecting seeds in late June as the first pods turn brown and begin to split. As we take the seeds out, we put them in pantyhose legs, knot the hose, tie the cross tag (label) to the pantyhose, then put in the seeds and tag from the next pod, and so on. When the pantyhose legs are full, we hang them in our packing shed to dry. We make sure that they have air circulating around them, to keep them from molding. Mold doesn’t seem to hurt them, but I don’t like it. We are usually finished with collecting seeds by the first of August.

When all the seeds in the pantyhose have turned blackish brown and are wrinkled we start the next step. We place the full pantyhose legs in a bucket of fresh cold water with a large object such as a rock on top to keep them submerged. The water in the bucket is replaced with fresh cold water every morning for a period of ten days. Then we place the wet pantyhose in a black plastic trash sack. We’ve tried clear plastic but with poor results. The sack is then placed in the freezing compartment of a refrigerator at 28° - 30°f for about 6 hours, at which point the plastic sack and seeds should both be stiff and frosted. The black plastic sack is then moved to the bottom of the refrigerator, where the temperature is kept at 36° - 38°f degrees until roots form on the seeds, in about 90 to 120 days. The seeds should be checked periodically to catch them before the roots get too long, growing into the stocking fabric. If this happens the roots are difficult to untangle, as we found out!

We have tried many methods of planting the rooted seeds and they all seem to work. Ben Hager once told me that planting directly in the ground was the best method and I believe he is correct, as they root better in the ground. We’ve tried one gallon plastic pots, peat pots, Styrofoam grape boxes and ground beds. However, we keep coming back to the one gallon plastic pots, as there seems to be more control with this method. They are easier to handle at planting time and there are fewer weeds, plus you don’t have the neighborhood cats digging up your seeds.

59

We fill the pots with a mix of 3/a potting soil and Va perlite. Since we started using perlite the damping off has stopped. When we do plant in ground beds we “solarize” the beds and then add two inches of the same mix. Then we line out the seeds and cover them with V more of the potting mix. The cross tags must remain with the seeds. For cross tags, we have settled on one inch vinyl mini-blinds — the porous, not slick, ones. These have several advantages: they are easy to cut, they don’t cut you, they are cheap, and when you use a black china- marker to write on them, they are legible for four years.

In the pots the seeds are planted about Va" apart; in the ground beds, they are planted about Vi" - i" apart. In both cases it is important not to let the seeds dry out. Seeds are watered in, then watered lightly every morning, keeping them damp but not soaking wet. The first seedlings pop up in 7 to io days. In three weeks they look like grass. Most of the crosses have a very high germination rate, usually 90% or better.

In theory, these seedlings are lined out in March in our area, before it gets too hot but after any danger of killing frosts. We try to prepare our planting beds in late fall, allowing granular fertilizers of 2-16-16 to be absorbed. The young irises are planted 12" apart in rows 36” apart. As we plant, we staple our vinyl mini-blind tags to 1" x 2" x 12" redwood stakes. Each cross is then given a number which is subsequently logged in a stud book along with the cross, for example, j-i (Sky Hooks x Shameless). Again, the freshly planted seedlings need to be watered in. All that is left is to watch them grow, weed them, and enjoy the first bloom. Some of the SDBs and reblooming TBs bloom as early as six months after planting in the ground, but most of them will bloom in a year.

Some might say this is a much too involved process; they are probably right. Yet if the seeds develop, they should be given the best possible chance to grow. The whole idea is to have fun and enjoy the whole hybridizing process. I can’t think of too many things that are more enjoyable than watching these beauties, and even the dogs, develop and bloom for the first time. Too many things in life are “have-to’s”: this is a “want- to!” Have fun!

60

Scedtln^ Sdectlon

-

b\ f <l=KLck ^rnst, Ote^

on

EEDLING SELECTION AND SEEDLING INTRODUCTION ARE,

indeed, in a common chain of events, but their functions are dissimilar. Since I deal primarily with Tall Beardeds at Cooley’s Gardens, Inc., the emphasis here shall be on them, although the same points could be made when discussing Intermediates, Borders, or probably even other iris species.

We begin with the first year seedling bed. Now, first year seedlings quite often do not bloom, so I leave them planted there for two years. I still call them first year seedlings. If I see the 36 - 38" bloomstalk with nine buds and three flowers open, I am thrilled, of course. But in first year seedlings, this is not always the case. In fact, it is not the norm.

I tend to abuse my seedlings, giving them very little water or fertilizer, and barely keeping the weeds down. While these are poor gardening practices, they are meant to thin the herd. I do not enjoy the “challenge of gardening” nor do I want to sell my customers any challenges. Irises should be nearly care-free.

So which seedlings do I keep? I have come to understand that a first year seedling does not have definite height, branching, bud count or size. While these things are important considerations for introduction, they do not fall into play for initial selection.

I place a flag in the center of each clump of anything interesting. That is, anything interesting that has these two traits: color and form. These characteristics tend to be consistent, whereas the others can vary substantially. What I’m looking for is individualism, or “magic”, if you will. It may be just another yellow, or a new pattern I haven’t seen before. Either way, if it grabs me, it gets flagged.

Flagged seedlings in my garden, are officially “selects”, and will be lined out in rows, hopefully all together, in the planting method I use in the commercial fields. The only difference is that they are planted a little bit earlier, and they are planted by hand. Hand planting is necessary because the quantities are too small to justify mechanical planters, which take more employees to operate.

The next year, I cruise the rows of “last year’s selects” looking for that same “magic”. Sometimes it’s there and sometimes it’s not. While the new

61

color pattern and starchy, ruffled form might reappear, now I need more. I need to see at least some improvement, preferably in height and branch, and if branching is good, Ill count the buds. Normally, too, this second blooming will yield larger flowers. Larger flowers sometimes yield paler colors than the original. It could be that there is a given amount of pigmentation, and spread over a larger area, it does not have the intensity or depth that appeared on the original bloom. I don’t have scientific data to back up this theory, but it seems logical.

As I stumble down the rows looking for last year’s magic, I place a flag in front of the magic clumps. Now some clumps may only be one or two plants, so they are really not clumps at all, but if other characteristics are favorable, I’ll keep them, and look again next year.

These flagged clumps are “reselects”, and they will form the basis of my introductions four or five years down the road. Hopefully, there are at least 300 or so, and they will be reselected each year until we have about twelve. This reselecting process will be repeated year after year.

The last reselecting takes place the year before introduction. I get critical on growth and increase here. By now, the Iris should have multiplied itself so that there are at least 150 plants of blooming size. If not, it will either be discarded or given one more year to “redeem” itself. This final selection for introduction should find the iris of a within-class height, with room for variations due to climate and location. For me, a Tall Bearded needs to be at least 32" tall, or else it’s not tall enough. Likewise if it’s 55" tall, it inevitably will not tolerate wind (the laws of physics apply to iris, too). The flowers should be large and full, with no more than three open at one time. Flower size should be in proportion to the bloomstalk diameter and height, and branching should give a proper, balanced look. Flowers should not tilt inward to or outward from the bloomstalk; nor should they crowd as secondary buds open.

Next, I look down the row; each clump should be consistent in height, branch and general appearance. There is an allowance of 20% differential for mechanical planter variations in rhizome orientation during placement, but these are obvious. Too much deviation between clumps indicates a degree of possible unreliability that inevitably will come back to bite me.

The final step is done indoors, on the only rainy day in May. This is where I find that I only have photography on six of the twelve introductions, and two of those don’t look anything like those seedlings in the field bearing the same number. So it’s back to the photography, providing a decent flower can be found.

And remember, there are the other selections and reselections to be made, and of course another batch of first year seedlings. I’d better go get more flags!

Lauer’s J'Cowers

11314 Randotpfi ‘Road AVdton, CCA 95693

Send for free cataCog of newer irises of t fie 90’s at bargain prices

Lauer Introductions

CLASSIC SUEDE: TB, 34” E-M. Ruffled well branched with 7- 9 buds for long bloom season. EC in ‘96 & ‘98, best seedling in ‘98 in Sacramento. S. almond shell brown, F. dark rusty brown veined yellow & rimmed yellow ochre, yellow orange beards.

Sdlg. #91-237-1 . $35.00

DESERT PASSION: TB, 36” M. Bubbled ruffling, 7-8 buds. S. magenta rose, F. violet/purple rimmed golden buff, saffron yellow

beards. Sdlg. #88-71-2 . $35.00

PENNY LANE: TB, 35” M. Large ruffled flowers, 7-8 buds with good branching. S. saffron yellow, F. cadmium orange darker at

rim, tangerine beards. Sdlg. #93-334-1 . $35.00

PINBALL WIZARD: TB, 35” M. Very clean Variegata with 7-8 buds. S. bronze yellow, F. oxblood red, mustard yellow beards.

Sdlg. #91-184 . $35.00

VIOLET TURNER: TB, 30” E-M RE. A reliable rebloomer here in October, close branching with 5-6 buds, a great color for the reblooming class. S. violet, F. velvety dark violet rimmed light violet, mustard beards. Sdlg. #9 1-1 58- 1R . $25.00

Introducing A New Hybridizer

A longtime member of the Sacramento Iris Society, Joyce Ragle has been working with medians for many years. This the first seedling she feels worthy of introduction.

1999

SPRING PASTEL: BB, 24” M. Pale pinkish lavender self with poppy red beards, well branched with 8-1 1 buds and vigorous increase. Sdlg. #88- 1 4L . $20.00

63

(Companion ^tyiants

b\f T^ui/ ^ycktelnet, Otcf

on

COMMON QUESTION WE HEAR A LOT FROM OUR CUSTOMERS

is, “Irises only bloom for such a short time. We would like some color to fill the rest of the season. What can we plant alongside the irises?” I tell them the list is endless if you use your creative skills and personal taste.

You must follow good cultural directions for the irises. Two things are extremely important when planting companion plants. One is to make sure that the companion plants do not shade the iris rhizomes or crowd out the irises. Secondly, give the iris enough room to get direct sun at the base of the plant and also see to it that it gets good air circulation.

At our nursery, we use pansies and Iceland poppies for a low border in front of our iris beds. These bloom almost until frost if the spent flowers are picked off. If you don’t take the time to pick off the dead flowers, you can intermix annuals for summer bloom. Alyssum, brachycome, vinca, lobelia and marigolds are just a few. I also like thyme for a nice green mat with a different color hue in bloom and a nice neat performance the rest of the year.

Lupines and delphiniums are good perennial companion plants. The color hues go so well with the irises and give a different texture and style to the garden. As with many perennials, these plants will need to be dug up and divided every so often so that overcrowding doesn’t result.

Penstemon is another one of my favorites. We plant the sensation mix penstemon from seed. Most years it will bloom the following summer, and if we have a mild winter, it will bloom the next season, starting at iris time through the rest of the summer. Peonies and oriental poppies are real show stoppers next to the irises. The peonies put on a great flower show, but I think the foliage is almost as great before and after the bloom. The oriental poppies are a fine complement when the bearded irises are in bloom. When the oriental poppy foliage has died back, plant fall asters right next to it to give you color later in the season.

Thalictrum and aquilegia (columbine) add another dimension. In Oregon these bloom at the same time as the tall bearded irises, adding a very lacy and airy perspective. Achillea and artemisia are two more good companion plants for the hot dry climates. They can also take the lack of

64

moisture. The soft hues of the new strains of achillea add new breadth. Artemisia comes in all sizes from dwarf size to almost shrub-like and complements any plant. Dwarf evergreens with the different color and texture of foliage bring the garden alive in the dead of winter. Heaths and heather also are good edging plants, bringing color and different hues all season. Clematis and roses, as long as they have plenty of space in the border, are also good companion plants.

I planted a bed with spring anemones and ranunculus for the front edge, stuck in a few auricula primroses, added tulips and daffodils along with daylilies and irises. It was a great show bed for months. Late spring I added salvia plants from cuttings that carried the border with color until frost.

It is really up to your own personal taste. The sky’s the limit, as long as you remember good cultural practices. I hope you have as much fun playing with your own different combinations. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It’s your garden. You make the rules; play with whatever pleases your eye, and have fun!

200 PINE CREEK RD. \ llMIk; Vf INTRODUCTIONS WALNUT CREEK, CA by

94598 Virginia Messick

MESSICK IRIS GARDEN

SWING DANCING (V. Messick, ’99) TB 37" M88-42.

(Ron x Winterscape X Breakers).

Ocean blue self with buoyant ruffles. Scalloped in medium blue with beards a bit darker. Sports eight well-placed flowers on usually three branches. Good substance. Fertile, fragrant and vigorous. Classic form and especially great parentage!

PHANTASY IN PINK (V. Messick ’99) TB 36" M89-71.

(Romantic Mood x Magic).

A lacey pastel self in true clear pink, highlighted with coral beards. The pink falls are lighter in the center and rimmed with the deeper pink lace as in the standards. Delicate looking flowers but of heavy substance and great form. A truly feminine iris with personality plus!

- $35.00 each - - -

Generous extras No catalog. Introductions only.

Shipping by Priority Mail $3.00

65

fertile intermediates

A SBiatt&reeS Myth

b\f /Havkif YOashin^ton

N THE LATE EIGHTIES WHEN I WAS FIRST HYBRIDIZING, I WAS

told (as was everyone), not to waste time pollenating Intermediate Bearded irises because they were infertile, due to their unbalanced combinations of Standard Dwarf and Tall Bearded genes. Being a new kid on the block, I couldn’t resist an occasional swipe of the anther on these forbidden beauties, and found that the blanket dismissal was incorrect, for some crosses of IB x SDB set a few seeds.

There has always been an occasional IB that was fertile in various decades. The first people here in the Northwest to take advantage of this in their hybridizing in a planned program were George Shoop and Carol Lankow. George focused on IB x SDB crosses, partly to get his beloved tangerine beards down to the SDBs in quantity. His favorite IB parents were SPRING DANCER (’84), SUNNY HONEY (’85) and DANCIN’ (’83), all his own introductions.

About the same time, Carol was crossing IB x SDB as well, but also IB x TB, getting 46 chromosome Border Beardeds. These “new” BBs, which were daintier and more proportionate than the existing “short TBs” with their too-large flowers, have become the new standard for the Border Bearded class, and are still best obtained with IBs or MTBs crossed with Tails. Terry Aitken has continued this IB x TB line of work, and I have made a cross or two myself, but so far from seedlings.

Early last spring, the Medianite editor, Nyla Hughes, contacted me about Intermediates that might be fertile, and together we decided I should run a test on the IBs in my garden to try their fertility.

Last season there were 33 named and introduced Intermediates in the garden, including some introduced that year (1998). Each was pollinated twice early in the season, with Standard Dwarf pollens, and twice again about ten days later, with Tall Bearded pollens. (See table below for results.) I tried to use pollens that might produce interesting seeds, so matched plicatas with plicatas, and tangerine beards with other tangerine beards, etc.

Whenever possible, named cultivars or seedlings were used which previously had proved to be pollen fertile. (Seedlings with numbers only

66

are mine.) One surprise was that CHUBBY CHEEKS (P. Black ’85) which generally has strong pollen, failed in every one of six crosses. (Perhaps it was too dry or damp?) If this were an on-going test, those crosses should be repeated with new pollen.

All the Intermediates were used as pod parents, and no tests were made for fertile pollen. However, BOLD STROKE (E. Jones ’93) is pollen fertile, as I have used the pollen with SDBs, and Terry Aitken reports pods from SMITTEN KITTEN (Aitken ’91) this season. Cultivars in italics had “the headache” all season, but ALL of the rest set at least one pod.

ms as Pod Parent

Results when Pollinated Twice

IB	X	SDB	Pods & Seeds	XTB	Pods & Seeds
Angel Heart	X	95-02	X	0	Romantic Evening	1	8
Blast	X	93-13A	2	15 Sc 13	Sneezy	1	7
Bold Stroke	X	Aitken 92M10	2	29 8c 26	Hello Darkness	2	168c8
Carriwitched	X	Chubby Cheeks	X	0	Keppel 8 8 -40 A	1	9
Chuckatuck	X	Marksman (99)	2	25 8c 27	Aura Light	1	21
Country Dance	X	Chanted	1	7	none , 1 stalk , short bloom
Dark Waters	X	94-11M	2	18 8c37	Hello Darkness	2	28 8c 30
Discovered Gold X	Marksman	X	0	Fashion Designer	2	20 & 8
Donegal	X	Chanted	1	0	Pond Lily	X	0
Fathom	X	Chubby Cheeks	X	0	Yaquina Blue	X	0
Fruit Cocktail	X	Mornings Blush	1	18	Fashion Designer	1	10
Galway	X	Chanted	X	0	Pond Lily	X	0
Geisha	X	Chubby Cheeks	X	0	Keppel 83-8A	X	0
Gnu Rays	X	Ringer	1	18	Keppel 88-40A	1	5
Guru	X	94-25 C	1	30 (lge)	Screen Play	1	18
Imperative	X	Minidragon	1	blind	Romantic Evening	2	15 8c 24
Improvisation	X	Chanted	1	34	Pond Lily	1	25
Londonderry	X	Chanted	X	0	Pond Lily	2	6
Lunar Frost	X	Captive Sun	X	0	Aura Light	1	24
Marris	X	96-04 Y	2	28 8c 12	Fashion Designer	X	0
Masked Bandit	X	Ringer	1	12	Screen Play	X	0
Ming	X	96-21 Y	2	148c4	Answered Prayers	2	14
Moonglade	X	Hoodlum	X	0	Flights of Fancy	1	14
Perfume Shop	X	Hoodlum	1	13	Flights of Fancy	1	7
Prism	X	Chubby Cheeks	X	0	Everywhere	2	18 8c 16
Protocol	X	Captive Sun	1	19	Aura Light	2	17 8c 12
Sailor	X	Chubby Cheeks	X	0	Keppel 83-8A	2	17 8c 18
Season Ticket	X	Marksman	X	0	Fashion Designer	X	0
Sinister Desire	X	Pele	X	0	Romantic Evening	2	3 8c blind
Smitten Kitten	X	China Peach	1	34	Pond Lily	1	35
Smitten Kitten	X	Chanted	1	40
Starwoman	X	Chubby Cheeks	X	0	Keppel 8 8 -40 A	2	22 8c 13
Tantrum	X	Ringer	X	0	Screen Play	1	10
This and That	X	Midnight Mist	1	7	Everywhere	3	10, 10, 18

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The reader will notice that a number of cultivars failed to set pods with SDB pollen. Weather was the most likely inhibitor. During the first weeks of Intermediate bloom, the temperatures for Yakima were considerably above normal, approaching ioo°f among the irises some days. The Standard Dwarfs drew to an abrupt end.

Although every effort was made to pollinate freshly opened IB flowers, the heat seemed to be a deterrent for any sets, either from too rapid drying of the stigmatic lip or pollens that were already too dry. Once the SDB season had been “cooked”, the weather turned unseasonably cold. Apparently, cold was far more productive to positive results with the pollens from early Tails.

With some exceptions left to ripen to maturity, I collected the pods early to determine if they were “blind” or contained seed, which was counted and listed above. Previous experience shows germination percentages will be low, about 25% here at best. Nevertheless, the number of successful crosses wildly exceeds the usual allowances for fertility in IBs. Its probable that any cultivar that set seed here could be tried by other hybridizers with SDB or TB pollen.

After a quick scan of current cultivars, here is a preliminary list of IBs (besides the Shoop irises mentioned above), which have actually produced introduced irises:

• FRIDAY HARBOR (Lankow ’89) parent of FRIDAY BLUES (Lankow ’97), BB

• HELLCAT (Aitken ’83) parent of KONA NIGHTS (Aitken ’92), BB and COOL TREAT (Lankow ’94), BB, which then produced SNOOPY (Lankow ’96), BB and INDIGO DOLL (Lankow ’97), a refined BB blue amoena with tangerine beards.

• RED ZINGER (Black ’85) has been used several times, most recently to produce SINISTER DESIRE (Black ’98), IB, which is also fertile

• SMITTEN KITTEN (Aitken ’91), which a friend tells me sets bee pods freely

• LOGO (Keppel ’86), which produced TRIVIA (’90) for Keith, and has been used as well by Barry Blyth

• POOR BUTTERFLY (Keppel ’91), which gave me several gorgeous 42X seedlings.

• BOLD STROKE (E. Jones ’93), has been both pod and pollen fertile for me

• ZING ME (Blyth ’90), from which Barry has introduced several Borders, including INGENIOUS (’96) and its sib SOUL SOUND (’95), FLAVOURS (’96), and another in last year’s catalog. In spite of difficult form, ZING ME does carry the SDB spot pattern up to the Border class, something George Shoop longed to do.

68

• PRISM (M. Smith ’95) will set pods, as will MING (M. Smith ’98), a recessive clear yellow from luminata breeding. Additional recent IBs known to be fertile include CHAMPAGNE ENCORE, RARE EDITION, SEASON TICKET, SNOW PLUM and TRIVIA.

What can this accomplish? The uses of these IB crosses are varied. In both cases, breeding “up” or “down”, they should provide a bridge, such as bringing the I.pumila spot up to the Border-Tall group, or new TB colors down to the Standard Dwarfs.

For me, there has been enough fertility in the IB x SDB seedlings to continue with SDB crosses at least another generation. Hybridizers should be aware that IB x SDB seedlings may have too-large flowers and too- tall foliage in the first generation, and occasionally in subsequent generations as well.

Intermediates crossed with TBs are producing some of the new Border Beardeds, with daintier flowers and the proportions that the new judging standards for Border Beardeds will require. Again, the seedlings may grow out of class; and the flowers, while daintier, may not have the width and ruffle seen in older BBs, (mostly stubby Tails which did not grow past the BB height limit — or not until the year of introduction, when they disobliged their hybridizer by reaching skyward!)

For the adventurous hybridizer, here is a whole new field of endeavor. If you have two-year-old clumps of IBs, they are ideal for such an experiment, as there are sufficient stalks to produce the pods needed to overcome sparse seed set and low germination percentages.

Perhaps someone could run a test for fertile pollen. There is even the possibility of breeding IB to IB. I have done it with seedlings once or twice. In any case, the list of possible parents should generate new appreciation for the IB class and its capacity.

What next?!

Reprinted with permission of the author and The Medianite, in which this article originally appeared in Volume 39, Number 2, Summer/Fall 1 998

69

f*>

CHOCOLATE SWIRL (Tosco '99) SDB, 12", M. Sdlg. #94-13-01 A swirling concoction of bronze and burgundy with chocolate highlights. Large bushy golden bronze beard tipped electric violet. A haunting blend with intense chocolate fragrance! 91-64: (Tender Tears x Bisbee) X Tantara . $ 1 2. SO

WtZARD'S RETURN (Tosco '99) SDB, 12", E and RE. Sdlg. #91-46-13-RE A reddish-violet self with a darker halo around the pale violet beards; wide, round flaring falls. This wizard reblooms vigorously in our Central California Zone 8 location. It is usually in bloom 6-to-7 months of the year here! Sweet fragrance. Extra Charm X Tender Tears . $ 1 5.00

MARIPOSA AUTUMN (Tosco '99) TB, 33", M and RE. Sdlg. # 92-25-06-RE Nicely formed and ruffled plicata done up in white and rosy-violet. Standards are rosy-violet with white showing through in the centers. Falls are white stitched along the edges in rosy-violet. It reliably reblooms in our Central California Zone 8 location in September and October. Jesse's Song X Earl of Essex . $35.00

DREAM EXPRESS (Tosco ‘99) TB, 40", M. Sdlg. # 92-14-33 Very large, heavily ruffled plum-purple self with magenta undertoning. Thin magenta line extending from beard to edge of falls. Flowers are so large, they can measure up to 7 inches by 9 inches! Normally with 7 to 9 buds per stalk. Sweet fragrance. Ruffled Goddess X Purple Pirouette . $40.00

# COLOR PHOTOS of the above 4 introductions are available via e-mail only 0

# If ordering from this ad. add $ 5.95 shipping, CA residents also add 7.25% tax #

S ft g C f 4 L : all 4 above introductions for only $ 80.95*

CA residents $ 86.39* (* tax / shipping included) _

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2536 Old Highway, Cathey's Valley, CA 95306

Phone 209-966-6277 . E-mail randrcv@sierratel.com

Descriptive catalog (no color) $1.50— listing over 1,100 iris

70

<Zke <3/teat (Ziazence /Hystetif

bif *7^ on £>poon, X^Lt^LnLa

ANY PEOPLE, INCLUDING MYSELF, CONSIDER

CLARENCE (Zurbrigg ’91) HM’95 and AM’97, to be the most beautiful rebloomer ever introduced. CLARENCE is a multiple rebloomer in zone 9, and reblooms reliably in late summer and fall in zones 4 through 8. Each flower is a dreamy confection that seems to glow from its lighter center like a luminous break in the sky. Its true color is somewhere between the 1998 catalog photograph by Schreiner’s (p. 68 of catalog, described as a “light blue amoena”) that is too blue, and Cooleys (p. 30 of catalog) that is too purple. Like other irises, its color can vary with time of year, soil conditions, and climate. I like Cooleys accurate description: “...this noble flower with its bluish white standards crowned violet-blue at the tip. The falls are a light blue-violet with white centers and hafts. Creamy white beards. A moderate sweet fragrance and dependable fall rebloom.” The plant is exceptionally vigorous with rapid increase and healthy blue- green foliage. It is proving to be an excellent pod parent, though as a pollen parent it may be somewhat challenging. Members of our C 6c P Iris Society have gotten seven or more blooms with double sockets on stalks that reach 35 to 36 inches tall. But CLARENCE, the iris, faces two unanswered questions that I will try to clarify: What is it? And what are its parents? Like a few other great bearded irises, such as STEPPING OUT and DUSKY CHALLENGER, the parentage of CLARENCE was given by its hybridizer, Dr. Lloyd Zurbrigg, as unknown. Answering the first question may help answer the second.

Genetics Review: The plicata locus only affects the water soluble anthocyanin pigment distribution and not the lipid soluble yellow xanthophylls or the yellow (carotenes) and pink (lycopene) carotenoid pigments. In their anthocyanin pigment distribution, plicata and luminata, like a negative and its print, are the reverse of one another. Plicatas, such as STEPPING OUT, have pigment around the edge of the petals that are unpigmented in the center; in the hafts and style arms; and stitching or dotting lying over the veins. Luminatas, such as MIND READER, have no pigment around the edge of the petals that are pigmented in the

71

center, yet unpigmented around the beard, in the hafts, and the veins. Interestingly, luminatas can have anthocyanin pigmentation in the style arms. The dominant PI pattern has full anthocyanin pigmentation with no pattern, basically a self like DUSKY CHALLENGER. Glaciatas (formerly called ices) lack all anthocyanin pigment and can be white, yellow, golden, orange or pink as in ANSWERED PRAYERS. The color of the beards is influenced by interactions with these alleles at the plicata locus, yet mainly determined by other genes and gene modifiers.

To my eye CLARENCE looked somewhat like a luminata, so I crossed it on several of Keith Keppels beautiful luminatas. Only with CLARENCE X MIND READER did I get seedlings with very vigorous rebloomer-like growth and tall (some up to 38 inches) early May stalks with nice flowers. Most were various luminata amoenas, but one seedling was a perfect glaciata with no purple, blue, maroon or red anthocyanin pigments and faint yellow at the base of the falls. To yield such a glaciata, both parents must have two glaciata alleles (unique trait doses) at the plicata locus (gene’s linear position on a specific chromosome). Then, to my great surprise, the best seedling was very dark violet with white beards, and when back lighted, was obviously a luminata and only slightly bitone. The morning we saw its first flower open we were overjoyed! This fall, three of the largest rhizomes, reset only two months earlier, began to develop rebloom stalks, though too late to beat an early hard freeze. We registered this seedling (96-252A) as DAUGHTER OF STARS. This means that both parents of DAUGHTER OF STARS also had to have two luminata alleles at the plicata locus. So CLARENCE and MIND READER at the plicata locus are all recessive and pl^u pl^u pl^ plS^ and both are luminata-glaciatas. ( The World of Irises uses pi a — all white — for the glaciata allele, but I prefer plS^.) Keith Keppel in a recent letter relates that he has obtained luminatas and a glaciata from crosses of FLIGHTS OF FANCY X FANCY WOMAN. I believe this means that both of them are luminata-glaciatas like CLARENCE and MIND READER. Possibly the two luminata alleles and the two glaciata alleles were introduced from different species and still always pair as in amphidiploids instead of randomly assorting during meiosis. (The PI dominant allele at the plicata locus produces no plicata pattern. It needs to be present in only one allele of the four to obliterate and hide the expression of the plicata and luminata as well as the glaciata recessive alleles at the plicata locus. The plicata and the luminata alleles override the expression of the glaciata allele; however, when plicata and luminata occur together they are both expressed, creating fancies.)

72

An amoena can be recessive (all four alleles in tetraploids with four sets of chromosomes must be recessive to be expressed) or dominant as in Paul Cook’s WHOLE CLOTH or Charlie Nearpass’s DOVER BEACH. The dominant amoena pattern (designated Is) can have a dosage effect: Is is is is a slight bitone, Is Is is is a medium bitone, Is Is Is is with lightly pigmented standards and darker falls, and Is Is Is Is white standards and pigmented falls. (Modifier genes can also influence the amoena pattern that can occur as a narrow pigmented band around the falls as in EMMA COOK.) Probably three alleles dominant for the amoena pattern are required to have the light blue violet pigment in the standards as in CLARENCE. This is like superimposing the luminata pattern modified by the glaciata influence on a high dosage dominant amoena like PROUD TRADITION. So, what is CLARENCE? I believe CLARENCE is a luminata-glaciata high dosage amoena!

Of all of Lloyd’s introductions, LATEST STYLE looks most like CLARENCE. As I wrote this, LATEST STYLE was reblooming in our garden. It has lavender-white standards with some light violet at the bases, the lavender-white style arms have light violet bands down their centers, falls light violet with considerable darkening to violet in the center and in the veins, and light violet around the creamy white beards that are light yellow in the throat. LATEST STYLE, 34” tall, is (((CRINKLED IVORY X AUTUMN SENSATION) X GRAND BAROQUE) X GOLIATH’S MATE) X DAWN VIOLET. It is ruffled, flaring, and of modern form. AUTUMN SENSATION is a recessive amoena and CRINKLED IVORY is a light creamy yellow self, while the other three parents are all dominant amoenas. During a recent phone conversation, Lloyd told me that the reason he registered CLARENCE as parentage unknown’ was that several of the crosses that year had their identifying tags become unreadable.

If LATEST STYLE was one of the parents, could we deduce what the other parent was? I crossed two off-white siblings out of I DO X LACED COTTON. (As related by Keith Keppel, LACED COTTON is a ‘minimalist’ plicata with barely visible plicata markings at the base of the petals. It has been shown by test crosses with plicatas to produce plicatas showing it has at least two plicata alleles, maybe four, or various possible assortments of luminata and glaciata alleles at the plicata locus.) All six seedlings from this cross were fancies (luminata-plicatas) implying that I DO has two - or more - luminata alleles at the plicata locus. I also have a clean light yellow ground luminata amoena seedling with yellow standards and style arms and darker yellow beards with lavender, plum,

73

and purple coloring between the yellow veins and edges of the falls. It is registered as DREAMING RAINBOWS. This yellow ground luminata amoena came out of a cross of two reblooming yellow seifs, CORN HARVEST X DELIA’S CHILD (( LEMON MIST X FALL PRIMROSE)X CORN HARVEST), making its chromosomes 3A from CORN HARVEST. The dominant white’ pattern (designated the I locus) that makes irises solid white, yellow, orange or pink does not completely eliminate the anthocyanin that can be seen expressed at the bases of the falls. (The I locus is a different locus from the amoena pattern Is.) In glaciatas, no such purple, blue, maroon or red markings occur. This means that a yellow iris like CORN HARVEST could be carrying unexpressed plicata, luminata, or glaciata alleles. Even with four different

no pattern) pi (recessive, dominant white’ allele (one dose of a possible four, liii) would prevent all anthocyanin expression except at the bases of the falls. Likewise, I DO could have two unexpressed luminata alleles at the plicata locus as indicated by my test crosses. This could also be true for the offspring of I DO, including IMMORTALITY. IMMORTALITY, that can reach 35" tall, is a more likely parent of 35" tall CLARENCE, than is the shorter I DO at 32". Also, the rebloom characteristics of CLARENCE are more like IMMORTALITY. However, Lloyd has no record of such a cross of LATEST STYLE and IMMORTALITY. Lloyd was so kind to search his records for me of all the pertinent LATEST STYLE crosses. In all these nine crosses except one, LATEST STYLE was used as the pollen parent, once on BROOK FLOWER or on seedlings no longer available. The exception is the cross, Q194 — LATEST STYLE X unknown, 52 seeds. Thus, the parentage of CLARENCE still remains a mystery.

Even though we only have a candidate for one of its two parents, we do know that CLARENCE is a truly gorgeous reblooming iris that could have the potential to create luminatas, fancies (luminata-plicatas), and glaciatas that are reliable rebloomers like the reblooming plicatas (such as AUTUMN CIRCUS and EARL OF ESSEX) we have learned to love. Hybridizers, young and older, novices and experts, “Start your tweezers!”

Note: This article is reprinted with permission from The Reblooming Iris Recorder, Fall 1998, Vol. 52. See photos: page 33.

alleles at the plicata locus PI (dominant, pl^u (luminata) pl^ (glaciata), just one >

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Mid-America

Garden

P. O. BOX 18278 Salem, OR 97305 (503) 390 - 6072

1999 INTRODUCTIONS of Paul Black

ABOUT LAST NIGHT TB, 30”, Sdlg B137A - Purple black S and jet black F;

pulsating bright yellow beards; tailored form; great branching . $40.00

ALPINE STORM TB, 32", Sdlg 89116B - Heavily ruffled, HUGE, tightly

formed, icy white flowers with yellow gold beards; classy . $40.00

BACHELOR PARTY TB, 34", Sdlg A500XX - OH! She’s pink & pretty! Clear,

medium pink S and band around white F; lots of tight ruffles . $40.00

BIG SQUEEZE TB, 33", Sdlg A59F - AT LAST, a HUGE flowered orange with strong stems & vigor. Glo wing peach pinkS have crystalline gold rims; vibrant orange F w/ bright orange beards; diamond dusted & heavily ruffled. $40.00 COLOR GLORY TB, 36", Sdlg A10D - SHOW STALKS supreme! Dark rose purple S & medium rose purple F darken toward edges; wide burnt orange

beards; robust plants consistently produce strong show stalks . $40.00

COMPLIMENTARY TB, 34", Sdlg A59C - Buff pink S with gold rims; buff

orange F. SEE CATALOG LISTING TO OBTAIN FREE PLANT . FREE

HABIT TB, 34", Sdlg B61A - Palest violet white S edged with violet lines;

darkest purple black F; old gold beards. Startling contrast . $40.00

VIBRANT TB, 34", Sdlg C17A The brightest, eye zapping, yellow gold toned

green around orange gold beards; big looping ruffles. INTENSE! . $40.00

BOOT HILL BB, 26", Sdlg C100B - Charcoal purple S; dark grape purple F

with paler edge; bright old gold beards; well proportioned . $25.00

FROLICSOME IB, 22", Sdlg A119D - Best Seedling at Median Fix 1996.

Bright canary yellow with brown plicata band around F . $20.00

PHOTO OP IB, 18", Sdlg 9 1353A- Demure diamond dusted orchid with a silky

sheen; showy clumps . $20.00

SUMMER CAMP IB, 18", Sdlg C109D - Rose wine blended over yellow F; Lt yellow F; haft lined & marked burgundy; wide rose wine plic band. ... $20.00 BUDDY BOY SDB, 14", Sdlg B299A - Pastel violet S; medium orchid F

blended lighter toward edge; orange beards . $15.00

WILD HAIR SDB, 14", Sdlg C133H - Dark black cherry heavily sanded over buff S; pearl F completely washed with orchid blending to purple; edges

rimmed with plum lines; a very EXOTIC fancy washed plicata . $15.00

WIGGLE MDB, 7", Sdlg B330E - Yellow ground with S blended completely deep wine; wide deep wine plic band F; striking, floriferous clump. ... $15.00

INTRODUCTION SPECIALS

ALL 8 TALL BEARDED INTROS $ 320. VALUE FOR $ 200.

ALL 7 MEDIAN INTROS $ 130. VALUE FOR $ 80.

ALL 15 INTRODUCTIONS $ 450. VALUE FOR $ 250.

ADD 5% FOR POSTAGE & HANDLING

PARTIAL COLOR CATALOG AVAILABLE ON REQUEST $3.00

_ Catalog also contains listings of daylilies & hostas. _

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Mid-America

Garden

P. O. BOX 18278 Salem, OR 97305 (503) 390 - 6072

SAME NAME

NEW ADDRESS

Yes, we're still Mid-America. Why give up a name that has been so good to us. We tell everyone, there is Canada, the US, and Mexico. Yes, we're still Mid- America - it all depends on your point of reference.

Like Dorothy, in the Wizard of OZ, we have landed in a new and wondrous land. Well, new to us. After months of sorting, sifting, packing and shuffling, we have arrived at our new home and garden. It is an exciting time.

A BIG THANKS to each of you, both in Oklahoma and Oregon, who helpled us so much. You made this transition as easy as possible. We will miss all of our Oklahoma customer's who came by to enjoy our garden and became our friends. Thank you for giving us record sales this year. We look forward to providing you with even better service and plants from our new garden.

Our future looks bright here in Oregon. We are looking at a new field of iris growing in virgin soil. Tom worked hard to plant our stock early in the season so the plants could achieve maximum growth. The result, they are growing robustly and putting up loads of new increase. This means we will have ample stock of the newest bearded iris for you to select from. It also means the prices will be veiy competitive and we will be able to give you a generous helping of gift plants. CLUBS - please take note of the CLUB OFFER in the new catalog. This is a great way for your club to make money or help update members gardens through drawings and door prizes. We will also offer SURPRISE PACKAGES at the end of the season. Here's your chance to really update your garden.

Where can you find us? The garden location is 7185 Lakeside Dr N E, Salem OR. Driving north on 1-5, take the Chemawa Rd/Keizer exit #260 (the last exit on the north side of Salem). Proceed east on Chemawa to Portland Rd (99E). At the stop light turn north and Lakeside Dr is the first road after crossing the Labish Canal. Turn east on Lakeside Dr and after 3 right angle turns, turn left down our drive. Follow it to the end to a two story yellow house and rolling hills of iris. After you are on Lakeside Dr and make the first light angle turn and are headed north, you are looking directly at our house. If you visit Schreiner's Gardens, you are only about 3 miles from Mid-America. If you are at Keith Keppel's, just come north a few miles and here we are again. We welcome all of you to come and see hundreds of new iris, daylily, and hosta varieties as well as masses of new iris and daylily seedlings blooming for the first time.

Wishing you the best bloom ever! Paul Black & Tom Johnson

New 1999 partial color catalog available for $3.00 around March 1

Send request to above address

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Siberian 3ti9 C^uLtuze

For Beginners

by tyohn (Zobte, /Kicki^an

E TELL PEOPLE THAT SIBERIAN IRISES ARE THE easiest irises to grow, basically because they are adaptable, tough, and forgiving of low maintenance gardening. They flourish with reasonable care and are spectacular with excellent culture. Siberians are the choice of irises to plant in the mixed perennial border, adaptable to soils, mulching, neighboring plants, and they maintain a nice fountain of attractive foliage throughout the growing season.

The heritage of Siberian irises are mountain valley meadows that are usually wet in spring from snow melt and damp and cool through bloom period. This same spring bloom season and a few weeks after is also the time that increase fans are growing and new rhizome increases are formed. The amount of heat and moisture at this time are usually the limiting factors to their natural distribution.

Planting Siberian irises in the garden is unnatural distribution! To make the plants happy they prefer a nutrient rich soil, about pH6.5 - 6.8, and sufficient in organic matter to help hold moisture and provide aeration for good root growth. They prefer moist springs until increase fan growth matures about a month after bloom. This is when irrigation is important if adequate rain is not present. Mulching is important to help hold moisture in the soil and help keep the soil as cool as possible. You will be rewarded with much healthier and larger plants the following year if you can keep Siberian irises watered all summer and fall (at least damp, don't let them bake dry).

The above is another good reason to plant Siberians in the perennial border or daylily bed that is maintained with mulch and irrigation during dry periods throughout the summer. If you have to irrigate very much each year, be aware of your water pH. Most water is above pHy and will gradually raise the pH of your soil. If this is a serious problem in your area, incorporate agricultural sulfur into the soil prior to planting. For established plants, iron sulfate can be dissolved in water and applied around the clump. Light green to yellow-green foliage may be an indication that the soil pH is above 7.5 - 8.0 and tying up available nitrogen.

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Another note for special irrigation: Siberian irises are cold hardy to Zone 3, but may not survive winters in Zone 5 in sections of the arid prairies that lack sufficient moisture in the soil during open winters. Freeze drying will kill dormant Siberian irises. Successful growers of Siberians in Oklahoma, for example, report that it is necessary to check soil moisture during any January or February thaw and water the dormant Siberians to maintain some soil moisture. Freeze drying can also kill Siberians in moist areas of Zones 5 and 6 when late fall transplants heave during winter/spring or when a mole tunnels under a rhizome leaving an air chamber.

Transplanting time will depend on your weather and your cultural practices. Transplanting should be done during moderate to cool weather and the mulched transplants need to be kept moist to damp for the remainder of the growing season. In cooler areas, spring transplanting is usually most satisfactory any time from first spring emergence to immediately after bloom. In areas with very hot and/or dry summers, early fall transplanting may be advised to take advantage of cooler temperatures and usually more fall rain. From an older clump, select 3-8 fan divisions from the outside edge of the clump that have new white roots. Keep the roots wet at all times when out of the ground, the divisions will even keep nicely in a bucket of water for a couple days. Plant the rhizome 2 inches deep in good rich garden soil where Siberian iris have not been growing for several years. Water in and mulch and keep moist.

Dead heading is a must. Bumble bees will pollinate most blooms and produce many seed pods. Unless you want to collect seed, cut off the whole bloom stalk soon after blooming. It looks better in the garden and removes seeds that will easily sprout next spring and contaminate your named variety with numerous different colored seedlings. Cutting off the foliage should not be done until late fall after a couple of killing frosts. You want to raise healthy foliage all summer and fall to feed the rhizomes and roots for good bloom next year. But remove the dead foliage by early winter to remove a perfect winter nest site for field mice (voles) which like to eat Siberian rhizomes! Also, removal of old foliage may remove harmful insect eggs if they are present.

In the Eastern U.S., borer eggs may be present on the old foliage. Yes, Siberian irises are susceptible to the iris borer if you have a problem with this insect. One has to learn to look for the signs of the iris borer in Siberian irises. Just before bloom time the evidence of the iris borer becomes apparent. In a clump of Siberians if several fans show a center

78

leaf that is dead or dying, give it a tug. If the dying leaf pulls out of the fan with a chewed off end, feel quite sure an iris borer is down in the fan. If you have just a few clumps of Siberians, it may be practical to just cut off the infected fan with a knife just above the ground (being sure to include the borer!). If you have a large planting of iris with iris borer, it may require a systemic insecticide to gain control of the problem. This can be one hot topic, and I suggest you bring it up at a local iris club meeting for discussion with experienced growers in your area. Also, start a discussion on Siberian iris culture in your area — what has worked for some and not for others. Some of my suggestions may have to be applied differently for your soil and climate conditions.

FAN’S IRIS GARDEN

CHUN (FRANK) FAN

14 Chestnut Drive East Windsor, NJ 08520 (609) 448-7964

New Introductions for 1999

WHITE CHINA (Chun Fan 1999) TB, 34-36" (81-91 cm), EM. A large, white self, beautifully ruffled and waved, with wide falls touching at the hafts. This aristocratic and captivating bloom displays the fine kid-leather substance one would expect of its Dyke’s Medal ancestry, as well as the truly remarkable vigor and fecundity of its pollen parent. Three branches carry 7-8 buds. F86-G-43 (Victoria Falls x Song of Norway) x Knot’s Landing. $40.00

SPECIAL APPRECIATION BONUS — For each White China you buy, please take one of my Previous Introductions free!

Previous Introductions

KELLY LYNNE (Chun Fan ’98) TB, 34" (86 cm), ML.

Violet purple standards are graced by velvety white falls rimmed in violet plicata flecking. $20.00 LOVER’S REUNION (Chun Fan ’98) TB, 31" (79 cm), EML

Silvered velvety maroon red standards and cream base falls. $20.00

MEL’S HONOR (Mel Leavitt / Chun Fan ’98) TB, 35" (89 cm), EM

Violet purple plicata with orange beards. $20.00

MAGIC PALETTE (Chun Fan ’97) TB, 33" (84 cm), EM

Romantic plicata of antique gold and plum, this was a big hit at the Sacramento Convention $20.00 EAGLE’S WING (Chun Fan ’97) TB, 40" (102 cm), M-ML

Silvery violet blue with deep blue beards, this beauty has excellent branching. $1 5.00

MELTED BUTTER (Chun Fan’94) TB, 39" (99 cm), M-ML Creamy white and yellow amoena. HC ‘9 1 , HM ’96. One of Clarence Mahan’s Top Ten Irises (AIS Bulletin, October 1998) $20.00

KNOT’S LANDING (Chun Fan ’93) TB, 39" (99 cm), EM

Cream white, extremely fast grower, heavy bloomer $1 0.00

Enclose $ 5.00 for shipping and handling.

Siberian tHubzidizin^

Color1 Bream

by -/\nna /Kae /KlLLei, /lAXcki^an

ROSTED CRANBERRY began its development in the spring of 1978 when a chance wine seedling bloomed among my Siberians. It was admired and numbered (78.5). At the time I was growing in a twenty foot area: SNOW QUEEN, a white form of I. sanguinea , (collected by Barr, 1900); KINGFISHER BLUE (Wallace ’24), a medium violet blue; PERIWINKLE (Cleveland ’26), a light blue and red bicolor; MT. LAKE (Gersdorff 33), a bright azure blue; TYCOON (Cleveland 38), a large purple self; CAESAR’S BROTHER (Morgan ’31), a deep purple; TOWANDA REDFLARE (Scheffy ’49), MANDY MORSE (Spofford ’62), BICKLEY CAPE (Kitton ’63) and maybe one or two others. Most were unknown parentages, but all prior to WHITE SWIRL and its cup shaped form. PERIWINKLE and TOWANDA REDFLARE seem the most likely to have given this wine-red with a wider fall. This was a deeper red color than any of the ‘reds’ of the 1970s, which were light to medium rosy reds, certainly not as dark as this one; its wider falls were distinctive.

I was lucky to have purchased PINK HAZE (McGarvey ’80) and TEMPER TANTRUM (McGarvey ’86), guests at the 1976 AIS Michigan Convention where we chose new Siberian irises to grow and appreciate. I had the opportunity to meet Dr. William McGarvey, Dr. Currier McEwen, Steve Varner and Dr. Robert Hollingworth, all active Siberian hybridizers and members of the Society for Siberian Irises, and to hear their comments about the latest introductions. One of my gardening theories is that it takes no more weeding, fertilizing, watering, etc., to grow inferior plants, so we began adding newer irises, not the very latest introductions, but post-19 60s plants. We soon grew all the McGarvey pinks and could study and evaluate them.

PINK HAZE is not my idea of “pink” but rather a pink-lavender shade, so it was natural that I would use it in my hybridizing efforts to get a true pink. I set a pod on PINK HAZE using the pollen of the “nice, wide, wine seedling” and got 67 seedlings which all had red leaves at the base and red spathes that I liked and hoped could be developed into an attractive feature. Most of the seedlings were wine-red. (My sketchy notes

80

say there were a few whites. Why didn’t I make a cross using one of these recessive whites?) However, I chose a wine seedling (78.16.5), from 60 red-wine seedlings grown from a bee pod of PINK HAZE, and again used PINK HAZE pollen. I did several sibling crosses from the 78.16 seedlings. I grew and evaluated over 1100 plants; there were some whites, wines, and lavender-pinks in several different shades, and many amoenas.

I feel that I did get a color break in the 3rd generation when I selfed a pink with red spathes (80.9.3) that I had considered introducing, and got four seedlings. All were pinks with the red spathes and one (85-41-4) was a deeper pink and was veined with wine to give a much deeper appearance. (Falls are 78A/77B with darker veins; standards 80c with aqua veins; style arms are white.) Cooler weather than we experience most bloom seasons gives a definitely darker pink than had yet been introduced. Bob Hollingworth visited the garden and saw it in bloom and encouraged me to introduce it. I chose the name FROSTED CRANBERRY (Anna Mae Miller ’91), as it reminds me of frozen cranberries.

I believe another color break has come from using ESTHER C.D.M (McGarvey ’82). I used it with pollen from my ALMOST A MELODY (’88) (from DREAMING SPIRES and RUFFLED VELVET). This cross gave me LAVENDER STIPPLES (’91), where the white falls are infused and veined violet, and another pattern in PURPLE SAND (’91), a light lavender which has darker veins. Another good trait is that they are much later blooming, thus extending the season.

Bauer-Coble used ESTHER C.D.M. pollen on a seedling from TEMPER TANTRUM and got two similar patterns in SPRINKLES (’94) and MESA PEARL (’94).

I think that MARY LOUISE MICHIE (Miller ’96) is the truest pink that I have seen. It is a child of AQUA WHISPERS X LAVENDER BOUNTY. That parentage also gave me CHEERY LYN (’91) and lavender LILTING LAURA (’90).

Note: See AIS Bulletin, October ; 1998, for picture of FROSTED CRANBERRY, winner of the Morgan Wood Medal for 1 998.

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<TiaLnbows ofi the

T^tuce ^Ltardi, Ote^on

he 1998 Spuria Convention took place in April. The convention was named “Rainbows of the Desert”, and it provided a lot of fun for all participants, even though the spurias didn’t cooperate by blooming on schedule! Attendees came from all corners of the country, and it was a congenial and funloving group.

Everett Lineberger reported on the first tour destination, Floyd Wickenkamp’s carefully planned garden. Floyd is a long-time member of the Sun Country and American Iris Societies. His very first introduction, SON OF SUN, won the President’s Cup at the AIS Convention in 1987, and went on to win the Eric Nies Medal in 1994. Two spurias were in bloom for convention guests: BELISE (Simonet ’67), a favorite old standby in blue-lavender; and Floyd’s own LOVE FOR LEILA (’86), a deep violet with small gold signal. Very nicely grown clumps of around 200 other spurias gave promise of many more to come. There were also several TB’s in bloom, along with Mary Dunn’s LA, MISSISSIPPI GAMBLER.

Floyd was kind enough to provide us with a post-convention rundown of his spuria season. He reports that 1998 was not his best year for spuria display, but the following were standouts in his garden: CUST (Niswonger, ’89), with small but numerous white blossoms, and at least a dozen stalks on a three year clump; COLOR FOCUS (Jenkins ’90), a real beauty with purple standards and yellow falls edged purple; MISSOURI RIVERS (Niswonger ’90), a ruffled blue with yellow blaze, which was later a deserving winner of the 1998 Nies Medal; BURNISHED BRASS (Roe ’72), a glowing brass-brown with yellow signal; AMBER RIPPLES (Niswonger ’81), small but lovely flowers with pale blue standards, amber falls with pale blue edging; BETTY COOPER (McCown ’82), a combination of light violet, pale yellow, and brown with a bright orange blaze; MIDNIGHT RIVAL (Johnsen ’93), a very dark amethyst purple, almost black; LOVE FOR LEILA (Wickenkamp ’86), a deep violet with bronze signal, named for Floyd’s mother; BETTY MY LOVE (Wickenkamp ’89), small blossoms in a combination of yellow and white, named in memory of Floyd’s wife; and SUNRISE IN SONORA

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(Wickenkamp ’94), a dark maroon violet with a large gold blaze.

Irene Barton reported on the next stop, the Kary Iris Garden. Guests were met by arils and TBs which were planted right along the sidewalk. Across the driveway was a patio area which displayed white sweet peas, a grape vine, sweet williams, and more TBs, including the beautiful NAVY BLUES (Robert Dunn ’94). Another eyecatcher was the cat’s claw vine on the fence. Passing through the gate, visitors enjoyed the serenity of a white dove aviary. Roses and mature grapefruit perfumed the backyard; pseudacorus iris made a beautiful display in a series of four connecting ponds.

Once again, as at every garden on the trek, guests enjoyed snacks and drinks. Ardi Kary was a generous hostess, and guests will remember the tranquil atmosphere of the Kary garden.

Pete DeSantis reported on the visit to Don and Bobbie Shepard’s Iris Garden, one of the largest commercial gardens in Arizona.

The Shepards’ field contains many of the best introductions from Charlie Jenkins, Floyd Wickenkamp, Eleanor McCown, Dave Niswonger, Ben Hager, Glen Corlew, Joe Ghio, and Walker Ferguson. Due to old friend El Nino, the spurias were not in full bloom, but the TB’s put on a good show, with assistance from a few Louisianas. LA’s that caught Pete’s eye were MARBLE CAKE, NEVER SAY, and MARGARET LEE. Outstanding TB’s were HOT CHOCOLATE, KEVIN’S THEME, SWING AND SWAY, STREET WALKER, THAT SCENTSATION, and a very big clump of SKATING PARTY. CRANBERRY CRUSH and BRIGHT WARRIOR also put on a good show. The spurias were represented by two of Charlie Jenkins’ introductions: ELFIN SUNSHINE (’98), in shades of yellow, and ALPHASPU (’92), a bright yellow that drew the eye (photos: page 40).

In a post-convention report, Bobbie Shepard gave us a rundown of the outstanding performers in their garden this year. She, too, mentions ELFIN SUNSHINE, along with MIDNIGHT RIVAL (Johnsen ’93), which bloomed and bloomed in its unique dark purple; SONORAN SKIES (Wickenkamp ’93), a stately variety of pure sky blue, with large, well-balanced blooms; CUSTOM DESIGN (Hager ’81), which gives a neon effect with its rusty brown color and bright yellow-gold signal; LOVE FOR LEILA (described previously); APRIL’S BIRTHDAY (Jenkins ’94), a pretty white, named because its maiden bloom occurred on October 3rd, Charles Jenkins’ daughter’s birthday; DENA’S DELIGHT (McCown ’82), a wonderful ruffled lavender, still one of Bobbie’s favorites; LEMON DILEMMA (Johnsen ’93), one of the best

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examples of a true spuria bicolor, in violet and yellow. Bobbie completes her list with mention of I. CROCEA (species, 1877), PEE WEE PETE (Shepard 98), BUTTER RIPPLES (Jenkins 99), and LAVENDER WAVES (Jenkins ’96). She ends with the comment that all spurias are beautiful, so it’s hard to choose favorites!

Gail Barnhill filled reporting duties on the visit to the Betty Howard garden. As guests approached this garden, they were met by a neatly xeroscaped front yard which complemented the Spanish architecture of the house. Especially eye-catching was a topiary juniper. The home’s atrium was planted with ivy, ficus, Monterey pine, ironcross oxalis, and rapholiphs. In the back garden, light pink climbing Cecil Bruenner roses and brilliant pink petunias complemented the iris. TB’s CHIEF HEMATITE and SPLASH OF BLUE were looking very good; PINK UNICORN, an older horned iris, and Barry Blyth’s BEACHGIRL were also very attractive.

Other sections of the garden were highlighted by colorful accent spots. Pete DeSantis’ TB SCOONCHEE was blooming its head off! Another favorite was DeSANTIS SEEDLING #85-13, a bicolor with ecru standards and lavender falls. This bed was surrounded by purple petunias, the perfect color complement for the two DeSantis plants. In bloom in the guest iris bed were Charlie Jenkins’ spuria ELFIN SUNSHINE and a very promising TB, RICHARDS SEEDLING #6005, a deep purple with lighter hafts which gave it a dark “glow”.

The next feature of the Rainbows of the Desert tour was Mary Larson’s garden in Tempe. Joan Cooper of Roseville, Minnesota, provided the review. Joan mentioned her surprise at finding lawns in arid Arizona that were just like those back home in Minnesota; she found that the secret was to have a sunken lawn that could be flooded!

The lovely Larson home was shielded from the road by Canary Island Pine and citrus trees. Front flower beds of African daisies, California poppies, aloes, and other succulents were studded with bearded irises, many of which were in full bloom. At the rear of the house were raised beds with flowering groundcovers. Joan admired the vine-covered patio, decked with pots of cacti and succulents. She also enjoyed the vegetable/ flower garden — that is, flowers growing here and there among the squash, tomatoes, and corn.

Tom Abrego provided a recap of the visit to the last stop on the spuria trek, the Smith gardens. On a corner lot in a quiet residential neighborhood of Phoenix, Ellen Joy Smith has created a bloom-filled secret garden. Tom praised its beauty and the absolute explosion of annual

84

and perennial bloom that was displayed. The guest planting of spurias was found in a quiet corner. The spurias were healthy and well-grown, though most were still a week or so from bloom. SHEPARD SEEDLING #96001-9309 caught Toms eye, with its soft yellow tones highlighted by a splash of bright yellow at the center of its falls. ELFIN SUNSHINE (Jenkins ’98) showed excellent growth; its color was similar to the Shepard seedlings, but it stood apart due to its smaller flowers and ruffled narrow form.

Bobbie Shepard reported that Barry Blyth was a wonderful speaker and presented a fascinating program on his hybridizing experiences. Judges’ training sessions were led by Melody Wilhoit (Louisianas) and Dave Niswonger (spurias). Tom Abrego moderated a round table discussion with Barry, Melody, and Bill Maryott, and attendees garnered much helpful information about the rewards of growing spurias. The Walker Ferguson Award went to Charlie Jenkins’ ELFIN SUNSHINE as Best Registered Spuria.

Note: Much of the information on the garden reports was excerpted with permission from the Spuria Newsletter, Winter of 1998, plus supplementary reports provided directly from garden hosts.

dr

The Mystery iris

Jim Hedgecock, Missouri

Do you know who I am? I’m the Mystery Iris. Like most of my cousins, my family roots stretch throughout most of Central Europe, Russia, and into China. New members of my family are still turning up now and then.

When people see me, sometimes they think I’m Siberian. Others think I’m Japanese. But you won’t find me spending as much time at the water’s edge.

I’ll grow for you in just about any climate. I love to be side- dressed with fertilizer, and it won’t make me rot. I also love to be mulched — just to save you the trouble of weeding! I am disease resistant and very few garden pests like me. Best of all, you won’t have to divide me every few years; I like to stay undisturbed in one place for long periods.

So do you know who I am? I’m tall and I’m beautiful. I’m a Spuria!

VS

d)

85

diandbook ^bot 'Judges and h>kow O-fifccLats

American iris Society, Sixth satHtion, 1B3B

b\f 7io\f Epperson, Editor

The American Iris Society’s Handbook for Judges was first published in 1953. The Second Edition (i960) states in the Preface:

“This handbook incorporates and brings up to date material on awards, judging and exhibition of irises published in The American Iris Society’s Handbook for Judges of 1953, and in the booklets, instructions for Exhibition Judges and Rules and Regulations of the AlS-Sponsored Exhibition , published several years ago by the Society’s Exhibition Committee. The sections on duties of judges, standards or guides for judging the various classes of irises, and the general judging standards are composites of the opinions and knowledge of leading specialists in those fields.”

The Handbook for Judges and Exhibitions was published in i960 and revised in 1965 and 1969. The next edition did not appear until 1985 and was entitled Handbook for Judges and Show Officials. Editor Phil Williams utilized a loose-leaf format to facilitate subsequent needed revisions.

On May 22, 1994, AIS President Barr appointed the following committee to revise the Judges Handbook: Hilda Crick, Chairman; Jim McWhirter, E. Roy Epperson, Ronald Mullin and Phil Williams. Glenn Corlew became Chairman of Judges Fall 1994 and thereby Chairman of the Revision Committee. On January 1, 1997, E. Roy Epperson became the Editor-in-Chief of the revised Judges Handbook.

Hilda Crick and then E. Roy Epperson contacted each of the Section Presidents and each of the Cooperating Society Presidents and requested suggestions/recommendations for revision. Each of these groups responded. The suggested revision was input by the Editor/typist and a copy was sent back to the Section/Cooperating Society for careful vetting. Any recommended changes were submitted to Epperson and included in the narrative. Other chapters were reviewed/vetted by a member of the revision committee, the chairman of the respective standing committee, and the Editor/typist. Many telephone conversations were conducted relative to suggestions and recommendations for revision. The entire revised Handbook was vetted by Epperson’s professional secretary, who has no knowledge of iris and therefore made an unbiased vetting.

86

In addition to the revision committee members and the chairmen of the standing committees, the Editor/typist utilized the expertise and guidance of President Niswonger and past-Presidents Barr and Stahly.

Changes From the Fifth edition (loss)

1. New chapters have been added for Historic Iris and Space Age Iris. HIPS provided the material on exhibition judging of Historic Iris and Dr. Lloyd Zurbrigg revised the narrative portion.

2. A new format has been used in which the section on garden judging and the section on exhibition judging of a specific class of iris has been integrated into a sin gle chapter. This negates the necessity of a judge’s flipping back and forth between the previously separated sections.

3. The modification in the Awards System authorizing the awarding each year of three (3) John Wister Memorial Medals for tall bearded irises has been included in the chapter that sets forth criteria for awards.

4. The quantitative criteria for awarding of Silver and Bronze Medals/ Certificates at accredited AIS shows have been modified to read as follows:

The silver and bronze medals may be awarded only at an accredited show with at least five ( 5) exhibitors and at least twenty (20) cultivars; entered. For a Fall show there must be at least three (3) exhibitors and at least ten (10) cultivars entered.

The silver and bronze youth medals may be awarded in the Youth Division only if there are at least two (2) exhibitors and at least ten (10) cultivars; entered. For a Fall show there must be at least two (2) exhibitors and at least five (5) cultivars entered.

5. The statement concerning “Selecting the Best Specimen of the Show” that was interpreted by many to prohibit an historic iris being so selected has been modified to read as follows:

When two specimens are judged equal in all respects except for the date of introduction, the newer variety should be placed higher, because it shows the public what is considered to be a good iris of today.

6. Within the chapters on the individual classes of iris, there have been extensive modification in the narrative with specific substantive changes in defined heights and in Point Scale modifications. Width/ height diagrams have been added in the chapters on BB and IB.

87

Additions and Corrections to the Handbook for Judges and Show Officials ,

Sixth Edition, 1998.

1. p. 39, Chpt. 4, Rules and Regulations of an Iris Show, Educational Division:

The narrative flow from page 39 to page 40 should read: planting instructions with display of rhizomes , soil and complete ahow to”:

2. p. 41, Chpt. 4, Rules and Regulations of an Iris Show, Exhibition Awards, 2nd paragraph.

The AIS Board of Directors at its 1994 Fall Meeting in Albuquerque, NM, voted to provide one free set of Youth Medals perAISsho w (that meets the current qualifications for exhibitors, entries, and/or cultivars.)

3. p. 74, Chpt. 7, Border Bearded Irises, diagram on Width and Height: Maximum overall size should read 22 cm instead of 12 cm.

4. p. 115, Chpt. 11, Miniature Dwarf Bearded Irises, Exhibition Judging, Scale of Points: The Scale of Points is incorrectly tabbed.

5. p. 140, Chpt. 13, Novelty Bearded Irises, Variable Patterning: JOSEPH’S COAT (Katkamier 1930) was registered in 1989 as

JOSEPH’S COAT KATKAMIER (A. Katkamier by E. Tankesley- Clarke). Therefore, having been registered and introduced, this cultivar is eligible for AIS awards.

‘Beautiful Custom Designed

14(f (fold Iris Pendant or Pin

s

‘ Two ‘Different Sizes (612)535-9491

Diamonds & Cjott Int.

4086 Latfland tAve Of goSSinsdaf 0\d0f 55422

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88

NEW COLORADO CREATIONS FOR 1999

DESERT DAYBREAK (David Miller) TB 33" Just as a desert sunrise changes minute by minute, so too does Desert Daybreak. Standards are bronze yellow with slight rose brown midribs. Falls start out rose brown with a very pale flush of lavender. The lavender quickly fades and the rose brown evolves into a blended golden brown. All highlighted by bushy bronze gold beards. 7 to 8 buds. ((Dutch Chocolate X Sandberry) X Henna Accent) X Canyon de Chelly $30.00

ENCHANTED MESA (Magee) TB 42" M KATZIMO, legendary tribal home, 73 feet higher and 3 miles northeast of ACOMA. Sky blue standards and styles. Falls, white rock with purple arroyos radiating to a deep purple plicata undulating halo. Blue sage beards. EC ’92 & ’97, People’s Choice ’97. Mirror Image X Acoma. see color ad $30.00

JUST A FLIRT (David Miller) SDB 12" Like a cute little blond with long blond eyelashes, this one will just flirt with you. It’s a soft light yellow with a darker ray pattern in the falls. The bushy beards are white with a pale blue cast. 3 buds and good growth habits. Blue Line X (Sapphire Gem X Ice Chalet) $15

OSLO (Carl Jorgensen) TB 30" E-M-L A child of Song of Norway, this pale hyacinth blue with pronounced darker blue beards has elicited many comments from our garden visitors. Three candelabra branches plus a terminal carry seven buds. The ruffled blooms have closed standards, flaring falls and are pleasantly fragrant. Sdlg. 90-5-2B: (Summit Easter X Song of Norway) $30.00

PIANO BAR MELODIES (David Miller) TB 34" The violet purple standards are highlighted by white midribs. Falls are white with a 1/4" band of lavender purple. This plicata was named for the good succession of bloom given by 7 to 8 buds on well branched stalks. Just like a good piano bar, the melodies (blossoms) seem to keep coming. Rumbleseat X 85-IB: (Roundup X Crinoline) $30.00

WESTERNAIRE (David Miller) TB 34" Standards are bronze yellow. Falls are yellow ground with white at the tips of the yellow beards. Yellow ground is speckled with purple and intensifies closer to the edge of the falls, replacing the yellow ground. Falls are then banded with a 1/8" ribbon of chocolate brown. Well branched sturdy stalks with 7 to 9 buds. All very western! Colorscape X 85-IB: (Roundup X Crinoline). See color ad $35.00

Those of you that attended the 1998 AIS Convention in Colorado experienced first hand the extremes our climate has to offer. Snow on tall bearded blooms is not the norm here, but our Colorado hybridizers are always selecting for good garden irises that will do their darndest to stand up to whatever nature dishes out!

LONG’S GARDENS

P.O. BOX 19 BOULDER, CO 80306

303-442-2353 FAX 303-413-1323 Shipping Charge $5.00. Orders over $ 50.00 deduct 10% Visa, Mastercard, Novus accepted

free catalog available on request

GARDE ns

90

English Knight

(Sutton f99) TB RE $40 00

REBLOOM 8. SPACE AGE SPECIALISTS

16592 Road 208 Porterville, CA 93257

559-784-9011*

Fax 559-784-6701*

GREEN THUMBER

Innocent Star

(Sutton '99) TB RE $40 00

Add $5 for shipping. Calif, residents add 774% sales tax. Color catalog $3, lists many other 1999 introductions and

Negro Modelo

(Sutton '99) SDB re $12 00

French Horn

thousands of quality irises.

(Sutton '99) TB SA $40 00

‘Please Note: This is a new area code.

91

3342 W. Orangewood Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85051-7453 Ph/Fax 603-841-1231 E-Mail Bobbieshep @ aol.com

MIDRIB MAGIC — SPU (Shepard ’99) $25.00

LACED SUNSHINE — SPU (Shepard ?99) $25.00

NAVAJO PRINCESS — LA (Shepard ’99) $30.00

BUTTER RIPPLES — SPU (Jenkins ’99) $25.00

MIGHTY DARK - - SPU (Jenkins ’99) $25.00

Order from this ad, or catalog on request for $1.00 Add $5.00 for shipping & handling

92

P O Box 126 SILVERTON OR 97381

800-225-5391 www.Cooleysgardens.com

LIVING PICTURE (Hager ‘99) $45.00

Incomparable 80 - page color catalog lists and describes over 300 of the newest and

best. $5.00, deductible.

OOLEY’S

93

IDAHO’S IRIS CITY, POCATELLO

CELEBRATE OUR ANNUAL

IRIS FESTIVAL

JUNE 5f 1999

COME SEE IDAHO’S MAGNIFICENT MOUNTAINS AND POCATELLO VALLEY

TOUR GARDENS OF TALL BEARDED IRIS

EXPERIENCE OUR CULTURAL FESTIVAL, “HANDS ACROSS THE PACIFIC”, FEATURING TAIKO DRUMMERS and VISITORS FROM OUR SISTER CITY, IWAMIZAWA, JAPAN

SEE OUR IRIS SHOW— HUNDREDS OF YOUR FAVORITES VISIT WITH NATIONALLY KNOWN IRISARIANS.

Pocatello boasts warm hospitality and weather in a beautiful mountain setting. See your old favorites, and exhibit your new introductions. For more information contact Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce, 20S 233-1525. Photo by Doug Lindley, courtesy of Idaho State Journal, Pocatello.

Paid , Idaho Travel Council

PICTURE YOURSELF HERE...

amid the tall bearded iris in

94

'W-;H JNHHI ri ^

BRAZENBERRY EXCLUSIVITY

1999 INTRODUCTIONS

AGAIN and AGAIN, Re461 9-1 , TB, 36", MRe. (Renown X Anxious). Reblooms June through November. At our old address this bloomed for three seasons as mid yellow self with medium powder blue beards. It was moved temporarily to my brother’s farm where it bloomed green with white beards. At our new location it is mid yellow with white beards and sometimes a maroon “belly stripe”! It rebloomed from June of 1998 into late November. It has rebloomed in Church Falls, Virginia as mid yellow with a hint of blue in white beards. Vigorous and fertile with excellently branched stalks and 7 to 9 buds. $35.00

BRAZENBERRY, 4346-1 , TB, 36", M. (Silverado X Rosette Wine) Wide ruffled shimmering burgundy wine self. Orange-gold beards with pewter triangle around beard area. Fertile with super stalks, 7 to 9 buds. $35.00

EXCLUSIVITY, 3966- 10, TB, 36", M. (Magharee X Fanfaron) Standards are butterscotch, falls dark brown with a one half inch border of butterscotch. Brilliant orange beards. Great stalks with 7 buds. Fertile. $35.00

KNOCK QUIETLY, 3988-1, TB, 36", M. (Lady Madonna X Missy Yorktowne) Very lacy white self with creamy white beards. Excellent stalks with 7 buds. Fertile. $35.00

ORKNIES, 4672-4, SDB, 14", M. 3891-1: (3598-2: ((Jared x (Melon Honey x Soft Air)) x Delicate Pink) x 3524-6: (2875-2: ((Betsey Boo x Cherub Tears) x (Soft Air x Pink Cushion)) x Tillie)) X 4129-1: (3526-6: (2875-2 x Delicate Pink) x 3524-6). Medium pink self-, orange beards tipped white. One branch, 4 buds and fertile. $1 0.00

EFREETS, 3612-5, SDB, 13". 2846-2: ((Melon Honey x Soft Air) x Stockholm) X 2843-1: (Jared x (Melon Honey x Soft Air)). Standards yellow, falls white, beards yellow tipped white. One branch, 3 buds and fertile. $1 0.00

4 TBs for $125.00, no extras

STERLING and BARBARA INNERST

6011 Mountain Road Dover, PA 17315 (717) 292-3775

95

(Frederick Kerr 1999) 890205best Border bearded ec $40.00 PLUS $5.00 POSTAGE

P. O. Box 21 91

NORTH HIGHLANDS, CA 95660-8191 RA 1NA CRE@A OL . COM 9 1 6,33 1 ,3732

Send for list of current & previous introductions & newer bearded iris from other hybridizers

96

‘TVcettien&ewtcf, 9(rinaductc<M4 frvi 1999

UNCLE CHARLIE (Spoon ’99) TB

EMMA DOODLE (Nearpass/C&P ’99) MTB RE

MIDSUMMER’S EVE (Spoon ’99) BB RE

SKY AND SUN (Spoon ’99) TB

PINK PINK (Spoon ’99) TB

97

'Wuiten&en'iy 9atnadoccti<M& 1999

by Don Spoon

CRYSTAL HONEY TB, 34" (86 cm), ML & RE (zone 7). Amber gold standards finely veined rose; style arms amber gold; falls are amber gold with white ray pattern around the darker amber gold beards. Slight lavender blaze on center of falls. Ruffled. Pleasing sweet fragrance. A unique and unusual color, especially for a rebloomer. (Summer Olympics X Sheba’s Queen). $30. 00

DUNE SEA TB, 34" (86 CM), M & RE (zones 6 & 7). Rose standards and style arms; plum falls with prominent white ray pattern around the yellow beards. Looks like a beautiful species iris with modem rebloom traits, excellent branching (up to 11 buds), ruffling, and arching falls. Nice display of color in the landscape. Requires little maintenance. E.C., best fall seedling. (Winter Olympics X Spinning Wheel). $30. 00

FIRST CONTACT BB, 27" (69 cm), M. Ruffled and flared lavender-white standards and falls, uniquely peppered dark violet and showing an area of darker lavender centered at the tips. Deep violet style arms present a striking contrast. Falls have dark violet hafts around the lavender-white beards tinged turquoise, yellow in throat. Fertile both ways. (Pledge Allegiance X Pledge Allegiance) X Pledge Allegiance. $30. 00

HOLY HEART TB, 31" (79 cm), ML. Richly colored rose-lavender blend with peach, mauve, and tan central infusions in the falls and darker rose edges around the falls. Style arms rose and mauve. Large, bright tangerine- orange beards. Nicely ruffled. Colors like a glowing stained glass Holy Heart in a cathedral window. Fertile both ways. (Copper Classic X Olympic Challenge). $35. 00

MIDSUMMER’S EVE BB, 27" (69 cm), EML & RE (July through November in zone 6). Standards and style arms baby ribbon pink. The lighter falls are peach pink with darker venation, yet smooth peach hafts. Lightly ruffled and flared. Bright orange beards. A highly dependable, continuous rebloomer for us. It sometimes puts up rebloom stalks from the same rhizome. Nicely proportioned border bearded with smaller flowers and stalks. Fertile both ways. A new path to pink rebloomers. Limited stock, order early. E.C. (Immortality X Enchanted World). $35. 00

PINK PINK TB, 28-30" (71-76 cm), ML. An opalescent, smooth peachy-pink self with lighter area in center of fully flared falls; darker peachy-pink beards. Ruffled and lightly laced. Excellent growth habits and glowing color make this outstanding as a landscape iris, or for accent in a small garden. Sturdy, well-branched stalks. Exceptional parent, fertile both ways. (Custom Made X Waurine).$20.00

PIZZICATO TB, 36" (91 cm), M. Standards and style arms medium blue- lavender. Sinuously ruffled. Flared blue-lavender falls grading to light colored edges. Darker, thicker band in the falls bring to mind the strings of a concert violin. Dark blue-lavender beards tipped gold. Strong stalks with 7 to 9 buds support the wellproportioned, large blossoms. Purple based, erect foliage. Favorite of garden visitors. Fertile both ways. A regal iris combining the best of both parents. (G’Day Mate X Honky Tonk Blues). $45. 00

ICE BLUE PEARL IB, 27" (69 cm), E. A lovely, horizontally flared and ruffled, light blue-lavender self with wide falls and darker blue-lavender beards, yellow in the throat. Vigorous grower that makes a statement in the early spring garden. Needs little care. Nice stalks to five buds. Sterile both ways. (Busy Being Blue X Little Showoff). $15.00

RIELLE BB, 24" (61cm), M & RE (zone 6). White standards brushed and overlaid bright yellow. Falls white bordered bright yellow. Medium yellow beard. Ruffled and lightly laced. Dependable October rebloomer for us. Fertile both ways, This one is a charmer. (I Do X Other Mary). $25. 00

RUTH WALKER TB 36" (91 cm), M. Ruffled and flared peachy-pink self with pink-tangerine beards. Wellbranched, strong stalks to 9 buds. As a prerequisite of its namesake, it has vigorous growth and increase. Purple based foliage, a rarity for pinks. Gorgeous show stalks. Blue ribbon, runner up best seedling ((Orien: Stately Mansions X Bride’s Halo) X Jennifer Rebecca). $40. 00

98

SNOW PARASOL TB, 30" (76 cm), M & RE. Nicely ruffled, brilliant snow-white self with horizontally flared falls with great substance. Domed, closed standards. A white rebloomer with the purity of new fallen snow. Excellent branching with 7 buds. White beards with light yellow deep in the throat. Much admired by our friend, Dr. Charlie Nearpass. Blue ribbon, runner up best seedling. Fertile both ways. ((Lucie Andry: Winter Olympics X Spinning Wheel) X (Chaste White, sibling of Immortality)). $40. 00

SKY AND SUN TB, 32" (81 cm), M. Blend of light turquoise and true sky blue, making other blues compared to it appear lavender. Flared and ruffled. Showy, golden yellow beards. A hybridizers dream come true. Has beautiful diamond dusting as well as the extremely rare silver lining. Widely branched on sturdy stalks up to I I buds. Triple terminal buds. Vigorous with beautiful foliage. Abundant increase. Very fertile both ways. Advisable to order this one early. (Navajo Jewel X Clear Day). $50. 00

SHARON MARIE TB, 33" (84 cm), ML. Smooth, totally golden yellow self of an intensity and spectral clarity that exceeds all others we have seen in this color class . Flared and lightly ruffled. Darker yellow beards. Very popular with our garden visitors. Fertile both ways. (Magic Memories X Yukon Fever). $35. 00

STRAWBERRY APRICOT BB, 27" (69 cm), EM & RE (Oct. in zone 6). Smooth, pastel peach- pink self with pink-orange beards. (This iris is the color of the strawberry apricot ice cream we used to make in the Spoon’s Ice Cream store in Charlotte, NC.) Graceful ruffles. Domed, closed standards and arched falls. Border bearded sized blossoms and stalks with 5-7 buds. Sweet fragrance. Very dependable rebloomer. Large number of fall stalks per clump. Fertile both ways.(T13 Roneys Encore X MTB Ozark Evening). $25. 00

TWILIGHT MOONRISE BB, 24" (61 cm), ML. Ruffled, laced and fully flared light rose- lavender standards and falls with darker one fourth inch border around the wide falls. Very unique dark plum pumila spot with fanlike whiskers extending below the white tipped tangerine beard surrounded by a white sunburst. Blue ribbon seedling. ((Condottiere x (Cherished X Dusky Evening)) X Ringo) X Yosemite Sam: (Lorilee X Abigail Provides). $30. 00

UNCLE CHARLIE TB, 34" (86 CM), ML. Wonderfully ruffled and fluted, smooth, light silvery blue-lavender (RHS 97D) self including the darker blue-lavender beards, tipped lighter with yellow hidden deep in the throat. Wide, touching flared falls. Well- branched stalks with 7-9 buds. Name suggested by Charlie Nearpass. From two outstanding Dykes Medal winners. Cross suggested by George Shoop at the 1991 convention. Fertile both ways. (Honky Tonk Blues X Silverado). $40. 00

The following iris is the first Introduction approved by C&P Judges and authorized by Dr. Katie Ogden to be introduced for the late Dr. D. Charles Nearpass as (Nearpass/C&P) with all profit split equally between his family and the C&P Iris Society.

EMMA DOODLE MTB, 20" (51 cm), EML and RE (July to November in Zone 6) Sdlg. #94-404. Rosy pink self with slightly darker venation. Tangerine beards. Closed, domed standards. Ruffled and flared. Meets all standards for the MTB class, the table iris, but has a slight, sweet fragrance. Sends up two or more well branched stalks per rhizome, 5 to 9 buds per stalk. Remarkable growth and new increase and amount of bloom stalks, a continuous rebloomer. This iris met Charlie’s prerequisites for a reblooming landscape iris. Hardy and disease resistant. Fertile both ways. Named for one of Charlie’s granddaughters plus the name that Katie, Charlie’s daughter, called him as a child. Limited stock, order early. Two E.C.s 91-138: (88-23: (New Idea X ((Baby’s Bonnet X Champagne Music) X I. apylla, cerulea )) X Unknown, Tag lost) X (89-21: Abridged Version X (Hager 2542 X (Peach Paisley X April Melody))).$35.00

To order from this advertisement send check or money order plus $4 for postage to:

‘Ti/cvtten&ewuf,

1225 Reynolds Road Cross Junction, Virginia 22625 (540) 888-4447 e-mail: VSpoon@aol.com

99

y^Hifonc?

bif j2ibb\f (3 toss (7 R,obin (3 ko.it )f

S I WRITE THIS, SNOW AND ICE COVER THE LANDSCAPE, BUT

by the time you read it, the robins (feathered variety) will be back in force. I only hope I can say the same for our Iris Robins.

During the past year, a lot of our Robins have been walking rather than flying. A few have gone to roost for long periods, or disappeared altogether. This is very disappointing to the robin members who do keep the robins flying in a timely fashion, and headaches for the Robin Directors, whose job it is to search out lost Robins and get them on their respective ways, or start them over from scratch.

An article in the October, 1995 Bulletin , page 67, gave a brief history of the Robin Program, explaining how Robins work. It was followed by a wonderful rush of both new and old members of AIS, all anxious to join a robin. By the end of 1996, we had new Robins flying in almost every conceivable category, and additional Robins in the most popular categories. E-mail Robins were especially popular, and have continued to increase.

However, in the interim, many other Robins have faltered in their flights. In order to get things back on track, Pm including, at the end of this article, copies of the Robin Rules, and the form letter sent to each prospective Robin Member. I’m hoping that this will bring in new robin members, and remind those who are already in robins to follow the rules. Especially important is the request that each member send a copy of his/ her new letter to the Robin Director. These copies are invaluable, not only as a way of tracking the robin’s flight, but for excerpts for Flight Lines which now has a new editor and should be reappearing in the Bulletin.

I am also calling for volunteer Robin Directors, for a number of different categories. Most urgently needed is someone to direct the International Robin. This is a lively and interesting robin and has been making its way from the U.S. to Denmark, England, Japan, New Zealand and back to the U.S. with very few delays.

If you wish to join a robin, follow the directions on the Invitation to Join. Hopefully, I will be able to put back in flight all the Robins that have been “resting” recently. ^

100

l^oUn T^utes

The Robin Is Mways Sent First Boss!

bif jZibbxf /L (3 toss

1. Each member has 7-10 days from the time the Robin arrives to contribute a new letter and send it on its way. Abiding by this will keep the Robin flying and the news in it fresh.

• EXCEPTION: Hold between early December and January ist. It is too easy for it to get lost in the Christmas mail rush.

2. If you expect to be away when the Robin is due to arrive, write or call the person just ahead of you on the route list and ask to be passed over for this flight.

3. If the Robin arrives and you have no time to write a letter, for emergency reasons, mail it on to the next member, with a short note explaining, and drop the director a postcard noting that you had to skip that flight.

4. There will be a numbered ROUTE LIST in the Robin at all times. This shows names and addresses, and Robin sequence. Make a copy of the list and keep it where you can refer to it. KEEP IT UP TO DATE. It is a good reference, and can save difficulties in flight.

5. Be sure to put your name, address, and dates “in” and “out” on the first page of your letter, and your name and page number on subsequent pages. Later, if excerpts are made, this helps the “excerpter” mightily, and gives you credit. Place and date are crucial for garden excerpts.

6. NEW RULE: PLEASE SEND DIRECTOR A COPY OF YOUR NEW LETTER IN LIEU OF A COURTESY CARD! This will make the Robin easier to track, easier to restart if lost, and will give the director a good way to excerpt for Flight Lines. (The Old Rule required each member to send the director a courtesy card at the same time the Robin was sent to the next member, indicating the name or number of the Robin, date and to whom it was sent.)

Keep This with Robin at all Times !

NOTE: When sending copy of letter to me, make sure it contains the name of the robin. Many people belong to more than one robin, and when I get the letter, I will surely file it in the wrong file if it does not have the name of the robin it belongs in.

101

yAn invitation

to Join m Robin

b\f jZibbif y4‘ CZ’ioss

At the top of the page, type (or print) your name, full mailing address, phone number and e-mail address, if any

From the list of robins below, please select the one(s) that you wish to join. (If more than one, number them in order of preference.)

□ General Interest

□ Median &c Miniature Dwarf

□ Reblooming

□ Hybridizing

□ International

□ Photography

□ Space Age

□ Tall Bearded

□ Siberian

□ Other Beardless (LAs, JIs, Species, Spurias)

□ Aril/Arilbred

□ Historic

□ Arts & Crafts

□ Fragrance

□ Computer (e-mail)

On a separate sheet of paper, please write a brief, thumbnail sketch of yourself, your garden, family, pets, hobbies, etc., (not necessarily in that order). Return the completed information to:

Libby Cross 8907 Potts Creek Rd Covington, VA 24426 or e-mail <LibCROSS@aol.com

Soon you will be flying with the Robin(s) of your choice.

102

Joe Pye Weed’s Garden

Marty Schafer and Jan Sacks

337 Acton Street, Carlisle, MA01741

1 9 9 9 Schafer/Sacks SIBERIAN INTRODUCTIONS: $30@

BANISH MISFORTUNE (Sdlg. S92-85-12), 45", E-L. Outstanding clump with tall strong stalks, 6-7 buds. Small flowers reminiscent of sibirica with fuller form. Standards and falls are mid lavender with a large smooth yellow to cream signal, veined deep purple.

DANCE SUZY (Sdlg. S92-119-18), 29", EM. Robust, non-fading yellow bitone with lots of stalks per clump. Flowers are compact, wide and ruff led. Two branches with 4+ buds per stalk. Limit 1 /customer.

DANDY’S HORNPIPE (Sdlg. S92-119-10), 29", M and RE. Unique coloring- light lavender standards flushed red-violet, pearly styles with blue midribs, falls blended with red-violet and yellow. Up to 5 buds on 2 branches.

ECHO THE WIND (Sdlg S92-67-5), 31", E-M. Intricate blue-violet over yellow falls with paler blue standards, pearly blue styles with yellow tips. Great compact clump with many stalks, 5 buds each.

FOND KISS (Sdlg S92-70-1), 33", M. Big flower, warm white with large pink flush on falls. Three buds with slow succession of bloom.

IN FULL SAIL (Sdlg S92-82-24), 27", L. Late bloomer! Cream to white bitone with yellow signal. Gorgeous wide, ruffled form with stunning smooth styles which have petal-like curls. Four to five buds.

MAIRI’S WEDDING (Sdlg S92-61-1), 24", M. Small creamy white with flaring form, small ruffles and pretty upright styles. Four buds and slight fragrance.

SALAMANDER CROSSING (Sdlg S92-65-15), 42", E-L. Smallish flower, heavily speckled with lavender over pale yellow falls and white standards. Vigorous, tall, 7 buds, stalks held well above foliage.

SARAH TIFFNEY (Sdlg S92-65-14), 36", E-L. Small flowers, lightly speckled with lavender rose over warm yellow falls and white standards. Styles buff yellow. Delicate ruffles. Stalks held well above foliage, 5-6 buds.

SUMMER REVELS (Sdlg S92-80-1 0), 28", M and RE. Yellow bitone. Good form. Long bloom from 2 buds/stalk followed by repeat with 6 buds/stalk. Beautiful clump habit. Limit 1/customer.

Shipping by Priority Mail: Add $4 for 1-5 plants, $5 for 6-10 plants. $6 for 11-15 plants, and $7 for over 15 plants.

Specify shipping date of 8/16, 8/30, or 9/13.

Foreign orders require exact postage and phyto fee.

Send for complete list and descriptions including species and versicolors, and Introductions from Tomas Tamberg

103

Contributions & Gifts

July, 1998 - January, 1999

In Memory Of:

Leson Adams ( CA)

James H. Jones (CA) CCY#4 Jeanne 6c Bob Plank (CA) 8/8 « Donald Boen (WA)

Joyce 6c Duane Meek (OR) DCL#7 Opal Brown (WA)

Charlotte Keasey (OR) L#3 Joyce 6c Duane Meek (OR) DCL#7 Agatha Campbell ( OK)

Edmonton Iris 6c Flower Club (OK) CCY#4 Letha Cherry (TN)

Donna Garvin 6c Family (AL) w#5 Jay Conklin (CA)

Peter DeSantis (CA)CCY#4 James H. Jones (CA)CCY#4 Jeanne 6c Bob Plank (CA) CCY#4 Orange Co. Iris 6c Daylily Club (CA) CCY#4 Pauline Cooley ( OR)

Joyce 6c Duane Meek (OR) DCL#7 Nell Corlew (CA)

Joyce 6c Duane Meek (OR) DCL#7 Emma M. Dickinson (KS)

Shirley M. Gresty(KS) G#1 Doris Foster ( CA)

Joyce 6c Duane Meek (OR) DCL#7 Ruth Hall (TN)

Joyce 6c Duane Meek (OR) DCL#7 Ruth & Orville Hewgley (TX)

Fort Worth Iris Society (TX) DCL#7 Rita Kinsella (IL)

Region 9, AIS (IL) GVR&S #1 &#2

Frank Marr (MD)

Francis Scott Key Iris Society (MD)G#1 Mertis Mays (TN)

East Tennessee Iris Society G#1 John D. McDonald (IF)

Southern Illinois Iris Society CCY#4 Region 9, AIS (IL) GVR&S#1&#2 Ann Moment (MD)

Jean R. Worthley (MD)W#5 Francis Scott Key Iris Society (MD)G#1 Ila Brown Nunn (TX)

Rickie 6c Don Morgan (CO) G#1 Agnes & Fouis Painter ( WA)

Fran Hawk (WA)L#3 Marvin Shoup (IL)

Southern Illinois Iris Society DCL#7 The Prairie Iris Society (IL)DCL#7 Region 9, AIS (IL)GVR&S#1&#2 Nancy Silver berg ( OR)

Barbara & Terry Aitken (WA) Rolla 6c Alice Eich (OH)L#3 Greater Portland Iris Society (OR) L#3 Fran Hawk (WA)L#3 Charlotte Keasey (OR) L#3 Carla 6c George Lankow (WA) mn Joyce 6c Duane Meek (OR) DCL#7 Marky 8cjim Smith (WA)L#3 Olive 6c George Waters (CA) G#1 David Smith (IL)

Southern Illinois Iris Society DCL#7 Mid-Illinois Iris Society CCY#4 Mid-Illinois Iris Society DCL#7 Region 9, AIS (IL) GVR&S#1 &#2

104

Malvina Suiter ( OR)

Joyce & Duane Meek (OR) DCL#7 Carol Wiseman (CA)

Hi-Desert Iris Society (CA)

in Honor Of:

Marilyn Holloway ( CA )L#2

Sierra Foothills Iris Society (CA) Bennett Jones ( OR) L #2 Charlotte Keasey (OR)

Hal Mattos (CA)L*2

Sierra Foothills Iris Society (CA)

Gifts:

Warburton International Medal Fund#5 Northshore Iris & Daylily Soc.(IL)w Clarke Cosgrove Youth Award Fund#4 Greater St. Louis Iris Soc. (MO) CCY Region 18, Iris Society (MO) CCY Garden City Iris Club (KS) CCY

Florence Weed (WA)

Fran Hawk(WA)L#3

King County Iris Society (WA) G#1

Carla & George Lankow (WA) R/s#2

Lorraine Nicholson ( CA )L#2

Sierra Foothills Iris Society (CA) Robert Schreiner ( OR) L #2 Charlotte Keasey (OR)

AIS Library Fund#3

Georgia Stewart ( WA) L Georgia Stewart (WA) L Scientific Research and Scholarship *2 Hi-Desert Iris & Daylily Soc. (CA) San Diego/Imperial Co. I. S. (CA) m General Fund#1

Region 6, Iris Society (MI, OH) G

Gift Code:

#1 General G

#2 Research 5c Scholarship ws #3 Library L

#4 Clarke Cosgrove Youth

Achievement Award CCY

#5 Warburton International Medal w #6 Electronic Check List ECL #7 y999 Decennial Check List DCL

- — — — — X

How to MaHe a Donation to MS Actiue Funds:

Donations to the AIS Fund Accounts should be made payable to: AIS, or The American Iris Society.

Mail to: Ruth Simmons, Sectretary

PO Box 392

Walters, OK 73572-0392 ** Note change of address to send donations Be sure to identify clearly on a separate paper

1. The recipient of the memorial, or honor

2. The Active Fund to which you wish it to be credited

3. The name of person, persons, or organization donating

^ _ 4. The address of person(s) to notify that a donation has been made y

105

/ - — — “ “ \

fit Memoriam:

Henry Clark (Washington)

Jay Conklin (California)

Leslie J. Donnell (Australia)

Emma M. Dickinson (Kansas)

Fred Gadd (Connecticut)

Mrs. M. W. Norton , Jr. (Texas)

Twyla Rogers Olmstead (Washington)

Faith Reilly (New Mexico)

Pauline Reindl (Ohio)

Marvin A. Shoup (Illinois)

Ruth Strickler (Missouri)

Edith Wheeler (California)

V _ _ _ )

BILL & ADA GODFREY’S 1999 INTRODUCTIONS HERMIT MEDLARS WALK

3 Pierce St (Rte 140), Foxborough, MA 02035

CHELSEA FAIR (GODFREY, W&A ’99) SDB SDLG DNDT5 11"

Cream standards over deep burgundy falls, artistically rimmed with the same cream of the standards, all highlighted by cream beards, deepest orange in the throat. $15 GLEBE BROOK (BURTON, J ’99) SDB SDLG 88H3 11-13"

The colours of powder blue veined green with deep blue halo around the bright blue beards are reminiscent of the blue skies and green Vermont meadows reflected in the crystal clear waters of the Glebe Brook for which it is named. $15

LEMON CURD (GODFREY, W&A ’99) SDB SDLG TBDA 12"

Frilly butter-cream standards, rounded frilly deep lemon curd falls rimmed butter-cream, with deep orange beards tipped white - our stepping stone to a red-bearded yellow amoena. $15 PLYMOUTH HOE (GODFREY, W&A ’99) SDB SDLG HAPS 13"

Softly rounded closed white standards have a navy base deep in the throat over softly fluted white falls with thumbprint of thick navy whiskers surounding the cream beards, creating a nautical flavour, which suggested the name (Drake played bowls there before sailing out to defeat the Spanish Armada). $15

WIMPLE (GODFREY, W&A ’99) SDB SDLG JPVL 12"

A frilly lavender fancy (the pattern is a wash of lavender over pink taupe) from luminata breeding which we call Wimple as the style crests form the shape of that medieval headress. $15

CATALOGUE $1 UPON REQUEST

106

Bearded Irises from Ly nn <& Peter Marldi am

Presenting for 1 QQQ. . .

TEAPOT-TEMPE ST- (BB)

Angel Feathers X Pops Concert Sassy little bright raspberry- orchid with soft blue beards. 27” with elegant branch placement - 6 to 7 buds.

HC 1998 under Seedling

#92-17B

$25.00

SIMMER-(BB)

Fiddl er X (Secret Weapon x Ignition)

Su ltry, smoky red blend with deep gold beards. Near perfect form & finish - 26” - 6 to 7 buds. HC-1998 under Seedling

#92-10B

$25.00

Order from this ad or write for our “short list” of previous introductions, other favorite BBs and TBs, and selected clones of I. aphylla and its hybrids. Please add $4.00 for shipping and handling.

61 Upland Avenue - P.O. Box 154, Lunenburg, Massachusetts 01462 Tel. (978) 582-6445

107

^To 7S>e a. 77>ee

of* mo t to Be a

bif on S>y>oon, <Z$Lfi$lnLa

ES, YOU CAN BECOME A HYBRIDIZER. HAVE YOU EVER HEARD

the story of the iris Debby Rairdon? Mrs. Kuntz made one cross in her life and produced this 1971 Dykes Medal Winner! Now, I am going to tell you how to do this yourself. This is a tempting challenge to everyone who grows irises. Don’t read any further unless you intend to try this.

The secret is very simple. Self a couple of flowers on your favorite tetraploid iris. Plant the seeds (50-100) three inches apart in a circle or semicircle around the parent clump. At the end of the first summer, weed out all but the ten most vigorous seedlings and space them about nine inches apart in the area around the parent clump. When these seedlings bloom the next year, cross them back on the parent clump and repeat the process, planting the seeds out from the seedling parent in a wider circle or semicircle. Also, this is a good excuse to expand your garden into your lawn!

Up to this point you don’t even have to keep records of what you did, as it is right there under your nose. However, if you want to make further progress, then sibling cross your favorite and most vigorous seedlings and keep records. If you want to further improve your new cultivar, you can cross back onto both of the parents of the cultivar you initially selfed. You may discover which parent was carrying the hidden recessive you revealed. Outbreeding to an unrelated cultivar with the same trait may bring in other good traits and produce seedlings with your revealed trait. But be prepared to be surprised.

Now, why will this procedure lead to an award-winning new cultivar? First, selfing a tetraploid causes little genetic harm. Selfing will bring out hidden recessive traits. By discarding the weak seedlings as described above,

Lf.l

ME-6

MD>

METAL FLOWER and GARDEN MARKERS

Quality made in the USA since 1936 Style C: Rose Marker - 100 - 10" $20.00 • 15" $23.75 • 20" $26.50 Style E: Nursery - 100 - 10" $23.85 • 15" $26.60 • 20" $29.90 Style ME-6: Nursery - 100 - 6" $16.50 Style D: Swinger - 100 - 10" $17.75 Style MD-6: Swinger - 100 - 6“ $15.00 UPS SHIPPING:

Zip codes under 75000: $5.35 per 1 00 markers; Zip codes over 75000: $7.50 per 1 00 markers. Sales Tax - Ohio residents add 6% to marker cost. SEND FOR FREE BROCHURE: contains additional information including quantity price breaks.

Prices valid through 12/31/99 Satisfaction guaranteed. Continental USA orders only UPS requires street addresses - No P.O. boxes Regretfully No phone orders and No credit cards Call for shipping on orders of more than 100 markers (419) 533-4961 for information only - No collect calls EON INDUSTRIES, INC.

107 W. Maple, P.O. Box 11, Dept. I • Liberty Center, Ohio 43532-0011

108

you will eliminate seedlings with bad recessive traits and will never see them bloom. In this way you won’t even be tempted to work further with them. By repeatedly crossing back onto the parent, you will reintroduce its strengths. By selecting the best seedlings to sibling cross, you will further enhance exciting new traits and increase the strength of good traits.

There are many hidden mutations and recessive traits that will never see the light of day unless someone does precisely what is outlined above. It is a proven way to wring out the hidden diversity in the iris gene pool. (In scientific jargon, you will have expressed for all to see the novel phenotypes from recessive genes of unexpressed traits that were hidden in the genotypes.) If just fifty new hybridizers would give this a try, we could inject an enormous amount of progress into successful iris breeding. Wouldn’t this be fun with Megabucks, Romantic Evening, Pagan Dance, Honey Scoop, Colleen’s Dreamsicle, Twice Told, Dusky Challenger, Fancy Woman, etc.? We have already done this with Pledge Allegiance and obtained three very novel iris cultivars what are vigorous and deserve to be introduced. We self about fifty iris cultivars every season and about a third of them make good pods and seeds. The fun and fantasy of iris hybridizing is calling out to you: “Become a bee!” This could be a fun project for a youth member.

The Japanese Iris

edited by Kuribayshi Motajiro and Hirao Shuichi printed by the Japan Iris Society

Offered for sale by the Fresno Iris Society, the book had only one previous owner and is in mint condition, in its original box. Included are the letter from the original owner inquiring about it and two flyers, one in English and one in Japanese. An English translation of the picture titles is in the back of the book. Only a limited number were issued. Minimum bid $1,000.00. If interested, contact Fresno Iris Society c/o John Weiler, 1146 West Rialto Ave., Fresno, CA 93705. Phone (559) 229-6434. Deadline for bids is postmarked no later than June 30, 1999.

THE PERMANENT METAL LABEL A — Hairpin Style Markers B — Plant or Shrub Labels C — Cap Style Markers D — Swinging Style Markers E — Rose Markers F — Tall Display Markers G — Tall Single Staff Markers H — Flag Style Markers J — Small Plant Labels K — Tie-On Labels M — Miniature Markers

PAW PAW EVERTLAST LABEL CO.

BOX 93-G Paw Paw, Michigan 49079 — 0093 Quantity Prices Available Postage Prepaid

100	For	$25.	.45
100	For	$ 8.	.90
100	For	$22.	.60
100	For	$21.	.40
100	For	$25.	.80
100	For	$32.	.65
100	For	$26.	.50
100	For	$20.	.95
100	For	$ 8.	,30
100	For	$13.	.95
100	For	$19.	.20

109

JUS Display Screens

AIS Now has two display screens available for your trade shows and fairs. If the one closer to you is already taken, please try the other one to see if it is available for your date. To order, contact one of the following:

Screen #i (West)

Ed Wilkinson 4145 Lincoln Ave Oakland, CA 94602

Screen #2 (East) Joan/Ken Roberts 341 Schwartz Rd Gettysburg, PA 17325 Phn: (717)338-1657 Fax: (717) 338-0247

Remember to reserve early. The screens are shipped UPS collect, and your society pays the cost of returning the screens also. Directions ofr setting up and taking down are inside the cover of the case. The pictures are expensive please handle carefully.

no

1999 Oud^s

zepozted b\f /PluLUn, Oklahoma

Key:

A: Apprentice

G: Garden

AM: Active Master RM: Retired master E: Emeritus

**: RVP

Region f

A Bruce Bennett G Ruth Bennett G John H. Burton II G Lucy G. Burton G Paul J. Dostie G Mrs. L. L. Doucette G Chandler Fulton G Elaine Fulton RM Mrs. Frederick W. Gadd G Ada Godfrey **

G William Godfrey G Connie M. Hall AM Dr. Warren C. Hazelton G Mrs. Warren C. Hazelton G Richard Kiyomoto AM Walter Kotyk G Lynn F. Markham G Stephanie A. Markham RM Mrs. F. J. McAliece E Dr. Currier McEwen RM Marilyn R. Noyes Mollicone AM Russell B. Moors AM Mrs. Russell B. Moors G David Nitka E William H. Peck AM Mrs. Maurice B. Pope, Jr. AM Mrs. Keith Roberts G Robert H. Sawyer G David Schmieder AM Mrs. David Schmieder AM Marian H. Schmuhl RM Mrs. Carl G. Schultz RM Robert Sobek RM Shirley A. Varmette E Kenneth M. Waite RM Mrs. Kenneth M. Waite

RM	James R. Welch
G	Andrew Wheeler
G	Deborah Wheeler
G	Edward W. White
G	John W. White
G	Rebecca K. Wong
G	Peter J. Young
Region 2
G	David Baehre
A	Joanne Bassett
AM	James G. Burke
AM	Ruth C. Burke
G	Kathleen Colburn
G	Dorothy Fingerhood
AM	Maria Gerbracht
AM	James Gristwood
G	Kathleen Guest
RM	Jane I. Hall
G	Janice L. Haney
A	Donna James
G	Robert A. Keup
A	Eugene Koschera
A	Mildred Koschera
G	Don Lowry
G	Donna Lowry
A	Kathryn E. Mohr
A	Joanne Pyszczek
AM	Wendy K. Roller
G	Dr. Carolyn Schaffner
RM	G. M. Schifferli
G	Helen Schueler
G	John Schueler
A	Mary Jane Shanley
RM	Mrs. Granger S. Smith
G	Judith Tucholski
RM	Dr. Edward Valentine
G	Peter Weixlmann **

Region s

RM Walter C. Betzold RM W.H. Clough G Charles Conklin G George W. Gerhardt G Harold L. Griffie

A Edmund Jay Holcomb AM Sterling U. Innerst G Theresa Jewell

AM Mrs. R. P. Kegerise G Jason A. Leader G Patricia A. Leader A Vincent Lewonski ** AM Ellwood Maltman G Mrs. Arthur F. Martin G Geraldine McFarland G Robert M. McFarland RM Mrs. Stephan Molchan G Bettie Nutter

G Donald E. Nutter G Joan Roberts

G Ken Roberts

G June Roop

AM Elizabeth Unruh G Joan R. Wood

Region a

A Barbara Alexander A David W. Bowen G Pat Bowen

G Randell Bowen

G Sandra S. Bryan A Janis Bryant ,

G Libby A. Cross

G S. Herman Dennis III

G Mrs. Joseph P. Dufresne

E Dr. E. Roy Epperson E Mrs. Frank H. J. Figge

RM Mrs. Glenn Grigg, Jr.

RM Mrs. Charles L. Hare A Ruth Brown Holbrook G Walter Hoover G Dr. L. Bruce Hornstein AM Mrs. Paul D. Kabler RM Nancy Karriker G Anne Lowe G Mike Lowe G Clarence E. Mahan G Sara R. Marley **

RM Mrs. Fred M. Miller G Barbara Moeller

Ill

G Bill Mull G JaNiece Mull G Flossie Nelson RM Dr. Joseph B. Parker, Jr. A Dennis C. Pearson G Caryll Randall A Bea Rogers G Daniel Schlanger G William C. Smoot AM Richard Sparling A Dr. Donald M. Spoon A Virginia Spoon AM Mrs. Richard D. Steele E F. G. Stephenson G Frances Thrash AM Mrs. James H. Trent G Ruth E. Walker AM Mrs. Andrew C. Warner RM Dennis A. Wilkie G Carrie Winter E Dr. Lloyd Zurbrigg

Region s

A Mary T. Bolton G Brenda Briley G Patricia D. Brooks RM Russell Bruno RM Mrs. Russell Bruno G Aim P. Burgamy E Mrs. Wells E. Burton A R. Lee Byous A Doris Datry A Ken Duke G Marshall Goforth G Carolyn R. Hawkins AM Nina R. Hawkins G Mrs. Arvid Honkanen G Sara T. Hood RM Jean House RM Mrs. Frank L. Johnson G Maggie Johnson G Mrs. Donald E. Jones RM Grady Kennedy RM Mrs. Grady Kennedy G Mrs. A. J. Kirby G Billy J. Langston AM Rev. Everette L. Lineberger G Ted Mansfield G James B. McRae AM Mrs. Edward L. Paquet G Steve Smart G Wayne C. Smith, Jr.

G Mrs. Wayne C. Smith, Jr. AM Robert L. Terpening AM Mrs. Robert L. Terpening G Joyce Thrift AM Harry Turner AM Joe Scott Watson AM Mrs. A. D. Wilder G Fredericka R. Wilson AM C. E. Yearwood

Region e

AM Robert A. Bauer G Otho Boone AM Mrs. Otho Boone G Dr. Charles L. Bunnell G Ann A. Cline

G John A. Coble

G David M. Colman G Mrs. David M. Colman

AM Mrs. Harold E. Cooper

AM James A. Copeland AM Jill Copeland RM Doris M. DeHaan G Alice Eich G Rolla Eich G Richard B. Ferris RM Mrs. Albert Fillmore RM James J. Foreman G Douglas Fuhrmeyer A Joy Fuhrmeyer G Dorothy L. Hartman A Richard Hartman AM Emma Hobbs G R. M. Hollingworth G Howard Hughes ** AM Wilford James G RaeJ. Johnson G Shelley Lynn AM Virginia Maynard AM Lynda Miller AM Roger Miller AM Mrs. Ronald F. Miller AM David Mohr G Kathy J. Moore AM Nona Moore G Carol Morgan AM Marlyn N. 0. Nelson AM Jack E. Norrick G Richard O’Melay G Eileen O’Melay RM C. D. Overholser RM Mrs. D. Olen Rawdon

A Sandra L. Rawlings RM Bruce Richards G Charles Rumbaugh RM John D. Rusk, Jr.

A James R. Ryan, Jr.

AM Mrs. Harold Slessman E Dr. Harold L. Stahly AM Marjorie Starkey RM Fred L. Taylor AM Eugene D. Tremmel A Adrian Van Heusden G Joan H. Verwilst A Virginia Wesche G Cliff Wilde AM Anthony Willott AM Mrs. Anthony Willott G James H. Wilson G Doris Winton G Donna Wolford G Harry E. Wolford G Debby Zook

Region 7

RM Rodney A. Adams G Julie Allen G George Atkins G Mrs. George Atkins G Sue Ann Barnes AM James M. Bingham RM Mrs. Stanley Boren G Eleanor M. Boyson RM Franklin P. Brewer AM James R. Browne G Larry R. Browning G Mrs. Larry R. Browning AM Betty Burch AM Carol Burch AM James G. Burch G Catherine Church G Eugene Church AM J. R. Collins AM Mrs. J. R. Collins AM Robert H. Cosby, Jr.

E Hilda Crick RM Albert C. Dierckes RM Mrs. Albert C. Dierckes A Bobby Eakes A Pat Eakes RM Dr. Frank B. Galyon G William L. Ginter G Gwen Godwin RM Lois Hill

112

G Virginia Hill G Judith Hunt G M. Dean Hunt AM Evelyn G. Irwin G Leslie Jobe G Wayne Jobe RM Glenna Johnson AM Lucy Carrington Jones AM Mrs. Donald R. King RM Thelma Lamb RM Mrs. M. A. Luna AM Jerry Phillips AM Mrs. Jerry Phillips G June F. Richards G Earnest L. Royal G Mrs. Earnest L. Royal G Gary D. Sides RM George D. Slade RM Mrs. George D. Slade G Robert L. Strohman G Willa Swack G Hugh Thurman G Mary Thurman **

G Maynard D. Vanhorn G Mrs. Maynard D. Vanhorn RM William W. Vines RM Robert C. Walsh RM Mrs. Robert C. Walsh RM Mrs. W.C. Wilder E Phillip A. Williams

Region s

RM Mrs. Peter Baukus AM Melvin Bausch AM Mrs. Melvin Bausch RM A. G. Blodgett G Janice M. Broich G Howard Brookins AM Joan Cooper AM Mrs. R. W. Dalgaard G W. E. Doehne A William C. Dougherty RM Mrs. Leroy Duvall G Gloria Fairhead G M. Lynne Fell AM Mrs. DuWayne Giefer AM Mrs. David Hempel A Virgil Ingbretson G Tracy W. Jennings RM Evelyn D. Johnson RM Royal 0. Johnson G Edwin W. Kelsey**

AM Dr. Donald Koza AM W. A. Machulak AM Mrs. W. A. Machulak RM Lavone R. Ney G Tommy Nollie G David E. Shannon G Victoria Sibell E Wilbert G. Sindt AM Mrs. Wilbert G. Sindt RM Mildred Stover G Marlene Wolinski G JackWorel

Region 9

RM Donovan Albers G Margaret G. Bensen G John L. Bilski AM Orville Dickhaut ** AM Mrs. Orville Dickhaut RM Marge Hagberg G Anne Hamblin G Dale L. Hamblin AM Cathy Simon Hendrickson A Jeanette Hensley A Ann Henson A Julie A. Irwin RM Mrs. Karl F. Jensen G Margaret J. Kelly G Alice G. Kudrna AM Susan Leeper G Mrs. Roland. J. Meyer G Nancy D. Pocklington AM George S. Poole AM Mrs. C. J. Simon AM C. J. Simon G Leslie Jean Smith G Sylvia W. Smith G Joseph Stien G Shirley M. Stien RM Florence E. Stout RM John M. Thompson G Mark Timko G Nancy Simon Timko AM D. Steve Varner G Jerry Wilhoit AM Melody Wilhoit

Region io

RM Aline Arceneaux RM Mrs. C. W. Arny, Jr.

G Elaine Bourque **

AM Mrs. James J. Deegan

G Sandy Duhon

RM Marvin A. Granger G Dorman Haymon AM Mrs. Hubert Rena

Region ft

AM Eileen Allison

G Ken Baier

G Rose Mary Baier

G Donna Bowers

G Jerry C. Bowers

A Claudia H. Brown RM Donald Chadd A Carol L. Coleman A Louisa Cone

A Irene DeRose

G Janet DeRousse

G R. W. Gray

G Mrs. R. W. Gray

RM Robert L. Jensen

RM Mrs. Alfred Kramer G Carryl Meyer **

A Lucille Pinkston

A Edna V. Rosenbaum A Charles Stanley

G Alverta Symes

A Angelique Violette

Region 12

RM Hyram L. Ames RM D. C. Anderson G Joseph A. Brown AM Mrs. David E. Burton AM Larene B. Done RM Charlotte T. Easter G Charell Harris

G Jared Harris

G B. Brad Kasperek **

G Kathie Kasperek A Joan R. McFadden G Thomas J. Miller AM Suzanne Parry A Darlene Pinegar AM Cathy Hagan Reed G Lois W. Reeder

G Robert W. Reeder AM Mrs. Merlin Tams AM DeRay Taylor G Dr. Alan Toronto AM Keith H.Wagstaff G Jeffrey L. Walters A L.Val Wilson

113

Region f 3

G Ellen Abrego G Thomas Abrego RM Patricia Adams AM Barbara Aitken AM Terry Aitken G Elaine Bessette AM Paul Black G Carole Breedlove AM Dr. Alan D. Brooks G Caroline Burke G Rita E. Butler AM Eunice Jean Cass A Don Clark

G Deborah A. Cole RM Merle Daling RM B. Leroy Davidson AM Mrs. Joe Del Judge AM Joanne Mentz Derr RM F. Duncan Eader G Arnold W. Ferguson G Lynn Finkel G Barbara Flynn

AM Frank J. Foster

G Debra Gillespie

G Mildred Grow

G Doris K. Hale

G Eldon J. Hale

AM Paul Harms G Chad Harris G Fran Hawk G Tom Johnson E Bennett C. Jones G Charlotte Keasey E Keith Keppel

G Carla Lankow

AM George F. Lankow RM Evelyn R. Lemire G Mrs. Ted Lind

G John W. Ludi

G Keith McNames

G Clyde Mead

G Johnnie Lee Mead AM Duane E. Meek AM Joyce Meek RM Roger R. Nelson AM Frank H. Nickell AM Warren E. Noyes RM Donald L. Peterson RM Fern E. Pilley

A Tracy Plotner

G William E. Plotner

E Lorena M. Reid **

AM Gerald L. Richardson RM Jayne Ritchie AM David Schreiner AM Ray Schreiner E Robert Schreiner AM Doris E. Shinn AM David Silverberg RM Mrs. S. M. Sisley G Marky D. Smith RM Chet W. Tompkins RM Mrs. Lewis Trout AM Julius Wadekamper E Jean G. Witt

Region 14

A Helen Bliven AM Carl H. Boswell AM Mrs. Carl H. Boswell G Anna Cadd

G David Cadd

G Stanley Coates AM Mrs. Jack H. Cochran RM Mrs. Mark Condo AM Glenn F. Corlew RM Mrs. John Coscarelly G Christine Dickinson

E Sidney P. DuBose

G Abe Feuerstein E Joseph J. Ghio

E Ben A. Hager

RM Mrs. Robert E. Haley AM Gigi Hall RM Marilyn Harlow RM Merry L. Haveman AM Evelyn Hayes AM Marilyn Holloway AM Michael 0. Howard AM Berkeley Hunt G Barry Ivens

G J. Nelson Jones G Frederick J. Kerr

AM Virginia Keyser G Marcy Lauer

G Richard Lauer G Kitty Loberg **

RM Maryann Manning RM William R. Maryott G Ed Matheny III AM Hal Mattos G Joanne McGrew AM Mrs. William Messick

AM	Jean Near
G	Gordon Nicholson
G	Lorraine Nicholson
AM	Mrs. R. Nelson Nicholson
G	Yolanda Olsen
RM	Capt. M. C. Osborne
G	Cloudia Owen
G	William T. Owen
AM	Fred C. Parvin
G	Jean Paul
G	Joyce Ragle
AM	Lucile Ray
AM	Alan D. Robbins
G	George H. Sutton
G	Margaret Sutton
AM	Richard A. Tasco
RM	Mrs. Sven I. Thoolen
G	Shirley Trio
G	Mrs. Hiromi Uyeda
A	Dorlene Waite
G	Howard Wald
G	Lee Wald
AM	Mrs. W. G. Waters
AM	Dr. John Weiler
RM	Edith P. Wheeler
G	Barbara Whitely
G	James Whitely
AM	Bryce Williamson
RM	Vernon Wood
G	Sharon Wylie
Region IS
G	Gail Barnhill
E	Mrs. William E. Barr
G	Irene Benton
AM	Bob Brooks
G	Peggy Carpenter
RM	Thelma H. Carrington
G	Hazel E. Carson
RM	Janice Chesnik
RM	Ralph Conrad
RM	Mrs. Ralph Conrad
G	Ladonna Cypret
G	Olen Joe Daugherty
RM	Mrs. Donald Dopke
G	Eileen Fiumara
RM	Mrs. Harry B. Frey
G	Derry Gerald
G	Jim Giles
G	Georgia I. Gudykunst
AM	Dr. Herbert C. Hoik **
AM	Mrs. Herbert C. Hoik

114

AM Debby Humphreys AM James H. Jones G Ardi Kary E Harry B. Kuesel

G Marjorie Larson

RM Eleanor McCown

G Lynn Mcllwain

G Mrs. David Mogil

AM Dr. Edward Murray G Joella R. Olson E Mrs. Edward Owen G Jeanne C. Plank G James Puckett G John H. Reinschmidt G Bill Rinehart

G Ollie Rust

G D. L. Shepard

AM Mrs. D. L. Shepard G Gerald Snyder RM Robert 0. Sorensen G Mary Ann Spurlock G Hilward Stenson

RM Kay Tearington

G Jane Troutman

E Marion R. Walker

G Jack Weber

G John Wight

Region 16

G Catherine Boyko **

G Harold R. Crawford

G Raymond A. Ives

AM Verna Laurin

A Maureen Mark

G Daniel P. McMillen G Gloria McMillen

G James McMillen

G Ken Viner

Region 17

G E. A. Addington

G Robert W. Alexander G Alene Arnold

G Dr. L. M. Begley

G Dana Brown

G Vernon Brown

RM Mrs. Lawrence Burt G Pat Byrne

E Marie Caillet

G J. Farron Campbell G Edna Carrington

RM Dr. Jesse W. Collier

E Mrs. Walter Colquitt G Billie G. Corbell AM Jim D. Coward AM Luella Danielson RM Mrs. Dee Davis RM Mrs. Doyle Gray AM Gordon Green AM Hazel M.Haik

G Nona Hoecker

AM Mrs. Charles A. Howard A Mary L. Huggins AM Mrs. J. H. Jamieson G Jim Keefe AM Mrs. Vernon H. Keesee RM Mrs. Harley L. King G David Lamb

G Peggy Lamb

RM W.D.Lee G Bonnie Nichols **

AM Hooker Nichols RM William K. Patton G John Phillips G Mrs. John Phillips RM Mrs. Dwane Quinn RM Sam Reece E Mrs. C. C. Rockwell, Jr. G Patsy L. Rosen G Charlene Seifert RM Mrs. Otis R. Skinner, Jr. G Keith Smith RM Frank L. Stephens AM Floyd Stopani G Helen Stopani G Debra Strauss G Ellen Sullivan RM Mrs. A. M. Tallmon G Mary Wilber A Diana L. Winship RM Mrs. Leon C. Wolford

Region is

G Mrs. L. E. Anderson G Alvin Apsher A Patricia Ardisonne G Nancy Barnum G Jan Bates AM Mrs. August Bellagamba RM Clifford W. Benson RM Roy Bohrer RM Mrs. Roy Bohrer AM Harry J. Boyd AM Mrs. Harry J. Boyd

G Lee Charlton

G Paula Charlton

RM Mrs. James Lee Chism G Jon Marc Cliburn G Donald Delmez

AM Dolores Denney

AM Mrs. Ralph H. Dierkes AM Geneva Dies RM Mrs. Julius Dutton G Barbara Fouts

G Kevin Gormley

AM Norman Gossling G Mike Hargrove

G Jim Hedgecock

AM Calvin H. Helsley G Nyla Hughes

G Dan Isbell

G Vince Italian

G Mitch Jameson

RM Rev. Robert R. Jeffries

G Denyse Johnson

G Audrey Judy

G Dan C. Judy

A Judy Keisling

A Ray Keisling

G Joan Kellar

AM Mrs. Edwin W. Knight G Betty Langston-Macon G Doris Loveland.

G James Loveland AM Mrs. Robert Mark AM Mrs. M.J. McHugh G Kevin J. Morley AM James W. Morris ** AM Mrs. James W. Morris G James Murrain

A Barbara Nicodemus AM 0. D. Niswonger RM Katherine Perry G Robert Pries

G Riley Probst

RM James Rasmussen AM Helen E. Reynolds AM Mrs. Robert H. Robinson RM Elvan E. Roderick RM Mrs. Elvan E. Roderick G Barbara Schuette G Stephen P. Smith G Susan H. Smith G Mrs. Von Smith G Stephen Stevens G Mrs. Stephen Stevens

115

G Eric Tankesley-Clarke G Robert Tankesley-Clarke G Dennis Van Landuyt AM Annette J. Vincent G Dr. James W. Waddick G C. L. Walz RM George W. Warner, Jr. A Adrian Wills A Naida Wills G James Winzer G Annabelle Wiseman G Mary Wyss

Region 19

AM Elizabeth Aulicky AM Raymond J. Blicharz G Chun Fan G Erin Marie Griner G Joseph J. Griner G Margaret Griner **

G Martha Ann Griner G James R Holmes RM Dr. Norman H. Noe AM C. B. Reeves, Jr.

AM Mrs. C. B. Reeves, Jr.

G Raymond J. Rogers AM Nancy Szmuriga E Elizabeth W. Wood

Region 20

G Lowell Baumunk, III G Glenna Chapman AM Duane W. Daily G Kayellen R. Daily AM Linda M. Doty E Dr. Jack R. Durrance G Russell Eacker G Carol Eacker G Francine M. Evers ** AM Catherine Long Gates G Dennis B. Gates RM Joseph H. Hoage AM Mrs. Morris James RM Dr. Carl Jorgensen G Helen Kinnamon G John Kinnamon G Jerilyn Knudtson G John Knudtson AM Roy Krug G Barbara Lewis E Everett Long G Lynda D. Love

AM Thomas L. Magee AM Suzanne McCarthy G Ellen McIntosh AM David G. Miller AM Michael Moller G Nina Moller G Patricia Morgan G Randy P. Penn AM Betty Roberts G Robert E. Stetson II G Verona Wiekhorst AM Warren Wiekhorst

Region 21

A Susan L. Anderson AM Mickey Anson RM ArdethJ. Bailey AM Irene H. Boardman G Marian Burleigh A Marie Cain RM C. T. (Chuck) Claussen RM Signey Claussen AM James L. Ennenga A Mrs. James L. Ennenga E Allan G. Ensminger AM Mary Ferguson G Vincent Fox G Mrs. Vincent Fox RM Gene Gaddie AM Larry Harder AM Charles C. Hemmer AM Mrs. Charles C. Hemmer AM Michael E. Hemmer AM Patrick R. Hemmer AM Lester Hildenbrandt RM Mrs. Leon N. Hockett RM Jim Hummel RM Vera Hummel AM Marjorie Jansen G Mary A. Jensen RM Dorothy M. Johnson AM Eugene J. Kalkwarf A Christa Kohout

G Richard Kohout

AM Carolyn D. Lingenfelter ** A Gail Livezey A Andrew Lucas G James Lucas RM Barbara Mapes RM Evangeline Martindale AM Roger P. Mazur G LeRoy Meininger

G	Neal E. Pohlman
G	Calvin H. Reuter
A	Viola Schreiner
G	V. 0. Sellers
RM	Mrs. Kempton Settle
G	Tim Stanek
G	Barrett Stoll
AM	Lynn Stoll
G	Gary E. White
G	Henry Wulf
G	Opal Wulf
Region 22
RM	Wiley Ab shire
G	Ann D. Barrows
A	James B. Bledsoe
G	Doris Boyles
RM	Richard Butler
G	Dorothy I. Cantwell
G	Ray Cantwell
G	Louise Carson **
G	Peggy Chumley
G	Mrs. Willie C. Cooper
AM	C. A. Cromwell
AM	Mrs. C. Wayne Drumm
AM	Perry Dyer
RM	Mrs. Dan Edelman
G	Leigh M. Ellis
AM	Mrs. Howard Estes
G	M. D. Faith
G	Ramona French
G	Carol Goldsberry
AM	Paul W. Gossett
G	Bonnie Hadaway
G	June P. Hardy
AM	James Hawley
AM	Rilla M. Hickerson
G	Greer Holland
G	Maryann Holman
E	Mrs. Robert C. Howard
AM	LaVera Johnson
G	Helen Jones
RM	Dr. W. E. Jones
RM	Mrs. Charles E. Kenney
G	Mrs. Trevor Lyons
AM	Betty Lou McMartin
G	F. W. McVicker
G	Robert Medina
A	Peggy Meekins
AM	Leonard J. Michel
RM	Richard E. Morgan
E	Ronald Mullin

116

E Perry L. Parrish G Kathy L. Poore A Lyle A. Reininger G Randy Renner RM Mrs. William M. Rhodes AM Henry C. Rowlan G James W. Russell G Sue Schaefer AM Marthella Shoemake G Ruth B. Simons G Aline Smith G Fred J. Smith G James K. Smith G Mary A. Smith RM Susie Smith RM Mrs. Cyrus Stanley RM L. D. Stayer RM Mrs. L. D. Stayer AM Philip Stonecipher AM Mrs. Philip Stonecipher A Patricia Tanton G June Tomlinson G Mary P. Watson G Leeroy E. Will G Beatrice Williams G Mrs. John H. Williams

Region 23

G Karen Bergamo AM Mrs. Milton J. Clauser AM Bill R. Coursey G Phil Doonan G Sara Doonan AM Barbara Figge **

RM Wilma Friedline A Clifton Frosch G Doug Goodnight G Dorothy Gordon RM Mrs. Earl Gould G William S. Huey G Reita Jordan

G Dr. Scott Jordan AM Mrs. Douglas Latimer A Tom Tadfor Little AM Robert A. Mallory G Alma Maxwell RM J. E. McClintock G Peter McGrath A Pegi Naranjo RM George A. Nickel AM Maxine Perkins G Patricia Randall G Audrey C. Roe AM Mrs. Howard S hockey G Suzanne Sluizer RM Mrs. Robert D. Steele G Mary Ellen Tafoya AM Mrs. Walter C. White

Region 2a

RM B. Howard Camp RM Mrs. B. Howard Camp AM Margaret Connally G Sue Copeland G Evelyn Davenport

G Jane C. Desmond

AM T. A. Gilliam G Clara Henderson A Mrs. Billy H. Jones AM J.W. Kuykendall, Jr. AM Mrs. J.W. Kuykendall Jr. AM Joe M. Langdon AM Mrs. Joe M. Langdon AM Nan Elizabeth Miles E Mrs. Raymond N. Miller AM Walter Moores AM Edith Mitchell Nevels A Leland E. Parkins A Carrie Rice AM Donald R. Saxton AM Mrs. Donald R. Saxton RM Sarah Scruggs AM Mrs. R. P. VanValkenburgh

Overseas:

Australia

AM John 0. Baldwin G Barry Blyth AM Graeme Grosvenor RM Robert Raabe G John Taylor

Belgium

G Koen Engelen G Willy Hublau

England

G C.E.C. Bartlett E H.R. Jeffs AM G. H. Preston AM N. K. Scopes

France

AM Jean Cayeux AM Dr. Jean Segui

Germany

G Rainer Zeh

Italy

G Anne Barbetti G Augusto Bianco G Fabio Bigazzi G Margaret Cameron Longo G Maria Carla Monaco G Valeria Pallesi Romoli RM Prof. Gian Luigi Sani G Doralisa Ravenni Santi

Japan

RM Akira Horinaka

f — - J

Insurance information

Note: New phone number for Michelle Snyder:

(213) 430 4370

V J)

117

^tke y^nxctican 3tLs Society

Profit and Loss: October through December 1998

Bulletin	Gen. Fund	Life Memb.	Membership	Storefront	TOTAL
Ordinary Income /Expense
Income
Earned Interest	7,742				7,742
Loans	200				200
Section Dues			86		86
Membership Dues		3,300	46,842		50,142
Gifts and Donations -200			256	56
Bulletin 2,615					2,615
Committees	2,811				2,811
Address Labels	15		15		30
Other income	645				645
Refunds			14		14
Registrations	1,467				1,467
Storefront Sales				11,231	11,231
Total Income 2,615	12,680	3,300	46,957	11,487	77,038
Expenses
Advertising		68			68
Bank Service Charges	5		22		27
Bulletin Expense 17,464					17,464
Committee Expenses	5,090				5,090
Contract labor	600				600
Insurance	1,332				1,332
Membership Secretary	113		2,616		2,729
Other	134				134
Registrar	379				379
Returned check	25				25
Robbins	99				99
Sales Director				1,031	1,031
Secretary			58		58
Treasurer Expenses	79				79
Total Expense 17,464	7,923		2,696	1,031	29,114
Net Ordinary Income -14,849	4,757	3,300	44,260	10,456	47,924
Net Income -14,849	4,757	3,300	44,260	10,456	47,924

Balance Sheet: As of December 31, 1998

ASSETS

Current Assets

Checking/S avings

Advertising Account	5,175.27
General Fund Savings Bank	79,993.75
Life Membership Bank CD	108,560.15
Membership Secretary Accounts	9,333.88
Secretary’s Accounts	7,185.76
Washington Mutual MM	30,003.82
Total Checking/Savings	240,252.63
Total Current Assets	240,252.63
TOTAL ASSETS	240,252.63
LIABILITIES & EQUITY	0.00

The above figures are based on current bank and savings balances and the use of October 1st 1998 bank balances. These are subject to a completed audit.

118

^ytotefeont

— - _

$27.00 The World of Irises

Highly recommended! 32 pages of full color. Edited by Warburton and Hamblen, 34 contributors and authors including international authori¬ ties. Published in 1978 and most authoritative book on all phases of irises. Scientific and popular. 6" x 9" hard bound cloth cover, 526 pages.

$15.00 Handbookfor Judges and Show Officials

New release! Sixth Edition ©1998.

$1.50 ea., or Basic Iris Culture . Pamphlets. Great information

$15.00 for 50 for new iris growers. Ideal for clubs or shows.

\ _ _ _ )

$4.50

AIS Bulletins: Back Issues (not all issues available)

$14.00 ea. Check Lists: 1939, 1949, 1959, & 1969

Reprint. Soft cover.

$17.00 Check List, 1979

Reprint. Hard cover. Ten-year compilation of registrations 1970 - 1979.

$17.00 Check List, 1989

Hard cover. Ten-year compilation of registrations 1980 - 1989.

$7.00 ea. Registrations and Introductions:

1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997.

$2.50 Bronze 50th Anniversary Medals

The AIS 50th Anniversary medal in antiqued bronze. Suitable for pendants, show prizes, and special awards.

- - - - - - \

View Before You Buy !

\ The official AIS Website now has photos of several of the

Storefront sales items, so you can see what they look like.

Go to: www.irises.org

119

75th Anniversary Collection

$25.00 Commemorative Medal

Solid Silver, 1 Vi inches across. Only 500 struck.

$4.50 Bulletin

V _ _ _ _ _ _ _ J

$2.50, 1 pack AIS Seals (50 per pack)

$10.00, 5 packs Self-adhesive ovals are larger than a half dollar.

Official design in blue and green on silver background.

1998 & 1999 Iris Calendar - While They Last

$2.00 each (+$1.00 shipping)

$10.00 (+$3.00 shipping) for packs of 10

$4.00, 1 pack Iris Post Cards (16 per pack)

$10.00, 3 packs $25.00, 10 packs

/ \ Announcement: AIS can now accept VISA &c Mastercard (sorry, no other

charge cards) for Storefront orders (minimum order: $10.00). When charging your order, please include card type and number, expiration date, phone ^ number, and signature. _

Prices include postage and handling. Make checks payable to The American Iris Society, or include charge card information. Send order to:

Irv & Nancy Pocklington Phone: (217) 854-2184

609 Harrington St Carlinville, IL 62626-1230

120

Rent Slide Seis from the American Iris Society

Al§ Slide Seis available for 1999:

The Newest in Irises: 1993-1998 Introductions. Mostly TBs, but contains other types. Recent Award Winners: HM and AM Winners, 1992 - 1997 The Popularity Poll: Temporarily unavailable.

Types other than Tall Bearded: Bearded and beardless, arranged in blooming sequence.

Reliables: Mostly past award winners of various types — especially suited for newer iris societies and garden clubs.

1994 Portland Iris Convention

1995 York Iris Convention

Iris Trivia: This is a small set of slides and questions that can be used for a fun and informative meeting. (Use of all questions and slides takes at least one hour.)

To Order: Requests for slides should be made well in advance of requested date, preferably six to eight weeks. If optional, specify alternate sets and/or dates. Clearly print name and mailing address to whom slides are to be sent. Rental fee is $10.00 per set, payable to AIS. Only one set allowed for any request date. Slide sets are to be returned next day after viewing by Priority Mail. Note: Affiliates are entitled to one free TB set per year. Send check with request to:

Hooker Nichols Phone: (214) 352-2191

3365 Northaven Rd.

Dallas, TX 75229

Section Slides Available:

The various Sections of AIS also have slide sets available for rent. These feature irises of each respective group. Rental fee is $5.00 per set, unless noted otherwise. Requests for these slide sets should be submitted as follows:

Arils and Aril breds: Order from Scott Jordan, 3500 Avenida Charada NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107. Rental fee $7.50. Check to Aril Society International. Dwarf: Dorothy Willott, 26231 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood, OH 44122-7111.

Check to Dwarf Iris Society. Rental fee $7.50.

Historic Iris Preservation Society (HIPS): Contact Joan Cooper,

212 West Country Rd. C, St. Paul, MN 55113. Rental fee $7.50. Check to HIPS. Japanese: Order from John Coble, 9823 E. Michigan Ave., Galesburg, MI 49053. Check to Japanese Iris Society.

Louisiana: Order from Dalton Durio, 5853 Hwy 182, Opelousas, LA 70570.

Check to Society for Louisiana Irises. Rental fee is $10.00.

Medians: Contact Terry Aitken, 608 NW 119th St, Vancouver WA 98685. $10 check to MIS. Rebloomers: Contact Olive Rice-Waters, 1914 Napa Ave, Berkley, CA 94707.

Check to Reblooming Iris Society. Rental fee is $7.50.

Siberians: Order from Robert Hollingworth, 124 Sherwood Rd E,

Williamston, MI 48895. Check to Society for Siberian Irises.

Species: Several sets available. Order from Helga Andrews,

11 Maple Ave, Sudbury MA 01776. Check to SIGNA.

Spurias: To prder, contact Patricia Brooks, 102 Jefferson Lane, Ladson, SC 29456. Check to Spuria Iris Society.

121

*/\3S Tsullctln yAd Incites

Changes fat0 1999:

In an effort to encourage new commercial growers, the AIS Board voted to eliminate the “extra services” fees. The prices below are unchanged, but now include the cost of scanning, text, and layup. The sizes are slightly larger.

Also, we are now using an all- electronic setup with our new printer. As a result, we can no longer simply paste ads on paper. All ads submitted on paper will be scanned. If you have graphic images or logs as part of your ad, it would be best if you send them on a disk, or email them directly to Scott Aitken at <zebra@chcs.com> (payment must still be made through advertising editor).

Shopping Section (formerly the “Commercial Directory”) found in the back of each Bulletin. Placement is alphabetical.

$42.00 IVI6 inch Rate is for 4 issues.

_ T(, / . 1 All ads are 2 Vs inch wide.

$58.00 1 Wjg inch

$73.00 2 i5/i6 inch

Display Advertising (Rate is for single issue)

Black & White:
$35.00	1 inch	1 x 4V4
$46.00	Va page	i7/sx 43/8 (wide), or 3% x 2 Vs (tall)
$58.00	Vz page	2V2 x 4% (wide), or 7% x (tall)
$81.00	V2 page	3% x 4% (wide), or 7% x 2 Vs (tall)
$104.00	% page	5 x 43/g
$115.00	3A page	5% x 43/s
$138.00	Full page	7V2 x 43/s

Color (price plus color separations at cost):

$150.00	Vs page mini ad (if space available)
$276.00	Full page, interior page.
$250.00	Full page, interior page, 4 consecutive issue discount.
$400.00	Full page, inside back cover.
$425.00	Full page, inside front cover.
$500.00	Full page, outside back cover.
Terms

Payment is due with ad copy. Ads due: July 15 (Oct. issue), October 15 (Jan. issue), January 15 (Apr. issue), April 15 (Jul. issue). Send ad and payment (payable to AIS) to:

Jean Erickson, Advertising Editor (707) 526-5204

4036 Trinity Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95405

122

Bulletin of the MIS Shopping Section

AAA QUALITY ENGRAVERS

Botanical Garden Quality Engraved Labels for Iris & other plants.

• U.V. Stable

• Quickly Installed

• AAA Service, 1-2 wks.

• Black or Teal Green

• New Round Comers

Ask for FREE SAMPLE AAA QUALITY ENGRAVERS

5754 Oxford Place, Dept. IR New Orleans, LA 70131 (504) 393-6377 • Fax (504) 391-2225

(Continental USA Only)

Anastasia

Iris Portraits

Dramatic everlasting oil or pastel paintings of your favorite flower. Also, limited edition prints and notecards of original Iris art.

For a free sample:

call 503-292-1476

email paintings@anastasia.com

web http://www.anastasia.com

or write 5328 SW Hewett Blvd.

Portland, OR 97221

For a catalog send $3.00 (refundable)

Jkarst ah s ,3)rts (Sftvlfrs

Tall Beardeds

102 E. Harney Lane Lodi, CA 95242 Phone: (209) 339-4747

thats: DEW-IRIS

Byron Aarstad, Proprietor

Send us a S.A.S.E. for a list of over 350 varieties

After Hours Iris Patch

Large selection of new and old bearded iris at affordable prices. Send $1.00 for catalog

12119 County Road A Liberty, MO 64068 816-792-1848

BLUE SKY IRIS

Debbie Gorham and Dob Applegate 19700 NW Adcock Rd Yamhill, OR 97145 Siberian and Japanese Iris Price ijst available upon request

123

Shopping section

Mtyt $

Sainton Creek Garden

oylward twinning Irises

Introductions by Terry Aitken, Ken Fisher, Chad Harris, Bennett & Evelyn Jones, Carol Lankow, Marky Smith and Jean Witt.

$2.00 for Color Catalog

Aitken s Salmon Creek Garden 608 NW 119 St Vancouver WA 98685

Online catalog: www.e-z.net/~aitken

RGYLE

ORES

Joe & Donna Spears 910 Pioneer Circle East Argyle, Texas 76226 940/464-3680

http://home 1 .gte.net/argliris

For Catalog: Send two first class stamps and your address.

BAY VIEW GARDENS

of Joseph J. Ghio

1201 Bay St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Send $2.00 for catalog listing the finest in Tall, Louisiana, Pacifica, and Spuria Irises.

Babbette’s Gardens

Specializing in TBs and Daylilies

Send $1 for Catalog Please make checks payable to: Babbette Sandt 40975 N 172 St East Lancaster CA 93535

Old & New Varieties GREAT VALUES

BLUEBIRD HAVEN

I *R I S GARDEN

6940 FAIRPLAY ROAD SOMERSET, CA 95684

6f2lrc

Ed & Rusty Ostheimer 1831 Bull Run Road Schriever, Louisiana 70360 Phone: 504-446-2329 Louisiana Irises Wholesale & Retail Color Catalogue: $2.00

’ll v

if r

124

Shopping Section

Attention All Iris Collectors !

Computer software to catalog and store your record keeping needs, specifically made for Iris collections. System minimum: VGA monitor, CPU 486, 586, 686, Pentium, or Pentium II, 8 meg ram, 6 meg disk space, 3.5 floppy IBM compatible running Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows NT.

No programming is required.

Visit our web site at benterprises.com E-mail is bruce@benterprises.com Toll free is 1-888-434-9696 Send check or money order only.

$ 29.95 + $ 6.00 S/H = Total Cost $34.95. B. Enterprises 669 Peoria St. #118 Aurora, CO 80011

George Clinton Bush Clean Shaven Iris Japanese - Siberian - Species Big list for a stamp. Reduced Prices. 1739 Memory Lane Extd York, PA 17402

RR #1 (8790 Hwy #24) Guelph, Ont., Canada N1H 6H7 (519)856-4424

Over 1000 Median & MDB Over 2000 total IRIS Rebloomers, Historical Pseudacorus, Species

$2.00 for Catalog Refundable from order

Specializing in Tall Bearded Irises

Located at 9130 Highway 99E, Los Molinos, CA, just 30 minutes North of Chico.

Catalog $1 ( refundable ) send to

Gene and Tina Cabral P.O. Box 9264, Chico, CA 95927 530-345-3937

Specializing in TBs, BBs, IB, SDBs, and Spurias.

CAPE IRIS GARDENS

822 Rodney Vista Blvd.

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Catalog $1.00 — Refundable Dave Niswonger, Hybridizer and Grower

CLARKS GARDENS

RR3 Box 3245 Edwards, MO 65326 MDB, SDB, IB, MTB, BB, AB, TB Send $1.00 for price list

125

Shopping Section

CAL-DIXIE IRIS GARDENS

Largest selection of quality affordable bearded irises (new and old) in Southern California.

Herb and Sara Hoik

14115 Pear St. Riverside CA 92508

Catalog: 2 first-class stamps

CONTEMPORARY GARDENS

of Perry Dyer

Rt. 5, Box BOO Blanchard, OK 73010

Tall beardeds, medians, Louisianas and daylilies. Featuring intro¬ ductions of Perry Dyer, Augusto Bianco (Italy), and Louisianas from Kevin Vaughn (Mississippi).

1999 National Convention Tour Garden.

Send $2 for 1999 catalog.

OOLEY'S

11553 Silverton Rd. NE P.O. Box 126 Silverton, Oregon 97381

FEATURING THE FINEST OF TALL BEARDED IRISES QUALITY RHIZOMES

Incomparable Iris catalog in color

Send $5.00 for the catalog, then deduct it from your first catalog order.

CHEHALEM GARDENS

Tom and Ellen Abrego PO Box 693 NewbergOR 97132

Siberian and Spuria Irises

Descriptive price list available upon request

Comanche Acres iris Gardens

Route 1 , Box 258 Gower, MO 64454

Quality TB, BB, LA and median irises at reasonable prices.

— Introductions by —

Jim Hedgecock, Henry Rowlan and Jimmy Burch.

Beautiful tall bearded color catalog $300 for two years.

Separate median and Louisiana lists $100 each.

D. and J. GARDENS

7872 Howell Prarie Road, N.E. Silverton, OR 97381

Introductions of Joyce and Duane Meek

See our ad in the April Bulletin Send $1.00 for catalog.

BRHVC0TT

GKKDERS

Siberian and Japanese Irises

Carol Warner 16815 Falls Road Upperco, MD 21155 (410) 374-4788

Send $1 for price list.

126

Shopping Section

DAVID IRIS FARM

2257 S. River Rd, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 Northern Grown Iris

Newer &, older varieties - reasonable prices TB— BB— IB— MTB— MDB Send first class stamp for list

f Ourio Gardens ^

Albert, Dalton, Ken and Belle

Growers and hybridizers of:

Louisiana iris Japanese iris Spuria iris

Iris virginica I

Iris laevigata Iris peeudoacorus

Send $4.00 for your new, color catalog of irises and daylilies.

Louisiana Nursery 5853 Highway 182 Opelousas, LA 70570 y

Your garden deserves EVERGREEN labels

• Plant name engraved in U-V resistant green plastic plate; slips into galvanized steel backplate mounted on stem.

• Other galvanized steel products: plain plant markers, tag stakes, bloomstalk supports and rose pegging hooks.

Send first class stamp for brochure

Introductions of

Currier McEwen & Kamo Nurseries

Eartheart Gardens RR #1 , Box 847 Harpswell, ME 04079-9725 (207) 833-6327

DESCRIPTIVE CATALOG: $2/2 YR. REFUNDABLE

Specialists in Japanese Iris. Catalog of descriptions with culture page: $2.00

9823 E. Michigan Ave. Galesburg, Mich. 49053

EVOLUTION INACTION IRIS GARDEN

Specializing in Alternate Flower Form. Jared Harris

93 E. 100 S, Logan, UT 84321 SASE for list.

FORTE’S IRIS GARDENS

Two locations to serve you!

Virginia Forte 12312 S. Wilson Rd.

Los Banos, CA 93635 (209) 826-4850

(Send $1 .50 for Catalog)

TALL BEARDED

REBLOOMERS

HIS TOR ICS

Mary Forte 9320 Lakota Way Atascadero, CA 93422 (805) 466-7958 e-mail: jforte21@aol.com

127

Shopping section

qU'NMO U/vr

IRIS GRRDCN

Over 900 Varieties

* Tall Beards

* Dwarfs

* Space Agers

* Dykes Medals

Reasonable Prices

Catalog $2.00 Refundable

21643 Shake Ridge Road Volcano, CA 95689 (209) 296-4436

Email loramasche@cdepot.net Internet http://welcome.to/irisgarden Wholesale Only on Site

STOCK REDUCTION

of 1979 and earlier iris — $2.00 each + postage— Older Dykes $5.00 each + postage

Send SASE for list

Regular Catalog $3.00 deduct from catalog order

FOXES’

IRIS PATCH

92 - 48th St. SW Huron, SD 57350-6543

GOLDEN’S IRIS GARDEN

Specializing in newer and symposium TB iris.

4564 Robin Dr. Prescott, AZ 86301 (520) 445-0503

Send for free catalog.

Garden Fonts

... for affordable weatherproof labels.

Send for a FREE SAMPLE of Garden Fonts’ custom printed peel & stick labels for your new or used metal garden markers.

By Mail Garden Fonts Dept 1 1 007 Province Rd Barnstead NH 03218

Phone 603.435.6128

email gardenfonts@yahoo.com

or... get more information,

and order securely online at our new web site...

www.gardenfonts.com

HADAWAY FARMS

Route 1, Box 42M Carney, OK 74832

A FLOWER BED OF IRIS featuring tall and median bearded iris at affordable prices. Descriptive price list $1.00 (refundable with 1st order)

Harmony Iris Gardens

PO Box 3731 Santa Rosa, CA 95402

TB, Medians, Rebloomers

Display garden includes Spurias and PCI

$2.00 Catalog (refund with order) www.harmonyiris.com

128

Shopping section

[Hjermit

[Mjedlars

@alk

Bill & Ada Godfrey 3 Pierce St Foxborough MA 02035

MDBS, SDBs, MTBs, IBs, BBs, TBs, REBLOOMERS

Display garden includes Louisiana’s, Siberian, Japanese, and Species.

Catalogue $1 (deduct from order)

IRIS and COLLECTIBLES

Jim and Vicki Craig

1 6325 SW 1 1 3 Ave Tigard, OR 97224

Tetraploids MTB IB BB TB

Send first class stamp for descriptive price list

Iris City Gardens

IVLacey and Greg IVIcGullougli 502 BrigLi on Place NasWille, TN 37205-2556 615-386-5778 800.934.IRIS

Primarily beardless iris 5 Japanese, Louisiana, Siberian and Species-

'We carry some antique iris, tall f> earded ins, and a variety of pond plants-

Call or write for free catalog-

Iris Country

Historic Bearded & Beardless Irises. Historic Daylillies.

6219 Topaz St NE, Brooks, OR 97305 (503) 393-4739 (evenings)

The Iris Gallery

of Jay and Terri Hudson Your Trusted Supplier of: Pacific Coast Species Unguicularis Siberian Spuria Bearded Iris

Year-round shipments of Pacific Coast and Unguicularis

SEND $2.00 FOR CATALOG

ffi

33450 Little Valley Rd Fort Bragg, CA 95437 1 -800-757-IRIS Fax: 707-964-3907

E-Mail: irishud@mcn.org

7280 Tassajara Creek Road Santa Margarita, CA 93453 (805) 438-3070 www.thegrid.net/irishill

JONES DANCE-IN-TEE-WIND II IS CARDEN

Joni L. Renshaw 810 S 14th Street Tekamah, NE 68061

Send $1.00 for Descriptive Catalog Listing over 1,000 Newer, Hardy TB and Median Irises at Affordable Prices.

129

Shopping Section

IRIS

THE RAINBOW FLOWER

Video by Carolyn Hawkins,

AIS Judge for NCSGC, Inc.

Soil Prep, Planting, Dividing, Pests/Diseases, Hybridizing Designs and More!

38 Minutes. Perfect for club programs or club libraries. -$19.95 + $3 Postage/Handling '

Make check payable to: National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc.

4401 Magnolia i St. Louis, MO 63110-3492 (800) 550-6007

Jump Creek Gardens

TB * IB * BB * SDB RE&SA

Quality Rhizomes at Competitive Prices

Descriptive Price List $2.00 deductible from first order

Route 1 Box 282 Marsing, Idaho 83639

KEITH KEPPEL

P. O. Box 18154 Salem, OR 97305

The Newest

Tall Beardeds and Medians,

American and Foreign

Catalogue with Pedigrees $2.00

Deductible from first order

KARY IRIS GARDENS Ardi Kary 6201 E. Calle Rosa Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (602) 949-0253 Tall Bearded-Arilbred'Median

Lauer’s flowers

9{ezver irises at 6argain prices l

11314 %ando[pfi 4{d. WiCton, CA 95693 (916) 687-6134

LAURIE’S GARDEN

Lorena M. Reid (Reid) introductions of

Japanese, Sino-Siberians, Species & Interspecies Irises

Free list in spring, US only.

41886 McKenzie Hwy. Springfield, OR 97478

130

Shopping section

Lone Star^Iris Gardens

Specializing in Louisiana Irises

INTRODUCTIONS OF

Farron Campbell Dorman Haymon Joe Mertzweiller Heather and Bernard Pryor

OF AUSTRALIA

Previous introductions from these hybridizers only are also available. Send for 1999 Price List, available free of charge to readers of the AIS Bulletin.

5637 Saddleback Road Garland, TX 75043

LORRAINE’S IRIS PATCH

20272 Road 11 N.W. Quincy, WA 98848 Dykes and many older Iris at most reasonable prices.

IRIS

HOSTAS

DAY LI LIES

Mid-America

Garden

Paul Black & Tom Johnson

COLOR CATALOG $3.00

Foreign $4.00 U.S. Funds

NOTE our NEW ADDRESS

P O BOX 18278 SALEM, OR 97305-8278

P.0. Box 19; Boulder, CO 80306

Since 1905

Iris from the “Top of the World”

Featuring Irises from: Magee, Durrance, Hoage, Lyons, Moller, Jorgensen, D. Miller and others.

MARYOTT’S GARDENS

POBox 1177 Freedom, CA 95019-1177 Newer TB’s Retail/Wholesale Full color catalog $5 — Deductible

www.irisgarden.com

Mill Creek Gardens

Tall Bearded

Medians

MDB’s

Historic

Siberians

210 Parkway Lapeer, MI 48446-2385 (810)-664-5525 email: mcgiris@tir.com catalog $1.00 refundable

131

Shopping Section

MILLER’S MANOR GARDENS

Roger and Lynda Miller 12788 E. 191 St.

Noblesville, IN 46060

MDBs, Medians TBs, Siberians Daylilies, Hostas and Potted Perennials

Newest irises at affordable prices

Send $1.00 for catalog, deductible from first order.

Featuring Tall Bearded Iris — New and Old. LeRoy Meininger — 1-308-623-2661 Catalog $1.00 — Refundable

Mountain View Gardens

“Located in Montana’s beautiful Flathead Valley’’

SPECIALIZING IN SIBERIAN IRISES

Send 1st class stamp for catalog.

2435 Middle Rd. Columbia Falls, MT 59912 www.mountainviewgard.com

OUNTAIN VIEW

IRIS GARDENS

Large selection of iris at bargain prices. 100% extras with every order. Free ’99 catalog w/color. Donna & Lacy Hagood 6307 Irwin Ave Lawton, OK 73505 (580) 492-5183/536-3378 MVIGOK@AOL.COM

N flPfl COUNTRY IRIS GARDENS

John & Lesley Painter

9087 Steele Canyon Rd. Napa, Ca. 94558

QUALITY TB IRIS

Irises grown in the world famous wine producing region of California

Send first class stamp for catalog available Arpil through July

NEWBURN’S IRIS GARDENS

1415 Meadow Dale Drive Lincoln, NE 68505-1940

Growing over 1,000 varieties of tall bearded irises.

Some new and many older irises at reasonable prices.

Price List on Request

132

Shopping section

NICHOLLS GARDENS

Japanese Rebloomers Siberian - Species LA - Median - I B Hosta & Day lilies

4724 Angus Dr, Gainesville, VA 20155 HTTP://www.he.net/ ~ngardens Catalog $1.00

NICODEMUS IRIS GARDENS

Richard & Barbara Nicodemus

RR1 Box 297 Buffalo, MO 65622

Large Selection of Mostly Newer:

TB - Medians - LA - Jl - SPU - SIB - Irises Descriptive Catalog $1 (Refundable with order)

Visitors Welcome 417/345-8697

cAJortfc cPmc $ms Qandm

Mary Ferguson

PO Box 595 Norfolk, NE 68701

Newer TB and Median Irises

Tall Bearded,

Medians, Siberians, Species, Hostas and Daylilies

Price list $1 .00 (deductible with order)

PEDERSON’S IRIS PATCH

Sibley, Dazey North Dakota 58429

Iris Capitol of North Dakota

Quality Tall Bearded Iris at Competitive Prices

Please send 2 first class stamps for price list

NICHOLSON’S WOODLAND IRIS GARDENS

5406 Milnes Road Modesto, CA 95357

We have several hundred iris vari¬ eties from which to choose. We always like to have visitors during bloom season. Very reasonable prices. Modesto (home of American Graffiti) is located in central California. Our location is very close to Hwy. 99. (209) 578-4184

Send $1.00 for catalog Refundable with first order

email: iris4u@pacbell.net web: http://home.pacbell.net//iris4u/

OHIO GARDENS

148 Alta St

Marietta OH 45750-2607

MTBs of Mary Louise Dunderman and W. Terry Varner.

Large listing of MTBs and Species. Also BBs. Catalog $1.00

utback Iris

Gardens

Large selection of iris at discount prices. 100% BONUS with every order. Free ’99 catalog w/some color.

Mary & Jerry Turner 209 Lakeview Ave Apache, OK 73006 (580) 492-5183 & FAX OUTBACKOK1 @ AOL.COM

133

Shopping Section

ARIL and

ARILBRED

IRIS GARDENS

425 E. LUNAAZUL DR. CHAPARRAL, NM 88021

Clean-shaven iris, Uncommon
perennials, Bog plants, Hostas & Wildflowers.	o
Catalog $1 .00	LA /i w.
	!\ / \\w

PINE RIDGE GARDENS 832-1 Sycamore Road London, Arkansas 72847

Mary Ann Spurlock 605-529-6534

an (dm

■ rDe. Jlo-i.

- REBLOOMING IRIS

■ TB - LA -SPURIA - 1000 Choices. 1 Weddings & Special Events

■ Hass Avocados

8000 Balcom Canyon Rd. Somis, CA 93066 Free Catalog On Request

v _ _

Specializing in tall bearded and rebloomers.

Visit us @ rainbowfarms.net

250 County Road 323 Bartlett, TX 76511

(512) 338-1 61 8 phone/fax

Visa/Mastercard accepted

7R,iuefidaCe Onto, (fatdetto.

Median & Dwarf Bearded Also: TBs, Siberians I florentina (orris)

Tracy W. Jennings P.O. Box 524 Rockford, MN 55373 Descriptive catalog — $1.00

ROCK SPRINGS IRIS FARM

Rt. 1 Box 238 B Henrietta Texas 76365

Reasonable prices Descriptive Catalog Send 2 first-class stamps (940) 538-6932 email: RSIrisFmTX@aol.com

134

Shopping Section

Offering over 4000 Varieties of Bearded Iris

Reasonable Prices Specializing in Rebloomers and Space Agers

“Try Us - You’ll Like Us”

Descriptive Catalog $5.00

(Refunded with First Order)

Tony and Irene DeRose 21680 Upper Pleasant Ridge Caldwell, Idaho 83605

(208) 453-1305

1000 TB Varieties

Rebloomers, Space Agers, Dykes Medals & more...

Catalog $2.00 (refunded with first order)

Keith Chadwick 14000 Oasis Road Caldwell, ID 83605 (208) 459-7185

SOURDOUGH IRIS GARDENS

109 Sourdough Ridge Road Bozeman, MT 59715-9264

Older varieties thrive in high altitude, colder climates. Reasonable prices.

Send long SASE for list available Apr. 15-Oct. 1

RORIS

GARDENS

8195 Bradshaw Road Sacramento, CA 95829 Phone: (916) 689-7460

Tall Bearded Iris

Send $5.00 for Color Catalog

(Deductible from 1st order)

Our 72 page catalog features a color photo of every flower we offer.

<-^IRis gardens

3629 Quinaby Road, Salem, Oregon 97303

Fine Iris for discerning collectors.

GROWERS - HYBRIDIZERS - ORIGINATORS

Americas Finest Iris Catalog. Accurate color illustrations, a treasure trove of information. $5.00

SPRUCE GARDENS

2317 3rd Rd

WisnerNE 68791-3536 1000+ choice newer tall bearded irises 200+ newer Medians List $1.00 deductible

RORIS

135

Shopping Section

3342 W. Orangewood Phoenix, AZ 85051

(602) 841-1231

BEARDED and SPURIA

GUARANTEED QUALITY - 1000 CHOICES Send 2 - 1st Class stamps for catalog

IF YOU L HAVE THE ? BEST I CUSTOMERS f YOU HAVE TO GROW THE BEST

Over 1400 varieties of hardy tall bearded, licensed and inspected by Dept of Agriculture

Send $1 for catalog

Stanley Iris Garden

3245 N. WING RD, STAR, ID 83669 208 - 286 7079

Jos Qarden

Darlene Pinegar 40 South 200 West Spanish Fork, Utah 84660

Hybridizing for RE and SA irises.

Send 2 first class stamps for descriptive list of TB, Median, RE, and SA irises.

SUPERSTITION IRIS GARDENS

Rick Tasco / Roger Duncan

2536 Old Hwy., Dept. A9 Cathey’s Valley, CA 95306

phone 209-966-6277 E-mail randrcv@sierrafel.com

^BEARDED IRIS

miniature dwarfs to tails fREBLOOMERS hundreds; dwarfs to falls YH I ST© HIC S --one of the largest commercial listings yARILBREDS a wide and varied selection

me^EDmiE CUSTOMER SERVICE

16592 Road 208, Porterville, CA 93257 559-784-9011 Fax 559-784-6701 (Note: New Area Code!)

Specializing in reblooming and space age iris. Over 1 ,500 varieties of tall bearded and median iris.

Catalog $3.00

Stump Hollow Iris Gardens

Offering the finest in Bearded Iris 2334 Applegate Lane Payette, Idaho 33661-5017 E-mail floral@cyberhighway.net Price list available

136

r - 1 Shopping section
TB’S PLACE 1513 Ernie Lane Grand Prarie, TX 75052-1106 New Introductions from Tom Burseen and most other hybridizers.		(^videttd JUnL Don and Ginny Spoon 1225 Reynolds Road %[ <$[§> Cross Junction, VA 22625 (540) 888-4447 e_ma^: VSpoon@aol.com we grow over 4000 iris varieties 2200 listed over 750 rebloomers ^ 72 page catalog Bearded Iris ~ Introductions TBs ~ Medians ~ MDBs Modems ~ Classics ~ Histories Send $2 for catalog Refundable with order Satisfaction guaranteed
PLANT MARKERS A unique and attractive tag. All metal and long lasting. Permanent and economical. Perfect for Iris Send self-addressed stamped envelope for description, price list and picture. F. R. UNRUH 37 Oaknoll Road Wilmington, Delaware 19808 (302) 994-2328
WILLOW BEND FARM wiHowbend@fgn.net k Bob & Lynn J|3f 0 / |\ Denton { m f > Rcsonabie Catalog , , > New & Classic MMiA ... Varieties of the An&pjmn Sykes Winners ll&fk Eckert, CO 81418		ZEBRA GARDENS PURSUING TOMORROW TODAY Distinctive bearded iris. Broken color flowers, variegated foliage. TBs. Medians. & MDBs Brad & Kathie Kasperek 9130 North 5200 West Elwood, Utah 84337 (435) 257-0736 Catalog $3.00
Please support our venelors. Tell them you saw their oa in the ^ A is Bulletin! j

Alew Colons in the ’<pOs

in tyuiy: yAn yAdventute with Q- unos

I. danfordiae x I. sophensis I. histriodesx I. winogrodowii

Juno photos: Alon McMurtrie, Canada

PHEASANT FEATHERS (Johnson ‘99) $45.00 Incomparable 80 - page color catalog lists and describes over 300 of the newest and best. $5.00, deductible.

SSCoQLEY’S

GARDENS

P O BOX 126 SILVERTON OR 97381

800-225-5391 www.Cooleysgardens.com

1

Bulletin of the American iris Society

ISSN 0747-4172

Volume lxxx, No. 3 Series No. 314 July 1999

Editor: Terry Aitken, 608 NW 119th St, Vancouver WA 98685-3802; aitken@e-z.net Advertising Editor: Jean Erickson, 4036 Trinity Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95405-7714 Photo Team: Robert Plank, 8426 Vine Valley Drive, Sun Valley, CA 91352-3656 Scientific Editor: Adele Lawyer, 4333 Oak Hill Road, Oakland, CA 94605-4523 Layout & Graphic Design: Scott Collard, / S. Collard Design,

18700 NE 85th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98604; jscdsign@pacifier.com

The Bulletin of the American Iris Society is published quarterly by The American Iris Society. Publishing Office, 13358 Sagle Rd., Purcellville, VA 20132-1827. Periodical postage paid at Purcellville, VA, and at additional mailing offices. Subscription price is included in mem¬ bership dues. All copy due in Editors office by Oct. 15 (Jan.), Jan. 15 (April), April 15 (July), July 15 (October). This Bulletin was printed by Great Impressions. Copyright © 1999 The American Iris Society

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Bulletin of the American Iris Society,

13358 Sagle Rd., Purcellville, VA 20132-1827.

How to reach the American iris Society:

Membership, Dues, Missing Bulletins: Marilyn Harlow, PO Box 55, Freedom CA 95019-0055. (831) 722-1810, 9:00AM — 6:00PM Pacific Coast Time Business matters of the Society: ^

Sara R. Marley, 13358 Sagle Rd., Purcellville, VA 20132-1827 (540) 668-9004. Bulletin advertising: Je^n-Erickson, Advertising Editor,

4036 Trinity Dr, Sant^Rosa CA 95405-7714 (70?) 526-5204.

/ ^

Articles appearing in thk^publ^tion should be considered the opinions of the authors. Technical article? reporting the results of research will be summarized as news reports, with references made ^specialized joi|^ls where more complete information can be found.

Permission is granted to non prd££forganizations to reprint original material appearing in this Bulletin, on condition that b§£@f the author and the publication are credited, and a copy of your publication is sent, to the;59ftor.

\ c

A/S Membership Rates:	Overseas Rates:
Annual,	Singlb"^	00	Annual, Single: $23.00
	Dual:	$23.00 j	Dual: $26.00
Triennial,	Single:	$43.00	Triennial, Single: $54.00
	Dual:	$54.00	Dual: $65.00
Life,	Single:	$350.00	Calendar year memberships. May be
	Dual:	$435.00	paid by check, VISA, or Mastercard.
SeniorLife,	Single:	$306.00	Overseas memberships include first class
	Dual:	$369.75	postage, and are payable in U.S. currency.
Youth, without Bulletin: $4.00	Visit the AiS wehsite:
Youth, with Bulletin:	$7.00	http://www.irises.org

2

^American 3tls Society

Officers & Committee Chairpeopie

The American Iris Society is a nonprofit institution incorporated February 2, 1927, in the County of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania. By the terms of the Charter, the Corporation has no stockholders and exists for the sole purpose of promoting the culture and improvement of the Iris.

Officers:

President: Clarence Mahan, 7311 Churchill Road, McLean, VA 22101, (703) 893-8526 First Vice President: Terry Aitken, 608 NW 119th St., Vancouver, WA, 98685-3802 (360) 573-4472 Second Vice President: Jeanne Clay Plank, 8426 Vine Valley Drive, Sun Valley, CA 91352-3656, (818) 767-5512 Secretary: Sara R. Marley, 13358 Sagle Rd., Purcellville, VA 20132-1827 (540) 668-9004.

Treasurer: Jay Hudson, 33450 Little Valley Rd., Fort Bragg, CA 95437, (707) 964-3907

Editor: Terry Aitken, 608 NW 119th St., Vancouver WA 98685-3802, (360) 573-4472, Fax (360) 576-7012

A dministrative Officers:

Registrar: Keith Keppel, po Box 18154, Salem, OR 97305, (503) 391-9241 Membership Secretary: Marilyn Harlow, po Box 55, Freedom, CA 95019-0055, (831) 722-1810 Recording Secretary: Anne Lowe, 12219 Zilles Rd., Blackstone, VA 23824, (804) 265-8198 Publication Sales Director: Irv &, Nancy Pocklington, 609 Harrington St, Carlinville, IL 62626-1230, (217) 854-2184 Ombudsman: Lew Begley, 1930 Wilkinson Rd., Mesquite, TX 75181-2204, (972) 289-7107

Directors:

Past Presidents: Marion Walker, Harold L. Stahly, Ronald Mullin, James Rasmussen, Kenneth M. Waite, Claire B. Barr, Dave Niswonger

Terms expiring in 1999: Mike Lowe

Shirley Pope

Terms expiring in 2000: E. Roy Epperson

Jean Morris

Michael Moller Riley Probst

Paul Gossett Maxine Perkins

Terms expiring in 2001: J. Farron Campbell

Kathy Guest

RVP Representative: Brad Kasperek

Chairs of Standing Committees:

Affiliates: Shirley L. Pope, 39 Highland Ave, Gorham, ME 04038, (207) 839-3054 Awards: Farron Campbell, 5637 Saddleback Rd., Garland, TX 75043, (972) 240-4016 Calendar: Olive Rice-Waters, 1914 Napa Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94707, (510) 526-2853 Convention Liaison: Paul Gossett, 1708 E. 53rd St., Tulsa, OK 74105-5726, (918) 745-0852 Exhibitions: E. Roy Epperson, 1115 Delk Dr., High Point, NC 27262, (336) 883-9677 Foundation Liaison: Roger P. Mazur, 5824 Erskine #7, Omaha, NE 68104 Historical: Larry Harder, Box 547, Ponca, NE 68770, (402) 755-2615

Honorary Awards: Dave Niswonger, 822 Rodney Vista Blvd., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, (573) 334-3383 Insurance: Michelle Snyder, 7855 Ellenbogen St., Sunland, CA 91040, (213) 430-4370 (wk); (818) 352-7018 (hm) Judges: Ron Mullin, Route 3, Box 84, Pawnee, OK 74058-9302, (918) 762-2430 Judges' Handbook Revision Committee:

E. Roy Epperson, 1115 Delk Dr., High Point, NC 27262, (336) 883-9677 Library: Keith McNames, 7711 Pries Dr, Salem, OR 97303, (503) 463-1875 Membership Contest: Lynda Miller, 12788 E. 191st, Noblesville, IN 46060, (317) 776-0323 Policy: Mike Lowe, 12219 Zilles Road, Blackstone, VA 23824, (804) 265-8198 Public Relations: Kathy Guest, 494 North St., East Aurora, NY 14052-1446, (716) 655-1762 Registrations: Keith Keppel, PO Box 18154, Salem, OR 97305, (503) 391-9241

Send all registration applications, and $7.50 payable to ais, to Keith Keppel.

Robins: Libby Cross, 8907 Potts Creek Road, Covington, VA 24426, (540) 747-2123 RVP Counselor: Michael Moller, 3750 W. Arrowhead Rd., Littleton, CO 80123, (303) 797-8341 Scientific: Dr. Chandler Fulton, 21 Hillcrest Road, Weston, MA 02193, (617) 891-4015 Scholarship: Dr. John J. Taylor, 3747 E. Kent Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85044-4576, (602) 759-3128 Secretary of Donations: Jeanne Clay Plank, 8426 Vine Valley Dr, Sun Valley, CA 91352-3656, (818) 767-5512 Section Liaison: Riley Probst, 418 N. Van Buren, St. Louis, MO 63122, (314) 822-2485 Silent Auction: Maxine Perkins, PO Box 494, Mesilla Park, NM 88047-0494, (505) 524-1529 Slides: Hooker Nichols, 3365 Northaven Rd., Dallas, TX 75229, (214) 352-2191 Youth: Jean Morris, 682 Huntley Heights, Ballwin MO 63021, (314) 256-3927

Barbara Figge Bobbie Shepard

3

PES SGCtiOttSm (1st line = Presidents, 2nd line = Memberships)

Median iris Society:

Dorothy Willott, 26231 Shaker Blvd, Beachwood, OH 44122 Rita Gormley, 6717 Martha Dr., Cedar Hill, MO 63026

Society for Siberian irises 5

Tom Abrego, PO Box 693, Newberg, OR 97132

Howard Brookins, N 75 W14257 North Point Dr., Menomonee Falls, WI 53051-4325

Spuria iris Society:

Tom Abrego, PO Box 693, Newberg, OR 97132

Bobbie. Shepard, 3342 West Orangewood, Phoenix, AZ 85051

Society for Japanese irises:

Terry Aitken, 608 NW 119 St., Vancouver, WA 98685 Robert Bauer, 9823 E. Michigan Ave, Galesburg, MI 49053

Reblooming iris Society:

Rosalie Figge, 4 Maryland Ave, Towson, MD 21286-1100 Charlie Brown, 3114 S. FM 131, Denison, TX 75020

Omari iris Society:

Brad Kasperek, 9130 North 5200 West, Elwood, UT 84337-8640 Lynda Miller, 12788 E. 191st, Noblesville, IN 46060

Society for Pacific Coast Native irises:

Jay Hudson, 33450 Little Valley Rd., Fort Bragg, CA 95437 Terry Hudson, 33450 Little Valley Rd., Fort Bragg, CA 95437

Species iris Group of North Mmerica (SiGNM):

Carla Lankow, 11118 169th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98059 Colin Rigby, 18341 Paulson SW, Rochester, WA 98579

Historic iris Preservation Society (HiPSh

Doug Goodnight, 1005 Gamblin Ln., Hobbs, NM 88240

Andree Desiree Wilson, 15 Bracebridge Rd, Newton Centre, MA 02459

Cooperating societies:

Mril Society international:

Scott W. Jordan, 3500 Avenida Charada Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107 Reita Jordan, 3500 Avenida Charada Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107

Society for Louisiana irises:

Farron Campbell, 5637 Saddleback Rd., Garland, TX 95043 Elaine Bourque, 1812 Broussard Rd. E, Lafayette, LA 70508

Section Membership Rates:	single annual	single triennial	dual annual	dual triennial
Median Iris Society	$5.50	15.00	6.50	17.50
(Overseas members add $5 per	year for postage)
Society for Siberian Iris	5.00	13.00	6.00	15.00
Spuria Iris Society	6.00	15.00	8.00	18.00 .
Society for Japanese Iris	3.50	9.00	4.00	10.50
Reblooming Iris Society	5.00	13.00	6.00	15.00
Society for PCNs	4.00	10.00	5.00	12.00
Species Iris Group	4.00	10.00	5.00	12.00
Dwarf Iris Society	4.50	12.00	6-75	18.00
Historic Iris Preservation Society	5.00	12.00	6.00	15.00
Aril Society International Society for Louisiana Irises	10.00 7-50	28.00 18.00	73 -5° 9.00	33-5° 22.50

4

<lR.e<jLons Si 'Dice "Sf^tesi&ents

I: Maine. New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut anti Rhode island:

Ada Godfrey, 9 Bradford St., Foxborough, MA 02035, (508) 543-2711, < hmwalk@ici.net>

2: New Vorh:

Peter Weixlmann, 280 Seneca Creek Rd, West Seneca, NY 14224, (716) 674-6289, <Pweixl@aol.com>

3: Pennsylvania and Delaware:

Vincent Lewonski, 509 S. Bishop Ave, Secane, PA 19018-2903, (610) 623-3921 < VinceLewonski@yahoo.com>

4; Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia, west Virginia, and North Carolina:

Sara R. Marley, 13358 Sagle Rd, Purcellville, VA 20132-1827, (540) 668-9004, < digger@anent.com >

S: South Carolina, Georgia , Florida and Puerto Rico :

Randell Bowen, 528 Forest Ridge Dr., Shelby, NC 28152, (704) 434-6118 <RBowen@shelby.net>

G: Ohio, Indiana and Michigan:

Howard Hughes, 210 Parkway, Lapeer MI 48446, (810) 664-5525 < mcgiris@tir.com >

7: Tennessee and Kentucky:

Mary Thurman, 521 Kickapoo Tr., Frankfort, KY 40601, (502) 695-1506

B: Minnesota and Wisconsin:

Edwin W. Kelsey, W. 9155 Schofield Rd., Poynette WI 53955, (608) 635-7169

9: Illinois:

Orville Dickhaut, 102 Sherwood, Carlinville IL 62626, (217) 854-3418

ID: Louisiana:

Elaine Bourque, 1812 Broussard Road East, Lafayette, LA 70508, (318) 865-5859

11: Idaho, Montana and Wyoming:

Carryl Meyer, 2532 Highwood Dr, Missoula, MT 59803, (406) 251-5800 < carrylm@bigsky.net>

12: Utah:

Brad Kasperek, 9130 North 5200 West, Elwood, UT 84337, (435) 257-0736 <zebrairisl@aol.com>

fl; Washington, Oregon and Alaska:

Lorena Reid, 41886 McKenzie Hwy., Springfield, OR 97478, (541) 896-3756

id: Northern California, Nevada and Hawaii:

Kitty Loberg, 1900 Mountain View Ln., Redwood Valley, CA 95470, (707) 485-7907

IS: Southern California and Arizona:

Dr. Herbert Hoik, 14115 Pear St., Riverside, CA 92508, (909) 780-0335

16: Canada:

Catherine Boyko, Rt. 9> Bains Rd., Dunnville ONT NIA 2W8 Canada, (905) 774-8360

17: Texas:

Bonnie Nichols, 3365 Northaven Rd., Dallas, TX 75229, (214) 352-2191, < bj nhtn@aol. com >

18: Kansas and Missouri:

Jim Morris, 682 Huntley Heights Dr., Ballwin MO 63021, (314) 256-392 7

19: New Jersey:

Raymond Rogers, 503 Lee Ave., North Brunswick, NJ 08902, (732) 249-9478 <rrogers@dk.com>

20: Colorado:

Fran Evers, 4955 Pine Ridge Rd., Golden, CO 80403 < EversJFW@aol.com >

21: lowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota:

Carolyn Lingenfelter, 1108 N. 9th St., Norfolk, NE 68701, (402) 371-3658 < carolyndl@hotmail.com>

22: Arkansas and Oklahoma:

Louise Carson, 5027 NW 24th PL, Oklahoma City OK 73127, (405) 947-1710 <joecar@flash.net>

23: New Mexico:

Barbara Figge, 6805 Kentucky Court NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, < irisone@juno.com >

2d: Alabama and Mississippi:

Leland Parkins, 759 Dogwood Tr., Remlap, AL 35133, (205) 681-3349

5

*/\3S> Outlet in

Table of Contents

Regular Features:

Page 2	Officers & Committee Chairpeople
Page 3	AIS Sections
Page 4	Regions & Regional. Vice Presidents
Page 6	President’s Message, Clarence Mahan
Page 9	Editor’s Message, Terry Aitken
Page lO	Youth Views, Jean Morris
Page 71	International News, George & Margaret Sutton, Brace Filardi
Page 98	Official AIS Storefront
Page lOO	AIS Slides For Rent
Page IOI	AIS Bulletin Advertising Rates
Page 102	Shopping Section

Articles:

Page 14	Flightlines
Page 16	LycopenePink TB’s: Boring???, Harald Mathes
Page 22	Crested Irises, William A. Shear
Page 25	Convention Reflections, Bill Shear
Page 31	Growing Techniques, Rick Tasco
page 33	Design Corner, Carolyn Hawkins
Page 36	Memphis 2002 - Request For Beardless Guest Iris
Page 37	1999 International Iris Competition, Clarence Mahan
Page 42	Iris Stolonifera, Carla Lankow
Page 43	Gardening from the Soil Up
Page 45	In Memory - Frederick W Gadd, Lynn Markham
Page 53	An Adventure With Reticulatas, Alan McMurtrie
Page 63	A Solution For Erwinia, Adam Fikso
Page 78	Approved AIS Affiliates for 1999
Page 83	Minutes of the Meeting of the AIS Board of Directors
Page 95	In Memoriam
Page 95	AIS Display Screens
Page 96	American Iris Society Foundation

Front cover photo: Terry Aitken. CHASING RAINBOWS (Hager f98) in the Watson Garden, 1999 AIS Convention in Oklahoma City

6

^jb>iesldent’s /Kessa^e

by (ZiAience /Tiahan, Ult^LnLa

^ have just returned from judging at the International Iris Competition in Florence, Italy as I sit down to write this message. You will find my report on the competition elsewhere in this Bulletin. The members of the Italian Iris Society were wonderful hosts.

Members of the Italian Iris Society should be very proud of their outstanding competition and of their society. Professor Orsi, who has been president of the Italian Iris Society for a number of years, is a skilled leader of great personal charm. The knowledge and organizing and teaching skills of Margaret Cameron Longo have afforded the soci¬ ety a judges program second to none. Their society is vibrant, rife with enthusiasm and abounding in fun.

One comment I heard several times while in Italy was that only a small cadre of members does almost all the work. My response was that the Italian Iris Society is just like AIS. How often have I heard that same comment from members of iris societies in the U.S. and Canada! But remember this: those of us who choose to work do so out of love for the iris and “iris people.”

This year I have asked every AIS member to do a good deed. Share your love of irises with someone else by signing them up for member¬ ship. AIS now has a beautiful color “Invitation to Join” for local clubs, iris nurseries and all of us to use in recruiting activities. You can obtain these from our Exhibitions Chairman, Dr. Roy Epperson for the asking.

Consider giving an AIS membership to a friend or relative for a birthday, for Christmas or for a special “thank you” present. It is a gift that can bring great joy to someone when they find out what the world of irises and iris friends has to offer. Sharing the beauty of irises and AIS fellowship is a good deed that rewards both the recipient and AIS.

Regional Vice Presidents are reminded that they have each been challenged to organize one new affiliate this year. There are several ways to go about doing this. One of the best ways is to identify an enthusiastic member who lives in an area with few or no other AIS members and give him or her assistance in setting up a new club. Older clubs can help by offering the new club some iris rhizomes for a sale, and assisting in conducting the sale. If the sale is advertised in the local paper and held at a farmers market or local mall, it will bring out the crowds.

1

You will find a ballot to vote on a bylaws changes with this ballot. The proposed changes will allow sections to recruit non-AIS members, and in the view of the AIS Board is a positive action 'for all sections. We hope that these changes will also serve to resolve outstanding issues with the Tall Bearded Iris Society, a matter has concerned so many of our members..

Having come to the close of this message, it is with great personal sadness that I extend to the family of Ruth Simmons sincere, deeply felt sympathy. AIS has not just lost a Secretary, it has lost a- friend of the first order. Her joie de vivre, good humor, and dedication were infec¬ tious. Ruth spread love and good works everywhere she went. We were all blessed to know her, and doubly blessed to have her as a. friend:

Death lies on her, like an untimely frost

Upon the sweetest flower of all the field.

Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet, Act-IV. Sc. 5

8

■/Annual president’s /letter

The American iris Society May s, 1999

^ ^ ach year the terms of office expire for one third of the twelve directors of the American Iris Society, and four are elected to fill those positions. As provided in the AIS bylaws, a five-member Personnel Committee recommends to the AIS Board of Directors a selection of candidates for nomination as directors. From this list the incumbent Board of Directors chooses by written ballot the slate of four candidates to be presented to the membership.

The Personnel Committee consists of five members selected to serve each year from their parent body: two directors selected by the Board of Directors, two RVPs selected by the Board of Counselors, and one section representative selected by the Section Advisory Board.

Approved during the 1999 spring meeting held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in accordance with the AIS bylaws, the following four indi¬ viduals are the 1999 nominees for regular three year terms expiring in the fall of the year 2002:

Candidate #1 Mike Lowe Candidate #2 Michael Moeller Candidate #3 Shirley Pope Candidate #4 Riley Probst

The bylaws provide that additional nominations may be made by any forty members, of whom not more than fifteen may be located in any one region. Such additional nominations must be received by the AIS Secretary on or before September 1, 1999. Should additional nom¬ inations be made, a ballot on which all nominees are listed will be mailed on or before October 1, 1999, to all AIS members and must be received by the AIS Secretary or Election Committee (if one is appointed) on or before November 1, 1999. If there are no nominations in addition to those listed above, issuance of a ballot shall be omitted and the original nominees considered elected.

- Clarence Mahan , President

9

^Lditoi’s /Hessa^e

inf QZ-ettif yAitken, TOashin^ton State

HASING RAINBOWS. What a great name. A rainbow is an inspiring visual image, always just beyond our grasp, yet hybridizers world wide devote their lifetimes to “the chase.”

In the twentieth century there probably was no greater “chaser” than Ben Hager, and how appropriate it is that one of his iris introductions should bear that name. Ben’s magic tweezers have ranged across the full spectrum of iris options. His persistence in breeding and keen eye for selection garnered for him first place national awards in all of the iris categories except Pacific Coast irises. I am sure that he would have succeeded in that category as well, in due time, despite his inland climactic handicap. The world has lost a great explorer!

This is simply the opinion of this editor. There are others who knew Ben better and for much longer, and who have a more thorough perspective on his lifetime of hybridizing irises. Their report will be forthcoming as a tribute to Ben Hager in the October Bulletin.

Regarding the bulletin itself, the perfect bind seems to have garnered a broad base of support. There is one shortcoming. We have lost the centerfold which has been valuable for displaying many of the medal winners in earlier issues. They have always been placed in a strategic and prominent location in the Bulletin. With the perfect bind we need to resort to using the covers, inside and out, particularly for displaying these medal winners in the October issue.

Summer is a challenging time to get articles from busy hybridizers. So our series on new colors and/or patterns, as represented by the “Santa” photo in the April Bulletin, will probably have to wait until the January issue.

10

^foutk

Itylews

Lets Put Mote PUN in iris Functions

by Qean S- / VKonis , /Kissouti

^ LARK COSGROVE WINNERS ANNOUNCED -

Rusty Thornsburg

Congratulations to 17-year-old Rusty Thornsburg of Colleyville, Texas, winner of the 1999 Clarke Cosgrove Memorial Award for Youth Achievement. Rusty participates regularly on the Internet in the Friday night Iris Chat and is active in the e-mail group, “iris-talk”.

The Ft. Worth Iris Society and the Iris Society of Dallas count themselves lucky to have Rusty as a member and enthusiastic worker. As a skillful auctioneer for the Dallas group he raised over $2800. at last years auction. He has brought plants from his garden for club sales and is willing to share his knowledge of irises. He serves on several commit¬ tees for both iris groups and was co-chairman of the Ft. Worth Iris Society’s show in April. He attends the meetings of the Destiny Dallas 2000 Convention planning committee and is excited that he will be attending his third national convention in his own region.

Rusty enjoys competing in shows in both horticulture and design. He grows over 100 iris varieties and has a greenhouse area he built and maintains himself. While TBs are his main interest, especially space agers, he also grows Medians and Louisianas.

Rusty loved the irises in his grandmother’s garden in Midland, Texas. He was given some of these varieties to grow in his garden in the Dallas - Ft. Worth area, and thus began what he calls his “magnificent obsession”.

One of Rusty’s talents is his outstanding writing ability. While recovering from surgery he became proficient on the Internet and wrote an article about the experience for the Ft. Worth club newsletter, and was asked to expand this article for the Region 17 Bulletin. He is also an excellent student and talented artist who paints and sculpts, with the iris as his favorite subject. He is a student judge and a hybridizer with specific goals in mind. He has sought the advice of experienced hybridizers to help expedite his success in attaining his goals.

Rusty is described as intelligent, persistent, well-mannered, sincere, a leader and one who has a thirst for more iris knowledge. He is quick to thank others for their help and credits Bill Maryott with answering many of his early questions and paying his first year of AIS youth dues.

11

Mtmicm Combrink

This year s first runner-up in the Clarke Cosgrove Contest is 16- year-old Monica Combrink of Glencoe, Oklahoma. She is a member of the North Central Iris Society and has participated in their events for several years. She enters iris shows in horticulture, design, and educa¬ tional, and she has donated rhizomes to their sales for six years. Monica grows over 300 TB and Median iris varieties.

Monica began growing irises at age seven, inspired by her grand¬ parents, Joe and Ann Barrows. She has been an AIS youth member since 1992. In 1993 she helped host a garden for the Median Spree and in 1995 she won the Ackerman Youth Essay Contest.

An enthusiastic 4 H member, Monica was recognized as a State Horticulture winner last November. Over a five year period, at county and state fairs she gave away over 1000 irises along with planting instructions.

Monica has served on the refreshment committee of her local iris club, clerked at shows, and donated hundreds of irises to sales, as well as stressing the value of AIS membership.

She is described as a cheerful worker, a valued member who grows and shows winning irises, and one who shares this knowledge with others.

Stephanie Rust

In the second runner-up position is 12-year-old Stephanie Rust of Union, Missouri. Stephanie serves as Youth Advisor for the Washington Iris Club. She has clerked shows, made refreshments, and proven to be an especially good salesperson at iris sales. She served as youth co-chair at this year’s show.

Stephanie is a student judge and a hybridizer with over 100 seedlings. Her goal is to introduce a dependably reblooming, broken color iris of merit, and to develop a reblooming MTB with aril charac¬ teristics! She keeps records on rebloom in her area and has written arti¬ cles for several iris publications. She consults with experienced hybridiz¬ ers for advice on technique and plant sources. She is a member of most AIS Sections and also the British Iris Society.

Stephanie has won many awards in the Washington Iris Club shows, in horticulture, design, and educational, and she also enters shows in the St. Louis area.

She is described as hard-working, well-mannered, a leader and an inno¬ vator. She thanks those AIS members who have gone out of their way to mentor her.

Congratulations to all three of our outstanding- youth members, and

12

also to their regions, affiliates, and AIS members who contributed to their success.

M NOTE FROM RUSTY:

A hearty thank you to the AIS for awarding me the Clarke Cosgrove Memorial Youth Achievement Award. I wish to dedicate my award to Ruth Simmons, for all of her support, guidance and encour¬ agement.

My friendship with Ruth was brief, but I will feel its impact for the rest of my life. Whenever I was discouraged, or had a problem I could¬ n’t solve, I went to Ruth. She always managed to make me feel better about what I was doing, and subsequently about myself.

Without Ruth, I would not have achieved much of anything in the AIS. Her encouragement made all the difference in my life. That is something for which “thank you” just doesn’t suffice.

•/\ (Zjod.jjAthet ^Co /Kelted 7§>uttez

b\f l^aifmond T^Uchatz - Jersey

j I ave you ever heard of anyone being a godfather to an iris? I ^ V consider myself to be fully qualified for such an honor!

Chun “Frank” Fan and I are friends. In 1989, Frank asked me to evaluate his seedlings. I was amazed at the quality of his “iris babies”. I was spellbound by a fabulous seedling, an ivory white beautifully washed with yellow partway down the falls. Everything about this seedling was superb — lots of increase, potato-sized rhizomes, ramrod stalks, buds, branching, placement.... and a gorgeous flower with heavy substance.

Frank was ready to introduce this iris in 1994. Since I helped him pick the seedling, he asked me to suggest a name. Without hesitation, I said “MELTED BUTTER”. The flower reminded me of a pierogi, a Polish delicacy that my mother used to make: white dough with a fill¬ ing, and covered with hot, melted butter!

MELTED BUTTER is one of the best ever, with an extremely long bloom season. It has received rave reviews from all over the coun¬ try. I am bold enough to say that it is a Dykes quality iris. Since I selected it as a seedling, and named it, I’m especially proud to be “A Godfather to MELTED BUTTER”.

13

^Li^ktUnes

Jean Witt, Seattle, IM; While working on the SIGNA species list recently, I noticed that Randolph had collected a plant from the type locality (Volga River region) for I. scariosa and found it to have 40 chromosomes. A photo can be found in “Eupogon Irises in Cultivation,” the Median Iris Society publication from the 1970s. A count from Russia in 1969 gives 2n=24. The seeds that Bee Warburton received from Dr. Rodionenko as I. astrachanica, which is supposed to be an Iris pumila-I. scariosa hybrid, produced plants such as eKalmikyii which both Terry [Varner] and I find breed as if they were 2n=24. So it suddenly hit me that Randolphs plant of I. scariosa must actually have been the I. scariosa-I. pumila hybrid (24, doubled X 32) and that therefore Bees plants are not I. astrachanica, but either I. scariosa or something else with 2n=24. Dykes in The Genus Iris stresses the very glaucous leaves, and scarious (papery) spathes of I. scariosa and gives the stem height as 2-6i, 2 flowered. My plant from Bee is not glaucous, and the stem is 10-12.

Mona French, Oklahoma City, OK : It appears we

must invest in a rototiller if we are ever going to have the new beds nec¬ essary to carry on hybridizing. Trying to use a spading fork on hard Oklahoma clay is a back-breaking job. The beds we have worked previ¬ ously with alfalfa pellets, peat moss and Hu-More (a compost additive available from Oklahoma vendors) are beautiful and you can actually drop the spading fork down into the ground without it bouncing off of the top layer of soil. My seedling beds are still as crowded as ever.

Ken Fisher, Sella Vista, MR: My 1999 [MTB] intro¬ duction is PINK- ALL-OVER. It obviously would not exist without the breeding stock Terry Varner sent me. I cannot say enough about the help this robin [MTB Robin #2] has brought to me. From the time that the pod appears, I spray with a systemic, but it is only partially success¬ ful. The pod weevils get 1/3,1 get 1/3, and we fight over the rest. I eval¬ uated garlic water in 1997, and it did a much better job with frequent application. The ripe pod was harvested at the first sign of splitting. The seed was stored in dry outside storage with Captan for a month.

Jason Leader, Glen Rock, FM: i have had a good

bloom season considering that I moved every one of MTBis last year. I

14

hope to have about 150 MTB’s in bloom during the 2001 convention. Several that I have been impressed with this season are CREME LADY, all the “Ozarks,” PURPLE HEATHER, PINK BUTTONS, CRYSTAL RUFFLES, CYBERNET, and ROBIN GOODFEL- LOW.

Stephanie Markham, Norfolk, MM: Heres a trick for those of us who sometimes find it necessary to hold pots of seeds over an extra year (when germination is not great the first year for whatever reason). To remove the seedlings from pots without damaging roots and without disturbing the ungerminated seeds, first thoroughly saturate the soil in the pot, and set the pot in a somewhat larger con¬ tainer of water until the soil mass is all but floating. When the soil in the pot is completely saturated, gently fish the seedlings out with some¬ thing narrow - a nut pick or pickle fork, or even your fingers - taking care to retain all the roots and even the seed if it’s still attached. You can then line them out or pot them individually. When you’ve fished out all the germinated babies, lift the pot, soil, ungerminated seeds and all, out of the container of water and let it drain, settling the soil around the ungerminated seeds. You can then leave the pot outside for another year - no muss, no fuss, no replanting. I sometimes get additional germina¬ tion in these pots over the summer or in fall, then more germination the following spring after another winter outside under the mulch. For those years when germination is sparse and holdover a necessity, this lit¬ tle trick works very nicely.

Dick Sparling , Olney , MB: This has been the best bloom year for bearded irises I’ve seen in all my years of growing [iris¬ es].... My MTBs are just starting to come back well after being almost destroyed by the cold and heaving several years ago. I have to separate this year, refurbish the beds and fret about next winter. It takes me about 2 years to get bloom on new plantings, particularly MTBs and MDBs, so I just saw some of them that came [here] a couple of years ago. I was impressed with CYBERNET, LITTLE ROCK PRINCESS and STIPPLED LADY. FLIRTY WHITE SKIRTS, BANGLES and APRICOT DROPS have bloomed [for me] for a couple of years but continue to impress. It would take a couple of pages to comment on the older MTBs that impress me....

l/lf. Terry Hamer, Marietta, OH: i must share with

the robin... some discussion and information that I have had with

15

Harald Mathes [Germany] on tangerine pigment. Harald initially agreed that DAYSTAR’s beard showed lycopene pigment when he test¬ ed it in methanol. However, this year he soaked it two weeks and the color disappeared, whereas the lycopene in PUPPY LOVE and ABRIDGED VERSION showed “very pale” but “stable” lycopene after two weeks.

Bennett Jones , Portland, OR: A couple of weeks ago I drove down to Salem, about fifty miles south. Keith Keppel and I went to the nursing home to visit with Bob Schreiner. We then met Keith McNames and Paul Black for lunch and talk of irises and the coming seasonis activities, of which there will be plenty. Paul and Tom [Johnson] are settled into their new home and are adjusting, I think anyway, to our winter, which is so different from what they left [in Oklahoma]. Their planting is large and they are pleased with the growth they have seen to date.... Then we went over to Schreiners office where we saw the cover of their new catalog featuring STARSHIP ENTERPRISE, a pretty spectacular introduction for this year.

Hiimory Cotton, New Zealand: Neomarica caerulea has a wonderful color. It doesn’t like being moved, but if you have to do it, it needs to be very well firmed in... making the ground quite hard.... I have a lovely pot of Moraea polystacha in flower right now. It is such a lovely color and one of the easiest to grow.... The New Zealand Iris Society convention in 2000 is to be in Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty from the 2nd to the 6th of November. If you want informa¬ tion about it the person to contact would be Peter Berry, Apart. 8D, Tower 1, 1 Marine Parade, Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty, NZ.

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16

j2\fcopenc^>ink

by <Ha.rald /Katkes

translated bif T^ruce ^ llatdi

friend of mine told me recently that he has gotten tired of pink irises. Even though he likes the color, he’s bored with ithe pinks’ anyway because they all look so much alike. And maybe thereis some truth to that, although you could also make the same statement about some other colors. But personally, I’ve always been particularly fasci¬ nated by pinks, and the more I work with them, the more interesting - — and puzzling — they become.....

When the first pink seedlings showed up around 1940 in hybridiz¬ ers’ fields in the US, they were quite a sensation, because this was a completely new color, never seen before in irises. Up to that point, breeders had hoped to develop real pinks by way of the long-extant lilac-pinks. But now there were suddenly shell pinks and flamingo pinks, colors that were so unusual that there were even accusations of trickery! Also unusual were the intense orange-red beards; in the older lilac-pinks, the beards were mostly yellowish white.

It’s no wonder that most hybridizers pounced enthusiastically on this new color. At first the pink was far from perfect; many pinks were extremely pale and had anthocyanin markings. Today pure pink is an everyday color in irises, but we still have not realized the dream of pro¬ ducing a real red through breeding ever-darkening pinks. In fact, we have to admit that we havenft even made any significant progress toward this goal for quite a while. The improvement in flower form and size, even branching, have kept pace with other colors, but the purity and intensity of ONE DESIRE (Shoop, 1960) have never been sur¬ passed. Why?

Unlike the water soluble anthocyanin pigments, this new pink color was the product of pigments which are found in the chromoplasts of the petals. The biochemical explanation is lycopene, which is known to botanists from studies of tomatoes {lycopersicum) . Lycopene is chemi¬ cally similar to the various carotenes, which cause yellow and which are also found in the petalis chromoplasts. Genetically, the appearance of lycopene is always dependent on the presence of carotene. Apparently, the epistatic factor iti (from itangerinei) converts the yellow carotene to lycopene. The fact that both the carotene/yellow and the lycopene/pink can appear in the same flower is evidence that not all carotene is neces-

17

sarily converted, or that some carotene is not fully converted. The t-fac- tor is recessive. Crosses of a pink iris with a non-pink (without the t- factor) always yield non-pinks. Of course, modern TBs are tetraploids, which means that they have four complete sets of chromosomes (4x12=48 chromosomes) in their cells. Only individuals which contain the t factor in all four sets of chromosomes are pink (called it-4i plants). Even t-3 plants, which have the t-factor in three of their four sets, fail to show any lycopene. Because of this fact, and because no lycopene has been discovered in any diploid TBs, it is believed that lycopene/pink can only appear when the t-factor exists in four chromo¬ some sets.

Many people believe that the pink color in TBs is the result of a mutation, because it is apparently not present in any wild species. On the other hand, it is also conceivable that the t-factor has always been present in the diploid I. variegata , but, because it was only present in a t-2 dose, it was too weak to be expressed by the available carotene. The I. variegata genes only reached the tetraploid genepool after the old diploid I. pallida and L variegata hybrids were crossed with the Asian tetraploid types (/. trojana , I. cypriana , I. mesopotamica , etc.); this was the first opportunity for the t-factor to be expressed in a t-4 dose. It is rel¬ evant that this was the time period when the first lycopene-pink seedlings began to show up in various hybridizers’ fields.

To study this, a few years ago I crossed the pink TB’s ESTHER FAY and VANITY with the diploid L variegata , in both directions. Crosses between triploids and diploids are often unsuccessful. As pod parent, 1. variegata produced pods with many seeds, but most were poorly formed, with defective endosperm; nevertheless, many of them contained tiny embryos, which could be grown successfully through the embryo-culture technique. The reverse crosses produced noticeably fewer seeds; but in many pods there were as many as four fully normal seeds amid many defective seeds in various stages of development.

At the Iris Symposium in Florence in 1963, the French cytologist Marc Simonet reported that the 4n x 2n crosses of early iris breeders did not produce only triploid (3n) plants; in fact, apparently exactly 50% of such seedlings were tetraploids (4n). (Naturally, these statistics applied only to fully developed, “plantable” seeds.) The seedlings I pro¬ duced by embryo-culture were all triploid, evidenced by their very low fertility. Especially surprising were the resulting flowers: exactly half of the plants bloomed as yellow seifs, and half as variegatas. The original L variegata, when selfed, showed no variation in its offspring and must therefore be considered homozygous. ESTHER FAY and VANITY

18

are, like all pinks, t-4 types, and therefore — — in regard to color -

homozygous. The FI generation should therefore have been of uniform color. Was some other factor at work here?

Some things just weren’t making sense to me! It occurred to me that a lycopene-red beard is found on falls of various colors; but that is just a sign that petal color and beard color are controlled by different genes. Also, the result of my test crosses of yellow seifs and variegatas led me to believe that other genetic factors were at work.

Then there is the phenomenon of pink SDB’s. They originally resulted from crosses of tetraploid TBs with tetraploid I. pumila. The resulting dwarfs were fertile, receiving two chromosome sets (8+8) from I. pumila , and two sets (12+12) from the TB parent. These undergo meiosis to form fertile reproductive cells, each of which receives one set of 8, and one set of 12 (8+12); after pollination occurs, the developing seedling contains 40 chromosomes (8+8+12+12). But the interesting part of the story is that there are lycopene-pink SDB’s, even though they only receive two sets of chromosomes (from the TBs) that contain the t-factor. Currently there is no evidence that the t-factor is present in the I. pumila gene sets, because — if it were there — there would theoretically be t-4 (pink) pumilas, and such plants have never been found.

Like the SDB’s, arilbreds have two chromosome sets from TB’s. Their other two sets come from their aril heritage — so they are (12+12+10+10=44). Among arils (oncos and regelias), lycopene is unknown, and thus t-4 types are impossible. However, there are yellow oncocyclus hybrids which have orange signals. I have even seen a photo of a yellow atropurpurea with a tomato-red fall signal. Could lycopene (or something similar) be a factor here? Weire still waiting in vain for a pink arilbred; what has been called pink up to now has always been a light anthocyanin lilac mixed with some yellow. Maybe the solution would be to cross a pink TB with a yellow onco with red/orange signal — but oncos are diploid. This kind of cross would only make sense after doubling the oncois chromosomes via colchicine treatment.

But back to the question: Why hasn’t the pink tone become more intense through selective breeding of tall bearded irises? Of course, the genetics of color is incredibly complicated, since each hue and each pat¬ tern is the result of a great number of factors. Weire far from under¬ standing the entire process, although certain facts and basic principles are recognizable through empirical data. Therefore, the following sug¬ gestion is just food for thought. I would think that a very intense dark yellow in the iris petals would indicate the presence of a great deal of

19

carotene, perhaps the maximum possible amount. Carotene comes in different modifications which most probably are controlled by different genes. As less carotene is present, the color becomes paler. If, genetical¬ ly speaking, only one dose of carotene is present, the color would prob¬ ably be cream. If this sole carotene is transformed by the t-factor, the color would be very light, such as shell pink; one could say that all the available pink in the chromoplasts has already been expressed — and the amount of pink is limited.

Does that mean that weVe reached the end of the trail? Possibly. - -- But not completely. How would the pink look if we could increase the number of chromoplasts (the color- carriers) in the petal cells?

The cells of all green plants contain various organelles such as chloroplasts (plastids), which carry the chlorophyll. Among plants of the same type, the quantity of chloroplasts in each cell is constant. (In other words, all tetraploid TBs have the same number of chloroplasts per cell; all diploid MTB s have the same number of chloroplasts per cell; etc.) This number increases with the level of ploidy; in other words, tetraploid plants have more plastids per cell than diploids, hexa- ploids have more than tetraploids, etc. This fact can even be used in some plants as a sort of ploidy test, because plastids can be counted fair¬ ly easily at any time of the year in leaf cells. Flower petals are recognized as modified leaves; plastids in leaves are transformed to chromoplasts in petals. It seems logical to me that cells of hexaploid flowers would con¬ tain more chromoplasts than are found in cells of tetraploid flowers. There is some evidence that the overall volume of the hexaploid cell is not radically increased by the greater number of chromosomes and plas¬ tids, and this would mean that a darker, more intense color would appear in the petal cells.

It is astounding that there are still no hexaploid TBs. In Garden Irises (AIS, 1959), three spontaneous pentaploids and one hexaploid are reported. Pentaploids are apparently sterile and thus not useful for breeding. The sole hexaploid had thick, fleshy foliage, a short stalk, and relatively small flowers of thick substance. In the 1955 Yearbook of the British Iris Society, Darby reported an octoploid which was the result of colchicine treatment. It was a very slow grower, of small size, and it took several years to bloom. It is also believed that Orville Fay had a colchicine-induced octoploid in the 1960is in the US, which he hoped to cross with tetraploids, in order to produce hexaploids. Due to advanced age, he was unable to achieve this goal, but he apparently felt that it was a direction worth pursuing.

We have to realize that there is an optimum level of ploidy, at least

20

among artificially produced polyploids. This optimum generally falls in the tetraploid/hexaploid levels. At higher levels, plants are generally thick-stemmed, slow-growing, and often sterile. In the breeding of trit- icale (an amphidiploid hybrid between wheat and rye), both hexaploid and octoploid strains have been developed. Although both are robust and produce enormous heads of grain, the hexaploid types have proven superior, because they produce more grains per head than do the octo- ploids. In ornamental plants, seed quantity is not as important, and hexaploid bearded irises must first be produced in greater numbers before we can make a final judgment of their vigor and floriferousness. In terms of color and substance, octoploidy would certainly be a step forward. If octoploid TBs prove to be poor growers or sterile, perhaps colchicine treatment of triploid seeds would be the better course to follow.

I treated some of the (I. variegata x VANITY) embryos with colchicine while they were still in the test tube. Six survived the proce¬ dure and grew healthily. Triploid bearded iris are not fully sterile, but they only set seed with great difficulty. However, after colchicine treat¬ ment, if the chromosome doubling is successful, they should be fully fertile. My six seedlings were very robust, and they looked like regular tetraploids. When they bloomed, I used TB pollen on all of them, but only one set a pod. It seemed that the colchicine treatment had been unsuccessful and I had produced five triploids and a tetraploid. As a result, I discarded the five sterile plants and kept only the fertile one (which had a yellow flower), planning to do a chromosome count dur¬ ing the winter. When I finally got around to it during the winter of 1996-97, 1 couldn’t believe my eyes: It had 72 chromosomes, in other words 6x12!

I learned two things from this experience: The first was that hexa¬ ploid TB’s are not necessarily weak growers, and I needed to do more research in this area. The second noteworthy observation was that my hexaploid plant didn’t display the slightest hint of lycopene, even though it had four doses of the t-factor. This indicates that it is not the 4xt which allows the expression of lycopene; in cells with six chromo¬ some sets, the t-factor must still be homozygous; in other words, it must be present as 6xt (or t-6) to produce pink color.

This once again gives hope that lycopene pink is possible in diploids. We have to produce pink diploid TB’s from pink tetraploids. The most feasible way would be through anther culture. Pollen grains contain half the regular chromosomes; in tetraploid plants, the pollen cells are diploid. At a specific stage of development, they can be placed on a sterile nutrient medium and developed into callus growths. This is

21

undifferentiated cell development at first; small white cell clumps form and gradually develop into adventive embryos or even into shoots and roots. Plants which result from this procedure should generally be diploid.

Another way to obtain diploids from tetraploids would be the cross of a TB x I. attica or x I. pseudopumila. These two dwarf irises are diploid, with the lowest chromosome count of any bearded irises (2x8=16). Crosses from a TB and one of these dwarfs are triploid, with 12+12+8 chromosomes. They are not entirely sterile and can be crossed with other (12+12) diploids. The set of 8 chromosomes would be eliminated during meiosis, since it can not form a bivalent with the 12-chromosome sets and is therefore lost in future generations. Of course, the ideal would be to produce two such triploids from a pink TB x I. attica\ crossing these two triploids would certainly yield diploid pinks. Unfortunately, my plants have not yet bloomed — and then it remains to be seen if they will be fertile.

Dr. Werckmeister has written several articles about lycopene in iris petals. Several times he refers to the old white diploid DAYSTAR, which possibly contains some lycopene in its intense orange beard. Terry Varner sent me DAYSTAR from Ohio, and I performed the methanol test on it. When a petal is placed in methanol, only lycopene remains; all other pig¬ ments, including carotene, are dissolved. When DAYSTAR was placed in methanol, something definitely remained, but its appearance was orange; normally, the beards and petals of pink TBs appear bluish-pink after methanol treatment. So we must still ponder the question of whether the pigment in DAYSTAR is lycopene. I have a few triploid seedlings from DAYSTAR x ONE DESIRE. — What will they look like? Will lycopene be evident?

I know I probably should have waited a little longer with my report, so lid be able to share a few more observations. But I wanted to make a point about what flower-growing means to me. It isn’t a contest to make everything bigger, brighter, more spectacular; it isn’t a commercial ven¬ ture; it is the desire to experiment, and it is the joy of discovering new information. Success lies in continued progress, without necessarily reaching an end. It is an adventure that lasts a lifetime.

[Translators Note: I would like to thank Harald Mathes and Sharon McAllister for their valuable corrections , suggestions , and input during the translation of this article .]

Reprinted with permission of the author and Der Staudengarten.

22

(Ztestcd Dtises

b\f TOiUiam -/\. eat

\ / he crested irises of the Section Lophiris are useful garden plants, but ^ except for one or two species are not much used by iris gardeners or col¬ lectors. Yet these irises offer an opportunity to expand the limits of iris garden¬ ing into situations where the more common bearded irises cannot go. Species of crested irises thrive in partially shaded environments, and a few are adapted to life in climates with warm, wet summers (like the North American Gulf Coast) where bearded irises fail to thrive or even survive. Crested irises are for the most part easily grown from either seeds or divisions, and multiply rapidly. They vary in stature from only an inch or two tall, to as much as six feet in height, and their flowers are of unusual and attractive form.

Probably the best known and most commonly planted species in the eastern part of North America is the Dwarf Crested Iris, Iris cristata . This species is native to the United States, ranging from southern Pennsylvania west to Ohio and Wisconsin, and south into Oklahoma and Georgia. It is found most abundantly in hilly or mountainous terrain, nearly always grow¬ ing in association with mixed deciduous woods. The leaf fans are from four to eight inches tall, gracefully curved, and of a light green color that changes to bright yellow in the fall. Bloom time is early, accompanying the evergreen azaleas in my garden. The two-inch wide flowers open flat and are usually a shade of blue, with a prominent orange crest. A few forms have been select¬ ed for naming, and in some cases only a slight difference in the shade of the flower has been recognized. A pure white form is widely available, but seems to be less vigorous than the blue clones. Iris cristata spreads rapidly when planted in partial shade in a woodland soil, producing ephemeral sheets of blue that expand each spring. Best moved or divided just after blooming when new roots form, take up “sods” of rhizomes with the surrounding soil and move them to prepared sites elsewhere. Top off with an inch or so of well-decayed leafmold and water every few days until they are established.

Around the Great Lakes, the Lake Iris, Iris lacustris , resembles an even smaller cristata. White clones of this plant are among the smallest of all irises, rivaling the Asian I minutoaurea for that title. The tiny flowers may be less than an inch across. The Lake Iris is more tolerant of lime and bright sun and is often found growing in cracks in limestone cliffs. Its growth is more tufted and compact than that of cristata. I have to confess I have not been very suc¬ cessful with this iris on my acid red clay here in central Virginia, but within the area of its natural occurrence it should be a premier rock garden plant.

The trio of American natives is rounded out by Iris tenuis , originally con¬ sidered a Californicae, but transferred to the crested group forty years ago.

23

The crest Is said to be very low and the plant resembles that of cristata. This Iris Is not a commercial proposition, being so narrowly adapted to its Oregon woodland home.

The rest of the crested irises are natives of Asia, again speaking for the connection between the northeast Asian and North American floras. The Asian species range from Japan south into southern China, where they grow under subtropical and tropical conditions.

The northernmost of the Asian forms is Iris gracilipes, native to Japan, espe¬ cially the northern island of Hokkaido, and extending Into China. This little beauty is the oriental equivalent of cristata , though it is taller (to eight inches), with branching stems. The flowers are usually some shade of lilac or lavender, and the crest is white. The slender stems and small flowers are In perfect bal¬ ance. In my garden, gracilipes responds well to the same culture as cristata, , but I have lost some plants to late frosts, and it grows altogether more slowly

Also in the northern hardy group is Iris tectorum , the Roof Iris, with one of the widest ranges of any iris species, from northern Myanmar to Japan (where it may not be native, but an escapee from gardens). The legend of this Iris being planted on thatched roofs persists without any recent confirmation. The Roof Iris is a very robust plant, with thick, green rhizomes which give rise to fans of leaves that resemble those of cristata, , expanded by an order of magnitude. Unfortunately the foliage is susceptible to fungal leaf spot. The flowers open flat or almost so and are up to five inches wide, usually light lavender blue with dark¬ er markings; the crest is white in the blue forms, yellow in the whites. The stems are up to eighteen inches in height and may carry as many as three branches and a spur. This iris self-seeds widely in my garden and thrives in full sun as well as at the edge of woods. Blooming is encouraged by sun; plants in deep shade rarely flower. The bloomstalks emerge early and are tender, so they may be caught by late frosts. I find that this iris can be treated very much like a tall bearded, except that the best time to move and divide clumps is right after flowering. A soil with lots of organic matter is much appreciated, and a top dressing of leafmold each spring will keep dumps healthy longer. I have not found that tectorum needs fre¬ quent transplanting, as some authorities have claimed. This is a great plant for the front of the border, and naturalized here and there in open woods.

The delightful little hybrid Tailed is the result of a cross between the Roof Iris and the bearded iris ‘Edina . Similar crosses have been made from time to time, but not with such pleasing results. Talted looks like a rather small miniature tall bearded iris, and the blue flowers have both a beard and a crest.

Iris milesii , of the Himalayas, resembles tectorum in many ways, but Is a larg¬ er plant with more erect foliage, looking even more like a bearded iris. The flow¬ ering stems are up to two feet tall, and branched. The blooms are only about half the size of those of tectorum, , and a beautiful pinkish lilac shade. Some say that if the foliage of this iris is damaged over winter, It will not bloom the following spring, but I have not found this to be so. Here in central Virginia it is com-

24

pletely deciduous by late winter, but blooms regularly. Despite an obvious close relationship to tectorum, , no hybrids between the two have been recorded, and I have never been able to successfully cross the two, using milesii as a pod parent.

The name Iris confusa is an apt appellation for this less hardy form. Its nomenclature has been tangled with the related species, japonica and wattii, and seemingly endless confusion exists regarding the identities and chromo- some numbers of these three closely related species. The true Iris confusa, native to Yunnan, grows in moist, humusy woodland soils, sending out long runners from which arise aerial rhizomes, bamboo-like stems with a fan of leaves at the top. From these fans, much-branched stems emerge to climb a few feet higher, with abundant, white, two-inch flowers that are elaborately frilled and ruffled. Unfortunately, this beautiful plant is not reliably hardy north of Zone 8b, but will grow well in the southern states and along the Pacific Coast where frosts are infrequent.

A better choice for gardeners as far north as Zone 7a would be Iris japonica. Described from Japan, this species is probably native to China. Unlike confusa, it rarely produces aerial rhizomes, and these only a few inches tall. The flowers are usually pale to dark lavender, with complex markings near the crest. Iris japonica survives winters here in central Virginia, but the foliage is usually killed back during the winter, cutting off any chance of bloom. Perhaps once a decade a flowering stem survives. A variegated form of this iris, with white-striped foliage, is becoming widely distributed, unfortunately many times under the name of Iris tectorum variegatum. The presence of long run¬ ners, or stolons, in japonica sorts them out.

Finally, Iris wattii ', the giant of the group. Its aerial rhizomes may reach five feet or more, with the flowering stems extending on up another yard. The stems are profusely branched and in flower for a long period. Unluckily for most of us, it cannot be grown where frosts of any intensity or duration occur, but thrives in southern California and in some localities along the Gulf Coast of the eastern states. Like its relatives, it prefers a humus-rich soil in partial shade, and a con¬ stant supply of moisture.

The last three species are also fairly well adapted to pot culture, and as I write this (in early February), a blooming plant of Iris confusa is on the windowsill. Frequent division and repotting are needed as they become crowded quickly.

The new BIS species book {A Guide to Species Irises, Their Identification and Cultivation) lists a number of other crested species, such as Iris latistyla, recently described from Tibet, and Iris formosana, probably a southern form of Iris japonica.

While often not readily available from commercial sources, all of these irises are worth seeking out and trying in appropriate climates. Find some and expand your iris horizons!

25

(Convention l^e^Lections

The 1999 Iris Convention

b\f 7§iU £>keatf TVi-t^lma

hope you will indulge a first- time American Iris Society conven¬ tioneer a few ruminations on the Oklahoma City experience. I’d like to start by thanking Rosalie Figge (She Who Must Be Obeyed) for inviting me to speak to the rebloomers group at the convention and for assuring me that they would not resent a talk about irises in general (they didn’t). Without her urging, my natural reluctance to socialize probably would have kept me from AIS conventions forever. Thanks also to Taunton Press, who helped me financially and also provided free copies of FINE GARDENING and KITCHEN GARDENER for all conventioneers.

Like everyone else attending the convention, I was much affected by the tragedy we witnessed in Oklahoma City. What I saw of the tor¬ nado damage was nearly incomprehensible. That there were survivors was more astonishing than that there were 41 casualties. We learned first hand that 318 MPH winds not only strip the bark from trees, pol¬ ish fire hydrants to a high metallic gloss, but also pull the grass from the ground. It would have been easy for AIS to simply have gone about its (slightly obsessional) business in this context, but I was very proud to be part of a group that responded so generously to what had happened, not only with a donation from the treasury but with a collection from the conventioneers. Most impressive was the reaction of Oklahomans, who came together as a true community™ as they have done before. We think of westerners as self-reliant; now we must also think of them as compassionate people, while reluctant to ask for help for themselves, are ever ready to give it to others.

I would certainly recommend to anyone planning to attend a con¬ vention in the future that they go to as many of the section meetings as possible. These were extremely educational. In the median meeting, I heard George Sutton talking about the latest from his hybridizing pro¬ gram, the Aril Society International presented a show of rare slides of species and hybrids, and despite the fact that the scheduled speaker for the Louisiana meeting didn’t make it, the discussion led by Farron Campbell was very enlightening, including information about soil con¬ ditions where Louisianas grow natively. It appears the soil is poor in nutrients, and the plants get most of their needs from what is dissolved

26

in the water that floods the swamps in spring and early summer. Japanese iris are getting more and more exciting, with reliable rebloom and repeat bloom and extraordinary flower size and branching in the immediate future, according to Terry Aitken.

Unfortunately for me, my talk was scheduled at the same time Carla Lankow was to address SIGNA. Carla graciously repeated her program after mine, but even so I had committed to a book signing and missed it after all. I was jumpy as a cat about my own talk, with numer¬ ous iris luminaries in the audience, but they were characteristically gen¬ erous and did not pounce on my mis-statements and errors. George Sutton added some good points about pH and trace mineral availabili¬ ty, attributing his fantastic growth and increase to a specially com¬ pounded foliar spray, including calcium. It seems research in Oregon has shown that bearded irises have trouble absorbing enough calcium through their roots. George has very high pH soil, mine is on the low side, and we seemed to agree that perhaps the importance of pH has been exaggerated in the past.

Thanks to the energy and dedication of Irv and Nancy Pocklington, my book-signing went very well and we almost sold out of THE GARDENER’S IRIS BOOK. Some kind of dedication award also has to go to Dean and Judy Hunt from Louisville, Kentucky, who lugged along 35 copies of the book to get personal dedications for all of their club members! You Louisville folks owe them— big time.

The socializing aspects of the meeting were just as important as the irises, and it was a distinct pleasure to meet John and Joanne Jones, Kathy Guest (head of the AIS Cheerleading Squad and perhaps the most positive person on the planet), Maureen Mark, Ellen Gallagher, Joan Roberts, Mary Brown, Clarence Mahan (a continual font of wis¬ dom and hilarious stories), Dave Silverberg, George and Olive Waters, the Lankows, and many, many others. Please forgive me if I haven’t mentioned you! By the way, would AIS consider providing at future conventions a list of registrants, as is done at most scientific meetings? It would be very useful.

The convention gardens were all extremely interesting and instruc¬ tive. As predicted, bloom was a little past peak in the best of them, and well past in the Will Rogers Park garden (but somewhat made up for by some Louisianas and Spurias in bloom). The gardens ranged from straightforward iris collections to imaginatively landscaped estates. The garden owners were unfailingly welcoming and hospitable, the bus cap¬ tains firm but kindly, and the refreshments at each garden very tempt¬ ing.

27

The irises that stood out as impressive were duly awarded, as you have been informed. To pick out my favorite blooms, I waited to study the nearly 200 slides I took, but as plants, there were some definite win¬ ners. Both HIGH STAKES, a vivid purple in the TITAN’S GLORY mold, and COLOR ME BLUE were outstanding in growth and bloom at the Fernandes gardens, and the former was my instant pick for out- of-region winner. But I was persuaded otherwise when I saw UNCLE CHARLIE, a large -flowered blue-white with perfect stalks, by Virginias own Don Spoon, growing vigorously and blooming away at several gardens under a variety of conditions. This plant is in my opin¬ ion a future Dykes contender (if there is any justice). Also impressive in several gardens was the very different BOOGIE WOOGIE, an amoe- na with brushed violet falls and brown hafts. The much-awaited STARSHIP ENTERPRISE looked good as well, though with a low bud count and in at least one garden, bloom-out in progress. But the color and pattern are truly striking — white standards heavily flushed yellow, yellow style arms and white falls generously banded magenta, with yellow at the haftsoand if it can produce similar offspring with more vigor, it will become important in iris history. Ron Mullins red- violet plicata, RHONDA FLEMING, was my pick for in-region win¬ ner, and surprisingly, got it (my vote is usually the kiss of death, for politicians if not for irises).

I also saw some striking color developments. ELECTRIC SHOCK was a light blue with a. bolt of darker blue down the center of each fall from the deep brown beards. Dark red MALLORY KAY lacked the brown influence seen in most reds, heading toward red more from the red-violet side, but very dark and rich, as was the reddish black BLACK AS NIGHT CROWNED HEADS seems the ultimate (for now) in reverse blue bicolors. STEPPING OUT fans like me must get RARE QUALITY — very much like our favorite, but about twice the size on four-foot stalks. AFFAIRE transfers a color pattern seen in dwarfs and arilbreds to the tall bearded class; it sports light violet stan¬ dards and mustard falls (and is much brighter in person than any of its catalog portraits). Finally, BRAGGADOCIO drew a crowd with salmon orange standards, vivid wine falls and a brilliant tangerine beard. OWYHEE DESERT certainly represents a color and pattern break, with white standards and brown-sanded falls, but seemed a reluctant grower here with short, somewhat bunchy stalks.

Not many histories were on view, but I did see some old friends. Mike Lowe confirmed my identification of HELEN COLLING- WOOD producing a mass of bloom under some small trees, and then

28

pointed out WILLIAM SETCHELL nearby. This still has huge flow¬ ers for an iris, and was in the first collection of irises I ever purchased, back in 1954. At another garden I saw and recognized OLA KALA and AMIGO. Here and there the madly mutating KALEIDOSCOPE had been tucked in among clumps of much larger modern TBs, but still managed to steal the show. PARIS BLUES is perhaps not old enough to be an historic, but was superb in one garden. DEBBY RAIRDON held her own with the modern competitors.

There are many new things under the sun. I saw several seedlings that were worth mentioning. One was an incredibly deep and patent- leather-glossy black from Schreiners’ (EE134-4)— -I have never seen an iris with that kind of finish before. I wonder that someone with access to a scanning electron microscope hasn’t looked at petal surfaces to try and account for this amazing gloss, or the deep, velvety nap one sees on some other blacks. Another seedling was Durrance D90-115, a border bearded (growing out of class as most BBs seen were) with fine blooms in a sort of reverse blue bicolor, but with magnificent stalks. Would you believe five perfect open blooms on a single 4-branched stalk, and none of them crowded? Unfortunately this gem was hidden in a corner of one of the gardens and I fear not seen by many. Did any of you spot it as well? Also worth looking for is Perry Dyer’s GHOST, due for intro¬ duction in 2001. It is a peculiar, gray- toned flower that somehow man¬ ages to look cheerful despite its somber colors. Loveland 93SX2KD6 was a demure light blue with a white spot at the beard tip, rayed blue. The very dark variegata (deep orange standards, reddish black falls) on which many commented was Rogers C-106K. Pinegar GV-94-27C was labelled as a tall bearded but very small for that class. Nonetheless, the color was striking: violet standards, brownish falls with a wine patch flaring out from the blue-violet beard. And speaking of color breaks, how about Nichols 9714D, a brown amoena with a vivid blue flash below the beard! Finally, Knudtsen 92-55-34 was shining white with a narrow blue rim on the falls.

While beardless irises were found only here and there, the Louisiana CAJUN SUNRISE, brick red with yellow margins and vein- ing, which I added to my garden last summer, was outstanding. I’m looking forward to seeing it bloom under my conditions. FELICIANA HILLS, a light lilac, also caught my eye. Even fewer Louisiana seedlings were around, but Haymon 56-2 impressed as a very nice medium blue.

Most of my photography was restricted to portraits, because in many gardens fungal leaf spot made clumps or garden views rather

29

unsightly. However, at least two of the gardens were free of leaf spot. I suspect that the leaf spot was more prevalent in gardens that were over¬ using a product called Hu-More, compounded out of alfalfa and manure, which was being heavily promoted in most, but not all, of the gardens. Where this material was used in quantity, I thought I saw overly pumped-up plants, with big foliage, sparse bloom relative to clump size, and soft growth susceptible to both rot and leaf spot. And indeed there were a good number of labels that had no plants behind them- -probably rot casualties. The plants at the gardens where Hu- More signs were not in evidence simply looked healthier and thriftier to this gardener’s eye. Too much nitrogen and growth stimulant are not good for bearded irises, creating an open field for disease and suppress¬ ing bloom. Not to say that Hu-More, used in moderation, could not be very helpful under many kinds of conditions (perhaps at the Will Rogers Park it would have helped; their soil seemed exhausted). I’m just suggesting that one should take it easy with such a powerful supple¬ ment and perhaps focus on a modest phosphate feeding, if any feeding at all is required. Anyway, the OKC gardeners deserve applause for pro¬ ducing a very creditable convention show under the worst imaginable conditionsolast year’s prolonged drought and heat, heavy rains this spring, hailstorms the night before the tours began, and many other obstacles. They came through with flying colors in true Oklahoma style!

Friday’s Geek Dinner (for subscribers to Iris-talk, the iris discussion list on the Internet) wasn’t Geeky at all, but well-lubricated by many bottles of local wines brought in from all over the country by the atten¬ dees. There was an uproarious auction conducted by Peter Weixlmann and John Jones, who may have a future as a comedy team, if comedy teams ever come back. I seem to remember Rosalie Figge paying $51 for a $50 gift certificate from buttons’. Don’t you think George will be a little generous with the extras? What was in that retsina anyway?

Well, the Awards Banquet, which for some strange reason took place at another hotel, was great fun, if for no other reason than to watch David Schreiner and Tom Abrego bouncing up and down to get their many and much deserved awards on behalf of Schreiners’ Gardens. Ray Schreiner, who for obvious reasons wasn’t there, got the Hybridizer’s Medal. Do I worship these guys? Shamelessly, yes. Ron Mullin provided a highlight of the evening when he explained how to win in-region hybridizing awards. First, marry off Hooker Nichols and get him to move to Texas, convince Paul Black that he needs to go to Oregon, and keep Perry Dyer from hybridizing for 15 years! But that

30

was a great modest touch from the winner of just about every m region award at the convention— deservedly so, with some great iris.

And so to bed. And so, the next day, home to Virginia. My only regret about attending the convention: I totally missed the- short -bloom season of Iris verna, a longtime favorite of mine, and of Iris gracilipes, which I have been trying to bloom for years! Two little wads of col¬ lapsed flower were awaiting me on my struggling clump of gracilipes. There’s always next year— and behold, a seedpod behind one of those gracilipes wads! I B bloom is peaking now, and last night we-got-our much- needed rain— nearly two inches at this writing and still going on. -Sincere thanks to what Mr. Jefferson and Gen. Washington referred to as Providence. It was a great and wonderful experience to attend my first AIS convention after having been a. member (off and on) since 1956. But do I need another one right away?.....hmm.

M \

Client action T^esalts

At the AIS Convention, in Oklahoma City the Silent Auction brought in. a total of $6,374.50. Of this, $852.00 was designated for the Library (from Library donations) and $225.00 went to the Median Iris Society.

There were a total of 225 items (plants,, artifacts, books,

! etc.) donated to the auction, received from..65 donors .and 97 |

successful bidders! !

thanks!

V

J

31

t^/towin^ techniques

bif flick e^asco, ^aii^otnia

t Superstition Iris Gardens we practice good farming techniques using crop rotation, cover crops, and soil solarization. Our garden is located in Catheys Valley, Mariposa County, California. Being com- mercial, we do have to use some chemicals and fertilizers as it. cannot be avoided, but it is kept to a minimum. We do not revitalize our soil

with fumigants such as methyl bromide.

Two acres are reserved for irises with only one acre actual- ly growing iris¬ es at a time. The other acre is planted with a cover crop over the winter. The cover crop is a mixture of oats (70%), other grains (20%),

and vetch (10%). This mixture can be purchased at a seed company or at a local feed store. The cover crop will mature in early spring, March or April, and will then be tilled under, depending upon weather condi¬ tions. The tiUed-in cover crop is then allowed to rest until June when we begin to prepare the new beds for fall planting.

After preparing beds in early June, we bury I - tape (our watering system) the length of our beds, two lines per bed. Our beds are gener¬ ally 150-200 feet long. The 'V tape is usually two to three inches below the surface. This is to prevent the plastic tape from melting when the beds are covered with clear plastic. The T rape is used to keep the beds damp during the solarizing process, which is a must. The beds are then covered with 2 to 4 mil clear UV inhibitor polyethylene plastic. UV- inhibitor plastic is used as opposed to construction grade plastic which will only last about three weeks in our hot sun. The edges of the plastic

32

are tucked in and these beds will be cov¬ ered for eight to ten weeks during the hottest part of the summer. Basically, the soil is being cooked.

I have never measured the temperature

under the plastic, but let me refer to a University of California article on soil solarization: “In the San Joaquin Valley, soil solarized during June/July often reaches temperatures of 140 degrees F at two inches and 102 degrees F as deep as eighteen inches. As a result, many disease- causing organisms are controlled to eighteen inches or deeper. Seed and seedlings of many annual and perennial weeds have also been controlled with soil solarization. Solarization reduces nematode populations, but less dramatically than it does fungal pathogens and weeds. However, solarization for nematodes may be useful and economically feasible for shallow- rooted crops and home gardens. Plants often grow faster and produce yields of increased quantity and quality (size and appearance) when grown in solarized compared to non-treated soil”.

You cant get a lot more intense summer heat than we get with nary a cloud in the sky to block the sums rays. Our temperatures usually range from the mid 90s to low IQQ’s during this time. In climates like ours you must use clear plastic. The KEY is to use clear plastic that has UV inhibitors in the plastic. This plastic is a bit more expensive, but it can last up to a year. Black plastic reflects the sun’s rays - clear plastic lets in the sun’s rays and traps them to HEAT the soil.

After filling our orders in the summer, we remove the plastic from the new beds, lift the T-tape up to the surface, and begin transplanting into the new beds for the next year. After transplanting, we till down the old beds, plant a new cover crop, and the cycle starts over again.

In a nutshell, this is how we do it here in our garden. We believe our method produces quality rhizomes and overall is kinder to the envi¬ ronment, because we use just the sun, water, and our cover crop, rather than chemicals. ^

33

'Z^esL^n (3 otnet

CREATIVITY OR ARTISTIC CONCk

b\f (3 Motif n cHawkins, Hjeot^ia

/ reativity is imagination made visible.” Have you ever thought of it that way? That quote is from The Encyclopedia of Judging and Exhibiting by Esther Hamel. She goes on to say that a designer “treads virgin ground and brings us a harvest of overlooked, unaware beauty to be judged”... and to be enjoyed. Imagination abounds when a person takes ordinary materials and uses them in a new way - without being afraid of breaking the rules.

The use of iris in purchased containers, hand-made containers, “found” objects such as automobile parts, or a part of an old flue from an antique wood stove, can be the beginnings of creativity, the first step. Placement of the iris in these containers is the next step to being orig¬ inal and creative. Put some in the back, some in the front, some up high, some low - any location is the designers choice, which gives free¬ dom to come up with a new place¬ ment that uses the imagination. All of this process is guided by the principles and elements of design and helps the designer achieve the masterpiece he or she wants to cre¬ ate.

Pictures One and Two are excellent examples of the way indi¬ vidual minds work. These designs were in the Chesapeake and Potomac Iris Society annual spring show in 1998. Sara Marley, Region 4, sent in these pictures with the class names and some of the details, to share with AIS. BOTH designs are in a class called “New Direction” and they are angular designs. You can compare what two different designers created for this

Fig 1 - New Direction Clara Herbert

34

same class title.

The guidelines for angular designs as stated in the Handbook for Flower -Shows. 1997 edition, published by the National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc. is as follows:

“A geometric Creative Design in which angular units are merged into one strongly angular design.” (This means the angles are dominant.)

"Container is), plant material, and other components, if any are juxta¬ posed in plastic organization to achieve interpenetration of spatial areas.” (“Juxtaposed” means placed in close relationship to one another. The angles pointing in various directions interpenetrate space and add dimension.)

“Spatial areas resulting from angles formed are placed to achieve depth,” (Note the spaces and voids in the designs - they add to the design and. create a segment in the design, especially visible when the

background shows through. These angles are turned in different directions to add depth.)

As one can see in Picture One, there are many angles which develop the line and take the eye through the design, top to bottom. A black container was used and the gold wrapped tubular angles were straight and tall, or bent to make the trian- gles, with spaces showing through. The angles are prominent and the iris have been placed in a manner to enhance the design. Clara Herbert did this design.

Picture Two was done by Muriel Turner and has a red background. Her spaces clearly appear through the welded (or glued) tubular structure. Abstraction of the placement of iris adds to the interest of this design. The single iris to one side appears to be attached to the dried leaf that is floating through the angles. Smaller leaves at the

Fig. 2 - New Direction Muril Turner

35

top of the structure add another angular compo ¬ nent.

Picture Three has used the welded chain as the sculptural line with yellow iris placed in front.

This is not an angular design but is a sculptural design, which was the class requirement. It was done by Dolores Felch and the title of the class is Quiet Elegance. The yel¬ low, delicate iris in front of the bold, strong chain offer a contrast that interprets the theme.

Note that the struc¬ tures (tubes and chain) used as components in the designs are creative and original. They are hand-made, add interest, and interpret the class Fig . 3 - Quiet Elegance

requirements in each Dalores -Felch Red

design. Shadows created

during photography add an another interesting element to the designs.

If you have any questions, comments or designs you wish to submit for future articles, please contact: Carolyn Hawkins, Plant Society Liaison, MCSGC, and AIS Judge, 7329 Kendel Court, Jonesboro, GA

30236.

36

f ~ \

Memphis in 2002 Request for Beardless Guest iris

The Memphis Area Iris Society in cooperation with the West Tennessee Iris Society will host the 2002 Convention of the American Iris Society. The Guest Iris Committee invites hybridiz¬ ers to send guest rhizomes of recent introductions and seedlings of ! beardless irises under consideration for introduction. Please | observe the following guidelines when sending guest irises:

j 1) Up to three rhizomes of each variety should be shipped.

2) The guest irises will be accepted from Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, 1999.

3) All official guest irises must be shipped to:

Steve and Jean Stone 5190 Woods Landing Cove Memphis, TN 38125-3800

4) The name of the variety or seedling number should be clearly marked on each rhizome. In addition, the following information should be clearly marked for each plant on a Separate Packing List:

A. Hybridizeris name and address.

I B. Name or seedling number of the variety.

| C. Type of iris (SIB, SPU, LA)

| D. Height, color, and bloom season (E, M, L)

E. Year of introduction (if introduced)

5) If a guest seedling is named, it will be the responsibility of the hybridizer to notify the Guest Iris Chairmen not later than December 1, 2001.

6) A receipt will be mailed to all contributors. Shortly before the convention, contributors will be asked for instructions regarding the distribution of the plants. Failure to reply by June 15, 2002, will be interpreted as permission to destroy all stock. All official guest plants which are to be returned will be shipped postpaid, except to foreign addresses.

7) The Convention Committee and the owners of tour gardens will follow the Code of Ethics as printed in the AIS Convention Handbook.

8) The Guest Iris Committee will not be responsible for losses beyond its control, and only irises received through the Guest Iris Chairman will be listed in the convention booklet.

J

37

^Tkc 7999 3ntematlonai

3ti9 C3on\'petltlon

bif (Z'twence /Kahan, 'T)lfi$inia

V / he Italian Iris Society has conducted the annual International Iris

Competition in Florence, Italy since 1957. This year I was hon¬ ored to be invited to be a judge at the competition. My fellow judges were Sidney Linnegar (United Kingdom), Dorothe Schreter (Switzerland), Paolo Gambassini (Italy) and Doralisa Ravenni Santi (Italy).

It is fitting that the International Iris Competition is held in the beautiful, historic city of Florence because no city, country or royal family has a longer association with the iris. When the Ghibellines were in power, a white fleur-de-lis was represented on the flag of the Florentine Republic. When the Guelfs banished the Ghibellines in 1266, they reversed the colors, and the emblem of the city became and remains the red fleur-de-lis Epanoule. The fleur-de-lis was stamped on Florentine money minted in silver beginning in the 12th century, and on the gold florin since 1252. The popularity of the fleur-de-lis as a symbol of various principalities and monarchs, including the French, is most likely related to the use of the florin as the principal unit of cur¬ rency throughout medieval Europe.

Although they originally called the fleur-de-lis a “lily,” the Florentines have long believed that it represents an iris. Monsignor Borghini, writing in 1635, asserted that the Florentine coat of arms originally represented Iris florentina. Iris florentina is seldom grown in Florence today, but in its place the lovely blue-violet Iris pallida is everywhere in evidence - it grows on the hillsides of the city, in gardens, in parks, in small islands along the stone sidewalks, and even in urns atop gate pillars in front of villas.

The public iris garden of Florence, where all irises in competi¬ tion are grown along with a permanent collection of past winners and other outstanding and interesting irises, is on a hillside below the splen¬ did Michelangelo Square. The irises are grown between olive trees which have been grown at the site for as long as anyone can remember. Drainage is excellent, and the soil is alkaline. Winters in Florence are quite mild, and the climate is far more similar to areas of California than to my native Virginia. Most of the irises were quite healthy, and definitely well grown.

38

The panel of judges at the International Iris Competition works hard during the week of judging. Each iris in competition must be point scored by each judge on three separate days. This year there were originally 96 irises in competition from all over the world. Trudging up and down the hillside is not to be undertaken by those in poor health, and I confess that I was panting and huffing a good deal of the time. Some days it was quite warm. On other days a misty rain kept the judges on the run. It was, however, a labor of love for all of us. The irises were beautiful and the setting was idyllic.

No one knows the name of irises in competition or the names of the hybridizers until the judging is completed. The irises are all assigned coded numbers. The information as to the identity of the iris¬ es and hybridizers is kept in a locked box until all irises are scored and winners determined. Then, on the final day of judging, everyone con¬ venes in a conference room and the box is unlocked with due ceremo¬ ny. The sealed envelopes with the coded numbers of the winners are opened and the names of the winners are announced to those in atten¬ dance

Members of the Italian Iris Society were quite upset because of a small tragedy that occurred in January. A wild porcupine got into the garden and dug up and ate a number of rhizomes of irises entered in the 1999 competition. The porcupine was captured and released in the wild but not before it had done its “dirty deed.” The gardeners replanted all uprooted rhizomes, and marked the entries which had porcupine dam¬ age with a red flag. We judges were asked to select the irises which we felt could not get a fair evaluation because of the porcupine’s activity. As a result, eleven of the entries originally slated to be judged this year will be held over and judged in the competition next year. The panel of judges at this yearis competition will be known forever, I fear, as the “porcupine judges.”

The iris selected to receive the Gold Florin (Premio Firenze) this year was the first choice of all five judges. It is named SETTIMO CIELO, and is a stately blue-violet iris. It earned outstanding scores on all rating factors. The hybridizer of this outstanding iris is Valeria Pallesi Romoli, who is a stalwart in the Italian Iris Society and who is also an American Iris Society member and judge. Valeria is the first Italian woman ever to have an iris win the Premio Firenze, and you can imagine how popular this award was all over Italy. The only less than positive criticism one might assert about this winner would be that the flower is not overly distinctive, but the virtues of this iris far outweigh this minor item.

39

Conning in 2nd and winning the Tuscany Region Cup was Schreiners stunningly beautiful, metallic red-violet iris SWING - TOWN. This is the only iris which gave SETTIMO CIELO serious competition for 1st place. SWINGTOWN’s foliage was perhaps the cleanest and healthiest of any iris in the competition. Its stalks were among the most uniform in height and branching. Its lovely ruffled form, is not overly done. The only attribute which cost it significant points was not readily visible until the third day of judging when the flower on a spur below the terminal opened on almost all the stalks causing a somewhat bunched effect.

Seedling EB90A by England's B.L.C. Dodsworth placed 3rd in the competition, winning the Silver Plate of the Industrial Organization. This seedling has so many fine attributes it is difficult do it justice. It has elegant pink flowers of good form, excellent branching, and quite acceptable bud count. Unlike so many cultivars these days, its bloom sequence is first-rate. It had been in bloom for quite some time before the competition, and was still going strong the entire week we were there. It had very good increase and many bloom stalks, but its foliage cost it some points.

Coming in 4th to win the Italian Iris Silver Medal ePiero Bargellinf was another iris hybridized by Valeria Pallesi Romoli. This time it was a clean blue iris which the hybridizer has named CELESTE AIDA. This iris was one of the most floriferous in the garden, and its blue color is remarkable. It would have merited an even higher ranking had the height of its numerous bloom stalks been a bit more uniform.

The 5th to 10th place winners receive the competitions Honorable Mention. The 5th and 6th place winners were both from Australia. Graeme Grosvenoris TEMPTONE, an iris resulting from a cross of two American Dykes Medal winners, SILVERADO and DUSKY CHALLENGER, came in 5th. It is a blue-violet self, and quite similar to SETTIMO CIELO but with less ruffling.

Barry Blyths distinctive ABOUT TOWN placed 6th in the competition. It has a gorgeous flower with silvery mauve standards and red-violet falls edged with silvery mauve. The tangerine beards are a plus, as are ruffling and lace. Some stalks had 14 buds, however, sever¬ al also required staking because of the weight of all those flowers.

The 7th position went to the late Ben Hagers LARK ASCENDING. It was the tallest iris in the garden and some visitors to the garden could view the flowers at eye level. It required some staking. It is a lovely formed white iris with tangerine beards.

Seedling, 91-8-100, bred by Valeria Pallesi Romoli won an

40

Honorable Mention in 8th place. This iris was very healthy and vigor¬ ous. It had very good stalks and up to 11 buds. The flowers are a love¬ ly light pink with a light violet tint, and are on the smaller side. The beards are tangerine.

The form and color of the flowers on the 9th place iris were extraordinary. This iris, ALPINE REGION by Barry Blyth, is a reverse yellow amoena with clean white standards, deep lemon falls and ruffles to spare. The flowers are big and gorgeous. One could win blue ribbons on the show bench with its healthy stalks and three open flowers. Branching, however, is very tight, and when the highest spur opens the large flower pushed against the terminal bloom.

The 10th place winner was NEW TUNE, hybridized by Graeme Grosvenor. This is a violet iris approaching blue, and I believe it surely had the largest clumps in the garden. There were two clumps and they had not only run together but were invading the space of neighboring irises. The stalks were well branched and bud count was good. I suspect that the great vigor of this iris is also the source of its one major fault as seen in the garden at Florence. There were so many rhizomes that they seemed to lack adequate root systems to support the tall stems.

The special prizes given at Florence are for the most part based on a single attribute rather on all scoring criteria. The Comune di Firenze Silver Plate for Best Red Variety was won by seedling RS93G3, bred by Robert Stetson II from Colorado. SETTIMO CIELO won the Chamber of Commerce Cup for the Best Commercial Variety, and, of course, it also won the Amici dei Fiori Cup for the Best Italian Variety. The Best Branched Variety, winning the Louise Branch Cup, was a pale orange iris with brighter edges. It was seedling V961-Rah from A. Volfovich-Moler (Uzbekistan).

The iris winning the Florence Garden Club Cup for Most Original Color was bred in Slovakia by Ladislav Muska. It is a pale pink cultivar with prominent violet horns. Best Scented Variety, the Perugia Garden Club Cup winner, was from England: Cy Bartlett’s seedling C93-22.This iris has nicely formed white flowers and the fragrance was very strong and sweet regardless of the time of day or vagaries of weath¬ er. CELESTE AIDA won the Rora and Luciano Bausi Prize for the Best Blue Variety. Schreiner’s SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE was cho¬ sen to receive the Piaggio Cup for the Best Early Variety. There were no entries in the border bearded class this year to compete for the Collodi Cup.

The winner of the Best Late Variety was to be chosen after the

41

international judges departed for home. Sidney Linnegar and I thought that the iris coded as number 46, which opened its first flowers on the last day of judging, would be a strong contender. Subsequently, I learned that this iris, which turned out to be Jim Hedgecock’s CHIRICAHUA CANYON (98), did indeed win the Arezzo Garden Club Prize for Best Late Variety. My notes on this iris indicate that it is a space age iris with pale wisteria blue standards, deep red violet falls, and a mustard beard with prominent purple horns. It showed very good foliage and branching.

The Cassa di Risparmio di Firenzi Prize for the Italian Hybridizer with the Best Variety in the First Five went, of course, to the charming and talented Valeria Pallesi Romoli. The United Kingdoms B. L. C. Dodsworth won the Cassa di Risparmio di Firenzi Prize for the European not Italian with the Best Variety in the First Five.

There is a grand public ceremony at the close of the competition held in the magnificent Palazzo Vecchio, the most important civil build¬ ing in Florence because it is now the city hall. This palace was begun in 1299, and among other uses once served as the residence of the Duke of Tuscany. Having been elected the “president of the judges”, my “duty” was to deliver a speech as part of the closing ceremony.

People told me that Joe Ghio’s speech in 1998, was very beauti¬ ful and that many people were brought to tears when he spoke of his Italian grandmother. I mentioned this to Professor Orsi, and expressed my fear that I could never live up to Joe Ghio’s example. Professor Orsi suggested that I too could bring the audience to tears if I told them I was not fortunate enough to have an Italian grandmother. Surrounded by works of such great artists as Cellini, Michelozzo, and Giambologna, and with a loud echo in the hall, I did not have the nerve to follow Professor Orsi s advice, but I did keep the speech brief.

American and Canadian hybridizers should continue to support the Florence competition by sending their new irises for trial. Visitors are welcome to the competition, and a trip to Florence is an experience of a lifetime. The beauty of irises and the beauty of Florence are etched in my heart.

42

3tisc Stolonifera

b\f (J'A’ita j2ankow, TOaskin^ton

ris Stolonifera (2n=44) is a member of the arillate group of beard¬ ed irises. Aril irises gain their name from the white collar like appendage or aril on their seeds. Of the five sections of aril irises the Regelia irises of which I. stolonifera is a member are the most adaptable to gardens and I. stolonifera is the most vigorous of the Regelias.

The aril irises are found in the deserts and steppes from the Mediterranean east through central Asia. The range of I. stolonifera is mountainous and more northerly than it’s more flamboyant cousins the oncos. It is found in Afghanistan and north in the Pamir- Alai range at altitudes of 800 to 2400 meters (2500 to 8000 feet) in dry rocky situa¬ tions. As a result it is quite winter hardy and has been grown in the open garden in New York state. However Brian Mathew says it is more suited to the bulb frame in the damp climate of England as it would be in the Pacific Northwest. It needs a hot sunny position, if grown out¬ doors, where it can be kept dry during it’s summer dormant period. The soil should be alkaline, very rich and perfectly drained. In it’s native habitat the bloom period is from April to June. Most aril irises have small round rhizomes looking almost like bulbs. I. stolonifera gains it’s name from the habit of forming from these rhizomes long, to 20 cm (to 8”) thin stolons on the end of which a new rhizome forms. Unlike many of the other aril iris, which have only one flower per stem, I. stolonifera has 60 cm (24”) stems with two and often three flowers in each set of spaths. The flowers of I. stolonifera are quite variable in color. The tepals range from milk white through clear blues and deep purples with a border of rusty brown or bronze. Six narrow blue and yellow beards decorate both falls and standards. In the unusual yellow form the brown edge on the tepals is replaced by yellow giving a very striking effect. The yellow form of I. stolonifera was grown by Arnold Ferguson in Tacoma, Washington.

43

(^at({cninfy ^Tke

Sat Y{p

( 3nfermation feom /Katerial provided by peters 'professional plant ood )

very gardener understands the value of sunlight and water. On average, plants need about six hours of direct sunlight a day and one inch of water a week. But, in addition to the sun and water, the right soil mixture and proper nutrients are vital to growing healthy, pro¬ ductive plants.

A good soil composition is as important to plants as a solid foun¬ dation is to a building. The soil composition consists of three main con¬ stituents: sand, silt and clay. For most plants, the ideal garden soil is about 40% sand, 40% silt and 20% clay. The best way to determine the soil composition is to conduct a simple test.

One method, recommended by garden centers, is to take a handful of soil and squeeze it into a ball. If it is unable to hold its shape, the soil is probably too loose, or sandy. Assuming the soil can be made into a ball, try to break the ball apart by pressing on it with your thumb. A good soil will break apart readily, if not, you probably have too much clay.

Another sampling method is to place a couple of cups of soil into a half-gallon bucket filled half way with water. Stir it until the soil is completely in suspension and then let it settle overnight. The next day, there should be three distinct layers: clay at the top, and then silt and sand at the bottom. If not, amend the soil based on the sample test con¬ centration breakdown of clay, silt and sand.

After identifying the soil make up, using organic matter is the best way to fix soil composition problems. If your soil is high in sand or silt, add a combination of topsoil and peat moss. If it has too much clay, add peat moss or compost and some sand to loosen the soil. Another way to compensate for too much clay is to build a raised bed. This will provide your plants more drainage and prevent the need to replace large amounts of dirt.

The next step in creating the right growing environment is to determine the acid or alkaline levels in the soil with a pH test. To do so, take a sample of your soil from about four inches deep and use either a

44

self-test kit, available at most garden centers, home centers and hard ¬ ware stores, or have an area garden center determine the pH level. Based on the test results, you can amend the soil by added lime to raise the pH level and gypsum to lower the pH level. The lime and gypsum packages usually explain amounts to create the proper pH balance. Commercial plant food companies, such as Peters Professional Plant Food, produce an acid-loving plant food product that will lower and maintain the pH level. The ideal soil pH for most plants is 6.5 to 7.5. Acid loving plants, such as evergreens, azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons and many beard¬ less irises - Siberians, Louisianas, Pacific Coast hybrids and particularly the Japanese irises, need a lower pH, about 5.5 to 6.5.

In addition to preparing the proper atmosphere, plants, just like people, need proper nutrition to grow strong and healthy Without the necessary nutrients, plants become weak, susceptible to disease and can die. There are 16 essential nutrients for plant growth and reproduction. Similar to the four basic food groups, plants require three main nutri¬ ents: nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. These nutrients are found in the soil and supplemented through plant food. Together known as N- P-K, these nutrients are displayed on the outside of plant food packages in the form of numbers, such as 20-20-20. Nitrogen enhances leaf growth, phosphorus supports root growth, and potassium aids in flow¬ ering and fruiting.

How do you know what N-P-K formula is right for your plants? All commercial plant foods contain different N-P-K formulas for specific plant needs. Be sure to check the packaging to match the appropriate food for your plants. The key for plants to maximize the nutrient value from plant food is availability. Plant food needs to be reasonably soluble and available to plants soon after application. For bearded irises partic¬ ularly, too high a concentration of nitrogen can lead to over growth of foliage, leaving irises vulnerable to leaf spot and soft rot. Siberian and Japanese irises are more tolerant of higher nitrogen, although they prob¬ ably do best with a balanced fertilizer.

Paying attention to soil and the nutrients in it will give you a good foundation for your garden By working together with Mother Nature and science, you will save yourself a lot of time, money and effort. More importantly, you will have a more enjoyable experience as your garden becomes more productive.

45

^•tedctick TV. ^3 add

,, 1903-1999

bif XSifHH /n.atkham

* / ust past his 95th birthday and the 50th anniversary of his mar- riage to Mary Gadd, whom he honored in 1977 with the soft pastel iris of the same name, Fred Gadd left us on February 14th. Hell be much missed.

Fred was a lifelong resident of Wethersfield, Connecticut. His first career was with Colt Firearms in Hartford; his second, and the con¬ suming passion of the rest of his years, was in the small patch of Connecticut river basin soil where he carried out his iris hybridizing. Freds crusty Yank demeanor was nicely balanced by Mary’s quiet, gen¬ tle manner. A curmudgeon even in his youth, Fred couldn’t resist tweaking those he felt were too impressed with themselves (thus saving the rest of us the trouble) but even his “victims” had to love Mary, and most often they came to love him too, bristles and all.

There are great memories, like the iris auctions we used to hold at the Warburtons’, where Fred, with Fred Jacobs, Carl Schulz and often Jack Goett or Ken Waite, did the auctioneering. They could be truly brutal — if the crowd got lazy, Fred would sputter in disgust and pitch some brand new iris onto the dollar table, just to watch us wake up and dive for it. Their antics were a major-league distraction, and I for one failed to bring home my target iris more than once because I was laugh¬ ing so hard I lost track of what they were selling.

When Fred had to retire his tweezers, he began a “Fred style” talent search. Using his cane for emphasis, he’d announce: “Nobody who has¬ n’t tried hybridizing knows beans about irises!” Given the current inter¬ est level in this region, it seems the message was received.

There are over 100 Gadd irises, all rugged enough to love New England, and New England loves them back. National recognition has come to many of the TBs and most of the arilbreds; the first an HM for tall arilbred Silver Web in 1968. Arilbred Sizzle won the William Mohr Award in 1983, and last year the Mohr Medal was awarded to the clas¬ sic Bozrah. But never was Fred more thrilled or his fans happier than in 1995, when he was awarded the Hybridizers Medal, in recognition not of one great iris, but of the whole body of his work.

In design, Fred’s irises tend to be quite simple — graceful fleur-de-

46

lis shapes in soft pastels, crisp patterns, or rich deep colors. Nothing faddish — nothing to distract. Among the sometimes over-dressed iris flowers of the late 20th century, they stand out like the classic “little black dress” in a sea of tulle ball gowns. Come to think of it, they’re a lot like him. ^

f - - - - - ” ^|

/See YOAtbuzton /Kedat

At the AIS Convention in Oklahoma j City, Region 20 made a very generous contribution toward the fund for the Bee Warburton Medal, and chal¬ lenged other Regions to “meet or i beat” their pledge.

j Since then, Region 13 has taken up i the gauntlet and made a matching

contribution to this fund. How about some of the other Regions out there? j Are you ready to meet the challenge?

\ _ _

J

47

f - ^

y\DS> TSuSLHCSS Notes

INSURANCE

Michelle Snyder, contact person for AIS Insurance for Shows, Sales, etc., has had a change of phone number, both at her office and her home.

You can reach Michelle as the following telephone numbers: Weekdays: (213) 430-4370 Home: ((818) 352-7018 (Pacific Daylight Time)

SECRETARY OR DONATIONS

! A new position has been established, separate from the

AIS Secretary. Jeanne Clay Plank has been appointed as “Secretary of Donations”.

Any funds being sent to AIS in the form of tax deductible gifts, memorials, donations, contributions to special funds, etc., should go to:

Jeanne Clay Plank 8426 Vine Valley Drive Sun Valley, CA 91352-3656 Ph. (818) 767-5512

(Gifts for the AIS Foundation should continue to be sent to Roger Mazur.)

v

J

48

The selections from the Eureka Gardening Collection are

Required reading for the fine gardener.

IriS * Flower of the Rainbow

Graeme Grosvenor

For those captivated by the gentle beauty of the iris, this book offers a wealth of information and a spectac¬ ular panorama of color plates of pop¬ ular cultivars.

The text elaborates on characteristics of each

of the cultivars and explains propagation and growing points associated with each of them. This is a book of encyclopedic knowledge, combining the keen attention to detail of a scientific mind with the warmth of someone who’s never exhausted his love of this flower.

Hardcover. 1997. 192 pages. 8.5 x 11.25". 152 color illustrations and 146 black-and-white illustrations. $55.00

1999 Eureka Daylily Reference Guide

Ken and Kay Gregory Combining the practicality of a refer¬ ence book with extraordinary color photographs of cultivars and land¬ scapes, Eureka Daylily Reference Guide connects gardeners in search of certain daylilies with those growers who hold the plant stock they want . Locate all the daylilies that your heart could ever desire in the Annual Daylily Market Guide. Find about 12,000 daylily cultivars listed alphabetically with their registration information, as well as almost 60,000 price

comparisons from daylily specialty nurseries across the U.S. You may order directly from daylily growers around the country by phone, mail, or e-mail.

Also, learn from gardening masters with arti¬ cles on outstanding daylily personalities. Lessons are learned from those who have lived and loved daylily blooms.

This indispensible book features specialized guides such as a map to locate daylily grow¬ ers, a Wholesale Growers Guide, the Top 100 Market Leaders Guide, Foreign Sales Guide, in addition to the Award Winners Guide and Annual Market Guide.

Spiral Bound. 1999- 416 pages. 6 X 9”. 100s of stunning color photographs. $25-95

Plus these great Iris books

Growing Irises by Grosvenor . $11.95

Iris by Kohlein . $39-95

Iris of China by Waddick and Yu-tang ......$27.95

Irises: A Practical Gardening Guide by Glasgow .$19-95 The Gardener's Guide To Growing Irises by

Stebbings . 29.95

The Iris by Brian Mathew . . $39-95

The Siberian Iris by Currier McEwen . $39-95

io%

"“S

Order

5S5sss=sK«»

-^rg oodf*endS- _

1

Ordering from the Eureka Gardening Collection

Ordering Books: Be sure and lists the books and authors you want and include shipping and handling. You may order sever¬ al ways: by mail, phone, or e-mail. You may use VISA, MAS¬ TERCARD, check, or money order.

Shipping and Handling within U.S.A. addresses: $3.80 for first book and $1 per additional book sent to the same address at the same time. Orders are shipped by Priority Mail. International Shipping and Handling: Please e-mail indi¬ cating the quantity, book titles, and whether you want air or sur¬

face shipping. We’ll respond with total due including s/h costs so that you can send your order with the correct amount.

Place your order. Mail your order and check to Eureka Gardening Collection, P 0 Box 946, Granite Falls, NC 28630. Phone in your credit card or COD order to 828-396- 4495. E-mail your credit-card order to

bloom@GardenEureka.com or interact with our colorful Internet Site at www.GardenEureka.com Note: Prices and availability may change. Order your colorful catalog of gardening books and surf the Net.

Vim and Mastercard orders by phone, email or mail

828-396-4495 or bloom@GardenEureka.com

49

BRIAN MATHEW

IRISES

A PRACTICAL 1 GARDENING GliiDE

a i

The Gardener’s Guide to Growing

IRISES

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53

Ky fUan /Kc/Kurtrle

Ontario, (Zanada

V / he pictures on the facing page are of my Reticulata Iris hybrids. I could just as easily write an article about Junos, but I’ll save that for a future Bulletin.

I’m sure some of you have grown Reticulatas for a couple of years only to find that all you have is leaves coming up and no flowers. The solution is to replant them every two years into new soil. In Holland they are treated as crops, and only grown in the same spot every few years. I did an experiment several years back. I planted 12 danfordiae (trade triploid form) and 12 reticulata hort. in sandy loam soil. The first year, as expected, there were 12 flowers. In the second year there were 24 in each case. In the third year, and essentially every year since, there have been only about 6 flowers of reticulata hort., and none of danfordiae.

I have limited garden space, so I’m forced to reuse the same spots. Last year as an experiment I replaced the soil some of my older hybrids had been in. Time will tell how much better the bulbs do. Certainly though, replanting does help - spread the bulbs out so they aren’t too crowded.

What’s special about Reticulata Iris beside their beautiful form and colours? One is the fact they have square leaves. One new commercial clone even has variegated leaves! The second is the fact they are one of the very first flowers to bloom every year. Reties are perfectly hardy, and due to cooler temperatures when they bloom, their flowers can easily last 7 days or longer.1

Did you know Reticulatas can have two flowers per bulb? I had never realized this until I started growing my own hybrids. Since then, I have obtained larger bulbs of commercial clones from Holland, and they too have given two flowers. Commercial clones don’t increase as well in size here (Toronto, Canada), so their two flowers per bulb is only a one time occurrence in my garden. Certain of my own hybrids do con¬ tinue to occasionally give two flowers. Ideally you will be able to leave the bulbs in a given spot and they will continue to consistently bloom, just as some Junos like bucharica increase to an equilibrium number if left alone.

My goal with this article is to introduce you to “the wonderful world of Reticulatas.”. What do you think of my first second generation (F2) danfordiae x sophenensis hybrid which bloomed for the first time

1 You may not want to do this, but the flowers will stay their best if covered from rain and severe wind. I use upside down dishpans for this especially because of my hybridizing, with a rock on top to keep it in place. Bricks on their edge can be used to give the pans more height where necessary.

54

this year: 94-HW-l? (See inside back cover, April ‘99 Bulletin.) I’ve been growing these fellows for over 15 years and I continue to enjoy them immensely. Iill just add that I also particularly like Junos2, a few of which bloom at the same time as Reties, but most start a week after the Reties finish. The Reties themselves last a bit over 3 weeks starting right when the snow disappears, and they are completely unaffected by freezing temperatures. In fact some years there are snowfalls a week or more after the Reties have started.

Dr Rodionenko back in the early 1960s separated these plants into their own genus: Iridodictyum. Since then he has additionally separat¬ ed out kolpakowskiana and winkleri into genus Alatavia. Brian Mathew considers these to be Iris in Subgenus Hermodactyloides. Kew Garden’s chromosome analysis, details of which still has to be published, sup¬ ports the idea that they are indeed Iris. Personally I am happiest to call them Reticulatas, or Reties for short. When talking about Reticulatas as a whole I use capitalized aR”. When writing about the species retic¬ ulata, I use lower case “r” and italics.

The species are all quite nice. I particularly like bakeriana , but am disappointed how the bulbs I’ve had have died out. I’m going to have to put in more effort into maintaining it and other species like diploid danfordiae , sophenensis , etc. I have been doing just that for the latter ones, but have sometimes run into some problems. In the case of histri- oides I’m hoping one of my pure seedlings proves to be a better doer here than commercial clones or wild collected bulbs.

One theory suggests plants you raise yourself from seed will be more likely to do well in your garden than plants originating elsewhere. A nice theory, with perhaps a little bit of truth, but you could easily find yourself having wasted a lot of time. In terms of hybrids, you certainly can’t expect to get anything as good as the commercial clones without putting in a sig¬ nificant effort. In my case I’m now up to planting several thousand seeds every year. What is of particular importance though is parentage!

Brian Mathew has mentioned that he regards hyreana as just an early blooming form of reticulata. I have seen a fair number of forms of Iris retic¬ ulata from the wild, and the fact that certain clones are earlier blooming, or have wider fall blades, etc. does not mean they are different species. Rather the variability of Iris reticulata is wider than that of many other species. This is not to say that there aren’t other Reticulata species waiting to be found in the wild. For example, for certain specific reasons I think that the £at Reticulata is a new species. This has yet to be verified by chro-

2 If you’ve never grown Junos (Juno Irises), I’ll point out one neat thing is the taller species look like corn stalks! Up to 2 feet tall, with as many as 13 flowers!.

55

mosome analysis.

How many of you grow the gorgeous hybrid ‘Katharine Hodgkin ? It is from histrioides x winogradowii. Unfortunately, in spite of both parents having chromosome counts of 2n = 16 it is sterile. Individual chromosomes are different enough that ovules and pollen cannot form properly. Thus it, and others from this same cross, are a dead end from a hybridizing per¬ spective.

Now is as good a time as any to mention how itis quite annoying to look in garden catalogs and see ‘George’ and ‘Katharine Hodgkin’ listed as forms of histrioides. They aren’t! They are hybrids with one parent being histrioides. They are listed this way in hopes of giving people an impression that they have large fall blades like histrioides. The Armenian Caucasus Retie, which I happen to be using in many of my hybrids, also has wide falls. Other clones like ‘Harmony’ have wide blades, as well as histrioides as one of their parents, but are listed under the heading “reticulata”. Note that in catalogs often a lower case “r” is used, which from my point-of-view is confusing, since many of the named varieties are hybrids with other Reticulata species.

The Royal General Bulb Growers Association has similar problems in their ‘International Checklist for Hyacinths and Miscellaneous Bulbs.’

In 1985 and 1986 I went plant collecting in Turkey, hoping to find diploid danfordiae. I was lucky. Near the end of the first trip, with the help of several local Turks I did collect danfordiae. In later years a slighdy larger diploid danfordiae became available. Over the years I have made a fair number of crosses with both. After seeing ‘Katharine Hodgkin’ you might expect I would have first tried to cross danfordiae onto histrioides. In fact only one of ten crosses I made the first year involved histrioides, and it did¬ n’t give any seed. In fact only 8 seeds were produced from two crosses, and none germinated.

In 1989 I made a number of crosses with sophenensis (previously known as Iris histrioides var. sophenensis). Sixteen of these from three cross¬ es first bloomed in 1994. They were clearly true because their standards were extremely narrow (from danfordiae , which has short bristle-like stan¬ dards). They ranged in width from 0.3 mm to 3.0 mm; all being 2.0 to 2.5 cm in length. Typical Iris reticulata standard width is 7 to 10 mm. Each of the three crosses were fairly consistent in their standard’s width: in one case all 7 plants had approx 0.3 mm widths. Another telltale mark of their dan¬ fordiae heritage is faint wide greenish-yellow ribs on the back of their style arms; most, but not all had this. In one plant, the style arm lobe area was quite wide, as typical of danfordiae. Fall blade width varied from 10 mm to 14 mm. Their colours ranging from light blue to dark blue, and even a vio-

56

let. A few had some yellow influence, but where it was more pronounced the flowers had a muddied appearance - danfordiaes bright yellow carotenes “mixing” with blue anthocyans (they donft actually physically mix).

I expected these would be sterile (ie. 2n = 20 x 2n = 18), but felt at the time that I had to be sure. If anything would work it seemed that inter¬ crossing the progeny would be the most likely. To my pleasant surprise they set seeds - they were fertile! Now 5 further years later, two of these bloomed. As you can see, 94-HW-l was worth the wait. Its bud was pale yellow like winogradowiil The overall colour when it opened was cream. Its style arms were white with wide greyed blue stripes on either side! There were blue veins on the fall, but they weren’t on the fall blade itself, rather up by the style arm. There was a soft yellow highlight around the end of the fall ridge. It’s quite nice. I couldn’t have asked for a more special first F2 bloom! Now itis a matter of increasing stock to the point where thereis enough to start introduction: possibly in 7 years time.

I wanted to be sure of getting seed so I selfed it, then a day later crossed it with the clone below, followed several days later with pollen from dan- fordiae as well as an FI clone. Initially it appeared my efforts had been suc¬ cessful, but unfortunately the pod was turned out to be false. Hopefully next year’s Its pollen was used successfully in many crosses, including back crosses to FIs and diploid danfordiae.

Kew Gardens in England has done some chromosome analysis of my hybrids and they have some interesting news to publish, hopefully in the not-too-distant future.

The s x d hybrids all have a reasonable number of bulblets, which is not surprising, since both parents are well known for producing a fair num¬ ber themselves. Often people refer to danfordiae and sophenensis as having “shattered.” This is particularly apt since their new parent bulbs are gener¬ ally not large enough to bloom the following year, and because of all the rice-grain sized bulblets. Fortunately in many cases the FI progeny are proving more robust, with at least one bulb being large enough to bloom.

Typical Reticulata clones are talked about as having “split”. This is because if you were to dig them up in the summer you find two large bulbs where there had been one. They don’t actually split. In fact blooming bulbs use up all of their energy (the old bulb) putting up their flower(s) and leaves. At the base of each leaf a new bulb develops. This means early on you can count how many bulbs you should have in the fall. The leaf diam¬ eter and length can give you a good sense of how big its bulb will be. Bulbs that don’t bloom simply push up a leaf, then form a new (hopefully larger) bulb at its base. Rice-grain bulblets don’t put up leaves until the following

57

year, assuming they are not buried too deep. If they are, the bulblet runs out of energy before its leaf reaches the soil surface, and it dies (which is why I replant them closer to the soil surface).

I have the late Frank Kalich to thank for sending me Iris sophenensis.

Generally s x d clones are the earliest Reticulatas to bloom. This year there were over 340 FI blooms from 52 clones, representing 9 crosses spanning 6 years; up from 262 last year. This doesn’t count 20 boom-sized bulbs given out for testing.

In 1995, 7 years after being hybridized, one of my 1988 danfordiae hybrids bloomed: Qat3 ANM21 75 x danfordiae ANM2325. It is a nice dark red similar to its Qat parent, with a bit of orange on its fall from dan¬ fordiae. Three clones have now bloomed, all similar in appearance. They’re nice, but not stunning, and are slow increasers. What is most AMAZING: they’re fertile! What does this say about the £at clone? I have suggested to Kew, via Brian Mathew, that they take a close look at the £at clone. I am actually quite hopeful that these will intercross with my s x d clones AND continue to be fertile! Unfortunately I’ve still got a bit of a wait for that since it was only in 1997 that I was first successful with crosses along this line. I am looking forward to seeing a back cross onto danfordiae next year. Like danfordiae and sophenensis , the Qat clone also produces lot of bulblets.

In 1995 the first of four 1989 hyrcana x danfordiae hybrids bloomed.. As expected it was pod sterile, but surprisingly itis pollen has been used successfully on a few crosses (a big question is, are they true?; 3 have ger¬ minated). Last year two more bloomed. They were exciting by comparison, and of particular importance, they showed that danfordiae had the ability to express more than just a single shade of orange-yellow. One had light yellow in it, and the other was orangish perhaps an orange Reticulata is possible one day!

A ‘Cantab’ x winogradowii hybrid bloomed this year. It was definitely true! It was cream overall with a “masked” blue fall blade (ie. very subdued). The flower had winogradoiis shape. It’s bud was pale yellow.

Have you ever thought of hybridizing Reticulata Irises? The reason I’ve been doing so much is both: to create cultivars that will do better in my garden; and to create new colours, patterns, etc. One of my goals early on, was to get wild collected clones in order to bring new genes into the lim¬ ited pool available from commercial clones. In the wild bakeriana is some¬ what variable, and some of those clones are nicer than others.

You can’t expect to take ordinary parents and get something excep¬ tionally good. I say this thinking that 1) it’s probably already been done e.g. William van Eeden’s crosses such as “George”, and 2) the fertile commer-

3 Collected near £at in eastern Turkey.

58

cial clones are too similar to each other, plus they are close to the species level.

If you cross two similar parents, the progeny will understandably be similar. This suggests that the best thing is to make wide crosses, plus use parents that are different from those used by anyone else. If you cross two pure species then the first generation expression will be very limited. This is quite understandable because the genes contributed by each parent are very uniform (each, after all, is a pure species, with limited variability). The expression opens up tremendously in the second generation; particularly when intercrossing the FI hybrids. If you want to bring out recessive char¬ acteristics you should self a given clone. I tend to intercross clones and should do more seifs.

You only realize the clones you have aren’t terrific when you see some¬ thing better (number of flowers, flower shape, shade of colour, rate of bulb increase, etc.). For example I originally thought there was essentially only one form of Juno bucharica - the commercial one you get from Dutch sources. Now I have at least 10 distinct ones, collected in the wild by many different people, the majority of which are equally nice for varying reasons. I’m sure the same is true of Reticulata Irises species. It’s just a matter that not as many forms have been collected from the wild. Martyn Rix’s book “Bulbs” for example shows an ameona (white standards and coloured falls) clone from Iran. I’d love to use it in my hybridizing.

Some other hybridizing goals in no particular order are: strongly scent¬ ed flowers; variegated leaves; amoena flowers (white standards with coloured falls); tri-tones / tri-colours; new colours and patterns; large showy flowers; and ability to normally produce two flowers per bulb in average gardens. Ideally all hybrids should include the following character¬ istics: resistance to disease; good bloom year after year without requiring special conditions to do so. The following aren’t currently a problem, but still need to be given consideration: strong stems that won’t break or fall over in the wind; thick petals to stand up well to rain; long lasting flowers.

One characteristic to breed out is weak flower to stem attachment. This is a characteristic of a number of collected Turkish clones! There’s nothing more frustrating than removing anthers and tearing the flower off in the process. It’s especially true when they’re special flowers that you’re particularly wanting to set seed.

When the pods ripen they are put into the baby food jars and then allowed to dry in the garage for a number of days. From here information about each cross and the number of seeds produced is entered into my computer; along with information about unsuccessful crosses. Metal tags, which are more expensive than plastic, but longer lasting, are then made up.

59

I usually plant my seeds by late September. Planting earlier might be better, but I’m typically sending plants off to people over the prior 3 or 4 weeks. Because of limited garden space, I have to squeeze the seeds into as small a space as possible. In recent years this has meant “double planting”: Reticulata rows 3.5 cm apart, with Juno seeds planted in-between. The seeds themselves are 1 cm or less apart within a row. An effort to plant the seeds shallower than I originally had, seems to have paid off, particularly for Junos. The only drawback is some of the baby bulbs get heaved out of the ground by mother natures daily spring freeze-thaw cycles (in spite of being covered a thin layer of straw).

As I’m planting the seeds I make up a map showing where each cross is, and listing its parentage. This is just in case the tags get disturbed, plus the map is an invaluable reference for finding a given cross. Afterwards I put down a two to three inch layer of straw, and then a plastic net in order to minimize any problems with curious squirrels looking for nice easy soft places to dig in order to bury their winter food supply. A layer of straw should continue to be used every winter, since it helps prevent the seeds / seedlings from starting into growth during winter warm spells. A week of warm weather would start their cell sap flowing and in the process raise its freezing point. A sudden cold snap back to -25° C (=6°F) would have dead¬ ly consequences. The straw acts like a blanket and keeps the ground frozen under the straw so the seeds / seedlings are oblivious to the warm spell (large bulbs are deeper in the ground and consequently aren’t as effected).

Over the years I have found that roughly 40% of my crosses are suc¬ cessful. Note: be sure you are working with fertile clones. Any with histri- oides parentage are sterile. Only about 30% of the seeds germinate on aver¬ age, with about 5% losses leaving a net 25%. After seeing 94-HW-l, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if the percentage of truly special clones increases significantly over the next few years.

If you look at the math, you quickly realize there’s not a lot success for all of the work. Of course when working with over 400 successful crosses that produce 5,000 or more seeds, I still end up with a fair number of hybrids each year. Several years ago William van Eeden wrote, “there is one comfort, a cold comfort: natural selection. Only the strongest, the most adapted and tolerant to your climate will survive — survival of the fittest. Even in the years after germination there can be many losses. Under the best conditions it takes 4 to 5 years for seeds to flower.”

Typically germination starts after the 2nd winter. This year something about the conditions, winter, etc. was just right since quite a few of last year’s seeds have germinated.

Once you do have something that seems good, it takes a couple of

60

years to fully evaluate it. In the first year you of course get a clear idea of how beautiful its flower is. Slight differences show up between clones in terms of numbers of bulbs and their size, but this becomes magnified sig¬ nificantly after several years. At the same time you are starting to building up stock. Five years out it’s nice to see a clump of 16 blooms. The next step is to test it in other peoples gardens, develop commercial interest in it, all the while continuing to build up stock. In my case some of my hybrids are being evaluated by Wim de Goede, a Dutch grower. He will only be inter¬ ested in just a couple for his market, which I believe is the wholesale European trade. I really need to also partner up with growers selling into North American markets, as well as with smaller speciality bulb firms sell¬ ing to “connoisseurs.”

Every year the amount of work required to build up stock keeps increasing. Ideally in order to get maximum increase I should replant all of the bulbs. Just to give that a litde perspective, last year I replanted my 1989 hybrids the majority of which are now sophenensis x danfordiae bulbs. I actually managed to count a large portion of those bulbs (this continued to allow me to see exactly how well each clone is doing). I estimated there were 26,000 bulbs (2/3 rice-grain sized bulblets), all crammed into an area approx. 4’ x 15’. When I say crammed they’re planted up to 3 layers deep: large bulbs at the bottom (bloom-size and 1 year away), then 4 to 6 mm bulbs followed by the bulblets. By the end of this summer there could be up to 70,000 bulbs (remember this doesn’t count all of my other Retie hybrids). Clearly it won’t be long before I can’t handle all of the bulbs.

Reticulatas can be grown in many different soil types. I have grown them in coarse sand, but would say in the long run sandy loam soil is bet¬ ter. All of my soil is “imported” since the area where I live is “rich” in clay. As a result, when I make a new garden, its simply a matter of taking up the grass and dumping sandy loam soil on top to a height of 20 cm (8 inches), and voila, a raised garden. One important factor though: the bed should be kept moderately moist in late spring when bulbs for next year are forming. You don’t want it too wet, but on the other hand, if it dries out too quick¬ ly, then the bulbs don’t have a chance to get as big as they otherwise would. If you look carefully you will observe various microclimates in your garden. It took me a couple of years to realize that beds at the back of the yard, though wetter in early spring, dry out sooner than ones up near the house.

I have started watering my seedlings every couple of days during dry spells in late spring since they are closer to the soil surface and therefore more prone to drying out. Hopefully this will give them a chance to get a bit bigger than they otherwise would.

I do fertilize, but tend to put only a bit on in the fall and spring.

61

Its a trade off between wanting the bulbs to do well on their own, and wanting to get a good increase (number-wise), while recognizing my bulbs are quite tightly packed and need a little boost as a result of all of the competition. I use either 7-7-7 or a fall 4-8-12, which are ones I’ve found I can get reasonably cheaply.

I have been finding the Armenian Caucasus Retie to be an impor¬ tant parent. Another good parent because of it’s variable characteris¬ tics is a collected form from Ahmet Atilla. Unfortunately it, like a number of species, is dying out in my garden for unknown reasons. I have also been using Janis Ruksan’s hyreana Talish which is slightly variable. It appears to be a good parent. This year a couple of very light hybrids bloomed: very light mauve; very light blue.

I have a very nice pure white Armenian Caucasus Retie. It just showed up in a batch of collected bulbs a couple of years after I received them. Unfortunately it’s extremely slow to increase and I’ve had some problems with trying it in another spot in the garden.

The commercial clone “Iris reticulata Alba” which has become available recently is a misnomer. From the name you would think this is a white form of Iris reticulata. It is actually a hybrid from the same breeding as ‘Natascha’. Like ‘Natascha’ it has pale blue fall blades.

Incidentally there is also a clone making the rounds called wino- gradowii Alba. It isn’t. Itis a winogradowii hybrid possibly with hyr¬ eana ‘Talish’.

My Reticulata hybrids 87-BN-l (‘Gordon’ x Armenian Caucasus) and 87-BB-l (Armenian Caucasus x {‘J.S. Dijt’ 5c ‘Purple Gem’}) have done quite well. Both are good increasers, and have showy flow¬ ers. I have a number of other good hybrids coming along. One inter¬ esting note were two or three tri-tone hybrids: falls, styles, and stan¬ dards all slightly differently coloured. It seems that style arm colour and standard colour are very tightly coupled, but the coupling can be broken. It will be very interesting to see what shows up in 2nd gener¬ ation hybrids.

Unfortunately winkleri appears to be just as difficult as kol¬ pakowskaiana. People’s first impression is likely that it’s simply a “dwarf” kolpakowskiana. Too bad it doesn’t have dark cherry red falls as literature seemed to suggest - that would have nicely compliment¬ ed kolpakowskiana's velvety purple / violet. Comparing the two you would even probably say winkleri is inferior, since kolpakowskiana is bigger, and it’s colours are more vivid. I did self winkleri successfully, as well as intercross it with kolpakowskaiana. In the past I have raised a number kolpakowskaiana bulbs from seed, only to have them disap-

62

pear a few years later.

I hope that I’ve encouraged you to try growing some Reticulatas. You will definitely enjoy the burst of colour and relief from “the win¬ ter blahs”they provide just as the snow disappears.

Species	Count	Pollen Colour*
bakeriana	2n = 20	orange
£at Retie	2n = ?	white

danfordiae (diploid)	2n = 18	white	The commercial form is a triploid (3n = 27) and therefore sterile.
histrio	2n = 20	white
histrioides	2n = 16	white
hyreana	2n = 20	white
kolpakowskiana	2n = 20	white	Only crosses with itself and winkleri
pamphylica	2n = 20	orange	Only crosses with itself
reticulata	2n = 20	orange	Commercial clone. Wild collected forms have olive, orange, or yellow pollen
sophenensis	2n = ?	white
vartanii	2n = 20	white
winklerii	2n = ?	white	Only crosses with itself and kolpakowskiana
winogradowii	2n = 16	white	Note: different chromosomes from histrioides
Armenian Caucasus Retie 2n = 20	white	Collected form with wide fall
Hvbrids Available Commercially In Recent Years			Sterile
Name	Overall Colour		Registered bv Sc Date	Parentage	Or Fertile
Alida’	light blue		p	sport of ‘Harmony’	S
‘Blue Veil’	blue		Hoog (R’55)	reticulata xhistrioides ‘Major’	S
‘Cantab’	light blue		Bowles (R’14)	?	F
‘Clairette’	blue		Hoog (R’53)	reticulata x bakeriana	F
‘Edward’	blue		van Eeden (R’73)	‘Cantab’ x?	F
‘Frank Elder’	blue & pale yellow	Elder (R’78)	histrioides ‘Major’ x winogradowii	S
‘George’	dark wine red		van Eeden (R’73)	histrioides ‘Major’ x ‘J.S. Dijt’	S
‘Gordon’	blue		van Eeden (R’71)	bakeriana x ‘Cantab’	F
‘Harmony’	blue		C.J.H. Hoog (R?)	reticulata xhistrioides ‘Major’	S
‘Hercules’	“red black”		Van Der Berg Gzn (R’33)	histrioides x reticulata	poor
‘Hercules II’	violet		p	histrioides x reticulata	S
‘Ida’	blue		van Eeden (R’73)	‘Gordon’? x ?	F
‘J.S. Dij't’	wine red		Dijt (R’38)	(supposedly reticulata x histrioides)	F
‘Jeannine’	violet		VanTubergen (R’58)	?	F
‘Joyce’	blue		Hoog (R’43)	reticulata x histrioides ‘Major’	S
‘Katharine Hodgkin	blue Sc pale yellow	Anderson (R’60)	histrioides ‘Major’ x winogradowii	S
Marguerita’	blue		p	sport of ‘Clairette’ w/variegated leaves F
‘Michael’	dark blue		van Eeden (R’73)’	Springtime’? x ?	F
‘Natascha	almost white		van Eeden (R’73)	Cantab’ x self	F
‘Pauline’	wine red		Hoog (R’53)	reticulata x bakeriana	F
‘Pixie’	dark blue		p	Sport of ‘Harmony’	S
‘Purple Gem’	wine red		Van Tubergen (R’52)	bakeriana x ?	F
‘Royal Blue’	blue		Hutley (R’36)	p	S
‘Springtime’	blue		Hoog (R’50)	reticulata x bakeriana	F
‘Violet Beauty’	violet		Hoog (R’53)	reticulata x histrioides ‘Major’	S

Reticulata Species And Named Hybrids

*Pollen colour can be separated into essentially three groups: white, orange/yellow and olive green. There is a clear tendency for parents with white pollen crossed with orange ones to give progeny with somewhat yellow pollen; a diluting effect so-to-speak. Note: some sterile vari¬ eties have essentially no pollen (ie. no complete pollen grains). In these cases the colour is of the pollen grain “garbage”.

63

-A Solution ^07 ^jimnux

6y f\dam ^ ikso , Illinois

vi„:i <2

(T\eptinted with etmLssion from ‘The

V / his is a report on a number of developments in plant physiology and phytopathology that seem not to have gotten the attention of horticulturists or iris growers. The World of Irises was published in 1978 with apparently little or no revision for the 1995 printing. Perhaps we do not read the journals where the researches are reported. In gen¬ eral, science writers who write for Discover or other science magazines for the lay person, have ignored the area. Also, journals where the research has been reported are of limited availability, are highly techni¬ cal, and not generally known. The older growers who might have kept up and informed us - Holden, Wilkes, Kalich and Foster - left us long ago. If any of us have read in the area, a lack of information on how to apply the knowledge may be a problem.

I stumbled into the area because after 30 years of not growing arils, I was trying to catch up on tobacco mosaic virus (believed to be the virus affecting irises in 1960). Rather than detail the meandering of my reading, I’ll try to present the topic in an orderly fashion.

Most plants have a number of defenses against invasion from with¬ out, whether by bacteria, insects, viruses, physical force or chemical damage. These defenses are complex, evolved over hundreds of millions of years in conjunction with other plants, fungi, bacteria, insects, cli¬ mate, etc. An overview of some of the range of responses is contained in pleasant reading with the title Bombardier Beetles and Fever Trees 1 Defenses vary from plant to plant, from genus to genus, and within a single organism or section of a plant, depending on a host of factors such as time, temperature, stage of development (rapid growth or dor¬ mancy), nature and the site of the invasion by a pathogen, nature of the pathogen, etc. The range of reactions encompasses everything from death or abscission of a plant part (leaf), development of counteracting poisons to make a plant part inedible, development of additional roots (to increase the intake of nutrients), development of scar tissue or cal¬ lus to seal a wound and prevent further invasion, hastening dormancy and seed-setting to preserve the current generation or guarantee the next, etc.2,3

These responses, for any particular plant or group, have been evolv-

64

ing for about 3 billion years, beginning with the first bacteria and algae¬ like plants, some of which live on in different forms within more com¬ plex plants as highly evolved structures with no independent life of their own. Defensive capabilities are determined, mediated, and limited by the plant’s particular genetic constitution. Iris growers tend to think of genetics in terms of iris characteristics, number of branches, height of stem, color of flowers, or chromosome compatibility (for those of us who breed arils). Well, there’s a bit more to it! We know that the genet¬ ic character of siblings from the same pod may differ, and we try to select for characteristics we prefer. In general, we have not been terribly concerned with resistance to disease, partly because we didn’t know much about how to do this and we didn’t save ratty-looking “dogs” just for their disease-resistant character unless they also showed the flower characteristics we wanted.

Although some of the facts about resistance to disease have been known since the early 1900s (reviewed in Chester4), the experimenta¬ tion needed to extend our knowledge just wasn’t possible until more recently. Watson and Crick had to visualize the DNA and RNA mole¬ cules and have them confirmed, gas and thin layer chromatography had to be invented and advanced, microscopy had to be invented and advanced, microscopy had to be advanced beyond light microscopes, computers with high-speed capability had to be developed, and think¬ ing in evolutionary biology had to advance. For example, in reading through some of the research, there is an unavoidable inference that all living beings have a common heritage to some degree. This includes viruses which are regarded as nonliving because they cannot reproduce without a host and do not have cell walls. For example, potato virus “Y” shares 61% of its amino-acid sequences (genes) with tobacco etch virus. In the world of evolutionary biology this is the basis for why we can use white rats, pigs, rhesus monkeys and (rarely) chimpanzees to test med¬ ications for humans. That the pygmy chimpanzee shares more than 97% of its genetic makeup with us, which is disturbing to some of us, becomes less important in the face of data suggesting that we share ancestors with bacteria. There has been a revolution in biological sci¬ ences but the fruits of this have not yet trickled down to iris growers. (This article is offered as a “trickle”.)

Back to plants. Most higher plants (perhaps all), when affected by a pathogen, produce acetylsalicylic acid (SA) as part of the plantis response. This production of SA plays a vital role in activating other aspects of the plantis physiology and certain genes which together func¬ tion to make the plant “immune” to further invasion by that pathogen.

65

This response is called the SAR (Systemic Acquired Resistance) and it is being researched around the world, funded by large pharmaceutical companies such as Ciba-Geigy and Merck. Billions of dollars are at stake when one considers the fact that the fate of some countries depends on how well certain crops grow: potatoes, soybeans, tomatoes, tobacco, peanuts.

The story is incomplete with just the above factual statement. The SAR can be induced by giving the plant aspirin (SA) and the plant responds as if it had been injured from without, but to a phenomenal degree in some cases. The aspirin triggers known, identified genes (in some cases) to produce unique plant proteins and messenger RNA in quantities as high as 9,000 times normal.5 It must be emphasized that these findings are in laboratory plants, measuring microscopic quanti¬ ties (molecular) which can be extracted and assayed only by recourse to sophisticated gas chromatography or radioactive trace chemistry. The plants used are the laboratory equivalents of white rats: Arabidopsis thaliana (a common weed), Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco), and Phaseolus vulgaris (soybean) using strains of these which have been grown for generations and whose genetics are relatively well-known and well-charted. In some cases, transgenic plants may be used (plants whose genetic makeup has been altered by adding or subtracting par¬ ticular genes) so that precise measurement of effects can be assessed.

Now, any cheap and common chemical that can trigger a 9,000- fold increase of other chemicals in a plant (to ward off disease) is worth looking into, even if the research costs millions of dollars. Interestingly, acetylsalicylic acid is not the only chemical that prompts plants to develop an SAR. Two chemicals, 2,6-dichloroisonicotinic acid and 2,5- norbomadiene, are currently undergoing field trials in Europe, but results are not public and government approval would probably be required in the U.S.6

Regardless of whether these advanced chemicals will be available to us in the near future, experimentation up to now has shown clearly that SA (aspirin) induces resistance to the soft-rot Erwinias, various strains of Pseudomonas, the tobamoviruses (collective term for tobacco mosa¬ ic and related viruses), potyviruses (potato), and to downy mildew and other fungal infections. It even inhibits multiplication of encephalo my¬ ocarditis virus in primary mouse tissue culture, and it does this at low concentrations (cited in White7). Although, as noted above, other chemicals induce SAR in plants, few do it as reliably and in low con¬ centrations as well as aspirin. The two newly developed chemicals cited in the previous paragraph may be improvements on aspirin, but data on

66

this is apparently proprietary.

Most available systemic controls of plant pathogens are hazardous to non-target insects such as bees and higher forms of life, including people. The promise of something like aspirin with its near-zero toxic¬ ity and a capability to block Erwinia is worth exploring on a crude level even if we do not have recourse to a fully-outfitted laboratory capable of dealing with the molecular chemistry involved. Our backyard eco¬ nomics are important to us.

(Really, this is not a hoax article. The citations at the end are real journals available at some university libraries, or, if your computer has the capability, down-loadable.)

Erwinias owe their virulence and invasive power to the enzymes they produce, which result in the lysis of cell walls and other “hard” structures, such as cellulose and chitin. The enzymes are secreted by the bacterium and therefore move outward in advance of the organism itself. Erwinia multiplies rapidly in humid conditions at ordinary mid¬ dle-range temperatures (35-75°F). In the laboratory, untreated leaves of N.tabacum “Samsun” may show maceration by Erwinia within four hours of infection5 and be totally lysed at 48 hours. The speed of infec¬ tion is as phenomenal as it appears to be when we wake up and find a plant that was “healthy yesterday,” falling over today.

Implications and Non- Laboratory Application

The following section may repeat some of the above in order to emphasize it for simplicity and understanding. Aspirin dissolves rapid¬ ly in water, yielding acetyls alicylic acid in aqueous solution. This SA solution triggers the plantis own physiology to produce chemicals that inhibit various pathogens in the laboratory at room temperatures. Danger to people is at or near zero, even with prolonged use, since aspirin is one of the most widely used drugs known.

Limitations

The effectiveness of SA is said to cease at temperatures around 32°C (85-90°F) under laboratory conditions.5 The laboratory condi¬ tions referred to typically involve small leaves or plantlets in small dish¬ es where the roots are not in soil, but agar. The entire plant is small, a fraction of an ounce, exposed, with all parts at room temperature. The plantis environment is axenic (absolutely sterile).

I did not find any research bearing on the length of time the SAR persists, whether for a month or a year, or anything bearing on its occur¬ rence in monotyledons, but it may be out there.

We do not know (with regard to temperature) whether a big, out¬ door iris clump growing with its root system and rhizome below ground

67

level (where it is cooler), weighing 2-5 pounds, already inoculated with SA and experiencing an SAR will have its plant parts protected enough (at 85-90°F ambient air temperature) to keep the SAR active and func¬ tioning. My guess is that since high temperatures and dry conditions inactivate Erwinia , the SAR will keep pace with it, protected by the microclimate within the SA inoculated plant.

How Does One Test the Laboratory Findings with Iris?

I aggregated conditions from a number of laboratory experiments which tested differing plants under differing conditions to arrive at my conclusions for dosage of aspirin in a backyard situation. I used Palva, et al.y5 as a kind of model. Under their conditions, a table of interactions between degree of Erwinia infection and days post-treatment shows that 4-5 days seems to maximize the effect of SA in concentrations of 0.001 M before exposure to Erwinia. After four days, of the 44 plants inoculated with Erwinia , none became infected. Essentially the same results occurred on day five. Another graph showed degree of infection at various hours after inoculation with Erwinia in SA treated vs. con¬ trol plants. Leaves of control plants (no SA) are nearly totally macerat¬ ed 12 hours after inoculation, and completely after 24 hours. The most dramatic effect was 5 days after starting continuous SA treatment where SA in solution (at a concentration of 1 mM) was added to the agar in which the seedlings were growing.

The working dilution of aspirin for a backyard field trial became simply a SWAG (scientific wild-ass guess), after trying to translate molal solutions, e.g. 0.001 M. According to my calculations a dilution of two 325-mg nonbuffered aspirin tablets per gallon of tap water as a soil drench, locally seemed to be roughly a 2X equivalent. I used the drench in the fall of 1996 after planting in mid-September, and again a week later. I was a bit desperate having lost nearly 75% of my plants (arils and arilbreds) due to an unusually wet summer and some iris borer. Bacterial leaf spot, Erwinia infections and clear evidence of virus infection were responsible.

I used the same dilutions again in the spring of ‘97, after the last snow (typically April 4 in Chicago). This year my winter losses were only 12-15 percent. Many plants bloomed and set seed. The borer was worse (more invasions), but where I’m sure I would have lost plants due to secondary Erwinia infections, I had only three or four obvious infec¬ tions. I have treated individual plants with rhizome rot (presumably Erwinia ) by simply scooping out the rot with a finger, and had the rot stop after applying an aspirin drench, leaving the rhizome in place if there was a portion of it with live roots. My backyard remedy was crude,

68

but effective. The only experimental control was the baseline of the pre¬ vious yearis losses, around 70%, vs. 12-15% this year with a total of 30% losses due to other factors, such as freezing, chipmunks digging at the roots, etc.

Other Issues

We don’t know how long the treatment “lasts”. Whether after application of SA and induction of SAR, the plant continues to protect itself during dormancy, just ismt clear. At 0°F or below, we don’t know what happens to the chemistry. I think the SA treatment seems to curb a tendency to dormancy in arilbreds. In arils and some OGBs it seems to hasten dormancy. I’m not sure whether to attribute the change I think I see to SA or other possibilities. My plants grow under difficult conditions, too little sun, too much rain, the beds raised only 6-12”. An unexpected and not clearly established effect was that all flower colors seemed to be intensified, in all plants. But I can’t be sure because the roll of film showing them disappeared. SILENT TEARS was much more contrasty than the previous year, with purple splashes much dark¬ er and more vivid. Very little else bloomed the previous year. BIG BLACK BUMBLEBEE seemed brighter than the 3 year-old memory, but I felt I couldn’t rely on that, so checked the written descriptions in the checklist. It didn’t match. A surprising number of plants just didn’t match their descriptions. GENETIC ARTIST matched, but the vivid¬ ness of coloration was beyond anything I’ve ever seen in flowers. It was like comparing an old Kodachrome with Kodak’s Royal Gold or Fuji’s Velvia. However, ENERGIZER did look like its picture in the AIS Bulletin, so I don’t know.....

A few plants bloomed off a single fan with no increase. I left the bloomstalks in the ground - dug 'em up (Sept. 1) to check them, and all had developed offshoots. In other plants seemingly breaking dormancy earlier, side shoots are poking up while leaves on the main rhizome are apparently abscising early and the rest of the leaf is still green. I got “takes” on plants I would not have expected to set seed.

Some plants seem to show increased growth, where rot had not destroyed the plant. Bacterial leaf spot seems to be less frequent and less severe now, even though we’ve been plagued again by more than the usual rain this year, over 4 inches in August.

Increasing the dilution noted might result in some toxicity, but in the laboratory, doubling the dilution of 0.001 M resulted only in slight inhibition of plant growth (in tobacco), when the plant or its roots were immersed in the solution for days.5 In the ground, outdoors, it can be assumed that a large portion of the solution will drain away, with some

69

of it, of course, adhering to the roots or held between soil particles in contact with the rootlets, by surface tension.

It should be noted again that aspirin is not a medicine to “cme’Erwinia, but a signal or trigger to the plant to produce more SA and proteins, the RNA which play a role in blocking pathogens. The exact mechanisms are only partly known, and only for some pathogens, and some laboratory plants.

I would have liked to institute some simple scientific controls, but with a very small space (3 “to 6- by 17 foot beds) and usually only one plant of each of 100 or so varieties, I carit afford it. I hope that those of you who read this, will try aspirin as indicated but run some semblance of controls in your efforts. If you have many rows, treat one row, skip the next, etc. If you have many duplicates of a particular plant treat some, not others, keeping all other conditions equivalent. And keep careful detailed notes so that you can report on this, and all of us can advance.

Since the SA works on such a broad range of pathogens, including fungi, I would hope that anyone growing seedlings indoors and having trouble with “damping-off” fungi would try using aspirin on them to see if it reduces mortality. Whole trays of sprouted seedlings can go in a matter of a few hours. They look well but they’re already invaded and “dead on their little feet”. Water with the dilution before theyire out of the ground, and can take it in through their first roots. Again use con¬ trols, to see if the treatment retards sprouting.

In this brief article, I have tried to compress and abstract relevant data from 20-30 years of research without doing too much violence to the concepts, or oversimplifying the issues. I hope that live prompted a few readers to explore further in the area. Any errors of fact or miscal¬ culation of dilutions are, of course, mine.

Glossary and Technical Help

Catalyst - A substance, metal, metallic ion, or nonmetallic molecule which speeds a chemical reaction that otherwise occurs more slowly. Although the catalyst participates in the reaction, it can be recovered unchanged at the end of the reaction. Example: Carbon dioxide dis¬ solves in water, but at room temperature and sea-level pressure, only at a rate of about 200 molecules per hours. In the presence of carbonic anhydrase (an organic catalyst called an enzyme), the reaction occurs at a rate of about 600,000 molecules per second.

Enzyme - An organic or biochemical catalyst, often found in or manufactured by living organisms.

Lyse , Lysis -To lyse is to destroy or decompose chemically.

70

Ordinarily dissolving something such as table salt (NaCI) in water breaks it down into ions of Na+ and Cl- which are recoverable as NaCI when the water evaporates. Lysis, as distinguished from going into solution, means that the lysed and liquefied substance is not recoverable or reconstitutable, as when Erwinia lyses a plant cell wall.

Mole - A gram molecule, i.e., the molecular weight of a substance expressed in grams. A molal solution (loosely, a mole) is a gram mole¬ cule of a substance dissolved in a liter of water. mM - millimoloe + 0.001M

Erwinia carotovora means the Erwinia that eats carrots. The name commemorates its first important agricultural victims and Erwin F. Smith, an American bacteriologist (1851-1927). ^

1 Agosta, William C., 1996, Bombardier Beetles and Fever Trees, Addison-Wesley.

2 Bailey, J., and Fever all, B., eds ., The Dynamics of Host Defense. Academic Press. Sydney, Australia (various articles).

3 Uknes, S., Lawton, K., et al., 1993. Plant Responses to the Environment,

Vol. 2. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL

4 Chester, K.S., 1933. iThe Problem of Acquired Physiological Immunity in Plantsi , Q. Rev. Biol. 8: 275-324

5 Palva, Tuula K., Hurtig, Maria, et al., 1994. “Salicyclic Acid Induced Resistance to Erwinia carotovora subsp. Carotovora in Tobacco,” Molecular Plant Microbe Interactions) MPMI) v. 7, no. 3. 356-363.

6 Agrios, George N., 1997 (personal communication) .

7 Uknes, S., Winter, A. M., et al., 1993. 'Biological Induction of Systemic Acquired Resistance in Arabidopsis,” MPMI v. 6, no. 6, 692-698.

CqaaI&Z~

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The Iris pin is detailed with lustrous purple hand painted enamel accented with pave crystals. Each pin bears the date, Carolee seal of authenticity and comes in an elegant suede gift box. $95.

To order call 1-800-CAROLEE

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$10 from the sale of each pin sold through this ad will be donated to the American Iris Society.

71

tyntctnationaL News

Kt/ &. /Kat^atct button, (Zaii^otnia

and T&’iuce ^Uatdi, Ote^on

BRITISH IRIS SOCIETY - REQUEST FOR GUEST IRISES

The West & Midlands Group will host the BIS Convention in 2002. They are establishing beds of guest irises at several locations, as is done at other conventions, but never before in Britain. They hope to have displays of irises from hybridizers in many countries. This is an invita¬ tion to send some of your creations which will be seen and admired by Convention visitors.

You are invited to send up to three plants each of recent registra¬ tions which may or may not have been introduced, and seedlings being considered for naming. As the Convention will be held in late May, iris¬ es which are likely to be in bloom at the time - Intermediate, Border, Miniature Tall and Tall Bearded irises, Siberians, possibly early Spurias, and species which do not require special conditions - will be especially welcome.

Please send to the organizer, Raymond Bomford (address below) so as to arrive between mid- August and late September 1999. Label each plant clearly with its name or seedling number, and enclose a list of all the irises by name or number, together with their type (TB, IB, etc.), height and color, plus your name and address. Send to:

Mr. G R A Bomford The Hills Tanhouse Lane Beoley Redditch

Worcestershire B98 9AB, England Telephone Number 01527 64332

Overseas hybridizers, in countries other than those in the European Community, MUST obtain a Phytosanitary Certificate to accompany the plants. Customs Declarations should state clearly that the plants are a gift.

You will be notified of the receipt of your plants and progress reports will be provided. Early in 2002 you will be asked for instructions regarding the disposal of your plants after the Convention. If no reply

72

is received by April 1, 2002, the committee will take this as permission to dispose of all stock in any appropriate manner, such as sale for assis¬ tance towards Convention expenses. If plants are to be returned, postage must be paid by the original sender.

All possible care will be taken by host gardeners of the guest irises in their care, but neither they nor the West & Midlands Iris Group will accept responsibility for losses beyond their control. If you have any queries, please contact Raymond Bomford or the Group Hon. Secretary, Peter Hewitt (01584 890526).

PROM ion Efford, Ottawa , Canada:

I have just hosted Charles Stirton who is building the new National Botanical Garden of Wales - 600 acres, with a very large (110 M long) single span greenhouse that can be seen from space! In discussion, he mentioned that he visited the botanical garden just outside Prague where there is a major collection of irises, especially irises collected from throughout the old Soviet Union, right across to the far end of Siberia. He said that the director has undertaken a great deal of hybridization and the collection is absolutely wonderful. I had not heard of this col¬ lection and wonder if it has been written up anywhere. If not, there should be information made available through the AIS Bulletin on this collection.

AND in response to this posting on the Internet, Juri Pirogov, Moscow, Russia, says:

That garden is in Pruhonice, Czech Republic. It is the very well known collection of Dr. Milan Blazek. The collection includes about 120 sam¬ ples of species, principally European bearded; about 800 TB cultivars, 60 before 1927, 105 from 1927 - 1940, 150 from 1941 - 1951. It includes many medians, dwarfs and Siberians.

THE IRIS THAT CAME PROM THE EAST

by Sylvain Ruaud, former Editor of Plantes et Bulbeuses. Translated by Bruce Filardi. Reprinted with permission of the author and Der Staudengarten.

The judges of the International Iris Competition in Florence are known for taking their job seriously. As a result, everyone was amazed when they awarded the medal in 1985 to LIBON, hybridized by a cer¬ tain Wotjek Smid from Czechoslovakia. They awarded first prize to an iris that didn’t come from the USA? Impossible! And then another lapse ten years later: they selected IKAR (at the time displayed as “Ariel”), an iris that came from Uzbekistan. The world finally started

73

to realize that interesting irises can be bred outside of America!

There are many talented hybridizers outside of the United States, especially in the countries that were isolated for so long, and where it was certainly difficult to get hold of any of the Western world’s genet¬ ic treasures. I wanted to meet them; I wanted to learn about their work methods, their goals, their genetic materials, their growing conditions, etc.

This became possible thanks to the help of a passionate iris lover, Sergey K. Loktev, who had been looking for contacts in the West. This idealistic, generous irisarian has resuscitated the Russian Iris Society, which unites all Russian-speaking iris lovers. He has also organized competitions and conferences. The influence of his organization has reached an international level, primarily through his work as Registrar; he has overseen the registration of a great number of cultivars which were bred in the former USSR and its satellite states. Through Mr. Loktevs help, I have been able to make the acquaintance of many of these breeders, and they, in turn, have put me in contact with others.....

Russia is the land of Professor Rodionenko, the world famous spe¬ cialist in wild iris species, despite his country's often extreme climate conditions which can be marginal for irises. Russia is also the land of several first-rate hybridizers. There are two main groups: the Northerners and the Southerners. The Northerners are the hybridizers who live in the Moscow area, such as Yuri Pirogov or Viktor Sheviakov, and especially Irina Driagina, who has been making crosses since the 1960s. The Southerners live at the foot of the Caucasus, like Galina Shevchenko, and Nadezhda and Vitali Gordodelovy, a married couple who are iris-breeding veterans and have developed a wide-ranging col¬ lection of varieties in all colors. Unfortunately, they have not kept parentage records.

The Ukraine also has highly qualified iris specialists, such as Nina Miroshnichenko and especially Oleg A. Amekhin. Amekhin is a biol¬ ogist who has specialized in interspecific hybrids among L virginica, I. versicolor, and L ensata. He has given the name of ensicolor to the result of his breeding program. [See article, AIS Bulletin, July 1998] These hybrids are plants which combine the best properties of their parents, and they deserve a position in the pantheon of garden irises.

Much farther to the east, on the border of Central Asia, live two exceptional hybridizers. Deep in Kazakhstan, at the foot of the Pamir, Leonard Venivitin grows thirty-year- old American cultivars (who knows how they got there!) and crosses them with one another. And in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, Adolf Volfovich-Moler has com-

74

pleted genuine experimental research as a hybridizer, and he has suc¬ cessfully developed strong, original, floriferous varieties. This hybridiz¬ ing program was the source of IKAR, the 1995 Premio Firenze winner, and SIMFONIYA, its reciprocal sibling which was selected as Best Late Variety in Florence in 1994. Perhaps Mr. Volfovich-Moler’s great¬ est hybridizing success is the gold and rustcolored variegata, TASHKENT.

Whether these hybridizers are in Russia, the Ukraine, or Uzbekistan, they all suffer from the fact that the available genetic mate¬ rial consists of older varieties, mostly from the 1960s and 1970s. (IKAR and SIMFONIYA are from crosses of RIPPLING WATERS and PIPES OF PAN.) No matter how great their talent, their seedlings are limited to the appearance, vitality, and robustness of equivalent Western seedlings of the 1970 s and 1980 s. But in the future they will be able to work with the new hybrids, and in a few years they will be able to compete with the hybridizers of the West on a more even field.

Poland is certainly not Utopia for the iris -grower! Iris gardens are very rare in Poland, where the cold, damp winters cause a great deal of damage. However, Lech Komarnicki, after a career in the theater, was bitten by the iris virus rather late. He retired to a place in the country, in order to devote himself to his passion. On two occasions, winter weather has destroyed more than half of the plants in his garden, but he doesn’t give up! Above all, he has developed cold-resistant varieties, which he is now growing in quantity. But increase is slow under the pale sun of Poland. In Schlesin, Jerzy Wozniak has also developed a hybridizing program.

Under the Mediterranean sun of Istria, Izidor Golob doesn’t have to deal with the problems of extreme winters. On the Italian/Slovenian border, he follows a careful program of crosses, from which he retains only the very best seedlings. To date, he has only registered the two of which he is proudest: VESTALKA (a pink self) and ZLATI ORNAT (yellow with brown veins.)

In the Czech Republic, iris breeding has a long tradition. A per¬ sonality like Milan Blazek is known throughout the iris world. Therefore, it shouldn’t have been such a surprise when LIB ON caught the judges’ eyes in Florence. Today there are numerous Czech hybridiz¬ ers, a likable group centered around Leonard Ryznar and Petr Mimranek. The most successful is Pavel Nejedlo, whose reputation has traveled as far as America. And we can’t forget Zdenek Seidl, the main proponent of the “club EIS” (European Iris Society), which he envisions

75

as a European counterpart of the American Iris Society.

The most interesting hybridizer/personality on the shores of the Danube is located in Bratislava, in Slovakia;, this would be Ladislav Muska. This chemist, a specialist in horticultural pharmaceuticals, has really gotten involved in iris breeding. He had developed an ambitious program of crosses, based on a noteworthy collection of American and Australian cultivars, carefully -selected according to scientifically-correct guidelines. His main interest is Space Agers. Every year he makes an impressive number of crosses and grows several thousand seedlings, which he judges severely each Spring. Among his creations are many hybrids with great genetic potential, which he will intercross, following a system of method and inspiration. H ELI .ADA (amethyst violet with orange beard and lavender appendages) and BRILANTINE (mauve bitone with golden beard and blue horns) both received high marks at the Dr. Loomis Memorial Trial Gardens in Colorado. His greatest suc¬ cesses have been with bitones and bicolors, such as DON EPIFANO, RI-SAMPEI, VANILLA LACE, and SA-COMA. Mr. Muska is a man of active intellectual curiosity; he is especially interested in mythology and folklore of all cultures, and this area is the source of many of the' names he has given to his irises.

This gives you a snapshot of Eastern Europe, so recently opened to the rest of the world. For the iris-lover, this represents a new source of imagination, talent, and enthusiasm. In the West, we have to keep these ‘new” hybridizers in mind, as they will soon join the ranks of the hybridizing elite. They’re already challenging us to a friendly competi¬ tion!

PROM Offer Gtiniuvione, Vilnius, Lithuania:

I live in Lithuania. It is situated in North 'Europe, USDA climate zone 4 with annual minimum temperatures of -35C to -29C (-31F to -20F), humid, soil type acid. I am a new member of AIS, since 1998, but an old iris lover, since 1960. My first properly named registered iris varieties were received from Dr. G. Rodionenko of Russia, and the number reached about 400.

Unfortunately for 13 years, from 1983 -to 1996, I was not able to look after .my irises properly They got no sprays, no fertilizers, no mulch and weeding only occasionally. As I got an opportunity to take ■care of my collection again, it was very painful to realize, that most .of my irises had been lost. Many of .my favorite varieties, such as Allegiance, Amethyst Flame, April Melody, Brasilia, Christmas- Time,

76

Cliffs of Dover, Eleanors Pride, Emma Cook, Esther Fay, Gay Tracery, Gypsy Jewels, Stepping Out, Wine and Roses, and many others had perished. To my great surprise some irises bloomed and were quite well. These were Big Ute ‘50, Blue Shimmer ‘41, Bright Hour ‘49, Broadway Star ‘57, Kitize ‘72, Lela Dixon ‘49, Pink Talcum ‘49, Sleighride ‘51, Supreme Sultan ‘88, The Black Douglas ‘34, Tomeco ‘59, Velvet Caper ‘63 SDB, and Vice Regal ‘41. The record-holder was Kitize (Milan Blazek, ‘72, Czechoslovakia): it had a big clump, healthy leaves and sev¬ eral stalks with good blooms. Since that time my collection has been enlarged again and I hope the bad time comes no more.

In the Bulletin of July 1998 I have been encouraged to suggest top¬ ics related to tall bearded irises. Here are my propositions:

1. Means to improve the germination of seeds. In our climate it is very important, because germination of the seeds in the first year comes to 10-50% and lasts from 3 to 4 years, or even longer.

2. I would also like to know about such new terms as “glaciata,” “luminata,” “heaven colors”, etc.

3. 1 would be much obliged to know more of the climate tolerance in Canada and Northern Europe.

I am very happy to have the opportunity to read the Bulletin of the American Iris Society. Thank you.

IRISES of the Kazakhstan, by Boris Cuzhauin

I began growing irises in 1981, when I moved to Kazakhstan from the Krasnoyarsk region in Siberia, where I was born in 1955. In Siberia during the late 1970is I made my first attempts at growing TBs out¬ doors, but all the rhizomes, even under good cover, perished the first winter when the Siberian temperature was -40C to -45C (-40F to - 49F). When I moved to Almaty, I began collecting irises again and growing them in my garden. Almaty is the capital of Kazakhstan with over one million people, situated in the southeastern part of the coun¬ try near the great mountains of Alatau. The late breeder Nikolay Ivanov lived and worked with irises in Almaty. He collected in his garden about 500 various cultivars of TBs and gave me several varieties, including Solid Gold, Dark Mood, Siva- Siva, Stepping Out, Heather Hawk, Frost and Flame and others. He hybridized and introduced Marianna, Lyod Medeo, Vestnik Leta, Alatau and others.

Later I began intensively collecting various irises for the purpose of hybridizing. I investigated about 200 cultivars, especially American introductions, and selected those I considered best for my work. These

n

included Stepping Out, April Melody, Rippling Waters, Chinquapin, Sailor s Dance, Winner’s Circle, Kilt Lilt, Matinata, Winter Olympics, Vitafire and others, 1 love plicatas; therefore I began my work with them. One of my successful crosses was Stepping Out X April Melody which I made in 1985. From this cross I selected some very nice ruffled plicatas. Two of the best seedlings I named Alia, a bright blue plicata, and Devitchyi Nariad, a very early blooming royal purple plicata. Later, from using Dancer’s Veil, Winners Circle, Bazaar, Wild Ginger, Siva- Siva, Ribbon Round and so forth, I selected and named several good plicatas as Stuardessa, Varvara, Medovyi Prianik, Starinnoye Kruzhevo, and Royarin.

My main goal was hybridizing heavily ruffled and laced modern irises. To this end 1 began using Schreiner’s Sailor’s Dance widely in my crosses. From crosses with Winners Circle, Stepping Out, April Melody, Rippling Waters, Vitafire, Pink Chimes, Frost and Flame, Prince Indigo and others, I selected some very good lavenders, blues, and violets. These became Patriarch, Zolushka, Sokrovennyi, Mayskaya Noch, Sapphirovaya Viaz, Asia, Fakyr and others, which are beautiful modem irises for cut flowers and for showing. From Russian irises I selected only one, Vitaly, which was introduced in Russia in 1982 by V. Gordodelov. This iris is bright gold with a white area on the falls and has very good substance. From Vitaly X Sailors Dance I selected a very beautiful lavender blue with purple influence on the falls, very vigorous and with good ruffling.

And so Im off to a good start. However, I really want to cross my best seedlings with new modern irises, especially American introduc¬ tions; the iris assortment in Kazakhstan at present is very old. I am also interested in SDBs, Japanese, and other groups. I would like to thank David Schreiner, Ben Hager and Richard Cayeux from France, who all sent me rhizomes and seeds in 1997 and 1998. All who love irises, write me at: Boris Guzhavin, PO Box 67, 480000 Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan.

Lem aonnell, Australia

On a sad note, Keith Keppel received word from Barry Blyth that Les Donnell (Leslie J. Donnell) died early in February. He had hybridized for many years in Australia, and had won numerous awards at Florence.

78

yApp7oved yA^iiiateS $07 /999

Region f

Connecticut Iris Society Rebecca Wong, President 589 North St.

Feeding Hills, MA 01030-1309

Iris Society of Massachusetts

David Schmieder, President 566 Old Road to NAC Concord, MA 01742-4116

Maine Iris Society Paul J. Dostie, President 129 Merrill Hill Rd.

Greene, ME 04236-3913

Western New England Iris Society

Carol G. Blais, President 200 Poole St.

Ludlow, MA 01056-1639

Region 2

Adirondack Foothills Iris/Daylily Society

Bob Keup, President P.O. Box 24

Kinderhook, NY 12106

Empire State Iris Society Peter Weixlmann, President 280 Seneca Creek Road West Seneca, NY 14224-2374

Hudson Valley Iris and Day lily Society Royce Simmons, President P.O. Box 222

Stormville, NY 12582-0222

Region s

Delaware Valley Iris Society Charles W. Conklin, Jr., President 91 Duncan Lane Springfield, PA 19064-1601

Diamond State Iris Society Mrs. Joan R. Wood, President 184 Hopewell Drive Clayton, DE 19938

Susquehanna Iris Society Jason A. Leader, President 9328 Forest Road Glen Rock, PA 17327

Region a

Alleghany Highlands Iris Society Margaret C. Stone, President 229 Crowfield Circle Lewisburg, WV 24901-1263

Carolina Mountains Iris Society Flossie Nelson, President 109 S. CarolinaAve. Hendersonville, NC 28739-5931

Central Virginia Iris Society Phyllis Soine, President 2406 Riverside Drive Richmond, VA 23225-3627

Charlotte Iris Society Carrie Winter, President 5801 Masters Court Charlotte, NC 28226-8046

Chesapeake and Potomac Iris Society Virginia R. Spoon, President 1225 Reynolds Rd.

Cross Junction, VA 22625-1726

Eastern North Carolina Iris Society G. Glenn Grigg, Jr., President 105 Trotters Ridge Rd.

Raleigh, NC 27614-9620

Eastern Shore Iris Society John L. Vincent, President P.O. Box 166

Oak Hall, VA 23416-0166

Francis Scott Key Iris Society Carol S. Warner, President 16815 Falls Road Upperco, MD 21155-9445

Fredericksburg Area Iris Society Sharon A. Lipiec, President 9701 Colby Terrace Spotsylvanis, VA 22553-3578

Portsmouth Chesapeake & Suffolk Iris Society

Jan L. Bryant, President 3600 Winborne Drive Suffolk, VA 23435-1828

Tidewater Iris Society Bill Smoot, President 213 Derby Road Portsmouth, VA 23702-2017

Virginia Peninsula Iris Society Elaine Minnick, President P.O. Box 66 Bena, VA 23018-0066

Region s

Dixie Iris Study Club Mrs. A. D. Wilder, President 802 Camellia Drive Anderson, SC 29625-2738

Flags Iris Club

Joyce F. Thrift, President

Route 1, Box 1405

St. George, GA 31646-9615

Flint River Iris Society Mrs. Betty Jones, President 205 McKinley Drive Griffin, GA 30224-5221

Foothills Iris Club Betty Davis, President 416 McClain Road Anderson, SC 29626-5262

Georgia Iris Society James B. McRae, President 715 Catherine St.

Forest Park, GA 30297-3743

Oconee Valley Iris Club Brenda P. Briley, President 308 Gordon Highway SW Milledgeville, GA 31061-9583

Piedmont-Carolina Iris Society Flossie L. Nelson, President 109 South Carolina Ave. Hendersonville, NC 28739-5931

South Carolina Iris Society

Wayne C. Smith, Jr., President 2208 Greenoaks Road Columbia, SC 29206-3510

Species Under Study Patricia D. Brooks, President 102 Jefferson Lane Ladson, SC 29456-5436

Summerville Iris Society

Peggy Beason, Co-President 1817 State Road Summerville, SC 29483-2757

Betty Hoats, Co-President 204 Circle Drive Summerville, SC 29485-4518

Region G

Alkron Area Iris Society Shelley Lynn, President 6562 Indiana Ave.

Kent, OH 44240-3118

Central Ohio Iris Society Robert M. Buxton, President 410 4th Street Nelle Warsaw, OH 43844-9526

79

Columbus Iris Society Lila J. Aldrich, President 447 Rambling Brook Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147-2206

Grand Valley Iris Society Ruth Levanduski, President 1131 Allison Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49544-3602

Indiana Daylily-Iris Society Ronald R. Payne, President 6508 Kelium Drive Indianapolis, IN 46221-4820

Iris Club of Southeast Michigian DebbyZook, President 412 Woodsboro Drive Royal Oak, MI 48067-4348

Iris Growers of Eastern Indiana Charles K. Rumbaugh, President 3520 E. Dudlel Ave.

Indianapolis, IN 46227-7027

Miama Valley Iris Society John Brace, President 604 The Alameda Middletown, OH 45044-4814

MIO Irisarians Carol Fisher, President 2395 Park Rd.

Mio, MI 48647-9513

Northeastern Indiana Iris Society Virginia Wesche, President 27008 Jewell Rd.

Defiance, OH 43512-9164

Northeast Ohio Iris Society Mike James, President 1065 Boston Mills Rd.

Peninsula, OH 44264-9748

Southwestern Michigan Iris Society Jim Copeland, President 78118 M-40 Lawton, MI 49065-9467

Tri-County Iris Society Lynda A. Walker, President 6206 Cooper Road Lansing, MI 48911-5553

Region w

Bluegrass Iris Society Virginia Van Horn, President 860 Gwinn Island Drive Danville, KY 40422-9250

East Tennessee Iris Society Geraldine Couturier, President 1724 Drinnen Rd.

Knoxville, TN 37920

Iris Society of Americas First Fontier Mack Hughes, President 3060 Kelly Gap Road Greeneville, TN 37743-5417

Jackson Area Ms Society Joseph Zacharzuk, President 204 Pleasant Hill Road Humboldt, TN 38343-6621

Kentucky Rainbow Iris Society William P. Grise, M.D., President 160 Parkwood Drive Richmond, KY 40475-9456

Ken-Ten Iris Society Joyce Reynolds, President 6789 Hwy 190 Dresden, TN 38225-2275

Louisville Area Iris Society Kaye Moore, President 9423 Springmont Place Louisville, KY 40241-2229

Memphis Area Iris Society Caroline S. Nave, President 401 Goodland Circle Memphis, TN 38111

Middle Tennessee Iris Society Jerry Phillips, President 704 Jackson Ave.

Carthage, TN 37030-1336

Mid-South Japanese Iris Society Virginia Hill, President 1030 Autumn Oaks Circle Collierville, TN 38017-3202

Mid-State Iris Association Russell Watson, President 847 Anthony Ave.

Smithville, TN 37166-2224

Parisian Iris & Daylily Club Paul Russell, President P.O. Box 765 Paris, TN 38242-0765

Shelby County Iris Society Mary Ann Collins, President 1537 Eastridge Drive Memphis, TN 38120-8860

Southern Kentucky Iris Society James M. Bingham, President 5414 Woodburn-Allen Sprgs. Rd. Bowling Green, KY 42104-7436

Twin States Iris Society Dorothy R. Hesson, President 206 Eastland Ave.

Lebanon, TN 37087-2012

West Tennessee Iris Society Steven P. Stone, President 5190 Woods Landing Cove Memphis, TN 38125-3800

Region &

Iris Society of Minnesota Marsha VandeBrake, President 958 124th Lane NW Coon Rapids, MN 55448-1456

Madison Area Iris Society Richard C. Berling, President 5026 Piccadilly Drive Madison, WI 53714-2014

Wisconsin Iris Society Jerome A. Bengston, President 2908 Old Mill Dr.

Racine, WI 53405-1324

Region &

Blackhawk Valley Iris Society, Inc. Joseph P. Stien, President 7907 Scott Lane

Machesney Park, IL 61115-3065

Mid-Illinois Iris Society Nancy D. Pocklington, President 609 Harrington St.

Carlinville, IL 62626-1230

Northern Illinois Iris Society Charles J. Simon, President 10 S. 122 Lorraine Dr.

Hinsdale, IL 60521-6048

Northshore Iris and Daylily Society Alice Simon, .President 2516 Scott St

Des Plaines, IL 60018-3948

Prairie Iris Society Margaret Kelly, President 1708 Holiday Drive Pekin, IL 61554-1925

Southern Illinois Ms Society Ann Henson, President 6401 Cedar Road Inks, IL 62849-2815

Region ft

■ Gem State Iris Society Charles Stanley, President 3245 N. Wing Road Star, ID 83669-5146

Missoula Iris Society Cindy Davis, President 929 Cooley St.

Missoula, MT 59802-2415

80

Pollen Daubers Iris Society

Kenneth E. Gordy, President 819 Mason Rd.

Caldwell, ID 83605-8025

Region 12

Logan Iris Society Joan R. McFadden, President 1340 Cliffside Drive Logan, UT 84321-4909

Utah Iris Society Thomas J. Miller, President 2223 South 760 West Woods Cross, UT 84087-1768

Region « s

Columbia Basin Iris Society Beverly Petrak, President 11209 Rd. Q.N.W.

Quincy, WA 98848-9584

Greater Portland Iris Society John W. Ludi, President 35071 SE highway 211 Boring, OR 97009-9584

King County Iris Society Richard W. Greenberg, President P.O.Box 95538 Seattle, WA 98145-2538

Pierce Conty Iris Society M. Elaine Bessette, President 865 South 50th St.

Tacoma, WA 98408-5751

Walla Walla Iris Society

Richard W. Johnson, President 638 Ash St.

Walla Walla, WA 99362-1502

Yakima Valley Iris Society Bonnie Johnson, President 1610 Dazet Road Yakima, WA 98908-9211

Region to

Fresco Iris Society

Dr. Philip Smith, President

8290 N. Academy Ave.

Clovis, CA 93611-9454

Kings Iris Society

Sharon Misenhimer, President

1848 Harding Ave.

Hanford, CA 93230-2202

Las Vegas Iris Society Dorlene Waite, President 5271 Via de Palma Drive Las Vegas, NV 89146

The Leo T. Clark Foothill Area Iris Society

CloudiaOwen, President 6288 Huggins Drive Orland, CA 95963-9351

Monterey Bay Iris Society Elena Laborde, President 3203 Fairway Drive Sequel, CA 95073-2777

Mt. Diablo Iris Society Robert J. Canning, President P.O. Box 4661

Walnut Creek, CA 94596-6717

Redwood Iris Society Jay Hudson, President 33450 Little Valley Rd.

Fort Bragg, CA 95437-8442

Sacramento Iris Society Eleanor D. Fink, President 747 Oak Avenue Davis, CA 95616-3628

Santa Rosa Iris Society HalMattos, President 1650 Cerro Sonama Circle Petaluma, CA 94954-5764

Sequoia Iris Society Sharon Wylie, President 51 South Byron Dr.

Lemoore, CA 93245-3465

Sierra Foothills Iris Society Kathy Braaten, President 1214 Cresthaven Drive Roseville, CA 95678-5148

Southern Nevada Iris Society

Helen Rusk, President 427 Summit Drive Henderson, NV 89015-8353

Sydney B. Mitchell Iris Society Alan D. Robbins, President 58 Chaucer Drive Pleasant Hill, CA 94523-4106

Westbay Iris Society

John I. Jones, President 35572 Linda Drive Fremont, CA 94536-1523

Region is

Hi Desert Iris & Day lily Society Barbara G. Turner, President 650 West Barrel Springs Rd. Palmdale, CA 93551-7914

Inland Region Iris Society Carol Morgan, President 4093 Elmwood Ct..

Riverside, CA 92506-1146

Orange County Iris & Day lily Society Marilyn Pecoraro, President

1917 Tumin Road

La Habra Heights, CA 90631-8191

San Diego & Imperial Counties Iris Society

Steven Rocha, President 14170 Mussey Grade Ramona, CA 92065-7708

San Fernando Valley Iris Society Gerald C. Snyder, President 7855 Ellenbogen St.

Sunland, CA 91040-2213

Sonoran Desert Iris Society Charlene Errigo, President 17642 N. 23rd Ave.

Phoenix, AZ 85016-3027

Southern California Iris Society Derelyn Errigo, President 5123 East Carita St.

Long beach, CA 90808-4150

Sun County Iris Society Joliene D. Konkol, President 1914 E. San Miquel Ave.

Phoenix, AZ 85016-3027

Tucson Area Iris Society Barbara Evans, President 5151 N. Bear Canyon Rd.

Tucson, AZ 85749-8632

Region f 7

Belton Iris Society LizWu, President 200 East 21st Ave.

Belton, TX 76513-2018

Benson Iris Society Annetta Reusch, President 42 Surrey Circle Iowa Park, TX 76367-1041

Fort Worth Iris Society Joseph A. Spears, President 910 Pioneer Circle E.

Argyle, TX 76226-6714

The Iris Society of Austin Rhonda Guinn, President P.O. Box 309 Buda, TX 78610-0309

81

The Iris Society of Dallas Lew M. Begley, President 1930 Wilkinson Rd.

Mesquite, TX 75181-2204

Johnson County Iris and Daylily Society Myrtle Hodges, President RT 1, Box 66 C Covington, TX 76636

New Braunfels Iris Society Bobbie Allen, President 1206 E. Common, N.B 78132

New Braunfels, TX 78130-7904

North Plains Iris Society Connie Murphy, President 4 Thunderbird Canyon, TX 79015-1714

Permian Basin Iris Society Ann Carnes, President Rt3, Box 102A Seminole, TX 79360-9413

The Piney Woods Iris Society John Phillips, President 200 Smith Creek Rd.

Denison, TX 75031-7404

Rainbow Iris Society Charlene Owens, President 1805 Yarborough Dr.

Sherman, TX 75092-7583

South Plains Iris Society Dana Brown, President RT 3, Box 118-H Lubbock, TX 79401-6829

Texoma Iris Society Gordon D. Green, President 1925 S. Fannin Ave.

Denison, TX 75020-6829

Waco Iris Society

James M. McClindan, President P.O. Box 237

Elm Mott, TX 76640-0237

West Texas Iris Society Floy M. Maberry, President 1704 W. Kentucky Midland, TX 79701-6974

Region is

Boothill Iris Club Carol Loker, President 2300 Fifth Avenue Dodge City, KS 67801-2545

Garden City Area Iris Club

Duane VanDolah, President 1512 Cottontail Court Garden City, KS 67846-7349

Greater Kansas City Iris Society Jerry Hoke, President 9015 Carter Circle Overland Park, KS 66212-4719

Greater St. Louis Iris Society Riley Probst, President 418 N. Van Buren Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122-3921

Hutchinson Iris Club Louise Carlson, President . 1523 E. 15th St.

Hutchinson, KS 67501-2752

Iris Society of the Ozarks Marjorie Gayer, President Box 146

Ash Grove, MO 65604-0146

Jeffco Iris Society Tom Gormley, President 6717 Martha Drive Cedar Hills, MO 63016-2502

Kirkwood Iris Society Mary Lou Wick, President 2956 Woodbridge Estates Drive St. Louis, MO 63129-2307

Mineral Area Iris Society Gale Hatridge, President RT #1, Box 155 Irondale, MO 63648-9700

O’Fallon Iris Society Vincent Italian, President 11728 Benedetta Dr.

Bridgeton, MO 63044-3405

Parsons Area Iris Society Lucy Pearce, President P.O. Box 512 Parsons, KS 67357-0512

Pony Express Iris Society

Helen Koch, President 3112 Squire Lane St. Joseph, MO 64506

Semo Iris Society Jeane Holley, President P.O. Box 255

Jackson, MO 63755-0255

Show Me Iris Society Dan C. Judy, President 7300 N. Bell Road Columbia, MO 65202-9126

Tri-State Iris Society Bessie Belle Wagner, President 821 G. Street NW Miami, OK 74354-4422

Washington Iris Club Mike Theissen, President 310 Burnside St.

Washington, MO 63090-2918

Wichita Area Iris Club Jay Westervelt, President 3930 South Brummett Cir.

Wichita, KS 67215-1772

Region 19

Garden State Iris Society Raymond Rogers, President 503 Lee Avenue

North Brunswick, NJ 08902-2411

Region SO

Elmohr Iris Society

Ellen McIntosh, President

4710 Yarrow Place

Colorado Springs, CO 80917-1426

High Country Iris Society Randy P. Penn, President 4108 South Sherman St.

Englewood, CO 80110-4719

Loomis Iris Society

Emery Swartzendruber, President

702 South 13th St.

Rocky Ford, Cl 81067-2132

Northern Colorado Iris & Daylily Club Dick Christensen, CoChairman 806 Sandy Cove Lane Ft. Collins, CO 80525-3383

Joy Andrews, Co-Chairman 4118 Manhattan Ave.

Ft. Collins, CO 80526-3680

Region 21

Dawson County Iris Society Amy Hill, President 43598 Road 749 Lexington, NE 68850-5554

Elkhorn Valley Iris Society Leland R. Nelson, President 83484 553rd Ave.

Norfolk, NE 68701-1229

Greater Omaha Iris Society Susan Anderson, President 4102 Southern Hills Bellevue, NE 68147

Lincoln Iris Society Gary E. White, President 701 Old Cheney Rd.

Lincoln, NE 68512-1168

82

Sioux Empire Iris Society Charles C. Hemmer, President 721 S. Walts Ave.

Sioux Falls, SD 57104-4744

Siouxland Iris Society Arnold Koekkoek, President 38 7th St. m

Sioux- Center, IA- 51250-1811

Trails West Iris Society Le Roy E. Meininger, President 50029 -Sunflower Road Mitchell, NE 69357-3511

Oklahoma Iris Society Louise Carson, President 5037 NW 24th Place Oklahoma City, OK 73127-1715

River Valley Irk Society Mary Boyd, President 1711 University Dr.

Russellville, AR 72801-3209

Rolling Hills Iris Society Paul W. Gossett, President 1708 E. 53rd St.

Tulsa, OK 74105-5726

Sooner State Iris Society William J. Kopplin, President 2512 NW 66th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73116-4306

Southwest Oklahoma Iris Society Robert Medina, President 825 l.WJTstSt Lawton, OK 73505-51442

Tulsa Area Iris Society Paul W. Gossett, President 1708 E. 53rd St.

Tulsa, OK 74105-5726

ffegioit 23

Albuguerque Aril Society Reita R. Jordan, President 3500 Avenida Charada NW Albuquerque, NM 87107-2604

Albuquerque Iris Guild Cindy Rivera, President 310 Vermont NE Albuquerque, NM 87108-2443

Mesilla Valley Iris Society Ann Colwell, President 905 W. Taylor Rd.

Las Cruces, NM 88005-5433

New Mexico Iris Society Dorothy Gordon, President 9000ZuniSE, Space W-69 Albuquerque,. NM 87123-3172

2m

Birmingham Area Iris Society Joe M. Langdon, President 4832 Mill Springs Circle Birmingham, AL 35223-1681

Blount Iris and Day lily Society Charlsie O. Crowder, President 3380 Pine Mountain Rd.

Remlap, AL 35133-3148

Cullman Iris and Daylily Society Dorothy L. Holmes, President 462 County Road 903 Crane Hill, AL 35053-2426

Golden Wings Iris Society Nina L. Morgan, President 20142 Adams Road Aberdeen, MS 39730-9752

Huntsville Chapter of the A.I.S. Leroy Solomon, President 4702 Mastin Lake Road Huntsville, AL 35810-3020

NE. AL Iris and Daylily Society Mary D. Terrell, President 2101 Scott St.

Guntersville, AL 35976-1117

North Mississippi Lakes Iris Society Evelyn Kuykendall, President RT 2, Box 130 Oakland, MS 38948-9505

R&tfiOit 22

Central Arkansas Iris Society

O. Wendell' Hall, HI M.D. -

President

4300 Doral Drive

Little: Rock, AR 72212-2833

Hot Springs Iris Society Lyle Reininger, President 398 Prichard Street Hot Springs, AR ' 71913-6022

Lawton Area Friends of Iris Society Maria Edwrds, President RT. 2, Box 389 Duncan, OK 73533-9649

Mountain View Iris Society Lacy E. Hagood, Jr.-, President 6307 N.W. Irwin Ave.

Lawton,- OK 73505-2830

Norman Area Iris Society Norber Kowalchyk, President 1217 Redman Drive Newcastle, OK 73065-5621

North Central Iris Society - Guida Bingham, President PO Box 56

Ames, OK 73718-0056

Northern Oklahoma Ms Society Carol Goldsberry,' President 1606 E. Central Avenue Ponca- city, OK 74604-5205

Changes in Affiliates since 1998 "

Region 2 has one new Affiliate: Adirondack Foothills Iris/Daylily Society

Region 7 has one new Affiliate: Iris Society of America’s First Frontier

Region 15 has one new Affiliate: Sonoram Desert Iris Society Region 17 has one new Affiliate: Rainbow Iris Society

Three Affiliates have dis-banded:

Blue Ridge Iris Society, Roswell Iris Society & Tri-City Iris Society

Several Affiliates have not renewed yet.

This list has 172 Approved Affiliates.

Respectfully submitted,

Shirley L. Pope Affiliate Chairman

83

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE JUS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Oklahoma City , Oklahoma May 4, 5, 1999

The Spring meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Iris Society was called to order by President Clarence Mahan at 1:10 P.M. on May 4, 1999.

Several members paid tribute to AIS Secretary Ruth Simmons who died on April 25th. After a moment of silence in her memory, the President welcomed the group and invited all present to participate in discussions, with-the reminder that only board mem¬ bers may vote. Introductions followed. Present during the various sessions were:

Officers: President Mahan, Immediate Past President Niswonger, 1st Vice President and Editor Aitken, 2nd Vice President and Acting Secretary). Plank, Treasurer Hudson;

Legal Advisor R. Plank, Parliamentarian R. Figge, Publication Sales Director N. Pocklington, Ombudsman Begley, Recording Secretary A. Lowe, Registrar Keppel; Past Presidents: Barr, Stahly; Directors: Campbell, Epperson, B. Figge (RVP 23), Gossett, Guest, M. Lowe, Moller, Jean Morris, Perkins, Pope, Probst and Shepard; Committee Chairs: Rice-Waters, Harder, Mazur, Muffin, and McNames; RVP Representative: B. Kasperek (12); RVPs: Weixlmann (2), Lewonski (3), Marley (4), Bowen (5), Hughes (6), Thurman (7), Dickhaut (9), Meyer (11), Reid (13), Loberg (14), Hoik (15), Jim Morris (18), Evers (20), Lingenfelter (21), Carson (22); Section Presidents: D. Willett (MIS), J. Spears (HIPS); Foundation President: Hollingworth; Guests: E. Gallagher (1); Honkanen, E. Lineberger (5); D. Stahly, A. Willott (6); Boyson (7); K. Kasperek (12); B. Jones, Silverberg (13); G. Sutton, Howard, John & Joanne Jones, Trio (14); G. Snyder (15); Byrne (17); M. Niswonger (18); D. Miller (20); Reuter (21); Holman, Lack, Tuers (22); Gordon (23).

Mahan requested Board approval of the re-appointment of Rosalie Figge as AIS Parliamentarian. Approval was unanimous.

Minutes: The following additions and corrections were made to the minutes of the Fall meeting in Bedford, Massachusetts as published in AIS Bulletin #311:

1) Youth Report, pg. 76, line 2: Insert the word Iris between Classroom and Projects.

2) Youth Report, pg. 77, line 1: Remove Bulletin and insert new Judges Handbook.

3) The Recording Secretary noted that a computer error was responsible for the omis¬

sion of the lists of RVPs and Standing Committee Chairmen in the minutes in Bulletin #312. They appear on p. 10 of Bulletin #313.

Epperson moved that the minutes be approved as modified. Gossett seconded. Motion carried.

Reports of Officers

President: President Mahan reported the following interim actions:

• Jeanne Clay Plank agreed to serve as Acting Secretary to fill the vacancy created by

the recent death of AIS Secretary Ruth Simmons.

• The Board of Directors voted to approve the purchase of 300 copies of The Gardeners

Iris Book (by Bill Shear) to be sold at $17. The Board also voted to make this book available to Affiliates and Sections at $14 each when ordered in quantities of 10 or more.

• The Board voted to include the Garden Awards Section in the 1999 -Check List.

• The Executive Committee approved the printing of 27,000 copies of a- color

Invitation to Join ( ITJ ) brochure which will be available to Affiliates,- Regions and Sections free of all charges. Brochures may be ordered in any quantity from

84

Exhibitions Chairman Epperson, who asked that information on availability and ordering ITJbe published in the July Bulletin. Aitken agreed.

• In response to two letters from Betty Burch (Region 24) regarding the ongoing

desire of the Huntsville group to become part of Region 7, Mahan agreed to present the matter for the Board’s consideration. Discussion ensued and it was the consen¬ sus of the Board that the current AIS policy regarding changes in regional bound¬ aries was reasonable. It was pointed out that the membership of Region 24 is on an upward swing and that new affiliates are being formed. It was agreed that Mahan and other AIS officials will assist in any way possible to restore good relations with¬ in Region 24.

• The Editor of Horticulture magazine was contacted regarding errors and omissions

found in a recent article on Tall Bearded irises.

• Maxine Perkins assumed the position of Silent Auction Chairman following the res¬

ignation of Barbara Figge.

• Jill Bonino, Region 15, an accountant and auditor, has agreed to audit our books

without charge.

• Sara Marley has accepted the position as AIS Secretary, pending Board approval.

Niswonger moved approval, Pope seconded. Carried

• Mahan announced that he and Editor Aitken would chair a 2 hour open forum to

solicit suggestions and recommendations for improvement and changes to the

Bulletin.

Acting Secretary: J. Plank requested approval of a request for use of copyrighted material in a not-for-profit publication. Niswonger moved approval, Kasperek seconded. Carried. Plank requested approval to continue filling stationery orders as needed. Approved

by consensus.

She requested authorization for reprinting Gift, Memorial and Honorarial certifi¬ cates as needed. Approved by consensus.

Plank asked that material be sent to her until Marley is ready to take over as Secretary in the Fall. Paul Gossett will collect any material remaining at the home of Ruth Simmons and will send it to Marley prior to the Fall Board meeting.

Plank asked approval to keep the AIS copier used by the Secretary since 1994, which has had many costly repairs at her expense. Niswonger moved that J. Plank keep the copier. Probst seconded. Carried.

Plank suggested that the complete set of AIS Bulletins now in possession of the AIS Secretary could be used to good advantage by the Bulletin Editor. Editor Aitken agreed. After discussion, Niswonger moved that former Secretary J. Stayer be contacted for names of people who donated these Bulletins in order to verify that their wishes regarding location are carried out. Gossett seconded. Carried.

It was further noted that the Secretary is the AIS office of record’ and a complete set of Bulletins may be needed because they contain a record of AIS minutes. Attorney R. Plank addressed the possibility that possession by the Secretary might be mandated by the corporate laws of Pennsylvania. He will investigate legal implications and report at the Fall meeting.

J. Plank moved approval of the Standard Banking Practice Resolution to reflect change of Secretary. Epperson seconded. Carried.

Treasurer: J. Hudson distributed a financial report, and stated that he has instituted a computerized record keeping system ( QuickBooks ) which has streamlined the voucher and bill payment procedure. While the Secretary continues to receive all deposits (except for

85

membership) and bills, the actual payment is now made by the Treasurer. He noted that he expected AIS to finish this fiscal year well ‘in the black’.

Niswonger questioned the amount shown in the Warburton Fund, stating that he thought the balance should be higher than was reported. Hudson reviewed the records and later reported a corrected balance of $4130 as of 3/31/99.

Hudson presented three proposals designed to increase revenues for AIS:

1) Formation of an Internet Commerce Committee (ICC) to capitalize on the spend- ing habits of AIS members via Internet auctioning/selling of iris and iris related material. Hudson read a draft charter in which formation procedures and areas of operation were detailed. Pope moved that an ICC be formed using the charter read by Hudson. Moller seconded. Carried.

Mahan appointed Hudson, Chairman; Guest and John Jones as members of the Internet Commerce Committee. They are to bring recommendations and/or proposals to the Fall Board meeting. M. Lowe moved approval. Probst seconded. Carried.

2) Change of name of Storefront to Member Services and institute a two-tiered pric¬ ing system. No action taken.

3) Institute use of AIS affinity credit cards to capitalize on the spending habits of AIS members. After lengthy discussion, Probst moved the AIS instruct Hudson to arrange for affinity cards; J. Plank seconded. Motion defeated.

J. Plank moved that an ad hoc committee be appointed to study the feasibility of an affin¬ ity card project and report specific findings at the Fall meeting. Kasperek seconded. Carried. It was recommended that the committee poll the regions for input.

Epperson moved that the Internal audit report for the fiscal year which ended 9/30/98, prepared by Jill Bonino, be accepted and entered in the record. Hudson second¬ ed. Carried. The Audit Report will be filed with the official minutes and can be obtained from the AIS Secretary.

J. Plank moved that Bonino be commended for her work in auditing the AIS books and preparing the AIS tax returns. Kasperek seconded. Carried.

Editor: Aitken explained the rationale for recent inclusion of a paid advertisement of a political nature in the Bulletin and requested direction in forming a policy to address this type of occurrence. Pope moved that an “issue” ad, as opposed to a commercial ad, will be clearly labeled as being a PAID ADVERTISEMENT which does not necessarily reflect opinions of the AIS. Probst seconded. Carried.

Aitken commented that a number of useful suggestions, primarily focused on addi¬ tions and deletions related to Bulletin content, had been presented during the Bulletin Forum. (A summary of these suggestions will be found elsewhere in the July Bulletin .)

Suggestions that received the greatest amount of support were: return of ‘Flight Lines’; add color to ‘Design Corner and reduce frequency of this feature to twice a year; publish the Bulletin in a more timely fashion. It was noted that those most critical of the Bulletin were not in attendance.

B. Figge reported that ‘Flight Lines’ did not appear In the current Bulletin because no information was received from Robin Chairman Cross. Mahan asked all robin mem¬ bers to send copies of their robins to Figge. Guest volunteered to excerpt material from the Siberian Electronic Robin ( sibroh ) as well as from the Internet Mailing Lists, iris-talk and lairis. Mahan urged that ‘Flight Lines’ appear in the July Bulletin.

Advertising Editor: No report. Mahan announced that Advertising Editor Jean Erickson will resign in October, and briefly outlined duties of the position. He urged anyone inter¬ ested in the job to contact him.

86

Mahan stated that all future ads and payment thereof must go directly to the Advertising Editor.

Unfinished Business:

Mahan reported that only one draft chapter in the follow-up to the World of Irises had been completed. He noted that there is a surfeit of iris culture books on the market at the present time so there is no hurry to complete this project. Writers are needed for nearly all categories.

[Note. Other actions have been placed under the appropriate committee headings. \

New Business:

Regarding the Region 2 organizational controversy, Mahan referred to the report from Legal Advisor R. Plank, who recommended that a New York licensed attorney be retained to help in bringing the complex affairs of the ESIS and Region 2 into alignment with the present AIS Bylaws and customs, with the corporate laws of the State of NY, and with the federal and state laws for tax exempt organizations. RVP Weixlmann and all parties involved are working to formulate a plan of action to address the issues outlined by R. Plank. It is expected that these issues will be addressed prior to the Fall Board meeting. Epperson moved a resolution of appreciation to R. Plank and his law firm of McKenna and Cuneo, L.L.P. for their work on this matter. Guest seconded. Carried.

Consideration of policy regarding the establishment of Regional Test Gardens was deferred to the Fall Board Meeting. RVP Counselor Moller will put this matter on the agenda for the next Board of Counselors meeting. Regions will be encouraged to pro¬ mote more garden tours to utilize display plantings sponsored by Section, Cooperating Societies and public gardens. It was strongly recommended that hybridizers be encour¬ aged to send their irises to Regional Conventions as well as to National. Section Liaison Chairman Probst will compile a list of Section Display Gardens for use in the Bulletin and on the appropriate websites.

The proposal from Region 14 to change the composition of the Board to give more rep¬ resentation to RVPs was discussed by Loberg, RVP (14), who said the proposal had received little support from RVPs at the Board of Counselors meeting. Loberg withdrew the proposal following a tally which showed that a large majority of Board members were or had been RVPs.

Epperson noted the need for an official Operations Manual containing position descrip¬ tions, sequencing of duties, and documentation of systems used within the AIS. He moved that the AIS undertake to develop and publish this manual; and it is further resolved that the Draft Operations Manual be circulated to all members of the AIS Board and approved by a majority prior to issuance. Pope seconded. Carried

Mahan appointed Epperson, Chairman; M. Lowe and J. Plank as a committee to prepare this manual. Pope moved approval, Gossett seconded. Carried.

The need for a fax machine and copier for incoming Secretary Marley was addressed by Hudson who moved that the AIS authorize up to $1500 for equipment in addition to the amount necessary to set up the new office of the AIS Secretary. Epperson seconded. Carried. Hudson noted that this equipment will be the property of AIS.

Administrative Officer Reports

Membership: Chairman Harlows report was mailed to all Board members prior to the meeting as she was unable to attend. This report explained that a change of reporting

87

date from 1 October (end of fiscal year when previously the largest number of drops occurred) to March (when largest number of deletions will now occur) has come about as a result of 3 years on a calendar year basis. As of 3/31/99, AIS membership stands at 7,140. There were 1048 deletions in March and 158 cancellations. We are not taking in more new members than we are losing and we are down 200 from 1998. Tops in mem¬ bership are Regions 14, 4, 18 and 17.

Harlow requested consideration of making available a Senior Citizen Discount for members over 65 who are seeking Life membership. Niswonger moved that the Life Membership fee be discounted 15% for those 65 or older. In the case of dual member¬ ship, both must be over 65 and all applicants must supply proof of age. This process is to be monitored by the Membership Secretary. Probst seconded. Carried. It was noted that there should be an announcement detailing this new policy in the July Bulletin.

Clarification was requested regarding the 158 membership cancellations reported. It was explained that these represented school children previously enrolled in Classroom Iris Projects, who did not renew. This engendered discussion on how to count CIP member¬ ships. Hudson proposed that AIS offer no-cost memberships to all CIP students. It was noted that this might not be feasible or desirable. R. Plank noted that the establishing a new class of membership for students might require a change in the AIS Bylaws.

Mahan asked Jean Morris to work with Harlow and Hudson to study the Classroom membership question and bring a written report to the Fall Board Meeting. Ombudsman: Begley reported that the few problems requiring his action had been satis¬ factorily resolved and that nothing required his attention at the present time.

Publication Sales: Chairman Pocklington noted the need for more Basic Iris Culture ( BIC ) booklets and inquired if we would reprint or rewrite BIC and how many copies should be printed. Epperson stated that he felt BIC should be rewritten and enlarged to include a section on the growing of beardless irises as well as the excellent culture articles from the current Bulletin (with permission of the author). Niswonger moved that, under Epperson’s supervision, BIC be rewritten as suggested. Pope seconded. Carried. Epperson stated that the revised BIC would be available prior to the 2000 membership recruiting season.

Probst moved that 15,000 of the revised edition of BIC be printed. Moller second¬ ed. Carried.

Pocklington will continue to explore costs of reprinting a soft cover edition of the 1979 Check List and report at the Fall meeting.

Discussion indicated that a credit card terminal is not needed by N. Pocklington at this time.

Probst inquired about the availability of the AIS lapel pins formerly carried as a sales item. Pocklington said that it was not feasible to restock this seldom-requested item since the quality of affordable pins is poor and the price of good pins is prohibitive.

Gossett requested approval for distribution of 400 surplus Bulletins at the upcoming affiliate meeting. Approved by consensus.

Registrar: Registrar Keppel reported that the 1998 year ended with 854 registrations completed. Since that time (December through April), 332 names have been cleared, 366 registrations have been completed, and 450 varieties have been recorded as introduced. The 1998 R&I is available and input of registration information for the 1999 Ten Year Check List has begun. Final number of pages cannot be determined and final cost esti¬ mates cannot be given until after publication of the 1999 R & Jin 2000. It is noted that the cover material for the 1999 Check List will be of a color different from previous edi¬ tions.

88

Keppel announced that, effective 4/1/99, he was no longer accepting the Registrar’s salary.

Reports of Special Committees

AIS Web Domain: M. Lowe reported that AIS has registered the following domain: [http://www.irises.org] and that the Internet Service Provider hosting the AIS website has been changed.

Lowe noted that the ‘Shopping Section’ is not yet on the AIS webpage. He recom¬ mended that AIS consider charging for listing in the ‘Shopping Section’ on the AIS web¬ page. No action taken.

Lowe stated that, since the AIS website gives us more exposure to the public than does any other AIS publishing activity, it would be wise to afford protection to the AIS webmaster by making him an Administrative Officer. R. Plank will look into this and report at the Fall meeting.

Bulletin Indexing: Chairman Aitken reported that the Bulletin Indexing Project is pro¬ gressing. At this time, it is not the intention to include specific cultivar or species names. Mahan appointed Aitken, Chairman; Catherine Fulmer and Jan Hueller as the commit¬ tee in charge of this project. Approved by consensus.

Electronic Checklist: Stahly reported that the Alphabetical Index would have to be com¬ pleted before the proceeding with the Electronic Check List.

Millennium Check List: Hughes reported that the Alphabetical Index was progressing more slowly than anticipated as he must go back and enter duplicate and obsolete names previously omitted. It is hoped that the Index will be available within a year.

Non-profit Incorporation and Tax Exempt Status for Sections, Regions and Affiliates: Epperson stated that Regions 3, 5, 6, 11, 13, 15, 19 and 24 had completed the require¬ ments for inclusion under the Group Exemption letter. Regions 8, 9, 10, 11 and 22 will be placed under the umbrella as they complete the requirements. It was noted that Region 4 is already incorporated. All sections have been contacted and invited to partici¬ pate. SIGNA and SPCNI are already incorporated; SJI and RIS have indicated their intent to be included.

Probst expressed the need for a basic model set of Section bylaws to aid in this process. R. Plank will furnish this to Probst for distribution to the sections.

Rare Iris Study Center: Niswonger reported for Chairman Waddick that seeds from Russia, Mongolia and South Dagestan have been received and may be available. Contact Waddick for information.

Reinstatement of the Publication Fund: Chairman Pope reported as follows: “...at least 25% of monies from publication sales should be earmarked for a new beginning of a pub¬ lication fund with a $50,000 cap. ...in the event of a general budget surplus, more than 25% of publication sales should be considered until the $50,000 cap is reached. However, in the event of an unexpected shortage in the general budget, less than 25% of publica¬ tion sales might be expected.” J. Plank moved acceptance of this report. Aitken seconded. Carried

The Treasurer was instructed to determine an appropriate amount to be transferred to the Publication Fund in 1999 and to include this restricted fund as a line item in the 2000 budget.

Restricted Endowment Fund: Chairman Hudson reported that committee members agreed that this was a good way to benefit the AIS General Fund, and recognized the need to provide a means for people to donate various types of assets (stocks, bonds, real estate). The Committee will seek a working relationship with the Foundation to avoid

89

conflicting areas of intent and services. A written report will be presented at the Fall meeting.

Section Bylaws Revision: Shepard, Chairman of the Bylaws Revision Committee, pre¬ sented the recommended changes to AIS Bylaws, Article III, Sections 3 and 5. Both changes were unanimously approved and they will be printed in the July Bulletin along with a ballot for the membership vote on these changes. Mahan thanked the Committee for their efforts in addressing this issue in such a timely manner.

Gossett moved that the AIS Board invite the TBIS to join the AIS as a section, pending approval of the necessary AIS Bylaws changes. J. Morris seconded. Carried. TBIS Proposal Study: Pope moved that the TBIS Study Committee be disbanded. Kasperek seconded. Carried

Meeting adjourned at 10:20 PM. 5/4/99; reconvened at 8:10 AM. 5/5/99

Standing Committee Reports

Affiliates: Chairman Pope reported 175 Affiliates, citing that many areas of concern expressed at the Affiliates Meeting were membership related.

Awards: Chairman Campbell reported that the Ballot was on the computer and noted that there were few errors. The most frequently occurring complaint concerns the size of the type used in the Judges’ Ballot. He stated that increased production costs of the Ballot and the Symposium would put him over-budget for 1999. The current budget fig¬ ure is low because former Awards Chairman Wilhoit donated the printing.

Mahan stated that, in the future, awards will be presented at the Awards Banquet by the AIS President.

Mahan noted that it is the responsibility of the AIS President to advise the British Iris Society of the Dykes Medal winner and designate the recipient of the medal.

Moller reported that the cost of electronic vote tabulation was prohibitive as charges are based on number of keystrokes and AIS ballots contain many keystrokes. No further action needed.

Dave Miller stated that 1999 is the last year the present Franklin Cook Cup can be used, and that it will be retired to the AIS library after this convention. On behalf of Region 20, Miller than presented the impressive new Franklin Cook Cup to the AIS Board who expressed a vote of appreciation to Region 20 for identifying a need and funding the new cup.

Calendars: Olive Rice-Waters reported that the year 2000 calendars are available and the advance orders have been filled and mailed. These calendars can be purchased through the ‘Storefront’ and at this convention. The cost is the same as in 1998.

Convention Liaison: Gossett reported that at the 2000 convention in Dallas, the AIS Board Meeting will start one day earlier than has been the custom. Dates are April 15— 20.

Gossett moved that the Board accept the invitation from Region 14 to host the National Convention in 2008. Pope seconded. Carried.

Gossett announced that he and Mullin will begin the rewrite of the Convention Handbook as soon as the 1999 Convention is ended. PocHington reported a stock of cur¬ rent Convention Handbooks in the ‘Storefront’.

Exhibitions: Chairman Epperson stated that 178 show schedules have been received and evaluated; 116 show supply orders have been received and 113 of these have been shipped. Expenses are over budget due to ordering of show supplies. Epperson stated that he would probably have a pricing recommendation for show entry tickets in the Fall. It was agreed that excess 1999 show certificates could be returned to him.

90

Through oversight, the ordering of certificates as authorized in the 1998 Spring Meeting has not occurred. These will be available in 2000.

Moller asked if EC Certificates could be duplicated if show supplies were not suffi¬ cient. Epperson answered in the affirmative.

Epperson discussed the need to create and distribute model show schedules. Pope moved that Epperson prepare two model show schedules, one basic and the second com¬ prehensive, to be included as an addition to the Handbook for Show Officials and Judges,

6th edition, 1998. Campbell seconded. Carried. Epperson stated that these can be pub¬ lished quickly and a free copy will be sent to all AIS judges and Apprentice judges. Pocklington will be responsible for placing schedule insertions in the stock of unsold handbooks.

Foundation Liaison: Foundation President Hollingworth reported that the Youth Essay contest had been won by Joyce Fields of St. Louis, MO.

In 1998, the Foundation funded a computer, laser printer and copier for the AIS Library. This year there are plans to underwrite purchase of a scanner and color printer for the Library.

Hollingworth stated that there was a need for increased awareness of the objectives of the Foundation and he reminded us that the Foundation is an endowment hind. Funding of the projects of Dr. Rodionenko and Currier McEwen continues, and the Foundation is seeking new projects to fund. During discussion, it was recommended that names of Foundation Officers and Directors as well as a Foundation Treasurer’s report be included in the Bulletin annually.

Mahan asked that the money in the AIS Evelyn Jones Fundbz transferred to the Foundation which administers this fund. Approved by consensus.

Historical: Chairman Harder stated that he would try to ship all library material remain¬ ing in Ponca to the AIS Library prior to the Dallas Convention in 2000. Mahan noted that Harder is preparing a reference history of “Who Was Who” in AIS and asked all present to send material to assist him in preparing this book.

Honorary Awards: Chairman Niswonger reported for Barr. The die for the DSM has been located and medals authorized at the 1998 Fall Meeting have been ordered, with their presentation cases, at a cost of $3,412. This was less than anticipated as a new die did not have to be made.

Niswonger detailed the delays affecting production of the Bea Warburton Medal.

He noted that a shortage of funds could delay production of the 25 medals.

He moved that Dr. Rodionenko (Russia) be designated as the 1999 recipient of the first Warburton Medal. Campbell seconded. Carried. The AIS President will inform Dr. Rodionenko and a certificate will be sent pending availability of the medal.

Region 20 RVP Fran Evers announced that Region 20 had agreed to match any gift to the Warburton Fund from a region, affiliate or individual. Donations will be matched until a total outlay of $1500 is reached.

Insurance:}. Plank presented the Insurance report from Chairman M. Snyder regarding renewal of our insurance policy. Negotiations are in progress with the current carrier, adding coverage for the library contents and increasing the basic General Liability cover¬ age to eliminate the umbrella policy. She expects to have a new bid by renewal time. In the year 2000, Sections will be insured in the same manner as Affiliates.

During discussion, it was suggested that the Exhibitions Chairman include insur¬ ance information when schedules and supplies are sent out.

Judges’ Handbook Revision: [ New Standing Committed Epperson cited the need for periodic Judges Handbook revisions, stating that he felt that a central repository for sub-

91

mission and an enforceable deadline for submission and publication of revisions were essential. J. Plank moved that the Judges' Handbook be revised and reissued every 5 years, or as often as necessary, and that the President appoint a Standing Committee to under¬ take the revision due in 2003, and present the Board with a draft copy in 2003 so that it may be formally approved prior to issuance. B. Figge seconded. Carried.

Mahan appointed Shepard, Chairman; Hilda Crick, Epperson and Mullin to serve on the newly formed Judges’ Handbook Revision Committee. Niswonger moved approval; Gossett seconded. Carried.

J. Plank stated a problem concerning a change in height of MDBs as published in the 1998 Judged Handbook. Epperson agreed that an error had been made in including an unapproved change of height from 8 inches to 10 inches for Miniature Dwarf Bearded irises in the 1998 Judges Handbook. After lengthy discussion,}. Plank moved that the Board reaffirm the policy that definition of classes of irises can be changed only with spe¬ cific, positive approval of the AIS Board of Directors. Pope seconded. Carried.

The Registrar feels that the 8 inch height limit for MDBs listed on the registration form should be observed until a committee can study and resolve the disparities that have occurred.

Mahan appointed an ad hoc Classification Committee to study and reconcile the disparities in bearded irises height classification: M. Lowe, Chairman; Epperson, Keppel and one representative each from the DIS (Dick Sparling) and MIS (Dorothy Willett). Approved by consensus.

Judges and Judges Training: Chairman Mullins written report was reviewed by Mahan. Mullin expressed appreciation to all who helped him develop the updated list of judges which appears in the April Bulletin.

In addressing the critical need for more show judges, Mullin suggested that the AIS study a return to the old policy of separating judges into 2 categories: Garden and Show. It was noted that requirements for a garden judge would probably need to be more strin¬ gent than those for a show judge, and this change might also affect who would be eligible to vote the ballot The matter was deferred to the Fall meeting.

Library: Chairman McNames gave an update on the progress of the Library database. The Library has the following email address: [aislibrary@aol.com]

He noted the generosity of the Greater Portland Iris Society in holding 2 silent auc¬ tions for the benefit of the Library. With the ongoing Silent Auctions at National Conventions, the Library seems to be bringing in sufficient revenue to pay its way at this time. The question of eligibility for Government grants was discussed and McNames was tasked with investigating this matter. It was also recommended that McNames write an annual letter to all Regions to remind them to send donations of material to him for the Library.

Regarding exchange of publications with foreign societies, the following motions were presented by J. Plank:

1) The AIS Secretary will write to all known foreign iris societies to reaffirm AIS poli¬ cy to exchange society bulletins, advising that future correspondence on the Bulletin exchange will be the responsibility of the AIS Library Chairman, and asking that at least one copy of each foreign society’s bulletin be sent directly to the AIS Library Chairman.

2) In future, the AIS Library Chairman will include in his/her report to the Board, information on which foreign societies are furnishing bulletins on a regular basis.

3) Those foreign iris societies which provide their bulletin to the AIS on a regular basis will be designated members of the AIS without fee, and it will be the responsi-

92

bility of the Library Chairman to inform the Membership Secretary as to which soci¬ eties qualify for membership status.

Epperson moved approval, Pope seconded. Carried

J. Plank moved that the Library Chairman make foreign bulletins available to the International Editor on a timely basis. Niswonger seconded. Carried.

Mahan reported that there appear to be provisions in the library contract that are not being carried out. R. Plank will investigate this matter.

McNames requested approval of a list of Library Items for the Silent Auction, noting that these were all duplicate items. Niswonger moved approval. Epperson seconded.

Carried. The proceeds from the sale of these items will go to the Library Fund.

Mahan restructured the Library Committee as follows: McNames, Chairman: Rick Ernst, Bruce Filardi, A. Lowe and R. Plank, who were charged with establishing fees for services. A. Lowe subsequently declined appointment; M. Lowe was appointed to replace her.

Membership Contest: J. Plank reported for Chairman Miller who requested the 1999 TB introductions promised as prizes for the 1998 contest winners be sent. Winners of the 1999 Membership Contest will appear in the Bulletin.

Policy: Chairman M. Lowe expressed concern over the non-availability of some key mem¬ bers’ email addresses and fax numbers. After discussion, M. Lowe moved that the following statement regarding disclosure/publication of addresses be adopted as AIS policy: “Acceptance of nomination and possible election/ appointment to a leadership or administra¬ tive position in the AIS implies that consent is given for disclosure of personal contact information which may include mailing address, telephone number, fax number, and email address.” Campbell seconded. Carried.

Public Relations: Chairman Guest stated she felt that public relations can be defined as “anytime we come in contact with the public.” Since most of the public wants to know how to grow irises and where to get them, we need to be user friendly and alert to their needs. RVPs and Affiliates have been contacted and a number of helpful suggestions have been received. It was suggested that giving a complimentary AIS membership to local garden writers goes a long way toward getting favorable publicity for iris related events.

Publications are one of the best ways to disseminate information. Guest commented on how many good regional and affiliate publications she had seen and she distributed a comprehensive list of Regional and Affiliate newsletter Editors. The list contained subscrip¬ tion information and general content for each newsletter. This information also appears on the AIS website. Guest plans to develop a contest for newsletters.

Registrations: See Registrar’s report.

Robin: The Robin Report was distributed by Secretary Plank. Chairman Cross asked that sections inform her annually of what robins they offer and who to contact for specific robin information.

RVP Counselor: Chairman Moller reported a positive RVP meeting and presented the fol¬ lowing issues of concern expressed by the Board of Counselors:

• the group asked that AIS support Howard Hughes in the Electronic Check List project. Mahan stated that AIS has supported this project from inception, and is fully prepared to fund this endeavor.

• regional webpages are operational in Regions 4, 16, 18, 19, and 20, and these are linked to the AIS webpage. AIS has not linked to the regional webpages in a timely fashion.

• the Region 14 proposal to restructure the AIS Board to give more seats to RVPs received no support from the Board of Counselors.

93

• membership continues to be of concern. A number of strategies for gaining and retain- ing members were presented. Mahan asked Moller to write an article for the Bulletin detailing some of the suggestions made at the RVP meeting.

Epperson noted that Randall Bowen, RVP of Region 5, actually resides in Region 4. He moved that the approval of Bowen as RVP of Region 5 be reaffirmed. Pope seconded. Carried.

The following officers were elected by the Board of Counselors: President, Fran Evers (20); Secretary, Carol Lingenfelter (21); RVP Board Representative, Carryl Meyer (11). Howard Hughes (6) and Jim Morris (18) were selected as RVP representatives to the AIS Nominating Committee.

Citing the need for clarification of RVP qualifications and duties, Epperson moved that the AIS President appoint a committee to revise the RVP Handbook, and inasmuch as policy is contained in that publication, that it be submitted in draft to all members of the AIS Board and approved by a majority prior to issuance. J. Plank seconded. Carried.

Mahan appointed the following ad hoc committee: Probst, Chairman; Moller, R. Plank and Bill Rinehart. J. Plank moved approval, J. Morris seconded. Carried.

Scientific: No report.

Scholarship: Chairman Taylor’s report was distributed and read by Secretary Plank. The Committee feels that a proposal to study the “Ecological and Evolutionary Processes that Define Relationships in Louisiana Irises” should be funded and recommends that Jill Johnston, graduate student at the University of Georgia, receive the 1999-2000 AIS Graduate Scholarship for her research of I. brevicaulis and I. fulva. The recommendation was approved by unanimous consent.

Section Liaison: Chairman Probst distributed a list of Section Presidents, Membership Chairmen and Editors. The list also contained information on upcoming Section and Cooperating Society Conventions through 2006. He announced the following new section presidents: Charlie Brown, RIS; Joe Spears, HIPS; Everette Lineberger, SIS.

B. Kasperek was elected to serve on the AIS Nominating Committee.

Silent Auction: Chairman Perkins distributed a list of items available at the Silent Auction, noting the great variety of material to be sold. All members were encouraged to support this AIS fund raiser.

Slides: J. Plank reported for Chairman Nichols. Two sets of slides are missing, and Nichols requested input on how to get people to donate slides. Dave Silverberg stated that he had offered to donate duplicate slides from his extensive collection pending arrival of a requested ‘want list’ from Nichols. Since there has been no response, Silverberg was asked to send some of his duplicate slides to Nichols as soon as possible. Campbell recommended that Nichols should be persistent in contacting hybridizers for slides.

Moller stated that he plans to construct a Trivia Slide Program with slides featuring AIS people. Slides of irisarians (of today and yesterday) are sought, along with text detailing the particulars. He also plans to assemble 2 more programs based on general iris trivia. Youth: Chairman Jean Morris reported that the Clarke Cosgrove Memorial Award for Youth Achievement had been awarded to Rusty Thornsburg (17). Runners-up were Monica Combrink (22) and Stephanie Rust (18). AIS Youth Members total 343. This figure is composed of 101 CIP students and 242 regular youth members. Regions 6, 7, 18, and 22 now have CIP.

Morris indicated a need for back issues of AIS calendars for use in various activities, and moved that 100 copies of outdated calendars be sent from the Storefront to the Youth Chairman. Epperson seconded. Carried.

94

Ways and Means: J. Plank moved that the Ways and Means Committee be disbanded. Campbell seconded. Carried.

Nominating Committee Report: Prior to presentation of the slate, Committee member Epperson noted that 50 people were recommended, 36 were selected as possible candidates, and 28 declined to be placed in nomination.

Chairman Meyer submitted the following slate of nominees to fill 4 Director positions to expire in 2002: K. Loberg, M. Lowe, M. Moller, N. Pocklington, S. Pope, R. Probst, L. Reed, G. Sutton. Mahan opened the floor for nominations from the Board. Keppel was nominated by B. Figge; he declined to run. From the floor, B. Kasperek was nominated by - H. Hoik. Mahan declared the nominations closed and Kasperek’s name was added to the ballot. The Board adjourned to Executive session.

Mahan reconvened the meeting and announced that Lowe, Moller, Pope and Probst had been selected as candidates for the Board of Directors. Pope noted that, under the Term Limits rule, none of the four would be eligible for reelection in 2002. Campbell moved that all new Board members, Committee Chairman and anyone taking on a job for AIS will receive a copy of the current AIS bylaws. Pope seconded. Carried. The Secretary will imple¬ ment this.

Mahan appointed Hudson and Pope as Board representatives to the 2000 AIS Nominating Committee. Epperson moved approval, Niswonger seconded. Carried.

The year 2000 Nominating Committee is composed of: B. Kasperek, J. Hudson, H. Hughes, Jim Morris and S. Pope.

Probst moved that the AIS donate $500 to a local charity for disaster relief. Hudson seconded. Carried.

Probst moved that the Board sponsor boxes to receive donations from convention attendees to the local Red Cross for disaster relief. J. Morris seconded, Carried. Gossett will implement this.

Several suggestions were made regarding establishment of a suitable memorial to Ruth Simmons, and it was noted that she had a special interest in youth members. M. Lowe moved that the AIS establish a Ruth Simmons Classroom Iris Project Fund. Pope seconded. Carried. Specific procedures for handling this fund will be worked out at a later date.

Announcements :

On behalf of the Greater St. Louis Iris Society, Probst issued the invitation to the Fall Board Meeting, to be held in St. Louis on November 5-7, 1999.

Mahan extended thanks and appreciation to Oklahoma Convention Chairman, Ron Mullin, and all the members of Region 22 who helped make this convention such a pleasant experience.

J. Plank moved that the Board express thanks to Mary Thurman (7) who obtained and decorated the boxes for donations to the local Relief Fund. Epperson seconded. Carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:40 PM.

Anne S. Lowe Recording Secretary

3n /Hemoiinm:

95

Betty Ballew (California)

Mrs. Robert Brown (California) Mrs. William S. Cherry Jr. (Tennessee)

Gary E. Eichhorn (Washington) Ruth S. Goebel (Colorado)

Ben R. Hager (California)

Virgil Ingbretson (Minnesota) Robert E. Jerrell (California) Frank Jones (Ohio)

Harry B. Kuesel (Arizona)

Richard McCullough (California) Mrs. M.W. Norton, Jr. (Texas) Clay H. Osborne (California) Rose Pohlman (Nebraska) Wauneta B. Rummel (Pennsylvania)

Celetha Seymer (Mississippi) Ruth B. Simmons (Oklahoma) Joyce E. Smith (Maryland)

Mary A. Stiefel (New York)

Mrs. Norbert B. Vaught (Indiana)

96

American Iris Society Foundation

Contributions to the American Iris Society Foundation are used for the research of the genus iris, administration of scholarships and the support of the AIS Library through the Evelyn Jones Memorial Library Fund. This research includes the taxonomy as well as the cause of diseases and their cures. Over the years, grants have been issued to the top researchers and educational institutions throughout the United States as well as internationally.

October 1 , 1998 - April 1 , 1999

Contributions in memory of:

American Iris Society Foundation Anonymous Paul Alexander (CA)

Redwood Iris Society Germaine Barone (PA)

Pittsburgh Iris & Daylily Society Jason David Bowen (NC)

Charlotte Iris Society Opal Brown (OR)

Glenn F. Corlew (CA)

Region 13, AIS Penny Bunker

Delores Denney (KS)

Ted Carlson (NE)

Larry Harder (NE)

Mary & Charles Ferguson (NE)

Jay Conklin (CA)

Lynn Mcllwain (CA)

Pauline Cooley (OR)

Glenn F. Corlew (CA)

Region 13, AIS Nell Corlew (CA)

Mr. & Mrs. Larry D. Stayer (OK) Fran DeSantis (CA)

Glenn F. Corlew (CA)

Mary Dunn (CA)

Humboldt Iris Society Norman Frisch (WI)

Iris Society of Minnesota Fred W. Gadd (CT)

Connecticut Iris Society Bruce & Ruth Bennett (CT)

David & Barbara Schmieder (MA) Ruth S. Goebel (CO)

Fran Evers (CO)

Elmohr Iris Society

Virgil Ingbretson (MN)

Wilbert & Charlotte Sindt (MN) Betty Ipsen (MN)

Iris Society of Minnesota Evelyn Kegerise (PA)

Glenn F. Corlew (CA)

Ida Kramer (ID)

Magic Valley Iris Society Jerry Lederhouse (ME)

Maine Iris Society Patricia Lemesevski (NJ)

Garden State Iris Society Ray Lyons (CO)

Region 20, AIS Elmohr Iris Society Margaret (Peggy) Marvin (AR) Central Arkansas Iris Society Leona Mieras (MI)

Grand Valley Iris Society Rose Pohlman (NE)

Elkhorn Valley Iris Society Ruby Reynolds (KY)

Louisville Area Iris Soicety Fred Schulte (CA)

Mt. Diablo Iris Society Glenn F. Corlew (CA)

Jim Shook (MI)

Grand Valley Iris Society Nancy Silverberg (OR)

Pierce County Iris Society Glenn F. Corlew (CA)

David & Barbara Schmieder (MA) Delores Denney (KS)

Frederick G. Stephenson (VA)

Blue Ridge Iris Society

97

Audway S. Treworgy (ME)

Maine Iris Society E. T. Van Slyke (WA)

Pierce County Iris Society Florence Weed (WA)

Alan & Elaine Brooks (WA)

Edith Wheeler (CA)

Robert Dunn (CA)

Tom Wright (MN)

Iris Society of Minnesota

How can you make a contribution or memorial gift to the American Iris Society Foundation?

Checks should be made payable to the American Iris Society Foun¬ dation. When sending a memorial gift, please include the name and address of the next-of-kin, so an acknowledgement card may be sent. Your tax-deductible donations should be sent to:

The American Iris Society Foundation Roger P. Mazur Sec./Treas.

5824 Erskine #7 Omaha, NE 68104-4159

(Beautiful Custom (Designed

14kt QoCd Iris Tendant or Tin

Two Different Sizes (612) 535-9491

“Diamonds & QoCd Int.

4086 Lakeland Live 9\[ %p66insdaL, (M9[ 55422

98

*/\DS> Stotefoont

Sale items & Publications

$27.00 The World of Irises

Highly recommended! 32 pages of full color. Edited by Warburton and Hamblen, 34 contributors and authors including international authori-ties. Published in 1978 and most authoritative book on all phases of irises. Scientific and popular. 6" x 9" hard bound cloth cover, 526 pages.

$15.00 Handbook for Judges and Show Officials

New release! Sixth Edition ©1998.

$1.50 ea., or Basic Iris Culture . Pamphlets. Great information

$15.00 for 50 for new iris growers. Ideal for clubs or shows.

V _ _ _ _ _ J

$4.50 AIS Bulletins: Back Issues (not all issues available)

$14.00 ea. Check Lists: 1939, 1949, 1959, & 1969

Reprint. Soft cover.

$17.00 Check List, 1979

Reprint. Hard cover. Ten-year compilation of registrations 1970 - 1979.

$17.00 Check List, 1989

Hard cover. Ten-year compilation of registrations 1980 — 1989.

$7.00 ea. Registrations and Introductions:

I99°) I99I> 1992, 1993, 1994, :995> 1996, 1997 and I998-

$2.50 Bronze 50th Anniversary Medals

The AIS 50th Anniversary medal in antiqued bronze. Suitable for pendants, show prizes, and special awards.

View Before You Buy!

The official AIS Website now has photos of several of the Storefront sales items, so you can see what they look like.

Goto: www.irises.org

V J

99

r~ ~ ' ~ " ” * * \

7 5th Anniversary Collection

$25.00 Commemorative Medal

Solid Silver, I Vl inches across. Only 500 struck.

^ $4.50 Bulletin

$2.50, i pack	AIS Seals (50 per pack)
$10.00, 5 packs	Self-adhesive ovals are larger than a half dollar. Official design in blue and green on silver background.
$2.00 each (+$1.00	1998 & 1999 Iris Calendar- While They Last shipping)
$10.00 (+$3.00 shipping) for packs of 10
$4.00, 1 pack $10.00, 3 packs $25.00, 10 packs	Iris Post Cards (16 per pack)

Announcement: AIS can now accept VISA & Mastercard (sorry, no other charge cards) for Storefront orders (minimum order: $10.00). When charging your order, please include card type and number, expiration date, ^ phone number, and signature. _ _ _ _

Prices include postage and handling. Make checks payable to The American Iris Society, or include charge card information. Send order to: Irv & Nancy Pocklington Phone: (217) 854-2184

609 Harrington St Carlinville, IL 62626-1230

Nancy and Irv Pocklington

100

Rent Slide Sets from the Americon iris Society

JUS suae Sets available for 1999:

The Newest in Irises: 1993 ~ 1998 Introductions. Mostly TBs, but contains other types. Recent Award Winners: HM and AM Winners, 1992 - 1997 The Popularity Poll: Temporarily unavailable.

Types other than Tall Bearded: Bearded and beardless, arranged in blooming sequence. Reliables: Mostly past award winners of various types - especially suited for newer iris societies and garden clubs.

1994 Portland Iris Convention

1995 York Iris Convention

Iris Trivia: This is a small set of slides and questions that can be used for a fun & informative meeting. (Use of all questions and slides takes at least one hour.)

To Order: Requests for slides should be made well in advance of requested date, preferably six to eight weeks. If optional, specify alternate sets and/or dates. Clearly print name and mailing address to whom slides are to be sent. Rental fee is $10.00 per set, payable to AIS. Only one set allowed for any request date. Slide sets are to be returned next day after viewing by Priority Mail. Note: Affiliates are entitled to one free TB set per year. Send check with request to:

Hooker Nichols Phone: (214) 352-2191 3365 Northaven Rd.

Dallas, TX 75229

Section Sliaes available:

The various Sections of AIS also have slide sets available for rent. These feature irises of each respective group. Rental fee is $5-00 per set, unless noted otherwise. Requests for these slide sets should be submitted as follows:

Arils and Arilbreds: Order from Scott Jordan, 3500 Avenida Charada NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107. Rental fee $7.50. Check to Aril Society International. Dwarf: Dorothy Willott, 26231 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood, OH 44122-7111.

Check to Dwarf Iris Society. Rental fee $7.50.

Historic Iris Preservation Society (HIPS): Contact Joan Cooper,

212 West Country Rd. C, St. Paul, MN 55113. Rental fee $7.50. Check to HIPS. Japanese: Order from John Coble, 9823 E. Michigan Ave., Galesburg, MI 49053. Check to Japanese Iris Society.

Louisiana: Order from Dalton Durio, 5853 Hwy 182, Opelousas, LA 70570.

Check to Society for Louisiana Irises. Rental fee is $10.00.

Medians: Contact Terry Aitken, 608 NW 119th St, Vancouver WA 98685. $10 check to MIS. Rebloomers: Contact Olive Rice-Waters, 1914 Napa Ave, Berkley, CA 94707.

Check to Reblooming Iris Society. Rental fee is $7.50.

Siberians: Order from Robert Hollingworth, 124 Sherwood Rd E,

Williamston, MI 48895. Check to Society for Siberian Irises.

Species: Several sets available. Order from Helga Andrews,

11 Maple Ave, Sudbury MA 01776. Check to SIGNA.

Spurias: To order, contact Patricia Brooks, 102 Jefferson Lane, Ladson, SC 29456. Check to Spuria Iris Society.

101

y\DS> Tsulletin /\d <T^ates

Changes for §999:

In an effort to encourage new commercial growers, the AIS Board voted to eliminate the “extra services” fees. The prices below are unchanged, but now include the cost of scanning, text, and layup. The sizes are slightly larger.

Also, we are now using an all-electronic setup with our new printer. As a result, we can no longer simply paste ads on paper. All ads submitted on paper will be scanned. If you have graphic images or logs as part of your ad, it would be best if you send them on a disk, or email them directly to Terry Aitken at < aitken@e-z.net> (payment must still be made through advertising editor).

Stf Off/Jfiil Sf S&CtliOft (formerly the “Commercial Directory”)

found in the back of each Bulletin. Placement is alphabetical.

$42.00	inch	Rate is for 4 issues.
$58.00 $73.00	1 IVI6 inch 2 i5/I6 inch	All ads are zx!% inch wide.
Display advertising (Rate is for single issue) Black & White :
$35.00	1 inch	1 x 4 Va
$46.00	Va page	1 Vax 4% (wide), or 3 Va x iVs (tall)
$58.00	Vs page	2V2 x 4% (wide), or 7V2 x 1V2 (tall)
$81.00	Vi page	3 Va x 43/8 (wide), or 7V2 x zVs (tall)
$104.00	2/s page	5 x ^V%
$115.00	Va page	5% X 43/8
$138.00	Full page	7V2 x 43/s

Color (price plus color separations at cost):

$150.00 Vs page mini ad (if space available)

$276.00 Full page, interior page.

$250.00 Full page, interior page, 4 consecutive issue discount. $400.00 Full page, inside back cover.

$425.00 Full page, inside front cover.

$500.00 Full page, outside back cover.

feritts

Payment is due with ad copy. Ads due: July 15 (Oct. issue), October 15 (Jan. issue), January 15 (Apr. issue), April 15 (Jul. issue). Send ad and payment (payable to AIS) to:

Jean Erickson, Advertising Editor (707) 526-5204

4036 Trinity Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95405

102

Bulletin of the MS Shopping Section

AAA QUALITY ENGRAVERS

Botanical Garden Quality Engraved Labels for Iris & other plants.

• U.V. Stable

• Quickly Installed

• AAA Service, 1-2 wks.

• Black or Teal Green

• New Round Corners,

Ask for FREE SAMPLE

AAA QUALITY ENGRAVERS

5754 Oxford Place, Dept. IR New Orleans, LA 70131 (504) 393-6377 • Fax (504) 391-2225

_ (Continental USA Only) _

TLnastasi

Iris Portraits

Dramatic everlasting oil or pastel paintings of your favorite flower. Also, limited edition prints and note- cards of original Iris art.

For a free sample:

call 503-292-1476

email paintings@anastasia.com

web http://www.anastasia.com

or write 5328 SW Hewett Blvd.

Portland, OR 97221

For a catalog send $3.00 (refundable)

(Aaretafr s

TJftelfrs

Tall Beardeds

102 E. Harney Lane Lodi, CA 95242 Phone: (209) 339-4747

thats: DEW-IRIS Byron Aarstad, Proprietor

Send us a S.A.S.E. for a list of over 350 varieties

After Hours Iris Patch

Large selection of new and old bearded iris at affordable prices. Send $1.00 for catalog

12119 County Road A Liberty, MO 64068 816-792-1848

BLUE SKY IRIS

Debbie Gor ham and Dob Applegate 19700 NW Adcock Rd Yamhill, OR 97146

Siberian and Japanese Iris

Frice list available upon request

103

Shopping Section

peri's Sainton Creek

ojtward winning Irises Introductions by Terry Aitken, Ken Fisher, Chad Harris, Bennett & Evelyn Jones, Carol Lankow, Marky Smith and Jean Witt.

$2.00 for Color Catalog

Aitken’s Salmon Creek Garden 608 NW 119 St Vancouver WA 98685

Online catalog: www.e-z.net/~aitken

RGYLE

CRES

Joe & Donna Spears 910 Pioneer Circle East Argyle, Texas 76226

940/464-3680

www. argyleacres .com

For Catalog: Send two first class stamps and your address.

BAY VIEW GARDENS

of Joseph J. Ghio

1201 Bay St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Send $2.00 for catalog listing the finest in Tall, Louisiana, Pacifica, and Spuria Irises.

Babhette’s Gardens

Specializing in TBs and Daylilies

Send $1 for Catalog Please make checks payable to: Babbette Sandt 40975 N 172 St East Lancaster ; CA 93535 ,

Old & New Varieties GREAT VALUES

BIJOIRD HAVLI'

ms Ci a k o r k

6940 FAIRPLAY ROAD SOMERSET, CA 95684

e*oio C>’?lrc C\ir6cnc’

Ed & Rusty Ostheimer 1831 Bull Run Road Schriever, Louisiana 70360 Phone: 504-446-2329 Louisiana Irises Wholesale & Retail Color Catalogue: $2.00

*

if r

104

Shopping Section

Attention All Iris Collectors!

Computer software to catalog and store your record keeping needs, specifically made for Iris collections. System minimum: VGA monitor, CPU 486, 586, 686, Pentium, or Pentium II, 8 meg ram, 6 meg disk space, 3.5 floppy. IBM compatible running Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows NT.

No programming is required.

Visit our web site at benterprises.com E-mail is bruce@benterprises.com Toll free is 1-888-434-9696 Send check or money order only.

$ 29.95 + $ 6.00 S/H = Total Cost $34.95.

B. Enterprises 669 Peoria St. #118 Aurora, CO 80011

George Clinton Bush Clean Shaven Iris Japanese - Siberian - Species Big list for a stamp. Reduced Prices. 1739 Memory Lane Extd York, PA 17402

f. *

RR #1 (8790 Hwy #24) Guelph, Ont., Canada N1H 6H7 (519)856-4424

Over 1000 Median & MDB Over 2000 total IRIS Rebloomers, Historical Pseudacorus, Species

$2.00 for Catalog Refundable from order

Specializing in Tall Bearded Irises

Located at 9130 Highway 99E,

Los Molinos, CA, just 30 minutes North of Chico.

Catalog $1 (refundable) send to

Gene and Tina Cabral P.O. Box 9264, Chico, CA 95927 530-345-3937

Specializing in TBs, BBs, IB, SDBs, and Spurias.

CAPE IRIS GARDENS

822 Rodney Vista Blvd.

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Catalog $1.00 - Refundable Dave Niswonger, Hybridizer and Grower

CLARKS GARDENS

RR3 Box 3245 Edwards, MO 65326 MDB, SDB, IB, MTB, BB, AB, TB Send $1.00 for price list

105

Shopping section

CAL-DIXIE IRIS GARDENS

Largest selection of quality affordable bearded irises (new and old) in Southern California.

Herb and Sara Hoik

14115 Pear St.

Riverside CA 92508

Catalog: 2 first-class stamps

Contemporary Gardens

of Perry Dyer

Rt. 5, Box &00 Blanchard, OK 75010

Tall beardeds, medians, Louisianas and daylilies. Featuring intro- ductions of Perry Dyer, Augusto Bianco (Italy), and Louisianas from Kevin Vaughn (Mississippi).

1999 National Convention Tour Garden. Send $2 for 19S9 catalog.

22C

OOLEY’S

11553 Silverton Rd. NE RO. Box 126 Silverton, Oregon 97381

FEATURING THE FINEST OF TALL BEARDED IRISES QUALITY RHIZOMES

Incomparable Iris catalog in color

Send $5.00 for the catalog, then deduct it from your first catalog order.

CHEHALEM GARDENS

Tom and Ellen Abrego PO Box 693 Newberg OR 97132

Siberian and Spuria Irises

Descriptive price list available upon request

Comanche Acres iris Gardens

Route 1 , Box 258 Gower, MO 64454

Quality TB, BB, LA and median irises at reasonable prices.

— Introductions by —

Jim Hedgecock, Henry Rowlan and Jimmy Burch.

Beautiful tall bearded color catalog $300 for two years .

Separate median and Louisiana lists $ l00 each.

D. and J. GARDENS

7872 Howell Prarie Road, N.E.

Silverton, OR 97381 Introductions of Joyce and Duane Meek See our ad in the April Bulletin Send $1.00 for catalog.

DrUTFCOTT

QHRDERS

Siberian and Japanese Irises

Carol Warner 16815 Falls Road Uppereo, MD 21155 (410) 3744788

Send $1 for price list.

106

Shopping Section

'Durio Gardens'

Albert, Dalton, Ken and Belle Growers and hybridizers of:

Louisiana iris Japanese iris Spuria iris Iris virginica Iris laevigata Iris peeudoacorue

Send $4.00 for your new, color catalog of irises and daylilies.

Louisiana Nursery 5853 Highway 182 Opelousas, LA 70570

Your garden deserves EVERGREEN labels

• Plant name engraved in U-V resistant green plastic plate; slips into galvanized steel backplate mounted on stem.

• Other galvanized steel products: plain plant markers, tag stakes, bloomstalk supports and rose pegging hooks.

Send first class stamp for brochure

Introductions of

Currier McEwen & Kamo Nurseries

Eartheart Gardens RR #1 , Box 847 Harpswell, ME 04079-9725

(207) 833-6327

DESCRIPTIVE CATALOG: $2/2 YR. REFUNDABLE

EVOLUTION IN ACTION IRIS GARDEN

Specializing in Alternate Flower Form. Jared Harris

93 E. 100 S, Logan, UT 84321 SASE for list.

Specialists in Japanese Iris. Catalog of descriptions with culture page: $2.00

9823 E. Michigan Ave. Galesburg, Mich. 49053

FORTE’S IRIS GARDENS

Two locations to serve you!

Virginia Forte 12312 S. Wilson Rd.

Los Banos, CA 93635 (209) 826-4850

(Send $1 .50 for Catalog)

TALL BEA RDED

f REBLOOMERS HISTORIES

Mary Forte 9320 Lakota Way \tascadero, CA 93422 (805) 466-7958 e-mail: jforte21@aol.com

HADAWAY FARMS

Route 1, Box 42M Carney, OK 74832

A FLOWER BED OF IRIS featuring tall and median bearded iris at affordable prices. Descriptive price list $1.00 (refundable with 1st order)

107

Shopping section

IRIS GRR D€N Over 900 Varieties

* Tall Beards

* Dwarfs

* Space Agers

* Dykes Medals

Reasonable Prices

Catalog $2.00 Refundable

21643 Shake Ridge Road Volcano, CA 95689 (209) 296-4436 Email loramasche@cdepot.net Internet http://welcome.to/irisgarden Wholesale Only on Site

STOCK REDUCTION

of 1979 and earlier iris -$2.00 each + postage- Older Dykes $5.00 each + postage

Send SASE for list Regular Catalog $3.00 deduct from catalog order

FOXES9

IRIS PATCH

92 - 48th St. SW Huron, SD 57350-6543

Fox Brook Iris Farm

Andrew Wheler

90 Call Rd • Colrain, MA 01340 1-413-624-8800 Email- Foxbrook@javanet.com

Specializing in Siberian, Japanese and Species Spring Shipping

Send $1.00 for extensive iris list

Iris Books for sale - old, new & rare

Send $2.00 for quarterly list.

GOLDEN’S IRIS GARDEN

Specializing in newer and symposium TB iris.

4564 Robin Dr. Prescott, AZ 86301 (520) 445-0503

Send for free catalog.

Garden Fonts

... for affordable weatherproof labels.

Send for a FREE SAMPLE of Garden Fonts’ custom printed peel & stick labels for your new or used metal garden markers.

By Mail Garden Fonts Dept 1 1007 Province Rd Barnstead NH 03218

Phone 603.435.6128

email gardenfonts@yahoo.com

or... get more information,

and order securely online at our new web site...

www.gardenfonts.com

Harmony Iris Gardens

PO Box 3731 Santa Rosa, CA 95402

TB, Medians, Rebloomers

Display garden includes Spurias and PCI

$2.00 Catalog (refund with order) www.harmonyiris.com

108

Shopping section

[7/jermit

[Mjedlars

[Wjalk

Bill & Ada Godfrey 3 Pierce St Foxborough MA 02035

MDBS, SDBs, MTBs, IBs, BBs, TBs, REBLOOMERS

Display garden includes Louisiana’s,

Siberian, Japanese, and Species. Catalogue $1 (deduct from order)

IRIS and COLLECTIBLES

Jim and Vicki Craig

1 6325 SW 1 1 3 Ave Tigard, OR 97224

Tetraploids MTB IB BB TB

Send first class stamp for descriptive price list

Ins City Gardens

IVLacey and Greg IVfcOiilloiigli 502 Brighton Place

Nashville, TN 37205-2556 615,586,3778 800.934.IRIS

Primarily beardless iris? Japanese, Louisiana, Siberian and Species,

ItVe carry some antique iris, tall Warded iris, and a variety of pond plants.

Call or write for free catalog.

Iris Country

Historic Bearded & Beardless Irises. Historic Daylillies.

6219 Topaz St NE, Brooks, OR 97305 (503) 393-4739 (evenings)

The Iris Gallery

of Jay and Terri Hudson

Your Trusted Supplier of: Pacific Coast Species Unguicularis Siberian Spuria Bearded Iris

Year-round shipments of Pacific Coast and Unguicularis

SEND $2.00 FOR CATALOG

33450 Little Valley Rd Fort Bragg, CA 95437 1 -800-757-IRIS Fax: 707-964-3907

E-Mail: irishud@mcn.org

7280 Tassajara Creek Road Santa Margarita, CA 93453 (805) 438-3070 www.thegrid.net/irishill

H SI'S I VMI IMII VN II IS CARDEN

Joni L. Renshaw 810 S 14th Street Tekamah, NE 6806 1

Send $1.00 for Descriptive Catalog Listing over 1 ,000 Newer, Hardy TB and Median Irises at Affordable Prices.

109

Shopping Section

IRIS

THE RAINBOW FLOWER

Video by Carolyn Hawkins,

AIS Judge for NCSGC, Inc.

Soil Prep, Planting, Dividing, Pests/Diseases, Hybridizing Designs and More!

38 Minutes. Perfect for club programs or club libraries. $19.95 + $3 Postage/Handling

Make check payable to: National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc.

4401 Magnolia St. Louis, MO 63110-3492 (800) 550-6007

Jump Creek Gardens

TB * IB * BB * SDB RE&SA

Quality Rhizomes at Competitive Prices

Descriptive Price List $2.00 deductible from first order

Route 1 Box 282 Warsing, Idaho 83639

Lauer’s J lowers

fA (ewer irises at Bargain prices /

11314 Randolph %d Milton, Cft 35693 (916) 687-6134

KARY IRIS GARDENS Ardi Kary 6201 E. Calle Rosa Scottsdale, A Z 85251 (602) 949-0253 Tall Bearded-ArilbrecUMedian

LAURIE’S GARDEN

Lorena M. Reid (Reid) introductions of

Japanese, Sino-Siberians, Species & Interspecies Irises

Free list in spring, US only.

41886 McKenzie Hwy. Springfield, OR 97478

LORRAINE’S IRIS PATCH

20272 Road 11 N.W. Quincy, WA 98848 Dykes and many older Iris at most reasonable prices.

MARYOTT’S GARDENS

PO Box 1177 Freedom, CA 95019-1177 Newer TB’s Retail/Wfaolesale Full color catalog $5 — Deductible www.irisgarden.com

no

Shopping section

IRIS

HOSTAS

DAYLIUES

Mid-America

Garden

Paul Black & Tom Johnson

COLOR CATALOG $3.00

Foreign $4.00 U.S. Funds

NOTE our NEW ADDRESS P O BOX 18278 SALEM, OR 97305-8278

P.0. Box 19; Boulder, CO 80306

Since 1905

Iris from the “Top of the World”

Featuring Irises from: Magee, Durrance, Hoage, Lyons, Moller, Jorgensen, D. Miller and others.

Mill Creek Gardens

Tall Bearded Medians MDB’s Historic Siberians

210 Parkway Lapeer, MI 48446-2385 (810)-664-5525 email: mcgiris@tir.com

catalog $1.00 refundable

MILLER’S MANOR GARDENS

Roger and Lynda Miller 12788 E. 191 St.

Noblesville, IN 46060

MDBs, Medians TBs, Siberians Daylilies, Hostas and Potted Perennials

Newest irises at affordable prices

Send $1.00 for catalog, deductible from first order.

Please support our vendors.

Tell them you saw their ad in the ms Bulletin!

Shopping Section

Mountain View Gardens

“Located in Montana’s beautiful Flathead Valley”

SPECIALIZING IN SIBERIAN IRISES

Send 1st class stamp for catalog.

2435 Middle Rd. Columbia Falls, MT 59912 www.mountainviewgard.com

OUNTAIN VIEW

IRIS GARDENS

: Large selection of iris at bargain : prices. 100% extras with every c order. Free ’99 catalog w/color. Donna & Lacy Hagood 6307 Irwin Ave Lawton, OK 73505 (580) 492-5183/536-3378 MVIGOK@AOL.COM

Nflpfi COUNTRY IRIS GARDENS

John & Lesley Painter

9087 Steele Canyon Rd. Napa, Ca. 94558

QUALITY TB IRIS

Irises grown in the world famous wine producing region of California Send first class stamp for catalog available April through July

NEWBURN’S IRIS GARDENS

1415 Meadow Dale Drive Lincoln, NE 68505-1940

Growing over 1,000 varieties of tall bearded irises.

Some new and many older irises at rea¬ sonable prices.

Price List on Request

NICHOLLS GARDENS

Japanese Rebloomers Siberian - Species LA - Median - TB Hosta & Day lilies

4724 Angus Dr, Gainesville, VA 20155 HTTP://www.he.net/ ~ngardens Catalog $1.00

NICHOLSON’S WOODLAND IRIS GARDENS

5406 Milnes Road Modesto, CA 95357

We have several hundred iris vari¬ eties from which to choose. We always like to have visitors during bloom season. Very reasonable prices. Modesto (home of American Graffiti) is located in central California. Our location is very close to Hwy. 99. (209) 578-4184

Send $1.00 for catalog Refundable with first order

email: iris4u@pacbell.net web: http://home.pacbell.net//iris4u/

112

Shopping Section

NICODEMUS IRIS GARDENS

Richard & Barbara Nicodemus RR1 Box 297 Buffalo, MO 65622

Large Selection of Mostly Newer:

TB - Medians - LA - Jl - SPU - SIB - Irises Descriptive Catalog $1 (Refundable with order) Visitors Welcome 417/345-8697

uWortfc THne v9*ts Cta*de«

Mary Ferguson

PO Box 595 Norfolk, NE 68701

Newer TB and Median Irises

Tall Bearded,

Medians, Siberians,

^ Species, Hostas and Daylilies

Price list $1.00 (deductible with order)

OHIO GARDENS 148 Alta St

Marietta OH 45750-2607 MTBs of Mary Louise Dunderman and W. Terry Varner.

Large listing of MTBs and Species. Also BBs. Catalog $1.00

\&> afs -alfo afea aij&, affig gg,

utback Iris

Gardens

Large selection of iris at discount prices. 100% BONUS with every order. Free

’99 catalog w/some color.

Mary & Jerry Turner 209 Lakeview Ave Apache, OK 73006 (580) 492-5183 & FAX

OUTBACKOK1 @ AOL.COM

PEDERSON’S IRIS PATCH

Sibley, Dazey North Dakota 58429

Iris Capitol of North Dakota

Quality Tall Bearded Iris at Competitive Prices

Please send 2 first class stamps

for price list

PLEZ-SCENT IRIS GARDEN

Home of the Owyhee Series OWYHEE DESERT BRUNEAU JASPER OWYHEE AMETHYST

plus more

706 E. Bates, Parma, ID 83660

ARIL and

ARILBRED

IRIS GARDENS

425 E. LUNA AZUL DR. CHAPARRAL, NM 88021

113

Shopping section

Clean-shaven iris, Uncommon
perennials, Bog	I'V'j
plants, Hostas &
Wildflowers.	f 1/
Catalog $1.00

PINE RIDGE GARDENS 832-1 Sycamore Road London, Arkansas 72847

Mary Ann Spurlock 505-529-6534

tureho

VDe

• REE3L00MING IRIS

• TP - LA -SPURIA - 1000 Choices

• Weddinge & Special Events s Hass Avocados

8>000 Balcom Canyon Rd.

Somis, CA 93066 Free Catalog On Request

(805)461-3270 Fax (805)461-5670 e-mail Scottsirisfajaol.com

SCOTT’S IRIS GARDENS s

14605 Chispa Rd., Atascadero, CA 93422

Jack & Bonne Scott | We love our farm and invite you | to visit. Enjoy the iris, visit with | the animals, rest in our edible | flower and herb garden, and yes. g we have lots of bearded iris for g sale. I

Hybridizing today |

for tomorrows rebloomers

Catalog $ 1 .00 (deducted from first order)

Specializing in tall bearded and rebloomers.

Visit us @ rainbowfarms.net

250 County Road 323 Bartlett , TX 76511

(512) 338-1618 phone/fax

Visa/Mastercard accepted

(fastdertd.

Median & Dwarf Bearded Also: TBs, Siberians I florentina (orris)

NOTE: NEW ADDRESS

Tracy W. Jennings 4652 Culver Ave. NW Buffalo, MN 55313 Descriptive catalog - $1.00

ROCK SPRINGS IRIS FARM

Rt. 1 Box 238 B Henrietta, Texas 76365

Reasonable prices Descriptive Catalog Send 2 first-class stamps (940) 538-6932 email: RSIrisFmTX@aol.com

114

Shopping Section L. A
f \ & § Offering over 4000 Varieties of Bearded Iris Reasonable Prices Specializing in Rebloomers and Space Agers “Try Us - You’ll Like Us” Descriptive Catalog $5.00 (Refunded with First Order) Tony and Irene DeRose 21680 Upper Pleasant Ridge Caldwell, Idaho 83605 (208) 453-1305		6S RORIS W GARDENS 8195 Bradshaw Road Sacramento, CA 95829 Phone: (916) 689-7460 Tall Bearded Iris Send $5.00 for Color Catalog (Deductible from 1st order) Our 72 page catalog features a color photo of every flower we offer.
1000 TB Varieties Rebloomers, Space Agers, Dykes Medals & more... Catalog $2.00 (refunded with first order) Keith Chadwick 14000 Oasis Road Caldwell, ID 83605 (208) 459-7185		<-^IRIS GARDENS 3629 Quinaby Road, Salem, Oregon 97303 Fine Iris for discerning collectors. GROWERS - HYBRIDIZERS - ORIGINATORS America’s Finest Iris Catalog. Accurate color illustrations, a treasure trove of information. $5.00 SPRUCE GARDENS
SOURDOUGH IRIS GARDENS 109 Sourdough Ridge Road Bozeman, MT 59715-9264 Older varieties thrive in high altitude, colder climates. Reasonable prices. Send long SASE for list available Apr. 15-Oct. 1		2317 3rd Rd WisnerNE 68791-3536 1000+ choice newer tall bearded irises 200+ newer Medians List $1.00 deductible

115

Shopping Section

3342 W. Orangewood Phoenix, AZ 85051 (602) 841-1231

BEARDED and SPURIA

GUARANTEED QUALITY - 1000 CHOICES Send 2 - 1st Class stamps for catalog

IF YOU HAVE THE BEST

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Stanley Iris Garden

3245 N. WING RD, STAR, ID 83669

208 - 286 7079

Spanish ^/orfc Jris Qnrden

Darlene Pinegar 40 South 200 West Spanish Fork, Utah 84660

Hybridizing for RE and SA irises.

Send 2 first class stamps for descriptive list of TB, Median, RE, and SA irises.

SUPERSTITION IRIS GARDENS

Rick Tasco / Roger Duncan

2536 Old Hwy., Dept. A9 Cathey’s Valley, CA 95306

phone 209-966-6277 E-mail randrcv@sierratel.com

t BEARDED IRIS

miniature dwarfs to tails

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tAR ILBREDS a wide and varied selection l mREDlBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE Descriptive catalog $1.50 Listing over 1,100 varieties

16592 Road 208, Porterville, CA 93257 559-784-9011 Fax 559-784-6701 (Note: New Area Code!)

Specializing in reblooming and space age iris. Over 1,500 varieties of tall bearded and median iris.

Catalog $3.00

Stump Hollow Iris Gardens

Offering the finest in Bearded Iris 2554 Applegate Lane Payette, Idaho 53661-5017 E-mail floral@cyberhighway.net Price list available

116

Shopping section

TB’S PLACE

1513 Ernie Lane Grand Prarie, TX 75052-1106

New Introductions from Tom Burseen and most other hybridizers .

PLANT MARKERS

A unique and attractive tag. All metal and long lasting. Permanent and economical.

Perfect for Iris

Send self-addressed stamped envelope for description, price list and picture.

F. R. UNRUH

37 Oaknoll Road Wilmington, Delaware 19808 (302) 994-2328

WILLOW BEND FARM

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Resonabfe Prices

I

*4

New & Classic Varieties

M

all of the

American Hykes Winners 1145 Hw! 65 Eckert, CO 81418

Don and Ginny Spoon 1225 Reynolds Road Cross Junction, VA 22625 (540) 888-4447 e-mail: VSpoon@aol.com

we grow over 4000 iris varieties 2200 listed over 750 rebloomers

72 page catalog

Bearded Iris Introductions TBs Medians J — ' MDBs Modems ' Classics ' — ' Histories

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Refundable with order Satisfaction guaranteed

6

ZEBRA GARDENS

sR

PURSUING TOMORROV TODAY

Distinctive bearded iris. Broken color flowers, variegated foliage. TBs. Medians. & MDBs

Brad & Kathie Kasperek

9130 North 5200 West Elwood, Utah 84337 (435) 257-0736

Catalog $3.00

Please support our uenaors.

Tell them you saw their aa in the / mis Bulletin!

s

Bulletin of the American iris society

ISSN 0747-4172

Volume lxxx, No. 3 Series No. 314, Section 2 July 1999

2000 fyumposium

* '

Ballot

Please vote for your favorite 25 Tall bearded Iris Varieties

All members of The American Iris Society are urged to participate in this ballot in order that we may obtain a wide consensus of the tall bearded iris varieties that grow and bloom best in gardens throughout America. Mail the completed ballot to your RVP by September i, 1999. Final results will be published as the popularity poll in a future issue of the Bulletin. Please vote!

Attention: Overseas Members are invited to vote the Symposium Ballot. Instructions on the following page. See deadline on following page, item #5.

•L

Please Vote

Sixtieth Official Tall Bearded Iris Symposium of the American Iris Society

2000

This is your ballot to help determine the One Hundred Favorite Tall Bearded Irises for 2000. The list of candidates was completed by combining the following lists of outstanding varieties:

** The 100 top varieties in last years Symposium

** The tall bearded irises eligible for 1999 Wister Medal

** The tall bearded irises eligible for 1999 Dykes Medal

** The tall bearded irises eligible for 1999 Awards of Merit

** The tall bearded irises that won 1998 Awards of Merit

** The tall bearded irises that won 1998 Honorable Mentions

Every member of The American Iris Society may participate in this balloting of the irises listed on the following pages. Each member is allowed twenty- five votes. Please follow the instructions below.

1. Vote only for an iris that you have seen blooming in a garden.

2. Clearly place an “X” in front of each of your twenty-five favorites. The second member of a family membership should use an “O” symbol to designate votes. Additional, family or youth members should use a number (1, 2, 3, etc.) in front of each vote to identify it. Each member is entitled to a maximum of twenty-five votes. Since the ballot is designed for easy tabulation by the Regional Vice Presidents, please follow directions carefully.

3. No member may vote for more than twenty- five varieties. You may vote for fewer than twenty-five if you wish.

4. Your ballot must be mailed to your Regional Vice President by September 1, 1999 in order to be counted. The name of your RVP is listed inside each AIS Bulletin. Sign your ballot and mail it first class.

5. Overseas Members may vote by mailing their ballot to the Awards Committee Chairman whose name and address appear inside each AIS Bulletin. It is advisable to send by Air Mail to assure receipt of your Ballot by the deadline of September 15, 1999.

Name(s):

Address:

ACOMA

AEGEAN STORM AFTERNOON DELIGHT AFTER THE BALL .AFTER THE DAWN .AGE OF INNOCENCE .AIN'T MISBEHAVEN .ALEXANDER'S RAGTIME BAND .ALL TOGETHER _AL' ORANGE .ALPINE TWILIGHT .ALTRUIST .AMERICAN CLASSIC .AMERICA'S CUP .ANGELS IN FLIGHT .ANNA BELLE BABSON .ANNE MURRAY .ANSWERED PRAYERS .ARCTIC EXPRESS .AROUND MIDNIGHT .ART EAIRE .ASCENT OF ANGELS .AURA LIGHT .AUTUMN TRYST .AVALON SUNSET .AWAKENING

.BABBLING BROOK

_ BALCH SPRINGS

_ BATTLE ROYAL

_ BAYBERRY CANDLE

_ BEFORE THE STORM

_ BELLS ARE RINGING

_ BEST BET

_ BETTY DUNN

BEVERLY SILLS

BEWILDERBEAST BIG BIRD

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS BIRTHDAY SURPRISE BITTERSWEET JOY .BUCK FALLS .BUCK TIE AFFAIR .BLENHEIM ROYAL .BLUE MONTANA SKIES .BLUE SUEDE SHOES .BOLD LOOK BOOGIE WOOGIE BOXWINK'S GOLDEN DREAM .BOY NEXT DOOR .BRAVE NEW WORLD .BREAKERS .BRIDE'S HALO .BRINDLED BEAUTY .BUBBLE DANCER JUBBLING ALONG .BUBBLING OVER

.CABOT COVE .CAFE OLE'

.CAJUN QUEEN .CAJUN RHYTHM .CAJUN SPICES .CAMELOT ROSE

_ CANNINGTON BLUEBIRD

.CANNONBALL .CAPTAIN'S JOY .CARNIVAL SONG .CASCADE SPRINGS _ CEE CEE

_ CELEBRATION SONG

CHAMPAGNE ELEGANCE

CHANGE YOUR WAYS CHANTILLY UCE .CHATTER

.CHEROKEE HERITAGE .CHEROKEE NATION .CHERRY GLEN .CHERRY UNE .CHERRY SMOKE .CHRISTMASTIME .CIRCUS WORLD .CITY LIGHTS .CITY OF PARIS .CURENCE .CUSSIC LOOK .CUSSMATE .CLEAR MORNING SKY .CLOSE SHAVE .COALIGNITION

_ CODICIL

_ COLORADOAN

.COMANDANTE .CONJURATION .CONTINUITY .COPPER CUSSIC .COUNTRY GENTLEMAN .CRANBERRY DELIGHT .CREDIT LINE .CROSS CURRENT .CRUISE CONTROL .CUTTING EDGE

.DAKOTA MOON .DANCE HALL DOLLY .DANUBE WALTZ .DAWNING DAWN OF CHANGE

.DAZZLING GOLD	_ JOOTLQOSE	_ _HOT CHOCOLATE
.DEBBIE REYNOLDS	„FORBIDDEN FRUIT	HQTDOGS AND MUSTARD
.DEBBY RAIRDON	FOREIGN STATESMAN
.DEBRENEE	FRINGE BENEFITS	_ICEDTEA
.DIDDLER	__FROSTING	_IMAGINARIUM
.DIRTY DEVIL CANYON	_FR0ZEN BLUE	__IMMORTALITY
DODGE CITY	__FUNNY GIRL	_INDULGE
DOVER BEACH		_INFERNAL FIRE
DOROTHEA MARQUART	_GAY PARASOL	_ISLAND SURF
DREAMSICLE	_ J5IRAFFE KNEEHIZ	_ _ ISN'T THIS SOMETHING
DUSKY CHALLENGER	__GNUS FLASH _J50ING MY WAY	IT'S MAGIC
.EAGLE'S FLIGHT	GOLD FROSTING	_ JAMES P.
.EARTH SONG	_GOLDKIST	_ _ JAZZED UP
.EASTERTIME	_GOLD SPECULATOR	JAZZ ME BLUE
EDITH P. WHEELER	__GOODBYE GIRL	_ ..JESSE'S SONG
EDITH WOLFORD	__GOOD LOOKING	_JE T'AIME
ELAINEALOPE	__GRAND WALTZ	. . .JOHN KEARNEY
ELEGANT IMPRESSIONS	__GRAPHIQUE	_JOHNNY REB
ELSIE RICHARDSON	__GRATEFUL CITIZEN	_JOYCE TERRY
.EMPEROR'S CONCERTO	__GREAT GATSBY	__JOY JOY JOY
ERMINE DOLL	„GUADALUPE	. JUAN VALDEZ
EVERYTHING PLUS	_ _GYPSY ROMANCE _GYPSY WOMAN	JURASSIC PARK
FALLEN ANGEL		__KEVIN'S THEME
FANCY STITCHES	_HALFWAY TO HEAVEN	_KILT LILT
FANCY WOMAN	_HALO IN CREAM	_KLONDIKE LIL
FANCY WOMAN	_ _ HALO IN GOLD	_KNOCK 'EM DEAD
FASHION DESIGNER	__HAUTE COUTURE
FATAL ATTRACTION	HELLO DARKNESS	__LACED COTTON
FEATURE ATTRACTION	_HELLO-GOODBYE	_LACY PRIMROSE
FESTIVE MOOD	HIGH DRAMA	_ . LADY BIRD JOHNSON
FIESTA SONG	_ HIPPOZ TUTU	_LADY FRIEND
FILIBUSTER	.HOLLYWOOD AND VINE	_ LADY JULIET
FILM FESTIVAL	_HOLY NIGHT	_LA MER
FINALIST	HONKYTONK BLUES	LARK ASCENDING

LATIN LOVER LA VALSE LEDA'S LOVER LEMON CHESS .LEMON MIST .LIFE OF RILEY .LIGHTNING BOLT .LIGHTNING STREAK LOCAL COLOR LONG'S PEAK .LONESOME DOVE LOR1LEE .LOS COYOTES .LUCILLE RICHARDSON .LULLABY OF SPRING

MADAME BOVARY MAGIC SHOW MALLOW DRAMATIC MANAGUA MARCY MICHELLE MARIPOSA SKIES MARTHELLA MARY FRANCES MASTER PLAN MELTED BUTTER MESMERIZER MICHIGAN PRIDE MOTHER'S LITTLE HELPER MOUNTAIN MAJESTY MUCH OBLIGED MULLED WINE MYSTIC'S MUSE MYSTIQUE

NEW CENTURION NIGERIAN RASPBERRY NIGHT ATTACK NIGHT FIRES NIGHT GAME NIGHT RULER NO BIKINI ATOLL NORA EILEEN NORDIC ICE NORTHWEST PRIDE NOTABLE

NOTHING BUT NET

OH JAMAICA OX CORRAL OKTOBERFEST OLD BLACK MAGIC OLYMPIAD OPAL BROWN ORANGE EMBERS ORANGE JUBILEE ORANGE SLICES OSAKA O'SO PRETTY OVERNIGHT SENSATION

.PACIFIC DESTINY .PAGAN GODDESS PAINT IT BLACK .PANAMA HATTIE .PERSIAN BERRY PINK CHARMING .POND LILY .PINK QUARTZ .PRESTIGE ITEM PRETTY IS

PRIVATE RESERVE PRIVATE STOCK PRIVATE TREASURE PROGRESSIVE ATTITUDE PROUD TRADITION PUMPKIN CHEESCAKE PURE AS GOLD PURPLE PEPPER

QUEEN IN CALICO QUEEN OF ANGELS QUIET ELEGANCE

.RAINBOW GODDESS RAIN MAN RAMBLIN' ROSE RARE OCCASION RARE TREAT .RASPBERRY FUDGE RASPBERRY SPLENDOR RAVEN'S QUOTE RAZZLEBERRY RED HAWK RHONDA FLEMING RINGO

RIPPLING RIVER RITE OF SPRING .ROMANTIC EVENING .ROSALIE FIGGE ROSETTE WINE .RUFFLED BALLET .RUFFLED COPPER SUNSET RUFFLED SKIRTS RUMBLESEAT RUSTLER

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE	_SUPREME SULTAN	_WAR CHIEF
SCARLET EMBERS	_SWEET MUSETTE	_WATER BALLET
SHIPSHAPE	_ SWEETER THAN WINE	_ WATERWORLD
SHIRLEY M.	_SWING AND SWAY	_WHERE THERE'S SMOKE
SILVERADO	_SWINGTOWN	_ WHITE HEAT
SKATING PARTY		_ _ WILD THING
SKIPALONG	_ TALL SHIPS	_ _ WINDS OF CHANGE
SKY BLUE PINK	_ TANGUERAY	_WINI CONKLIN
SKY HOOKS	_ .TANZANIAN TANGERINE	_WINNER TAKE ALL
SKYLARK'S SONG	_ TELEGRAPH HILL	_WISHFUL THINKING
SKYWALKER	_ TEMPTING
SMART MOVE	_ ^TEMPTING FATE	_ _YAQUINA BLUE
SNEEZY	__TENNESSEE VOLUNTEER	___YES
SO FINE	_TENNISON RIDGE
SOLOIST	_ TEXAS GLORY	_ZANDRIA
SOMERSAULT	_ THAI ORANGE	_ZEBRA BLUSH
SONG OF ANGELS	__THORNBIRD
SONG OF NORWAY	_ THRILLER
SPANISH FIREBALL	__THRILLSEEKER	WRITE-IN VOTES:
SPICED GINGER SPICED TIGER SPIRIT WORLD	_THUNDER SPIRIT _TIGER HONEY __TIMBERWIND	(Any write-in votes will be included in the 25 vote limit per person.)
SPLASH OF RASPBERRY	_TINTINNABULATION
SPRING PARASOL STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN	_TITAN'S GLORY _ .TOASTED WATERMELON
STAR FLEET	_TOM JOHNSON
STARLIGHT EXPRESS	_ TOTAL RECALL
STAR SAILOR STEPPING OUT	_ URGENT
STRICTLY BALLROOM
STRIKE IT RICH	_VANITY
STUDY IN BLACK	_ _ VICTORIA FALLS
SUNCATCHER	_VINTNER
SUNNY BUBBLES	_VIOLET TIGER
SUNRAY REFLECTION	__VIVA MEXICO'

2000 IRISES

The Calendar You’ll Need for Millenium’s End

Beautiful Photos of irises in many countries, many landscapes

Our Calendars are $5 + $ 1 shipping, or at wholesale, Packet of ten, $50 + $5 shipping.

Please send check with your order to:

AIS Strorefront,

609 Harrington Street Cariinville, IL 62626-1250

Bulletin of the American iris Society

ISSN 0747-4172

Volume lxxx, No. 4 Series No. 315 Oct. 1999

Editor: Terry Aitken, 608 NW 119th St., Vancouver WA 98685-3802; aitken@e-z.net MX duertisin y Editor: Harold Peters, 2048 Hickock Rd, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 Photo Team: Robert Plank, 8426 Vine Valley Drive, Sun Valley, CA 91352-3656 Scientific Editor: Adele Lawyer, 4333 Oak Hill Road, Oakland, CA 94605-4523 Layout & Graphic Design: Scott Aitken, Flash Graphic Design ,

2760 NE 98 St, Seattle WA 98115-2447; zebra@chcs.com

The Bulletin of the American Iris Society is published quarterly by The American Iris Society. Publishing Office, 13358 Sagle Rd., Purcellville, VA 20132-1827. Periodical postage paid at Purcellville, VA, and at additional mailing offices. Subscription price is included in membership dues. All copy due in Editors office by Oct. 15 (Jan.), Jan. 15 (April), April 15 (July), July 15 (October). This Bulletin was printed by Great Impressions. Copyright © 1999 The American Iris Society.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Bulletin of the American Iris Society, z3358 Sagle Rd., Purcellville, VA 20132-1827.

How to reach the American iris Society:

Membership , Dues , Missing Bulletins: Marilyn Harlow, PO Box 55, Freedom CA 95019-0055. (408) 722-1810, 9:00AM - 6:00PM Pacific Coast Time Business matters of the Society:

Sara R. Marley, 13358 Sagle Rd., Purcellville, VA 20132-1827. (540) 668-9004. Bulletin advertising: Harold Peters, Advertising Editor, (916) 933-3804

2048 Hickok Rd, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762, email: <Harold@directcon.net>

Articles appearing in this publication should be considered the opinions of the authors. Technical articles reporting the results of research will be summarized as news reports, with references made to specialized journals where more complete information can be found.

Permission is granted to non profit organizations to reprint original material appearing in this Bulletin, on condition that both the author and the publication are credited, and a copy of your publication is sent to the editor.

JUS Membership Rates: Overseas Rates:

Annual,	Single:	$18.00	Annual, Single:	$23.00
	Dual:	$23.00	Dual:	$26.00
Triennial,	Single:	$43.00	Triennial, Single:	$54.00
	Dual:	$54.00	Dual:	$65.00
Life,	Single:	$360.00	Calendar year memberships. May be paid
	Dual:	$435.00	by check, VISA, or	Mastercard. Overseas

memberships include first class postage, Youth, without Bulletin: $4.00 and are payable in U.S. currency.

Youth, with Bulletin: $7.00

Visit the JUS Wehsite: http://www.irises.org

ie ^American 3tis Society

Officers & Committee Chairpeople

The American Iris Society is a nonprofit institution incorporated February 2, 1927, in the County of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania. By the terms of the Charter, the Corporation has no stockholders and exists for the sole purpose of promoting the culture and improvement of the Iris.

Officers:

President: Clarence Mahan, 7311 Churchill Road, McLean, VA 22101, (703) 893-8526

First Vice President: Terry Aitken, 608 NW 119th St., Vancouver, WA, 98685-3802 (360) 573-4472

Second Vice President: Jeanne Clay Plank, 8426 Vine Valley Drive, Sun Valley, CA 91352-3656, (818) 767-5512

Secretary: Sara R. Marley, 13358 Sagle Rd, Purcellville, VA 20132-1827, (540) 668-9004

Treasurer: Jay Hudson, 33450 Little Valley Rd., Fort Bragg, CA 95437, (707) 964-3907

Editor: Terry Aitken, 608 NW 119th St., Vancouver WA 98685-3802, (360) 573-4472, Fax (360) 576-7012

Administrative Officers :

Registrar: Keith Keppel, po Box 18154, Salem, OR 97305, (503) 391-9241 Membership Secretary: Marilyn Harlow, po Box 55, Freedom, CA 95019-0055, (408) 722-1810 Recording Secretary: Anne Lowe, 12219 Zilles Rd., Blackstone, VA 23824, (804) 265-8198 Publication Sales Director: Irv & Nancy Pocklington, 609 Harrington St, Carlinville, IL 62626-1230, (217) 854-2184 Ombudsman: Lew Begley, 1930 Wilkinson Rd., Mesquite, TX 75181-2204, (972) 289-7107

Directors :

Past Presidents: Marion Walker, Harold L. Stahly, Ronald Mullin, James Rasmussen, Kenneth M. Waite, Claire B. Barr, Dave Niswonger

Terms expiring in 1999: Terms expiring in 2000:

Terms expiring in 2001:

Mike Lowe Shirley Pope

E. Roy Epperson Jean Morris

J. Farron Campbell Kathy Guest

Michael Moller Riley Probst

Paul Gossett Maxine Perkins

Barbara Figge Bobbie Shepard

RVP Representative: Brad Kasperek

Chairs of standing Committees :

Affiliates: Shirley L. Pope, 39 Highland Ave, Gorham, ME 04038, (207) 839-3054 Awards: Farron Campbell, 5637 Saddleback Rd., Garland, TX 75043, (972) 240-4016 Calendar: Olive Rice-Waters, 1914 Napa Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94707, (510) 526-2853 Convention Liaison: Paul Gossett, 1708 E. 53rd St., Tulsa, OK 7105-5726, (918) 745-0852 Exhibitions: E. Roy Epperson, 1115 Delk Dr., High Point, NC 27262, (336) 883-9677 Foundation Liaison: Roger P. Mazur, 5824 Erskine #7, Omaha, NE 68104 Historical: Larry Harder, Box 547, Ponca, NE 68770, (402) 755-2615

Honorary Awards: Dave Niswonger, 822 Rodney Vista Blvd., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, (573) 334-3383 Insurance: Michelle Snyder, 7855 Ellenbogen St., Sunland, CA 91040, w: (213) 430-4370, h: (818) 352-7018 Judges: Ron Mullin, Route 3, Box 84, Pawnee, OK 74058-9302, (918) 762-2430 Judges Handbook Revision Committee:

Bobbie Shepard, 3342 W. Orangewood, Phoenix, AZ 85051, (602) 841-1231 Library: Keith McNames, 7711 Pries Dr, Salem, OR 97303, (503) 463-1875 Membership Contest: Lynda Miller, 12788 E. 191st, Noblesville, IN 46060, (317) 776-0323 Policy: Mike Lowe, 12219 Zilles Road, Blackstone, VA 23824, (804) 265-8198 Public Relations: Kathy Guest, 494 North St., East Aurora, NY 14052-1446, (716) 655-1762 Registrations: Keith Keppel, PO Box 18154, Salem, OR 97305, (503) 391-9241

Send all registration applications, and $7.50 payable to ais, to Keith Keppel.

Robins: Libby Cross, 8907 Potts Creek Road, Covington, VA 24426, (540) 747-2123 RVP Counselor: Michael Moller, 3750 W. Arrowhead Rd., Littleton, CO 80123, (3°3) 797-8341 Scientific: Dr. Chandler Fulton, 21 Hillcrest Road, Weston, MA 02193, (61 7) 891-4015 Scholarship: Dr. John J. Taylor, 1421 W. University Heights Dr. S., Flagstaff, AZ 86001-8921, (602) 759-3128 Secretary of Donations .Jeanne, Clay Plank, 8426 Vine Valley Drive, Sun Valley, CA 91352-3656, (818) 767-5512 Section Liaison: Riley Probst, 418 N. Van Buren, St. Louis, MO 63122, (314) 822-2485 Silent Auction: Maxine Perkins, PO Box 494, Mesilla Park, NM 88047-0494, (505) 524-1529 Slides: Hooker Nichols, 3365 Northaven Rd., Dallas, TX 75229, (214) 352-2191 Youth: Jean Morris, 682 Huntley Heights, Ballwin MO 63021, (314) 256-3927

3

(ist line = Presidents, 2nd line = Memberships)

Meaian iris Society:

Dorothy Willott, 26231 Shaker Blvd, Beachwood, OH 44122 Rita Gormley, 6717 Martha Dr., Cedar Hill, MO 63026

Society fat Siberian irises :

Tom Abrego, PO Box 693, Newberg, OR 97132

Howard Brookins, N 75 W14257 North Point Dr., Menomonee Falls, WI 53051-4325

Spuria iris Society;

Everett Lineberger, 2460 Compton Bridge Rd., Inman, SC 29349 Bobbie Shepard, 3342 West Orangewood, Phoenix, AZ 85051

Society for Japanese irises :

Terry Aitken, 608 NW 119 St., Vancouver, WA 98685 Robert Bauer, 9823 E. Michigan Ave, Galesburg, MI 49053

mebloomingi iris Society:

Rosalie Figge, 4 Maryland Ave, Towson, MD 21286-1100 Charlie Brown, 3114 S. FM 131, Denison, TX 75020

Dwarf iris Society:

Brad Kasperek, 9130 North 5200 West, Elwood, UT 84337-8640 Lynda Miller, 12788 E. 191st, Noblesville, IN 46060

Society for Pacific Coast Natiue irises :

Jay Hudson, 33450 Little Valley Rd., Fort Bragg, CA 95437 Terry Hudson, 33450 Little Valley Rd., Fort Bragg, CA 95437

Species iris Croup of North America (SiCNA):

Carla Lankow, 11118 169th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98059 Rodney Barton, 3 Wolters St., Hickory Creek TX 75065

Historic iris Preservation society (HiPSh

Doug Goodnight, 1005 Gamblin Ln., Hobbs, NM 88240

Andree Desiree Wilson, 15 Bracebridge Rd, Newton Centre, MA 02459

Cooperating Societies:

Aril Society international:

Scott W. Jordan, 3500 Avenida Charada Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107 Reita Jordan, 3500 Avenida Charada Ave. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107

Society for Louisiana irises :

Farron Campbell, 5637 Saddleback Rd., Garland, TX 95043 Elaine Bourque, 1812 Broussard Rd. E, Lafayette, LA 70508

Section Membership mates:	single annual	single triennial	dual annual	dual triennial
Median Iris Society	$5.50	15.00	6.50	17.50
(Overseas members add $5 per	year for postage)
Society for Siberian Iris	5.00	13.00	6.00	15.00
Spuria Iris Society	6.00	15.00	8.00	18.00
Society for Japanese Iris	3-5°	9.00	4.00	10.50
Reblooming Iris Society	5.00	13.00	6.00	15.00
Society for PCNs	6.00	15.00	8.00	18.00
Species Iris Group	5.00	12.00	6.00	15.00
Dwarf Iris Society	4.50	12.00	6.75	18.00
Historic Iris Preservation Society	5.00	12.00	6.00	15.00
Aril Society International Society for Louisiana Irises	10.00 7.50	28.00 18.00	13.50 9.00	33-50 22.50

4

l^c^ions il lR.e^Lonat ¥$Lce y&tesLdents

I: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut ana Rhoae isianh:

Ada Godfrey, 9 Bradford St., Foxborough, MA 02035, (508) 543 -2711, <hmwalk@ici.net>

2: New York:

Peter Weixlmann, 280 Seneca Creek Rd, West Seneca, NY 14224, (716) 674-6289, <Pweixl@aol.com>

3: Pennsylvania ana Delaware:

Vincent Lewonski, 509 S. Bishop Ave, Secane, PA 19018-2903, (610) 623-3921 < VinceLewonsld@yahoo.com>

a: Mary Ian a. District of Columbia, Virginia, west Virginia, ana North Carolina:

Sara R. Marley, 13358 Sagle Rd, Purcellville, VA 20132-1827, (540) 668-9004, <digger@anent.com>

5; south Carolina, Georgia, Floriaa ana Puerto Rico:

Randell Bowen, 528 Forest Ridge Dr., Shelby, NC 28152, (704) 434-6118 <RBowen@shelby.net>

6: Ohio, maiana ana Michigan:

Howard Hughes, 210 Parkway, Lapeer MI 48446, (810) 664-5525 < mcgiris@tir.com >

7: Tennessee ana Kentucky:

Mary Thurman, 521 Kickapoo Tr., Frankfort, KY 40601, (502) 695-1506

8: Minnesota ana Wisconsin:

Edwin W. Kelsey, W. 9155 Schofield Rd., Poynette WI 53955, (608) 635-7169

& Illinois:

Orville Diafchaut, 102 Sherwood, Carlinville IL 62626, (217) 854-3418

« W: Louisiana:

Elaine Bour.que, 1812 Broussard Road East, Lafayette, LA 70508, (318) 865-5859

11: laaho, Montana ana Wyoming:

Carryl Meyer^ 2532 Highwood Dr, Missoula, MT 59803, (406) 251-5800 <carrylm@bigsky.net>

12: Utah:

Brad Kasperek, 9130 North 5200 West, Elwood, UT 84337, (435) 25 7~°73^ <zebrairisl@aol.com>

13: Washington, Oregon ana Alaska:

Lorena Reid, 41886 McKenzie Hwy., Springfield, OR 97478, (541) 896-3756

14: Northern California, Neuaaa ana Hawaii:

Kitty Loberg, 1900 Mountain View Ln., Redwood Valley, CA 95470, (707) 485-7907 <loberg@jps.net>

IS: Southern California ana Arizona:

Dr. Herbert Hoik, 14115 Pear St., Riverside, CA 92508, (909) 780-0335

16: Canaaa:

Catherine Boyko, Rt. 9, Bains Rd., Dunnville ONT niA2w8 Canada, (905) 774-8360

17: Texas:

Bonnie Nichols, 3365 Northaven Rd., Dallas, TX 75229, (214) 352-2191, <bjnhtn@aol.com>

18: Kansas ana Missouri:

Jim Morris, 682 Huntley Heights Dr., Ballwin MO 63021, (314) 256-3927 <morrisjel@aol.com>

19: New Jersey:

Raymond Rogers, 503 Lee Ave., North Brunswick, NJ 08902, (732) 249-9478 <rrogers@dk.com>

20: Coloraao:

Fran Evers, 4955 Pine Ridge Rd., Golden, CO 80403 <EversJFW@aol.com>

21: lowa, Nebraska, South Dakota ana North Dakota:

Carolyn Lingenfelter, 1108 N. 9th St., Norfolk, NE 68701, (402) 371-3658 < carolyndl@hotmail.com>

22: Arkansas ana Oklahoma:

Louise Carson, 5037 NW 24th PL, Oklahoma City OK 73127, (405) 947-1710 < okcj oe@juno. com >

23: New Mexico:

Barbara Figge, 6805 Kentucky Court NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, < irisone@juno.com >

24: Alabama ana Mississippi:

Leland Parkins, 759 Dogwood Tr., Remlap, AL 35133, (205) 681-3349

5

^ulUtln

Table of Contents

Regular Features:

Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 6 Page 9 Page io Page 12 Page 90 Page 92 Page 93 Page 94

Articles:

Page 16 Page 17 Page 19 Page 22 Page 26 Page 30

Page 64 Page 72 Page 73 Page 74 Page 75 Page 76 Page 85 Page 86 Page 87

Officers & Committee Chairpeople AIS Sections

Regions &c Regional Vice Presidents President’s Message, Clarence Mahan Editor’s Message, Terry Aitken Youth Views, Jean Morris

International News, George & Margaret Sutton , Bruce Filardi Official AIS Storefront AIS Slides For Rent AIS Bulletin Advertising Rates Shopping Section

2000 Convention Invitation Destiny Dallas 2000, Lew Begley Flightlines, Barbara Figge Black is Black, Sylvain Ruaud Hybridizer &, Service Awards Oklahoma Convention Garden Reviews:

Twister City, Jim Morris; Contemporary Gardens of Perry Dyer ,Jim & Jean Morris; Beasley Garden, Peter Weixlmann; Fernandes Garden, Sara Marley; Hawley Garden, Lew Begley; Watson Garden, Herb Hoik; Woodruff Garden, Kitty Loberg; Scott Garden, Carla Lankow; Parrish Garden, Tom Abrego; Rex Matthews Garden, Fran Evers; Jones Garden, Nyla Hughes; Will Rogers Park, Shirley Trio 1999 AIS Awards

1998 High Commendation Awards

Dr. Loomis Memorial Iris Trial Gardens, Russ Eacker

Favorite Guest Iris

Deen Day Smith and the Iris, Carolyn Hawkins

Ben Hager, Memorial

Harry Kuesel, Memorial, Fran Evers

Ruth Simmons, Ron Mullin

AIS Contributions & Gifts

Front cover photo: Schreiner. 1 999 Dykes Medal winner HELLO DARKNESS (Schreiner '92).

6

/Kessa^e

bif (Ziatence /Kalian , T^it^lnia

ONGRATULATIONS TO REGIONS 2, 4, I? AND 18 FOR THEIR excellent efforts in recruiting new members so far this year. A special thank you to Peter Webdmann, Sara Mai ley, Bonnie Nichols and Jim Morris, the RVPs of these Regions. Keep up the good work!

Haste makes waste. People of my generation were taught that old saw in our youth. Unfortunately I seem not to have mastered it. As a result of rushing to get the article “The 1999 International Iris Competition” into the July Bulletin , I did not proof it adequately. I correctly described the iris ALPINE REGION as a reverse yellow amoena, but my detailed description was incorrect. This beautiful iris has pristine white falls and deep lemon standards. In other words, it really is a reverse yellow amoena. My apologies go to the readers of the Bulletin, and especially to Barry Blyth who bred this iris.

A typographical error in the same article was a misspelling of Dorothe Schroter s name. Dorothe is a superb iris judge from Switzerland, Her friendship is too valuable to be violated by misspelling her name!

There were twenty eligible irises inadvertently omitted from the symposium ballot mailed out with the July Bulletin. Although it means a lot of extra work, especially for the Regional Vice Presidents, I decided, after getting the opinions of the Executive Committee, that it would not be fair to let the vote stand. The initial vote has been declared null and void, and you will find a new ballot with this Bulletin. If you voted in

iifriex of Advertisers:

Advertisers are listed alphabetically:

2000 Iris Calendar pg 46

Beautiful View Iris Garden pg 25

New Zealand Iris Society pg 15

7

July, please vote again. If you did not vote in July, please do it now. If you are unhappy with having to vote again, blame me.

If you want to do something nice, consider sending our Awards Chairman a card and tell him that you appreciate the work he is doing. This is his first year on the job, and he is learning on the job like many of the rest of us. This would cheer him up since he feels badly about having to redo the Symposium. All the jobs in AIS are now being done on a volunteer basis, and it takes a tremendous amount of time to carry out the duties of most of these positions. You might be interested in knowing that at least a score of people turned down the Awards Chairman job before Farron Campbell volunteered to do it.

As I sat down to write this message I realized that this will be the last “President’s Message” of the 20th century What a century it has been in the transformation of garden irises!

A short time ago I was looking at a reproduction of Claude Monet’s painting “Le Jardin de Monet, les iris” that my wife has placed above our kitchen fireplace. I had previously thought there were two different types of irises in this painting, a lavender variety in the center that seems to be the color of Iris pallida and a two toned violet iris in the foreground. Now I know that the irises in the center appear much lighter than those in the foreground only because the sun is shining directly on them. All the irises in the painting, which is sometimes called “The Artist’s Garden at Giverny,” are the same cultivar. What variety could this two toned violet iris be? Monet did this painting in 1900, and the iris is blooming the same time as wisteria. With these two facts in mind, I am rather certain that it is Iris germanica that is represented in the impressionistic style.

It was common to see Iris germanica growing in great masses in gardens in 1900. Besides Iris germanica, Iris pallida, and Iris variegata, the irises available to the gardener in 1900 were almost all diploid hybrids of Iris pallida and Iris variegata. How far we have come in a hundred years!

Two decades ago I was in a space age iris robin whose members included Jim Mahoney, Henry Rowlan, and Gladys Austin. Most of the robin members were hybridizing space age irises, and it was not unusual for members to express regrets that space age irises were so little appreciated. People who liked space age irises were considered a bit peculiar. Who could have imagined that within less than twenty years two space age irises, THORNBIRD and CONJURATION, would win the Dykes?

I was also in a reblooming iris robin about twenty years ago. Some of the other members were Bernice Miller, Virginia Keyser, and Lloyd

8

Zurbrigg. Later Monty Byers joined this robin. Almost every round included some words about the hostility so many people directed toward rebloomers. These reblooming iris hybridizers were strong willed, however, and their vision of a day when cold climate rebloomers would be as “good” as once blooming irises was clear. Last year two strong cold climate rebloomers, IMMORTALITY and CLARENCE, were on the list of ioo Favorite Irises. We’ve come a long way!

The idea that the great advances in iris breeding are all in the past is wrong. There are wondrous achievements ahead of us — great uncharted paths to improved garden irises of unimaginable beauty. Work is only beginning with our native Iris versicolor and Iris virginica. The development of Iris setosa is an area with much potential. There are untapped possibilities inherent in Spuriae species which do not go dormant in the summer. The potential of Iris typhifolia to extend the season of Siberian irises is readily apparent.

If one wants to work only with bearded irises, there are a number of species that have been little used in past breeding programs. Two such species are Iris imbricata and Iris albertii. Some of the past advances in tall bearded iris form and color have produced cultivars that do not thrive in areas with cold, wet winters. Transforming some of these beautiful irises into cultivars that thrive in more severe climates is a noble undertaking. Likewise, developing miniature dwarfs of the Iris pumila type into irises that will do well in southern gardens is surely worth the effort. Arilbreds more friendly to wet climate areas are waiting to be developed. We are only at the beginning of a great age of reblooming and space age irises.

Hybridizing irises expands our hobby into a great adventure. With all the advances we have made in the past century, the best is yet to come.

( ^

visit the mbs website

www.irises.org

V

J

9

^Lditoxs /fries sam

July's woes "

b\f yAitken, TOashln^ton S>tate

he July Bulletin could best be described as the case of the “Duelling Computers”.

Scott Aitken, who normally does our graphics, was on vacation during the production period for the July Bulletin. So we used a new designer. With a new computer graphics person in place for the July issue to do color and page layout, we forwarded copy ready articles via Email attachment to S. J. Collard. His computer removed the formatting — italics, paragraphs, etc. — and in some cases arbitrarily eliminated half pages of text somewhere in the body of the articles. At the last minute, just before going to press, we caught several cases of “missing text” and most of the missing formatting. Unfortunately, we did not catch all of it, and we owe Carla Lankow an apology the lost formatting in her article I.Stolonifera on page 42.

At the same time our new awards chairman, Farron Campbell, was working up the Symposium Ballot. His computer refused to complete a “merge command” and about twenty irises got left off that list. After much discussion at the board level, the decision was made to run a new Symposium Ballot, which is included with this October issue. So, if you voted your Symposium Ballot from July, you get to vote it again. If you forgot to send it in, you get another chance!

Computers are wonderful tools. Just don’t ever trust one!

In the scramble to get the Bulletin off the presses by July 1st some photo credits were also missed. All photos on page 52 are by Alan McMurtrie; the crested irises on page 51 are photographed by Bill Shear; the ONE DESIRE photo is by Mike Lowe. The Oklahoma experience photos on page 50 are by Bill Shear. The inside front and back cover are Aitken photos.

10

\ foutk TViews

C Contest minnets

b\f tyean /Kottis, /Kissouti

Joyce Fields wins essay contest

ONGRATULATIONS TO REGION l8 AIS YOUTH MEMBER, JOYCE FlELDS, who is the winner of this year’s Ackerman Youth Essay Contest. The cdhtest is sponsored by the AIS Foundation, which names a new topic each year. The 1999 topic was “What is the most interesting thing you have done as an AIS youth member and /or what do you plan to do next with your irises?” Joyce, age 13, and a Classroom Iris Project student at Southview School, won the $100. prize with a clearly written essay about her hybridizing experiences, as follows.

“My most interesting experience was learning how to cross pollinate irises. First we picked out two colors of flowers. We used a tweezers and pulled off a stamen that had lots of pollen on it. Then we rubbed the stamen on the stigmatic lip.

If you get lucky, your flower will get a seed pod and it will grow.

Then there is the long wait ‘til we find out how our experiment will turn out and what color the irises will be.

I cut a specimen iris for the show. It was named DOODLE STRUDEL. I won a blue ribbon.

I like irises. They are pretty. In the future I want to plant more irises at my uncles so I can visit and watch them grow.”

-Joyce Fields

Essays by other youths who entered the contest will be published in the AIS youth newsletter, The Iris Fan. They are Melissa Kron, Region 2; Bill Weathers and Kay Weathers, Region 5; Beth Rocha, Region 15; Chris Arthur, Alexa Cahalan, Kory Kuntz, Stephanie Rust, Jennifer Schmidt and Chris Trout, Region 18; and Tiffany Bennett, Courtney Bittle, Kaitlin Broadhurst and Cary Misenhime, Region 22. Thanks to all who entered. We encourage regional editors to print these essays in their respective bulletins.

Clarke Cosgrove Contest Nominations Needed

Once again it is time for AIS members to encourage their region’s youth members by selecting an active youth to nominate for the Clarke Cosgrove Memorial Award for Youth Achievement. Please read the following rules and write your nomination now, before it slips your mind.

11

We would love to receive nominations from every region!

Any AIS member may nominate any AIS youth member. If you need a list of the youths activities, call a club officer or your club’s Youth Advisor. Speak with a parent, grandparent, or directly with the youth.

Mention the youth’s age and region. Outline his/her activities following the guidelines below. End with some of your nominee’s personal attributes. Typed or handwritten nominations are acceptable. Please limit to two pages. A youth may be nominated by more than one person, or by someone from another region.

Your nominee’s activities should include some of the following attributes:

- Growing a fine iris garden

- Actively hybridizing

- Writing for an iris publication

- Helping an iris organization through a committee or activity

- Visiting local iris gardens

- Attending regional / national conventions

- Studying to be an AIS judge

- Promoting irises and/or the AIS to others

- Signing up new AIS members

- Competing enthusiastically in shows

- Experimenting with irises

- Showing an interest in the various iris classes and sizes

- Demonstrating leadership skills

Mail your entries to Jean E. Morris, 682 Huntley Heights Drive, Ballwin, MO 63021, by January 31, 2000. The Youth Committee will code the entries to conceal identities and send them to a carefully selected panel of judges. The winner will receive a trophy and cash prize that will be presented at the AIS Convention in Dallas. Please encourage a youth member by writing a nomination today.

Awards at 1 999 AIS Convention: (left) Rusty Thornsburg receiving 1 998 Clarke Cosgrove Memorial Award from Jean Morris, (right) Monica Combrsnk, OK, receiving First Runner-Up.

12

^ntetnatlonaL News

by dyeo^e Si /Kat^atet S>utton, (A ati^ornLa and ISt’iuce ^Liatdi, Ote^on

From Dianne Dali a Santa, Mustraiia:

Just thought I’d pop in with a few words about the rebloom we are all enjoying in Oz this year (in July). We have had quite good rainfall over Autumn and into Winter, along with lovely mild temperatures and very few frosts which has set the scene for some good rebloom in Sunraysia and Renmark gardens (northwestern Victoria and northeastern South Australia). David Ruston has ...even been able to include bearded iris in floral arrangements for customers ...in Winter! ...We have been quite amazed by the growth on the iris in beds in the township of Red Cliffs that are under bright streetlighting. There are some spikes opening now...

In the latest South Australian newsletter there is news of yet another Australian iris convention in Adelaide in 2005 making three to come after the Sunraysia effort (in 1998).

(and then in August) Not only has there been considerable rebloom in Sunraysia and Riverland gardens this year there are two wonderful displays of tall bearded iris in bloom in two locations with very bright streetlighting directly overhead. In the first, in the centre of Red Cliffs, ..we see NEW MOON, SMOKE RINGS and an older variety, it maybe PIERRE MENARD that I grew back in the early 70’s, along with an absolute mass of buds on others... The second location is in a front garden along the Calder highway in a little township nearby called Irymple where, beneath streetlighting, there has been a beautiful display for several weeks on LOVE THE SUN, SKYLAB, ORANGE CELEBRITY, CHAMPAGNE MAGIC, FRENCH GOWN, BAHLOO, ROYALIST and LIGHTBEAM.

Also: The Inland Regional Iris Society will be hosting the next Australian Iris Convention on October 25 - 29th 2001. For more information you can contact the secretary Mrs Delma Birthisel, 15 Woods Road, Yarrawonga 3730, Australia.

From Haraid Mathes , Germany:

As a postscript to his article on lycopene pink which appeared in the July Bulletin, Haraid Mathes writes: “I am delighted to announce that my seedlings from the crosses of ONE DESIRE and VANITY X yellow

13

I attica have produced a few seeds by the diploid MTB FLASHY FLIRT. The embryos are already growing on nutrient agar. It is still uncertain how many will actually develop into plants, for some are extremely minute. Such seedlings are genetically tT, and tT x tT will throw 25% homozygous tt plants.” He also asks us to keep our eyes open for a source for ZINGARA or other diploid varieties which should be carriers for t.

MEIS Conuention - 1999

by Ladislav Muska , Bratislava , Slovak Republic

Iris lovers from the Czech Republic, Poland, and the Slovak Republic met in May for the 1999 Middle European Iris Association (MEIS) Convention. The meetings took place in the Slovakian town of Nitra, on May 22-23. The MEIS iris garden, called the Iridarium, is situated in the Botanical Garden of the Agricultural University.

During the first day, six judges took part in the 1999 judging competition. Results were as follows: First place was a tie between BREKEKE (Muska ’96) and CHARANTE (Muska ’95). Third place went to XOCHIPILLI (Muska ’96). At present, MEIS awards are only for TBs.

During the afternoon and evening, the participants discussed problems in hybridizing for the coming years and for the long-term future.

On Sunday, May 23, experienced judges presented a training session at the Iridarium. This was supervised by Milan Blazek of the Pruhonice Botanical Garden near Prague in the Czech Republic. Mr. Knoll, Director of the Botanical Garden in Nitra, discussed future aims of the Iridarium. Plans include concentration on European native species irises, historic irises, irises awarded the Dykes Medal, and winners of the Concorso Internazionale delflris in Florence. Selected irises of MEIS members may also be featured.

Milan Blazek lectured on native species irises in Middle Europe and Mr. Knoll discussed the history of native species irises in Slovakia.

The MEIS Convention will be held in the Czech Republic in 2000, and in Poland in 2001 in the town of Mikolov.

The following new irises were seen at the Convention: GOLDEN FASAN (Muska, 2000), MANNEKEN PIS (Muska ’99), FLOUNCED BAJAZZO (Muska ’94), and SNORRI (Muska ’98).

From Italy:

I am an Italian writer; I live north of Florence. I write childrens stories but my interests lean towards botany, etc. I have some land in the hill country, and at this moment my valley is completely covered with

14

irises- — very beautiful local native irises. I would like this valley to be known for the beauty of its native irises that grow throughout. I would like to protect them. Is your organization interested in this species? Best wishes, Giulie Sansoni

From Margaret Criddle,

Seed Distribution Officer, BiS Autumn Newsletter:

I would like to thank all members for their loyalty in supporting both the distribution and for sending seeds in excellent condition. This year if you have even a few seeds of any iris send them to me by the last day of October, please put colour and form if name not known; they can be bee set.

Some thoughts about seed distribution 1998/1999. Seed of Pogon species was as in the past in great demand, with most of it coming from Europe. Could we have some hand pollinated seed please? Seed of SDB, MTB, IB andTB sold out very quickly... Oncocyclus and regelia species sold out instantly and Aril hybrids sold well... All the Evansias, gracilipes, cristata and milesii were in demand... Overall there is a reduction in demand for 28 sibiricas but named forms sell better than mixes and Currier McEwens seed always sell fast... There is steady demand for Californians and hybrids and high demand for seeds from Japan and named forms of laevigata... Demand for Louisians species and hybrids is high with little available, can anyone help with seeds?

Holiday in Prague

Members of the Kent group of the British Iris Society, together with Mr. and Mrs. Cy Bartlett, Mr. and Mrs. G. Sutton and two members of the Mercia group spent a very enjoyable holiday in Prague in June. We spent a happy and informative time with Milan Blazek in Pruhonice and at the botanical gardens in Brno. Here are a few of the comments from members of the group:

“It is a wonderful old city but make sure you visit the new complex and see the work of the young designers.”

“The kindness of the Czech people, always a seat on the metro or tram, cleanliness of the old town street and square (the horses wear nappies [diapers]). Dumplings with everything (well nearly) and the kindness and concern of our guide: Petr Valeta.”

“Wonderful architecture though, sadly, lots of buildings need cleaning. Polite cheerful people, especially the young. A good day with Milan and his irises and lots of laughs with the iris people.”

“The transport to Pruhonice, the metro system was very efficient. We were shepherded to the Pavlova metro station on the red line to

15

Opatov some eight stations away. All out and on a bus for 30 minutes, swinging around the bends in the road, most of us standing up fighting the ‘G’ force. Eventually we found the iris grounds and all our backaches vanished/’

“The most outstanding feature of the week was the visit to the second botanic garden in Brno. The alpine section was magnificent in the quality of the plants and even more so the imaginative vertical slate setting for them. Unfortunately the irises had finished but the quantity of spent flowers visible meant that it must have been a wonderful display/’

“A favorite place was the garden in Brno where there were collections of Cotoneaster, salix, saxifraga, iris and alpines which came from various mountain areas of the country and were displayed in natural surroundings.”

- Editor s Note: Look for article in the January Bulletin by Milan Blazek of the Czech Republic on International Cooperation and the Middle-European Iris Society referred to above.

\

A! ew c yZealand 3iis Zyocietif

^yijmpogLum 2000

/Kount /KAun^anul, A kw ^Zealand November 2-6, 2000

You are warmly invited to help the New Zealand Iris Society celebrate their 50th Anniversary. The agenda includes international speakers, garden visits, post symposium tours. If you would like an application form or further information, or wish to present a paper, please contact:

Peter Berry, Apartment 8d, Tower i, i Marine Parade, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand Phone Fax 64-7-574-0913 email: <berryp@kiwi.co.nz>

New Zealand : first country to see the sun, spectacular landscapes and distinctive native flora, and the place where many types of irises grow beautifully!

V _ J

16

fylm ezlcAn 3tis Society (Convention

Presented by The Iris Society of Dallas

April IS -20, 2000

Convention Headquarters:

Crown Plaza North Dallas/Addison 14315 Midway Road Addison, TX 75001 (972) 980-8877

Please reserve your room directly with the hotel (Monday-Friday 7:30AM - 7:00PM CST), stating that you are with “The American Iris Society”. Cut off date for blocked rooms is March 15, 2000.

Convention Registration Fees:

Postmarked by February 15, 2000 $185.00

Postmarked from February 16 to March 15 $215.00

Postmarked after March 15 $240.00

Youth Registration (age 18 & under) $145.00

Partial registration rates will be available for advance registrations only. No registrations for the Welcome Dinner or Awards Banquet only after March 15th. If it is necessary to cancel reservations, notify the registrar. We will make every effort to give 100% refunds, but late cancellations may receive less than full reimbursement.

Mail Registrations to: Steve & Ann Kimball

3603 Broadway Blvd

Garland, TX 75043-1647

Ph: (972) 271-5056

Fax: (972) 271-7144

Email: KSKIMBAL@onramp.net

Please list names of registrants exactly as you want them printed on your name badge. Make checks payable to “2000 AIS Convention”.

Room Rates: $85.00 plus tax, One to Two People per room

17

‘“T^estinu 'ZW/ns 2000"

LooMmg Fomwtf to Ms & Mrt

b\f j2ew 7£e$tey, ^exas

HERE IS NOTHING LIKE THE RAINBOW EFFECT OF A FIELD OF

irises. Your palette will be full if you visit Destiny Dallas 2000 for next years American Iris Society National Convention. Mark the date April 15 - 20, 2000 for a millennium artfest. You may win the stunning iris art door prize at the Awards Banquet — a Gordon Green original watercolor of a beautiful yellow iris. You have a second chance for a Gordon Green treasure with the raffle — this one a purple and white plicata.

Dallas will welcome you with nine gardens on the convention tour. On display will be over a thousand varieties of irises at two master plantings: Dallas Arboretum and the Clark Gardens. The Dallas Arboretum on the shores of White Rock Lake has over sixty acres that will be one of the highlights of your tour. In the setting of an oil man’s mansion (the DeGolyer Estate) you will be surrounded by spring blooms. You may tour the mansion and walk the grounds of azaleas, water fountains, ponds and statuary. Irises will be your main objective, but you will see a myriad of flowers in bloom.

The Clark Garden in Cool, Texas is an estate of irises in every direction. A new setting of European design will host the guest irises. You can enjoy lunch around the lake pavilion full of waterfowl and bordered by plantings of Louisiana irises. Art forms, fountains, covered walkways and many thousand irises are scattered through the grounds. The art of iris there will amaze you.

The Spears Garden in Argyle, Texas is a haven for historic iris lovers. Besides the guest beds you can feast your eyes on irises past and renew your memories of past art. Joan Stanley’s garden in Ft. Worth, Texas, stands on eight acres of woods, streams and open fields of irises. You can see her rabbits and walk along the step-stone paths. A treat awaits you on encountering Joan’s bubbly personality.

Tom Burseen’s garden in Grand Prairie, Texas, is crowded to the brim with Texas Tough Irises. Thousands of blooms await your viewing, and you can even pet a goat if you like. The Farmer’s Branch Historic Park is a glen setting of an old farm homestead; complete with church, farm

18

homes, corrals and farm buildings. There are beds of guest irises, and around the church are many historic irises. In fact, there are beds of iris everywhere. Again, you will enjoy lunch on the grounds and have time to see it all.

The Addison City Park planting near the convention hotel will be on the bus tour, but also is just a short walk away, providing you with a second look at some of the irises you like. Another highlight of your bus tour will be the famed gardens of Marie Caillet in Little Elm, Texas. Set on the shore of the lake are Louisianas in profusion, and an English garden setting of many other blooms. Across the street you will see Aunt Shirleys garden and Sandy Shaw Moss’s garden of irises on the shoreline. Just up the street in the Land Garden there ar companion plants among the irises that are some of the most unusual in Texas. Diane Land is a master gardener and the art of her grounds prove it. The Land’s antique rose garden has one of the best displays in the area of North Texas and will also be on tour.

At the Begley Campbell garden in Mesquite you can view irises all around the house. There are fields of Louisianas, guest iris beds, even an historic bed. Water ponds and koi fish are there for the viewing, and behind the barn is a field of wild flowers.

Make plans to attend Destiny Dallas 2000. We welcome you to a week of art you won’t forget. Good food, good tours, great art in iris and even an iris show await you next April 15 - 20, 2000. Don’t miss it! Perhaps you will carry home the iris watercolor of Gordon Green.

Going, Going... ALMOST GONE!!!!

The Society for Louisiana Irises is liquidating its copies of the book The Louisiana Iris by Caillet and Mertzweiller.

Only a few copies remain. A bargain on any continent: $15.00 for U.S. residents; $20.00 for others. This bargain price includes shipping.

Order Today!!!!

Make checks payable to:

SLI, c/o Elaine Bourque 1812 Broussard Rd. East Lafayette, LA 70508

19

<rf'Ll&ktLincs

bif Carbarn ^L^e, New /Hexico

The following are exerpts from the International Robin. If you are interested in joining this or any other robin, please contact Libby Cross (page 2).

Robert L. Jensen , Vernal \ UT: I have about 300 irises in my garden and I am playing with hybridizing. . . Thus far I haven’t grown anything earth shattering, but it’s a fun hobby. All of my iris are tall bearded. . . I would love to increase the size of my garden and even get into some of the other varieties but I recently had birthday number 75 and so I’ll be lucky if I can keep the weeds out of what I already have. . . Also, I picked this up in one of the AIS Bulletins. There is a product to help with soft rot. I have had a serious problem with this for a long time. . . last spring just as growth was starting. I spread a product called Agrimycin on each clump and I didn’t lose a single rhizome to rot. It is a little expensive if you were to use it extensively, but I sprayed all of my plants with half of the package so will have enough to do them again this year... It looks like brown sugar. You mix it with water and just sprinkle it on each clump.

Tohru Arakiy Japan: I live in a rather small city, Akashi, which is located in mid-western part of Japan, close to Osaka and Kobe. We have very little snow, and when we have it, snow can last only a few hours before melting away. Lowest temperature maybe. . .28°f in winter (January and February), and highest may be. . -99°f in summer (August). We have a rainy season for one month (mid-June to mid-July). It is very damp all through summer. Soft rot is the biggest problem I should always worry. . .

My garden is too small to grow many TBs I want... Our garden space is approximately 2500 squre feet. My 120 varieties (including) TBs, LAs, Sibs, and one JI (10 PCIs I tried are all dead last year) share this space. Another 130 varieties (in clumps) of TBs are growing in fields which I have rented; approximately 3600 square feet. So now I manage a total of approximately Vio acres of iris patch. Year by year, TBs grow in number. It makes me divide them and give hundreds of rhizomes to save my garden spaces every year. I do wild crosses, but I have not been rewarded by a charming TB yet.

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David L. Traylor ; Petersburg, LA: The only species I seem to be having trouble with is I.setosa. I grew this one from seed and it has yet to flower after three years. The summers may be a little too warm for it but it does seem to grow fairly well. I have also grown I.ensata and I.tectorum from seed and I presently have I.typhifolia as seedlings in 3" pots. I have five other species in process but they have yet to germinate. The rest of my species have been purchased as plants.

Lars Hopfner \ Denmark: I am using only rainwater in my garden. (I am collecting all I can.) Drinking water is too expensive, and must not be used for garden watering (it is a local decision, because of our lack of water). We have at the moment 2 kinds of taxes on drinking water. . .

Margaret Criddle , England: The unguicularis that I grew from New Zealand seed of mixed blues 4 years ago are flowering for the first time, so far three plants. All look similar to MARY BARNARD. My older unguicularis , namely WALTER BUTT and MARY BARNARD have flowered from the end of January, through April. I.lazica flowered well for the first time — a gift, as was I.cretensis; ALSO A BULB OF Juno bucharica.

Tohru Araki, Japan: Now in my garden many irises are blooming. Every year, JESSE’S SONG is the first bloomer. Temperature lows are 55 - 59°f, and highs are 73 - 77°f in these days. Good shower once a week. The weather condition is perfect... This year, I have more than 70 newcomers of TBs, all different ones, 30 bought from U.S. gardens and others from my iris friends. I have been longing for them to bloom. . .

Weeding with hands is really tiring. This year I will try burning weed(s). A kind of kerosene burner gun by which I may burn weeds growing a little away from irises. I hope it will work. Japanese weeds are also tough and very strong. From March through November, I can be away from the iris beds only for 2 - 3 weeks without weeding. Weeds can fly or scatter seeds, can stretch their arms and develop new root systems where they touch ground, can do anything. . .

In Japan, a wave of gardening is now increasing. Various books and magazines on gardening are published, (with) English, and New Zealand fine gardens or house gardens are sometimes on the TV. The other day I saw a Flower Festival held in Christchurch, NZ. . .

Libby Cross , Covington , LA: I consider “wild crosses” as those between two bearded irises who are unrelated to each other. At least a lot of times, you think they are unrelated, but a bit of research into pedigrees usually

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turns up common grandparents or great-grandparents. One of my 1994 introductions is a case in point. I crossed TB MOD MODE (a pink plicata) X WILD JASMINE (yellow standards, tan marked falls) and got CINNAMON FRINGE (tan standards, white ground falls with speckled brown edges). Turned out that both parents had WILD GINGER in their background, so it wasn’t as wild as I thought. It was not a planned cross, either. I did it because I had some pollen from WILD JASMINE and MOD MODE was the only thing blooming at the time!

...I think Tohru is right. Random crossing is a much better term than “wild”. Tohru’s weed burning reminds me of what a friend of mine did once. Someone told her wood ashes from her fireplace were good for the iris, so she dumped them (hot out of the fireplace!) right on the iris. In the long run, it was very good for them. After they were burned to the ground by the hot embers, they grew back better than ever!

David L. Traylor , Petersburg , VA: I do not know if there is any such thing as a wild cross. I feel that any cross is worth trying as long as it is a controlled cross. New information is the point here. You may learn something that is needed by someone who has been working on a new breeding line. You never know where the next breakthrough will come. The genetic diversity of the genus iris is very wide and anything is likely to show up at any time.

Lars Hopfner, Denmark: I am always freezing my iris seed (except Regelia and Oncocyclus seed which are slow germinators) because I am receiving seed the whole year round, . . .sowing iris seed in late Autumn, I often see germination on them before our Winter; the result has been loosing the small seedlings.

Libby Cross, Covington, VA: Sometimes crosses made “because I have the pollen” can have fantastic results. I have a brown-red bicolor IB (PURGATORY X SUN SPRITE) which has some trouble with the standard color fading. However, it seems to be the only PURGATORY child around. Jim McWhirter couldn’t get it to pod and neither can Walter Moores, PURGATORY’s hybridizer.

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7§>tack Is T^tack

On Black Irises

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LACK FLOWERS ARE MYTHICAL FLOWERS. THROUGHOUT history, mankind has tried to find — and later to breed — flowers in black, the color of mystery, eternity, and death.

The complicated attempt to breed the famous “black tulip” is a well known story. Iris breeders, too, were unable to resist the dark lure, but irises proved an even greater challenge. Black pigment is obtained by mixing equal parts of yellow, red, and blue. When these three primary colors exist somewhere in the gene pool, there’s hope of producing black blooms through careful breeding (if nature hasn’t provided them). But since the iris gene pool doesn’t contain all three primary colors, we can only approach absolute black. Among irises, the red pigment doesn’t exist; as a result, we have to use tricks to obtain a “black” that comes close to absolute black. What we call black is only an approach via the available primary colors: yellow, blue, and — in irises — magenta.

If we start with yellow, we can approach the appearance of black through darker and darker saturation of brown, in the way that we call a cup of strong coffee “black”, although we can tell it is actually brown if we hold it up to the light. This has been the least- traveled route to black, because it is certainly the most difficult.

Starting with blue, we can reach indigo or violet, and from there it’s relatively easy to head towards black.

It’s somewhat surprising that we can also approach black by way of magenta. Through garnet and purple we can reach a very dark, almost black tone.

These are the three paths which hybridizers have followed. The first efforts were in the 1930’s, and I feel that now, almost 70 years later, we are very close to attaining our goal. What did the first black irises look like? How did black irises evolve? Where do we stand today?

The first major attempts were made by three hybridizers or hybridizing families: the Sass Brothers in Nebraska, Paul Cook in Indiana, and the Schreiners in Oregon. A fourth hybridizer, Nicholls, also played a role.

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Each went his own way. The Sass Brothers selected their darkest seedlings from their blue and purple lines and intercrossed them. This resulted in the introduction of THE BLACK DOUGLAS in 1934. Paul Cook used a different approach, employing I. aphylla in his program, and introduced in 1938 his famous SABLE, which was considered the outstanding black iris of its time. This accolade was inherited by its descendant SABLE NIGHT (’50), which later received the Dykes Medal. Nicholls used THE BLACK DOUGLAS with two old Trench irises, SOUV. DE MME. GAUDICHAU and ALCAZAR, a violet neglecta from 1910, to start a breeding line of dark irises; this gave him STORM KING in 1940. In The World of Irises, an unending source of information, we learn that in 1938, the year SABLE was introduced, the Schreiners released ETHIOPIAN QUEEN, a result of crossing THE BLACK DOUGLAS with a dark brown-red seedling. In turn, ETHIOPIAN QUEEN was crossed with another aphylla derivative and gave the Schreiners BLACK FOREST (45), the most influential ancestor of todays violets and blacks. BLACK FOREST displayed the deepest black that had ever been seen. It owes its depth of color to I. aphylla , which has the capability of intensifying colors — but the aphylla genes are also responsible for the fact that many modern hybrids lose so much of their foliage during the summer.

Many hybridizers turned to BLACK FOREST in their further attempts to breed a truly black iris. Gordon Plough bred SWAHILI (’ 65) and STUDY IN BLACK (’68), both red-blacks, and later BLACK MARKET (>3), INTERPOL (>3), and RAVEN’S ROOST (’81); Walt Luihn gave us DUSKY DANCER (’67), descendant of BLACK SWAN (’60), Orville Fay’s contribution to black breeding efforts; Ben Hager’s BASIC BLACK (’71) and Jim Gibson’s OPENING NIGHT (’70) were two other standouts of the period. And let’s not forget the Schreiners, who gave us such notable blacks as LICORICE STICK (’61), BY NIGHT (’76), SUPERSTITION (’77), SWAZI PRINCESS (’78), BLACK DRAGON (’82)...

Since the early 1980’s, the color saturation and the velvety texture of black irises have almost reached the pinnacle. Outstanding examples are the Schreiners’ BACK IN BLACK (’86) and MIDNIGHT EXPRESS (’88); Harold Stahly’s BLACK FLAG (’88); Walt Luihn’s BLACK OUT (’88); and Sterling Innerst’s BEFORE THE STORM (’92).

In France only Anfosso has worked in this area. He introduced CALAMITE, BAR DE NUIT, and DRACO (’82, ’87, ’88). British and Australian breeders have not done intensive work with black.

In the 1990’s, the Schreiner family has led the field in the production

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of fine black irises. Almost every catalogue has introduced a new black or dark violet: NIGHT RULER, MIDNIGHT DANCER, HELLO DARKNESS, BLACK TIE AFFAIR, PAINT IT BLACK, OLD BLACK MAGIC (’90, ’91, ’92, ’93, ’94, ’96). In Europe, the Anfosso family has given us two descendants of BAR DE NUIT: NUIT DE CHINE and NUIT FAUVE (’93, ’94). But do any of these represent a real step forward? It seems to me that we’ve reached an impasse, at least with regard to depth of color. The exceptions come from the breeding lines of Manfred Beer in Germany: BLACKY, and especially MANDY G. (both 1992).

In my opinion, the following are the best examples of modern blacks:

- BAR DE NUIT (Anfosso ’87): The more artistic than realistic photo on the cover of Anfosso’s 1987 catalogue probably led to disappointment for many of his purchasers who hadn’t actually seen the iris “in person”. Nevertheless, BAR DE NUIT is a “very black” iris of excellent quality. The blossom, very dark violet with dark blue beard, is well-proportioned, elegant, and velvety. In addition, growth is good, which is not the case with all blacks.

- BEFORE THE STORM (Innerst ’89): The iris was a deserving recipient of the Dykes Medal. Its color is a particularly deep black, with a black beard tipped bronze. Its form is elegant, although somewhat stiff. Growth is medium, but increase is good. One thing is certain: BEFORE THE STORM makes a statement in the garden!

- BLACK OUT (Luihn ’86): To my eye, this is the blackest black at present. The falls are a bit darker than the standards, the beard is blue- black. The blooms are large, beautifully ruffled, although sometimes a bit short on bud count. It has a pleasant mild scent, unusual for a black iris. Vigor and increase could be better.

- HELLO DARKNESS (Schreiner ’92): The color is a very dark violet-black with a black beard. The flower is only lightly ruffled, but perfectly proportioned. Its great strength is that it grows well and is weather-proof despite relatively early bloom.

- MANDY G. (Beer ’92): Among the purple-blacks, this is definitely the best. Its deep black shows purple only when held up to the light. The yellow beard makes it unique. Like many dark irises, MANDY G. blooms late. It increases quickly and without problems. A top iris in all areas.

- WITCHES’ SABBATH (Maryott ’86): One reason to recommend this iris is its bloom period, which starts early and lasts a long time, due to its high bud count. WITCHES’ SABBATH is a dark violet-black with mustard beards. Its biggest fault is the tendency of its standards to

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open too wide; nevertheless, you can depend on it to be an eyecatcher in the garden.

What progress can we expect? We can not hope for much additional depth of color; BLACK OUT and BEFORE THE STORM are “really black blacks”. In flower form, HELLO DARKNESS is a great step forward. Truly laced black irises still don’t exist, and bud count needs to improve. In my opinion, future progress will be in the area of “very black” irises with colorful beards, especially in the tangerine and brick-red direction. Several hybridizers are working in this area, led by Keith Keppel, who is using WITCHES’ SABBATH in his program. The first result is NIGHT GAME (’96), which he describes as “eggplant with fine rim of prune purple on the falls, and brick red beard”. In this color class, Joe Ghio has produced NIGHT ATTACK (’93), which has an orange beard tipped purple, but which isn’t completely black. Yellow beards have already arrived, as shown by MANDY G. But there are still no black Space Agers. So there’s room for further exploration of the dark realm, with possibilities of adding even more beauty to the world of irises.

[This article is reprinted with permission of the author and Der Staudengarten.\

Commercial Garden Owners: Are you proud of your catalog?

Does it look good? Is it easy for your customers to read and to use? How many errors does it have? Is it more expensive than it should be? Is the catalog the annual iris chore that you like the least?

Would you like some knowledgeable help with your iris publications?

Contact Harold Peters, former editor of the Region 14 Bulletin which is considered one of the finest regional publications, computer literate with desktop publishing experience and, most importantly, commercial iris garden owner. Services can vary from just proofreading or laser printing, through improving an existing catalog to full preparation of the catalog. Reasonable fees. If you are interested, it is suggested that you make arrangements early.

BEAUTIFUL VIEW IRIS GARDEN Catalog $2.00

2048 Hickok Road, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 (916) 933-3804

www.beautiful-view-iris.com harold@directcon.net

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cHiffoidizet and Service /Hedals

mss Recipients

n Awards Committee, composed of past recipients and headed by the president, reviews candidates for the Hybridizer s Medal, Distinguished Service Medal ' and the “Most Overlooked” Iris award. Nominations and endorsement letters (five are required for consideration) are sent to the committee. A list of candidates is compiled and the committee votes for a short list which is then presented at the AIS fall board meeting. The Board may also add candidates if five board members will act as sponsors. The combined list is voted on by the full board in closed session.

At the fall Board meeting in 1998 it was voted to award Distinguished Service Medals to O. David Niswonger and Olive Rice Waters; and the Hybridizers Medal to Ray Schreiner. These awards were presented at the 1999 Awards Banquet in Oklahoma City.

Distinguished Seruice Medals

O. David Niswonger:

Dave Niswonger has provided a long and distinguished service to AIS. He has been hybridizing irises for thirty-nine years and was awarded the AIS Hybridizer s Medal in 1985. He hybridizes with a wide range of different irises, and has won top awards for many of them, as follows: Dykes Medal: for BROWN LASSO and EVERYTHING PLUS Knowlton Medal: for RASPBERRY SUNDAE, BROWN LASSO, and MARMALADE SKIES

Sass Medal: for HONEY GLAZED and PRINCE OF BURGUNDY Cook Douglas Medal: for RASPBERRY JAM, and LITTLE BLACK BELT

Eric Neis Medals: for BUTTERED CHOCOLATE, CINNAMON STICK, MISSOURI RIVERS and SULTAN’S SASH Dave has been president of several local iris societies, as well as the Spuria Iris Society, and RVP for Region 18 from 1980 - 1982. He was on the AIS Board of Directors and was Director of Affiliates from 1990 - 1995. He served as President of the AIS from 1995 - 1998. During this term he did much to promote world wide interest in irises. Through his interest in species irises he has had contacts with hybridizers of other countries, such as Tomas Tamberg in Germany and Dr. Rodienenko in

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Russia. He spearheaded a committee formed by AIS to investigate the interest in the organization of a World Iris Association.

He is involved in breeding many other types of plants —gladioli, hollies, daffodils, daylilies and nut trees' — and also has introductions in these areas, as well as his many irises. He was awarded the Gold Medal for Horticultural Achievement by the Gardeners of America in 1993.

Dave was Administrator for Southeast Missouri Hospital, retiring in 1991. He served the hospital for thirty years, fourteen of them as Administrator. With wife Marie, he is enjoying his retirement which allows him to spend more time with family and the plants he loves.

Olive Rice Waters

How I Came to iris: A Look Back

Irises were always a part of the flower borders of both my mother and my grandmother. My first very own flower garden had a few irises, augmented with many more when my new next-door-neighbor turned out to be hybridizer Ed Zickler. Down the road was Eds friend Earl Roberts; both inspired by fabled growers Paul Cook and Arley Payne. My next garden was on a glacial moraine, beautiful but too fast-draining to make rhizomes thrive in that gravelly soil.

Then came the red tobacco richness of Maryland gardens, where such irises as ELEANOR'S PRIDE thrived. What an inspiration that garden was, though not a patch on the Owings Reberts' masterpiece at Westminster.

When it came time to return to graduate study at U.C. Berkeley, I decided that it was time to end my affair with irises. I piled my run of AIS Bulletins into the car to take them to the Luxamanor library's garden collection. But, does an old love ever die? No sooner had I settled into an academic schedule in Berkeley when unfathomably I found myself sitting in the Sydney B. Mitchell Iris Society's meeting, listening with awe to such famous persons as Larry Gaulter and Walt Luihn.

A bit later, having indulged myself in attendance at a Region 14 Spring Garden Tour, I was on a bus with Ben Hager as seat mate. Ben delved into my history and found that I had pounded the pavement for a daily newspaper to work my way through college. He thereupon proceeded to announce to our fellow trekkers that he had found a new regional editor!

Did I need this? Apparently so; I kept one foot on the campus and the other in the garden. The Region 14 Bulletin proved to be a challenge, as did the Almanac of the Pacific Coast Native Irises.

Still later, I was in the Keppel garden in Stockton as an AIS

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Convention, when Leon Wolford mentioned that he had just lost his publicity chairperson for AIS, and would I be interested.

Then Joe Gatty promoted the need for an iris calendar. You know the rest. It has been a long and beautiful path, and I do thank all of my iris friends for the opportunities to serve the Society.

Hybridizer's Medal

Ray Schreiner

Schreiners Iris Gardens began as a hobby during World War I when Francis Xavier Schreiner started growing irises in St. Paul, Minnesota; a testament to the fact that bearded irises will grow in a variety of climates. Upon his death in 1931, Francis’ children continued the business and moved the gardens to the Keizer area north of Salem, Oregon.

Our goals in breeding irises are to develop new color patterns, improve colors and flower form from what is already developed, and live up to the standards that everyone looks for in growth and disease resistance.

I started crossing with my dad, Bernard (more commonly known as “Gus”) in 1971. Dad would lay out the crosses and I, along with several others, would make the actual crosses. I also worked with Dad during the selection process, watching to see what he looked for, and the results of his crosses. This continued until my fathers death in 1981. During those years, Dad taught me just about everything I know.

Since then, I primarily make the crosses, with input from my cousin Dave Schreiner, and other family members involved in our operation. I am always ready to listen to any ideas.

When I select a seedling, I look for new color patterns: something different and pleasing. Some things are very different, but not pleasing in color. After color, I look at the shape of the flower: breadth at the haft and the form. If the flower doesn’t have those two qualities, no matter how different the color, I don’t consider it as introduction material. I don’t necessarily look for size, but rather, good proportion. Bud count is also important. If a seedling has the best flower, but only five buds, I’ll cross it with something with more buds and hope to improve on it.

Working with so many colors it is difficult to say which color pattern I favor. When I work with a color, I envision what I will be getting, and at the moment I like that color best. They are all my favorites. Plicatas, blues, reds, darks or yellows — mix up the patterns and you’re hooked! The possibilities are endless. Imagine a black with a pure white beard, or a deep maroon with a blue beard.

I see the future of irises as wide open. The sky is the limit: different

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patterns, more buds, longer bloom periods and repeat bloomers. What about the possibilities with the foliage? We have variegated foliage. What about extending the purple hue at the base all the way to the tip? What a contrast! You could have color year-round. Only time will tell.

Material was obtained from an article which appeared in The Canadian Iris Society Bulletin in 1999, with permission from editor Christopher Hollinshead.

In addition to their many Award of Merit Awards over the years, Schreiners have been awarded nine Dykes Medals, as follows:

1958 BLUE SAPPHIRE, 1963 AMETHYST FLAME, 1968 STEPPING OUT, 1984 VICTORIA FALLS, 1988 TITAN’S GLORY,

1992 DUSKY CHALLENGER, 1994 SILVERADO, 1995 HONKY TONK BLUES, 1999 HELLO DARKNESS.

Ray Schreiner is an AIS Active Master Judge, and has been the primary “hybridizer” at Schreiners since 1982.

- Editor

Incoming officers of the Fall Board meeting '98 LEFT: Clarence Mahan, President CENTER: Jeanne Clay Plank, 2nd VP RIGHT: Terry Aitken, 1st VP

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Cyktakonui C^it\{

1999 415 National Conwcntion

TWISTER CITY!

/PiottLs, /fils south

a famous line in the movie Bonnie and Clyde when the bank robbing Barrow couple is being hotly pursued in a high speed car chase out of Missouri. After sliding to a screeching halt at the state line, one policeman hollers to another “Pm not gonna risk my life in Oklahoma”.

Well, risk it we Missouri irisarians did! And it started out scary. As we were approaching Stroud, Oklahoma, (northeast of Oklahoma City) by car on 1-44, we started noticing shreds of pink insulation and other debris, then overturned trucks and damaged cars out in the middle of fields, and finally, what little was left of the Tanger Outlet Mall. The tornado damage was awesome. It looked like a war zone. Two foot wide steel beams were twisted like pretzels. In a few terrifying seconds, the city of Stroud had lost its tax base and employers of over 600 people. Miraculously, no one was hurt.

It was worse in Oklahoma City. We stopped at the Oklahoma Visitors Center on the outskirts of the city to see if our hotel was still there. It was, and in fact became a center for Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employees.

The “Storm of the Century” was an F5 tornado, with winds of 240 miles per hour. An F5 storm is the highest level on the Fujita Scale. The magnitude of this storm was overwhelming. It was on the ground for sixty miles, including a nineteen mile swath through metropolitan Oklahoma City. Property loss was estimated at over $225 million, 44 people were killed and 680 more were injured. The American Iris Society donated money to the relief fund, and further donations were collected from those in attendance at the convention.

Despite high winds, rain, and hail that hit some of the gardens, the iris bloom was relatively unscathed. The tornado probably came closest to Perry Dyer’s garden, cutting through about a mile away. While traveling to his garden we passed police blockades, overturned tractors and trucks,

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dead cows, shredded trees, and' most amazing to me- - scooped out red soil where all vegetation was torn from the ground and was simply gone. But Oklahomans are gritty people. They survived the Murrah Federal Building bombing and now an F5 tornado. So they carried on and were gracious hosts to AIS garden visitors.

CONTEMPORARY GARDENS, PERRY DYER

bij Qim and $ean /HotUs, /Kissouti.

The Dyer garden in Blanchard is known as Contemporary Gardens. It is a new garden, having been in existence but two years. The convention guest planting was in a serpentine bed as were the newer tall beardeds, quite a departure from Perry s past gardens of row plantings. There were separate beds of medians, novelty irises, Dyer irises, Zoo irises, and daylilies.

The first iris to catch our eyes was a non-guest, LION’S SHARE (Jameson ’92), a wide and ruffled reverse lemon yellow amoena blooming with several show stalks. WILD WINGS (Keppel ’99) was a ruffled royal purple over black with red beards. It had five stalks with 8-9 buds on each one, in a two year planting. DIAMOND LIL (Lauer ’98) had two stalks nicely branched with 10 buds. It was a ruffled white with red beards. HI CALYPSO (Hoage ’98) was a bright spot in the garden and hard to describe; try bright gold over neon red-violet, edged butterscotch. DIABOLIQUE (Schreiner ’9 7) is easier to describe as a ruffled garnet purple self

Perrys future 2001 introduction GHOST is aptly named. It was sort of a yellow-green blend over lavender-blue. It had old gold hafts and dark blue beards. Not to be missed was a Jim Loveland seedling #93SX2Kd6. This SILVERADO child was a ruffled light blue washed with medium blue, and displayed good branching. BLACK FALLS (Nebecker ’96) was nice with purple standards and ,what else, black falls. MELTED BUTTER (Fan ’94), a cream with butter yellow wash, was very floriferous with eight bloom stalks. DYNAMITE (Schreiner ’97) was a red-black with old gold beards. THERESA LYNN (Hoage ’95) was a very nice lavender-white with red beards. It had five stalks. PAULINE RODERICK (Stevens ’97) was a ruffled lavender with a white zonal on the falls and light lemon beards.

APRICOT TOPPING (P. Black ’97) is a border bearded; honey orange over red with red-orange beards and white veining at the hafts. SUN CATCHER (Ensminger ’92) went on my want list. It was heavily ruffled light yellow with some white on the falls. ALABASTER UNICORN (Sutton ’96) was a white with bluish horns. Seedling #132-

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84-2 (Ev. Kegerise) was pale blue over violet, edged blue, and standing tall after the storm.

The IB LUNAR FROST (Keppel ’96) was creamy white with a lemon spot pattern brought up from the SDBs. HULA HOOP (Shoop ’95) was a nice BB with standards in pale lavender-rose edged tan and light grayed lavender falls pencil edged gold. LYRIQUE (Blyth ’96) was striking in lavender with a big red spot and bluish beards. The IB SAILOR (M. Smith ’96) is what is known as a fancy plicata; it had medium blue standards and dark purple on white falls with dark blue beards tipped brown. WANDO (Ensminger ’97) was a broken color BB, eye-catching in blue splashed white with light yellow beards. The TB SCOTLAND YARD (Begley ’96) was a greenish lavender plicata. RAKU BLAZE (Aitken ’96) was a striking blending of colors; standards were butterscotch while the falls had a violet blaze. (Raku is a style of firing in ceramics.) You wont mistake this one for anything else in the garden. GREAT GATSBY (McWhirter ’95) was a ruffled neglecta with blue beards. MIND READER (Keppel ’94) is a classic luminata in rosy lavender. Betty Wyss had a nice MTB seedling #9118-5 which was lemon over amethyst with goldenrod yellow beards.

We visited this garden twice, and it was actually better the second day of a past peak review. MEN IN BLACK (’98), another of Larry Lauer’s irises named after a current movie, was a black-purple with old gold beards. ACT THREE (Blyth ’95) must be named for a stage play. It is an EDITH WOLFORD type, only more vivid in color. ANTIQUE LACE (Sorensen ’99) is one to watch for. It was a nice yellow with a white blaze on the falls. NOTHING BUT NET (Niswonger ’96) is named for an excellent shot in basketball. It was lavender blue with a white wash on the falls. The MTB PROVEN STOCK (Fisher 97) had old gold standards and deep wine falls edged old gold. PERFECT GIFT (Keppel ’96) was a heavily ruffled pale pink with a tangerine beard and well-branched stalks. ENCHANTING TIMES (T. Taylor ’95) was also well branched in a pleasing lavender. A rebloomer, BONUS LITE (Sutton ’98) was a clean white with three nicely spaced open flowers here. The Vizvarie seedling #20~9ia-crv was a clear reverse lemon yellow amoena with horns.

In the Zoo Garden, GNU’S FLASH (Kasperek ’96) had a perfect stalk; tan over dark violet with silver streaks. This is another that you wont mistake for anything else. The arilbred SKI (Stanek) was an OGB, with dark chocolate beards on a dull yellow with old gold hafts and a slight red blaze. Seedling sr-i (M. Betts), a Siberian X Versicolor cross,

( continued, on page 45)

YOinnets

A CHIEF SEQUOIA (J.

winner of Sydney B. Mitchell Medal.

ROARING JELLY (M. Schafer/J. Sacks), winner of Morgan Wood Medal

QUEEN SHEBA (H. Shockey), winner of Clarence G. White Medal

/K cdaL TOinnets

< TOOTH FAIRY (B. Jones), winner of Caporne-Welch Medal.

PELE (Aitken), winner of Cook Douglas Medal.

< PRINCE OF BURGUNDY (Niswonger), winner of Hans and Jacob Sass Medal.

XOinnets

A SULTAN'S SASH (D. Niswonger), winner of Eric Neis Medal.

A GEISHA OBI (L. Rich), winner of J. A. Payne Medal.

« PROFESSOR NEIL (J. Mertzweiller), winner of Mary Swords DeBaillon Medal.

Photo: Schreiner

A

DIABOLIQUE (SCHREINER), winner of WALTHER CUP.

Hybridizers Medal for 1998. >

Olive Rice-Waters

Oklahoma Convention, 1999

Reblooming SDB seedling 91-84A in Dyer Garden

Photo: Aitken

Oklahoma (Convention

< Fernandez Garden.

V George Waters sets up for a "photo op" at Jones Garden.

V Parrish Garden.

Oklahoma

C^onventloy on ^Coun

< Watson Garden.

Photo: Aitken

^Ckc £LvoLvlh$ T^lack 3tis

PhotOlRuaud.

AAANDY G. (M. Beer '92), Germany

BLACK FOREST (Schreiner '46) >

45

( continued from page 32)

was displayed in a nice clump of lavender blue with green signals and some cream in front of the signals.

Next year, the year of Y2K, you should look for Perrys LOVE BY CANDELIGHT (Dyer 2000), which was doing well in its home garden.

The Dyer garden has many great trees and bluebonnets. Seating for guests was in true Oklahoma style - bales of straw covered with patchwork quilts. Perry and his mother “Miss Kitty” were wonderful hosts and we enjoyed both visits.

BEASLEY GARDEN

/5>y Ijbetez TOelxivnann, New ^otk

ODE TO IMPERFECTION

Monday Morning I was fretting

Way too much to do.

What happened to the two years in which to do it all f

Still weeds to pull and other messes too.

Martha Stewards gonna flunk me!

Oh dear me , what to do ?

Monday night came a BIG WIND, that made me see anew.

To be thankful for a few weeds when I could have been blown away too.

Sharon Beasley met us with this poem to remind us that the tornado had hit only a mile from her home and garden. What an incredible situation: to be a tour garden for a national convention and to have been slapped by a tornado and heavy winds for two days and then have hundreds of people come to see your garden! What a personable and gracious lady.

Sharon is a plant collector and she has in her words a “plop it” theory. You see a plant, you like it, you buy it, and then you plop it in someplace in the garden. She has been a passionate gardener for twenty years, writes a garden column for four local newspapers, and sells plants and cut flowers at a farmers market.

Her garden is laid out in perennial borders of bachelor buttons, poppies, phlox and honeysuckle with irises mixed in. The guest irises were corralled in two plantings, one alongside of the bus parking area and the other along her house on the windy side. But nevertheless Sharon had some beautiful iris for us to ogle.

LITTLEJOHN (Don Spoon ’96) had toasted peach standards with a shot of violet up the midrib, violet plum centered falls and blue beards

46

changing to henna within the flower. The eight buds were held on superbly branched stalks and the ruffled heavy substance of the blooms garnered much attention.

COUNT DRACULA (Hedgecock 2000) was quite nice; a velvety purple spaceage iris, with matching self beards, white haft marks and again eight buds for a nice display.

DOUBLE BUBBLE (Ghio ’98) was the most ruffled flower in the garden. A single opened flower set many a camera shutter into action. The loopy bubble ruffles of azure blue with white beards and starched substance will delight many iris fanciers I am quite sure.

Sterling Innerst s DOROTHY DAVIS (’95) was a laced apricot peach with orange beards, and his PRINCIPLES (’93), a sterling silver blue, was quite lovely as well.

BOOGIE WOOGIE (Hooker Nichols ’93) was another iris that repeatedly looked great in every garden. It was right at home in Oklahoma.

FERNANDES CARDEN

/Katley, Itylt^LnLa.

It was with great excitement that I looked forward to seeing this garden again. My first visit to the Fernandes garden was in April, 1993, when A1 and Nancy were garden hosts during the Median Spree. The garden was in an adolescent stage of development then, with huge rocks recently placed to form the base of a shady sitting area adjacent to a meandering stream.

During the past six years, more shady areas, paths, secluded spots, terraces, pools, arbors and other interesting garden amenities have been incorporated.

Older pieces of farm equipment with clematis climbing freely were left where the previous owners had them. Nearby, a fallen log served as a haven for a raccoon, who was peeking out to see what all the commotion was about.

Two years ago, an adjacent two acres were added to the original land parcel, which had been purchased in 1991. The lay of the land invited Nancy to design and construct a series of rock-lined pools. Most of the construction was engineered by Nancy herself, with some outside help in maneuvering the larger rocks. Nancy has incorporated plantings of I. pseudacorus , Louisianas and other water plants in the pools to complement the shrubbery and trees growing nearby.

47

A crescent shaped bed of daylilies is a few steps down from the larger pool and is divided by a rustic arbor made of bent saplings, again, constructed by the versatile endeavors of Nancy.

At the rear of the house is an expansive lawn with a freeform bed of daylilies, coreopsis, irises and other perennials. The focal point of this area is the granite obelisk topped by a cherub looking at a butterfly and is dedicated to the memories of Nancy’s mother with this verse:

Those we love don t go away ,

They walk inside us everyday.

Unseen, unheard, but always near Still loved, still missed, Still very dear

All types of irises are used throughout the garden proper. The guest irises were planted on the two acres acquired earlier and had developed into vigorous clumps. The tornadoes which devastated nearby areas on the previous Monday had caused some shredding of blossoms when we viewed them on Thursday.

Our second visit, on Saturday, was a different story with hardly any tornado damage apparent. Cultivars that I must mention as being outstanding in the Fernandes garden include CROWNED HEADS (’97), a bi-tone blue with a heavenly fragrance hybridized by Keith Keppel. Another of Keith’s latest introductions is BROKEN DREAMS (’98), which sports peach standards and broken color falls of peach and cream. POND LILY , by Evelyn Jones (’95) and a favorite last year, withstood the wind fairly well in a spot that was quite open. Pinkston’s OWYEE DESERT (’97) was seen in two other gardens and looked good. It is a cream with mustard veining on the falls and yellow beards that make it unique. MONET’S BLUE (’98) and HIGH STAKES (’99) by Schreiner’s made quite a contrast with each other, the first being a medium/light blue and the other a vibrant purple.

Willott’s MTB, FESTIVE GLOW (’96), added warmth to the garden with its orange standards and maroon falls edged in golden orange. Finally, Dave Miller’s SUNRISE SEDUCTION (’98) is aptly named with its lightly ruffled, warm, bright yellow presence enhanced by tangerine beards. Oh yes! I cannot omit Spoon’s 1996 introduction, LITTLEJOHN, a pink-lavender which received the Region 4 “Nearpass Award” in 1998.

Many kudos to Nancy and A1 Fernandes for allowing us to visit and enjoy their garden.

Irises are a hardy lot, as are the folks who made our stay in Oklahoma City a memorable one. Many, many thanks!

HAWLEY CARDEN

b\f /lew exas

It was just four days after the devastating tornado in Oklahoma City when we visited the Hawley garden in Southwest Oklahoma City. There must have been a lucky charm in the pumping oil well in the back yard that protected this garden from the whirling winds! The irises were beautiful and well grown. The Hawleys have gone to great lengths to replace the red soil on their acreage with top soil from south of the city. Jim Hawley has used compost, then raised his beds, and the growth improvement was spectacular. He uses balanced fertilizer twice a year.

Jim and Maxine Hawley are charter members of the Sooner State Iris Society, and Jim has been president of the society several times. Because of their good growing conditions they have won best of show and sweepstakes ribbons at several of the Sooner State Iris shows.

The beds were well spaced with easy access. Looking good the day of our visit was Joe Ghio’s MANDELA (’99), a well branched TB with violet standards tinged white and two toned ruffled violet falls and bright orange beards.

Somewhat similar was SARAH JANE (James ’98), with darker violet two toned falls and yellow and white beards. Stevens’ TB PAULINE RODERICK (’97) was another with violet standards and falls with white layering. This was well ruffled and also had yellow and white beards.

Schreiner seedling #ccg8$A had huge ruffled blooms of an even darker violet, hafts white blended and veined with yellow beards. Tom Burseen’s SHY STAR (’97) had great branching with six buds of large pink ruffled standards, white falls edged pink and bright orange beards which were white tipped.

Jack Durrance’s TB ALPINE TWILIGHT (’96) was another with bright pink standards and mostly white falls with a ruffled violet edging. Bright orange beards blended into the hafts to make a more striking flower. Foliage was bright green and luxuriant. Ensminger’s BRINDLED BEAUTY (’94), seen in several other gardens, was a color breaking type with mauve white streaked dark violet in the falls, with orange beards. Branching was sturdy and well balanced. A beauty in every garden.

Nebecker’s ZANDRIA (’96) was a real eye catcher with pink standards and bright dark violet falls with huge white round shaped hafts highlighted with electric shock bright orange beards. Dave Niswonger’s ALMOST HEAVEN (’97) was beautiful with great branching and eight bud count of mauve- white with slightly darker violet edging on the falls.

49

Orange and blue beards brightened this beauty.

Schreiners’ DIABOLIQUE (’97) was well grown with giant blooms of dark wine and excellent ruffling. Don Spoon’s UNCLE CHARLIE (’99) was a big clump with lots blooms in every garden, which contributed to his winning the Franklin Cook Cup award.

Standards were light violet tinged white with falls slightly darker at the haft area, fading to icy blue white with white violet beards. An excellent grower.

Sterling Innerst’s BEHIND CLOSED DOORS (’97) was an unusual bloom of peach-pink standards, lighter falls stippled with violet dots and veined haft area with orange beards. Very unusual. Linda Miller’s MTB, ACE (’99) was a very dark violet/white plicata with a central line of violet. Excellent branching and bud count. A really early showpiece in the garden.

Bonnie Nichols TB seedling #B-i2 was another unusual iris. It had light wine standards with yellow at the base, and yellow falls with white, violet and wine edging. It was very ruffled and attractive. George S hoop’s BB HULA HOOP (’95) also had a distinctive edging of honey brown on light violet standards and the same on white falls. Bright orange beards made this a most unusual border bearded iris.

Rick Ernst’s SPECTRAL CHALLENGE (’97) was a very bright yellow self with broad rounded falls and yellow beards. A very pleasing symmetry. Maryott’s CORONA GOLD (’97) had burnt yellow standards, very ruffled and upright, on brilliant white falls with a broad yellow ruffled fringe. Beards were yellow and white.

Innerst’s DOROTHY DAVIS (’95) was a heavily ruffled apricot and cream with darker edging on the falls and bright yellow beards. Foliage was dark green; blooms were large on well branched stalks. Hooker Nichols PARIS DREAMS (’96) was also well branched and steeped with wine violet standards with creamy white falls heavily edged in darker violet, and very bright orange beards.

Bradshaw’s NEON COWBOY (’98) had light purple standards over red edged velvet purple falls with white veined purple ovals at the haft and yellow and white beards. It had sturdy branching and good bud count.

Overall, the Hawley garden was very attractive with whimsical cloth figures of crows and good luck charms sprinkled among the beds. The Hawleys have found the secret of growing well the genus iris. Their raised beds and amended soil brought us show bench quality irises in a setting of lush garden foliage — who could ask for anything more? And, sure enough, 0*K*L*A*H*0*M*A was certainly OK.

50

WATSON GARDEN

inf J~(oLkf

As the bus pulled up to the Watson Garden, there, like a beautiful picture, was a driveway framed by bush crepe myrtles and forsythia. We were met by Mary and Phil Watson, caretakers of this beautiful place, and who, as the day wore on, proved to be fantastic hosts.

Their property had many trees of different kinds. They were large and well cared for which created a very peaceful and relaxing setting. For me, it takes trees to make a home, so I was quite cognizant of the arborvitae, cedars, pines, pecans, sweetgums, elms, and maples. The fresh air blowing through the trees made it an easy visit.

Some of the flower beds were outlined in nemophilia (baby blue eyes), violas and other companion plants. The iris beds were raised and provided with grassy walkways of ample width to prevent crowding. The plants and their markers were so arranged that each cultivar on display was easy to identify, which is a real plus factor on any garden trek.

Although the bloom appeared to be past its peak and some of the irises had been damaged by rain, hail and the high winds accompanying the tornadoes in the area a few days earlier, the garden was indeed beautiful. On Saturday we were privileged to make a return trip to see many new, undamaged blooms, which helped erase the memory the earlier battered irises. They were all so pretty!

This was a huge master planting which made it difficult to write about all of the varieties in bloom, so I selected some of the cultivars which impressed me:

ARTIC EXPRESS (Gatty '96) was a beauty! It was a large glistening white self including the beard, but on closer examination these beards appeared to be a pale yellow.

MOUNTAIN MAJESTY (Ghio '95) was a very large deep purple self with violet beards. The falls were very wide and nicely ruffled.

CORPS DE BALLET (Hager ’98) was an eye catching iris of an unusual pastel blue pink (some would say rich cream) with a striking blue beard ending in a feathered horn. For the Spaceagers, it is different. If you like THORNRIRD you will really like this one.

KEIKO’S WORLD (L, Johnson ’97) was a glorious dark blue with a small white stripe at the end of the light blue beards.

MOBY GRAPE (Lauer ’98) was a large, ruffled red purple self. The beard is different — -orange in the throat and then white and purple on the remainder — easy to identify.

51

QUITE THE REVERSE (Maryott ’98) was a different bi-tone violet. The standards and stylearms are a blue violet while the falls are lighter. Beards are blue with white tipped hairs.

BRAZILIAN HOLIDAY (Schreiner’ ’97) is an eye-catching amoena (almost). The standards are lavender icy white and the falls are purple accented by yellow-orange beards.

DIABOLIQUE (Schreiners ’97) was a beautiful heavily ruffled red purple self with blue purple beards — a real stand out!

YES (Blyth ’95) was a different yellow and white amoena with eye catching tangerine beards.

There were so many other beautiful irises in the garden —“more than I can describe in the space allotted. I would suggest that you plan to attend the AIS National convention next year! The gardens are absolutely beyond description. One needs to capture this beauty for oneself. I guess you could say it is enthralling. Others who attended would agree, I’m sure.

WOODRUFF GARDEN

Kt/ Kitty jZobet^, (Zaii^otnia.

Coming from the West Coast, probably the one thing I wasn’t expecting in Oklahoma was the beautiful red soil, and Del and Juanita Woodruff’s garden showed it off nicely with contrasting wide grass walkways wrapping through their iris beds. My son claimed the soil was brown, but for me, it was definitely brick red. Busses delivered us to the Woodruff garden the first morning after the winds of the nearby tornado, which did some damage to the blooms, yet when I arrived back in this garden two days later, the irises had recovered so nicely you could not tell there had been an earlier problem! Del Woodruff was concerned about the late bloom season, and I was quick to assure him that his gardens were looking very healthy (must have been that “Hu-More” soil additive), or perhaps just the rich red Oklahoma soil!

Del and Juanita have their gardens designed to enhance the home, front to back. Tall bearded irises, Shirley poppies, larkspur, spiderwort, cactus and other succulents were in the front, which was a slightly higher elevation than the rear of the house. The lower elevation in the back had been landscaped to encourage beardless — -Siberians, Louisianas, and Spurias. With the late bloom season, we were able to see many Siberians and a few Louisianas in bloom. Two of my favorite SIB’s were Hollingworth’s BLUEBERRY FAIR (’97), and BAND OF ANGELS

52

(’96) with its thin, creamy band around the margins of the blue-purple falls; very attractive. Mary Dunn’s STOP AND GO (’96), a light rose on yellow LA, had very healthy growth and increase. Many other Louisianas, Siberians and Spurias were just about ready to enter full bloom.

I felt their bearded irises grew well; so well in fact that some of the Boarder Bearded and other medians were growing out of their respective classes. A seedling I liked by Joe Ghio, #93-9813 was a pretty TB; falls rimmed dark apricot on white with apricot standards. One of the most outstanding clumps of blue irises on tour was PARIS BLUES (M. Dunn ’90). KEIKO’S WORLD (L. Johnson ’97) was in the front beds, an amazingly tall, huge dark blue TB with a white beard. UNCLE CHARLIE (Spoon ’99) was very nice, a ruffled icy blue with darker blue beards and great branching. An unusual color that caught my eye was Virginia Messick’s tall bearded, CONSPIRACY (’96) — an iris with a blazing maroon violet flush in the center of the rust falls, ruffled and of good size. My son immediately found the horned TEXAS LONGHORN (L. Barnard ’96), with its cream standards and yellow falls with horns tipped in lavender. Although I too liked the horns, I also liked SMILING FACES (Keppel ’98) with its standards of white and yellow falls, very flared and ruffled.

Del told me one of his favorite irises was MELTED BUTTER (Fan ’94), also with white standards and yellow falls. He liked this particular variety because he felt it had good growth habits, and it was relatively disease free, and the long row certainly exhibited these qualities. Del and Juanita have a very spacious garden set among mulberry and poplar trees and other perennials. Their ponds and rock gardens in the back were a perfect setting for their many varieties of beardless irises, and for visitors to return.

SCOTT GARDEN

by C^atia jZankow, YVaskln^ton

As we entered the garden of Bob and Verna Scott we were attracted to their two story rustic log house. We envied their view from the large front porch overlooking a shaded garden of hostas, heucheras and other shade loving plants. Extending beyond the shade garden were beds for mixed perennials, herbs, irises and daylilies. These beds tied together the four ponds with their water gardens. Large daylily seedling beds spread throughout the 12 acres of land made it obvious that the garden was preparing for the National Hemerocallis Society Convention the

53

following month. The six commercial greenhouses covered 3,000 square feet and contained both sun and shade plants including a great variety of hostas and daylilies.The helpful and friendly Scotts with their staff found time to answer our questions and direct us around this large garden. We were tempted to hop into one of their many golf carts to visit the outer fields, but we were drawn to the large clumps of irises in the guest beds.

The guest irises were growing very well and at least four clumps had 15 to 20 increases with more than 10 bloom stalks. They were BRAZILIAN HOLIDAY (Schreiner ’97) with white standards and plum red falls and showy gold style arms, LVE GOT RHYTHM (Schreiner ’98) a cream ground raspberry plicata, DIFFERENT APPROACH (Innerst’92) a peach and lavender blue bicolor and OMINOUS STRANGER (Innerst ’93) a pale cream with soft plum rims. Another good grower was Tom Burseen’s 1995 introduction HUNK, a big bi-tone blue with about ten increases. Brad Kasperek came through with two broken color flowers with his KING TUSH (Kasperek ’97) a coral peach with white splashes on the falls and his TANZANIAN TANGERINE (Kasperek ’95) a well formed flower with tangerine standards and lighter orange falls splashed with brick red. Two seedlings caught our fancy. The first one was a Walter Moores seedling 92-26C with fifteen increases and six stalks. White standards and violet falls were accented with a white speckled pattern on the upper falls. Finally there was Jack Norrick’s MTB seedling 90-9A. The three stalks in bloom with their excellent cantilever branching had well placed dainty flowers. The yellow standards were in contrast with the yellow rimmed violet falls.

There was a large private planting of irises behind the guest iris beds. Such things as RHONDA FLEMING (Mullin ’93), COLETTE THURILLET (Cayeux 90) and EDITH WOLFORD (Hager ’86) were looking great. Many of these were Schreiner’s classic irises, both old and new, such as SILVERADO, CARTE BLANCH, SUPERSTITION, DUSKY CHALLENGER and HONKY TONK BLUES. Looking lovely in a mixed perennial bed with peonies, poppies and Texas Bluebonnets, these irises also were grown very well.

Bob Scott is a well known hybridizer of the Topgun series of daylilies. It is too bad we could not be there in another month to see the daylilies as well as the irises. It would have been nice if we had more time to wander through the greenhouses and explore the outer fields in one of Bobs golf carts. However it was time to head back to the bus past the giant tropical crinum lily that had greeted us when we entered the garden. Maybe next time!

54

PARRISH CARDEN

hif ^Com jAbte^o, Oregon

Our visit to the garden of Perry Parrish was a welcome stop on a hot Oklahoma afternoon. This garden is really a collaborative effort involving Perry Betty Skrapka and her late husband A .J. The Skrapka property is five acres and one’s immediate impression is of room and comfort. All of the plants in the garden, iris, daylilies, peonies and other perennials, were well-grown and relatively healthy. It was immediately obvious that some very talented gardeners were involved with the design and maintenance of this garden.

Bradford pear trees provided shade on our entrance to the garden. The first guest planting fronted an inviting gazebo. A statue of a one- armed mermaid greeted visitors to this area. Other statuary was discretely placed throughout the garden. An eagle here, an owl there, this statuary followed an avian motif.

Two variegatas stood out in the large planting of MTB’s: PARDNER (Fisher ’93), a honey gold and red with a honey ring on the falls, and FESTIVE GLOW ( Willott ’96). With bright orangish yellow standards and deep brownish red falls rimmed with yellow, it is particularly well- named. Two Border Beardeds also stood out: SONJA’S SELAH (Ensminger ’89), a ruffled pink amoena and LOW SPIRITS (Keppel ’94), with reddish violet standards and velvety purple falls.

There were a number of excellent Tall Bearded guests: LONG’S PEAK (Durrance ’94), a grape purple with a silvery wash on the falls; ANNE MURRAY (Moller ’96), a tall well-branched blue-violet; BALTIC STAR (Stahly ’94), a deep blackish purple with a light wash on the falls; BLACK BUTTE (Schreiner ’99), a ruffled obsidian black; RARE QUALITY (Schreiner ’99), a deep purple plicata; BLUE JAY WAY (Lauer ’98), a ruffled blue; NIGHT GAME (Keppel ’96), a velvety black bitone; WATERDRAGON (M. Smith ’98), a heavily ruffled blue; and RHONDA FLEMING (Mullin ’93), a lusciously ruffled and laced lilac. Hooker Nichols’ medium yellow seedling #92160 showed well, as did Ron Mullins well-branched pale blue #631.

Tucked behind the gazebo was an excellent example of I.pseudacorus. Many of the non-guest iris beds were arranged by hybridizer. DUSKY CHALLENGER (Schreiner ’86) showed the qualities that earned its Dykes Medal. A stroll to the back of the property included visits to more iris guest beds, daylily guest beds and even more plantings of iris and daylilies. The ultimate destination was the yet-to-be landscaped “catfish”

55

pond at the far back of the property. Catfish ponds themselves do not seem to be too interesting, but water features are certainly assets in the garden and this large pond shows definite potential.

The long walk back (under the quizzical watch of a group of neighboring horses) led straight to the sanctuary of the refreshment area on the rear patio. It was here that the most remarkable discovery was made, and no, it did not involve chocolate. Peonies and iris were used very effectively as foundation plantings all around the house. Just off the patio was an absolutely magnificent clump of SIGHS AND WHISPERS (Black ’90)! Its growth was robust and vigorous, and its blue amoena flowers effusive. This was definitely one of the best clumps of iris seen in any of the tour gardens. What a joy!

And what a joy it was to visit this garden. It is well-designed, tastefully decorated, and all the plants well-grown.

REX MATTHEWS CARDEN

by 4~f'fian (3 otorado

The Rex Matthews Garden is located in a lovely historic district of Oklahoma City. As the buses unloaded in front of the beautifully restored two-story cream and brown house, guests were met by a sign announcing the Linwood Place award of “Home of the Month.” There is a parkway in the center of the street. In times past, this was the a street car route and has been converted into a grassy and treed area. No part of this parkway stands out like the section in front of Dr. Matthews’ house. Like so many irisarians and passionate gardeners whose appetites for more varieties of iris and other plants exceed the gardening space available, Dr. Matthews just couldn’t let the available area in the parkway go to waste. This was the location of the convention guest iris. Although somewhat past peak bloom there were several that were blooming and worthy of note. There was a mixed perennial bed in the center with the guest iris beds located on ends of this bed.

In the first bed, SOMEWHAT QUIRKY (MTB, Probst ’92) was performing well with its yellow standards, violet veined falls and yellow beards. Another nice MTB was STIPPLED LADY (Norrick ’96) which was a white based plicata peppered violet with yellow beards. PIZZICATO (TB, Spoon ’99) had numerous bloom stalks showing off its ruffled medium blue lavender self with darker blue lavender beards. Schreiner’s seedling #001318-1 (TB) was a good example of the dark purple with red beard color that is so popular. The falls are just a little lighter than the standards. Another Schreiner TB that was just coming into

56

bloom was CHINA MOON (’98). The plant looked very healthy which is notable for an orange iris.

The middle bed was full of mixed perennials including some lovely peonies. The daylilies in this bed were coming along nicely and the daffodils and tulips, although finished blooming, must have been lovely earlier in the season. Antique irises also were prevalent in this planting.

PRINCE GEORGE (’97) by the late George Shoop was a standout in this bed. This was a striking TB with deep blue falls, almost white standards and a tangerine red beard. Hedgecock’s NORTH POLE (TB, ’95) was a cool blue bi-tone with ruffles and lace. Pale blue white standards and medium blue falls were set off by near white beards. PUMPKIN FEST (TB, ’98), also by Hedgecock, appeared to be another healthy orange although it was well past peak bloom. Ron Mullins TB seedling #413M demonstrated excellent plant health with nice straight stalks. It was a ruffled medium violet with blue beards. SUDDEN IMPACT (TB, Tasco ’97) was a real standout with terrific plant health, increase, and bloom stalks. It was a heavily ruffled medium blue with lighter blue beards and reflected characteristics from both its parents — Dusky Challenger and Ruffled Goddess. CELTIC HARP (Stahly ’98) was another healthy, good growing ruffled cadmium orange TB. VAIL (Moller ’97) was an eye catcher with its vibrant yellow gold beards contrasting against the white flowers displayed on numerous stalks. One spaceager that was performing well was Sutton’s ALABASTER UNICORN (’96). What a perfect name for this ruffled white TB with its white horned yellow beards! Kegerise had a very pretty apricot orange TB seedling #91-1213. DIRTY DEVIL CANYON (TB, Durrance ’94) was also worthy of note with its yellow standards and red overlaid and striped yellow falls edged yellow. The border bearded VERY VARIED (Ensminger ’93) was “color breaking” its royal purple with streaks of white. The companion plantings of dianthus and violas in this bed were lovely and set off the irises nicely.

After finishing with the guest beds there was time to wander over to the gardens surrounding the house. These beds were planted with irises and other perennials. OZARK SKY (MTB, Fisher ’90), alavender blue and white plicata, was blooming nicely in the front of the house. Every garden needs an elf riding a dolphin with water coming from the dolphin’s mouth to create a pond. The pond had some very interesting crystal glass rocks around it in a beautiful shade of turquoise. ENCHANTING (Hamblen ’87), with pink standards infused violet, rose violet falls infused with blue violet blaze below red purple beard; SKIPALONG (Ghio ’96) marbled and speckled rose and white; GENTLE SHEPHERD (Tompkins ’87), bright yellow with china blue washed center in falls;

57

HOLY NIGHT (K. Mohr ’83), ruffled velvety deep violet purple; and BIG DIPPER (O. Brown ’8i), ruffled and fluted light yellow, were all lovely TBs.

The gardens at the rear of the house were home to the beardless irises including Spurias, Siberians, and Louisianas along with a wonderful collection of hostas. Various garden statuary included a metal Kokopeli in the beardless iris garden and two frogs holding an umbrella and sitting on a bright yellow love seat in the hosta area. A Mexican clay St. Francis along with other Mexican garden art work was in or around the gazebo at the back of the garden.

Strolling from the back to the front some additional TBs presented themselves. SMART MOVE (Keppel ’95), blended rose tan; SWINGTOWN (Schreiners ’96), mulberry claret with blue purple beards; HOSTESS ROYALE (Blyth ’94/ ’95), peach with white around tangerine beards; HAUTE COUTURE (Gatty ’96), peachy pink with red beards; TOM JOHNSON (Black ’96), purple black with red orange beards; and SHIRLEY M (Kegerise ’95), pale pink with light blue beards, were all doing and blooming well. The two Schreiners TBs DELTA BLUES (’94), heavily ruffled light blue, and AROUND MIDNIGHT (’95), purple/black bi-tone, were both a credit to their hybridizer.

As the whistle blew to return to the bus and move to the next garden, the Siberian WALL STREET BLUES (Aitken ’95), mid blue with small lighter signal area; and Mahans wonderful MTB REMINISCENCE (’94), violet and plum purple bi-tone, waved good bye.

JONES GARDEN

bif AlifU /Hlssoutl

Helen Jones’ garden boasted some of the best grown and fullest blooming irises we saw in Oklahoma City. Her T-shaped garden obviously benefited from a little more wind protection and a little less hail than other locations!

A cheery row of dianthus greeted visitors who filed down the drive and turned left- — to be greeted by giant irises painted on a tall wooden privacy fence overlooking the guest beds. Healthy clumps of irises were planted alphabetically by hybridizer in a series of curving beds planted two deep, to make viewing from the mulched paths easy for crowds. Helen says she played classical music tapes for the irises as she planted them to get them to grow, and it must work!

Under the canopy of a wide spreading hackberry, tree grateful Louisianas appreciated a bit of noonday shade- — and so did visitors! While

58

most Louisianas were still in bud, Rilla Hickerson’s seedling 92-1-1 was a pretty pink-toned red-violet, and Dorman Haymon’s 56-2 was a nicely rounded light lavender. A stunner even in the shade was the Shepards’ PUMPKIN CHIFFON (2000) in an amber-orange-russet blend with lighter edges and a small signal.

Two median beds at the far end of the garden, open to viewing from the street, still gave a hint of some lovely things that had been at peak a week or more earlier. MTB SARA’S LOVE (Varner ’94) drew attention with its delicately flared white flowers. Probst’s MINI WABASH (’96) was nicely budded and growing well. Helen reported that the SDBs and IBs “were lovely” but we missed them. Helen’s personal favorite was Bonnie Nichols’ IB seedling B-15, white standards with deep blue-violet plicata falls, (accidentally listed as aTB in the very well done and helpful Convention Booklet). Classic BB SONJA’S SELAH (Ensminger ’89) was charming as always in white and pink. Famous luminata LOW SPIRITS (Keppel ’94) was in bloom, noted as “purple with peach”. (Can I trust my notes — or even read them?!)

But the TB’s were clearly the feature attraction. SMILING FACES (Keppel ’98) was a standout here, as everywhere else, in a sparkling white and lemon-pie yellow (the home-made kind with glowing color!), replete with ruffles, flared form, and personality.

Joe Gatty’s ARCTIC EXPRESS (’96) was an extra-large clump with enormous, bubble-ruffled white flowers, and a heavy bloomer besides. PETTICOATS AND LACE (Hedgecock ’95) was appropriately named in pink and white, and showing abundant bloom.

Schreiner’s nice clump of COLOR ME BLUE (’98) definitely was, with gold deep in the throat. Lightly ruffled SPLASHACATA (Tasco ’98) was an eye-catcher with light blue violet standards over purple falls speckled white, and interesting purple based foliage. Jack Word’s AMERICA’S SONG (’94) was also lightly ruffled, light blue with bright blue beards, with healthy foliage and a sizable clump.

Another impressive clump was the SMOOTH MOVE (’98) Lynda Miller has come up with: lavender over purple with a gold beard and a nicely formed, flared bloom. David Miller’s entry, EVER ANEW (’98), in a red-magenta with sparkling tangerine beards and nicely ruffled, was also growing well. Hooker Nichols’ VEGAS WEEKEND (’99) had the bright lure of gold, flaring form, and a nicely developed clump. Several of his seedlings seemed to be doing well and showed appealing BOOGIE WOOGIE form. Particularly noted were 9517A, a light blue-violet with falls banded lighter; 9535A, ruffled red with gold beards; 9543A, pink standards

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with lavender midrib over purple falls, standing up to the wind well.

Netted hafts, once the bane of hybridizers, are being used interestingly by several hybridizers. Good examples were Bradshaw’s NEON COWBOY (’98) in a dark wine with good bud count, and Langes 19- 89-23, a large ruffled purple with white-netted hafts. The shoulders were also a major attraction on Jamesons gold- touched WHIPPED HONEY (’96), an outstandingly heavy bloomer.

Softly pretty were Ensminger’s SINGS SO SOFTLY (’97), a light blue-pink with orchid falls highlighted by red beards; Willott’s seedling W95-208, a ruffled peach with tangerine beards, and Barnard’s ORANGE ALA MODE (’97), white over peach. A little more sparkly was DIAMOND LIL (Lauer ’98), an airplane-flared, ruffled white with red beards tipped white.

Aitkens TAN MAN (’96) was standing tall and looking good. Keppel’s NIGHT GAME (’96) caught my attention in sultry black with its rust beards. Another interesting dark one I hadn’t seen before was Hal Stably s BALTIC STAR (’94), black over falls rimmed black with a lighter flare in the center.

Several otherwise appealing clumps or individual stalks seemed to have succumbed to the Oklahoma winds — which did seem to blow constantly. It was apparent that many bloomstalks in various gardens were shorter than usual due to the excruciating drought Oklahoma had suffered. This also seemed to make buds “cluster” abnormally at the top of bloom stalks. It would be interesting to see if the sufferers overcame these flaws under better conditions. (People who garden in Oklahoma have my admiration for courage, persistence, and skill. I don’t think I’d have anything still alive, let alone blooming!)

A quick trip by the refreshment table for a delicious bite, a too quick peek into Helen’s backyard jeweled by coreopsis and some of her favorite irises, and I now understand why every commentary always ends “there just wasn’t time to see it all”!

WILL MGERS PMRK

b\f (Z'O.Ll'fjotnLa.

On May 3rd I boarded a plane in Sacramento, looking forward to the AIS Convention in Oklahoma. After a three and one half hour flight, and an hour layover in St. Louis, we headed south into the fun. In St. Louis we were informed that our flight would be delayed by at least three hours due to “weather”. Understatement of 'the year! Finally in flight, the pilot told us to strap in for some bumps. Those “bumps” were so bad

60

some people became ill. I had a window seat that allowed me to see to the west. Soon we began to see lightning as I had never seen it before. It shot straight up and down, sliced diagonally, and great spears went horizontally for miles. Being a native Californian, this was a rare phenomenon for me. The captain assured us the storm was thirty miles away. As it was dark, I had no way of knowing that I was watching the granddaddy of all tornadoes.

After we landed safely and I reached the convention hotel, I heard a strange roaring sound and went to investigate. I was told it was hail but I couldn’t believe it. Those were one inch ice balls!. Again, in California we don’t experience such things. I was very worried for our iris friends and their safety.

Although damage in the Oklahoma area was extensive, the iris gardens we visited suffered little. Some shredded irises here and there, but by Thursday there were new blossoms open.

One of the most spectacular gardens was the Will Rogers Memorial Park. When we arrived the dew was still sparkling on the grass. The first thing we saw as we left the bus was the seven or eight foot tall iris carved from wood (photo: back page of the July Bulletin).

There were hundreds of irises in bloom in this garden, with little time to evaluate them all. However, the highlights for me were as follows. DEBBIE REYNOLDS (Schick ’91) was a luscious clear pink, with good substance, good ruffles, well branched with good increase; a tribute to its namesake. An iris that is everything a good iris should be is ANNE MURRAY (Moeller ’96). It had good branching and was lovely in light blue; almost white overall. It appeared to have a long bloom time, probably close to a month. There were four huge open blooms, two yet to open and three already finished. Top it off with pleasing fragrance and it had it all. Not to be outdone as a season extender was Lauer’s FAN FLARE (’98), with three buds per socket, all in various stages of development, insuring blooms over a long season. The color was unusual in brown, reds and lavenders. The clump was large for being only two years old.

Don and Ginny Spoon’s Winterberry Garden had sent some real beauties. Don has a winner with LITTLEJOHN (’96). From the name I expected to see an SDB or maybe an IB, but we were treated to a large and tall confection of lavender and pink. Absolutely gorgeous. The lavender stylearms are sure to be a hit. My want list became longer. And it grew some more when I saw WILD WINGS (Keppel ’99), dark violet standards, black flaring falls with a fat brick red caterpillar for a beard. It also had good branching and strong stalks with good increase.

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ACE (Miller ’99), a purple and white plicata MTB, was looking good. We see very few MTB s in California. For some reason they don’t care for our mild winters and hot dry summers.

Several Louisianas were in bloom, enjoying a little shade so the colors were exceptionally vibrant. CAJUN SUNRISE (Mertzweiller ’93) was outstanding. Most notable were the shocking yellow stylearms. The red falls were surrounded with the same shocking yellow. Another addition to the want list!

Anyone who has not seen DARK PASSION (Schreiner ’98) is missing something. The flowers are not large, but the deep black color, the silky smoothness, and fantastic grape fragrance more than make up for size, and the blooms are proportionate to the plant. Another Schreiner child caught my eye, SUGAR MAGNOLIA. Introduced in ’98, 1 saw it first in Denver with snow on it. I was impressed with the clear color of pink in the falls and the pure crystalline white of the standards — a good garden plant.

The seedlings were numerous. Evelyn Kegerise’s seedling #92-1329- a was one for future consideration. It was very dainty with lavender standards (almost white) in perfectly closed dome, and standards the same lavender white sporting a touch of lace. TORCHED WITCH is a bright, burning orange Linda Miller seedling scheduled for release in 2000.

My very favorite seedling this year was #b-i by new hybridizer Bonnie Nichols. The bloom was the prettiest I had seen all spring, and I saw a lot. I would be curious to know if Dykes winner CONJURATION may be in its pedigree. The lovely thing had three branches, nine to ten buds, and stood approximately thirty eight inches tall. Standards were white with a pale lavender flush deepening at the laced edges. Falls were white at the hafts with magenta veins that widened into magenta falls, edged lavender. Beards were red. Very nice and colorful.

The garden wasn’t just irises. Interspersed throughout the plantings were vibrant red and blue verbena, sunflowers galore, bachelor buttons, and rose colored achilla dotted the landscape. Lilies and Hollyhock were everywhere. The pungent fragrance of sage harmonized with the sweet aromatic scent of star jasmine. The red salvia was an asset to the gray- green foliage of the irises.

If the opportunity presents itself, plan a visit to the Will Rogers Park. If the irises are gone, sit on a bench and watch the Mallards swim lazily down the clear, clean stream that flows past the garden; take a minute to reflect on all the beauty this world has to offer if we just look around.

Thanks to all of you in Oklahoma who made this convention a wonderful success. ^

62

j^wazd banquet

Presentation of 1998 n war as at 1999 Convention

Fran Evers, Region 20 RVP (left), and David Miller, (center), present new Franklin Cook Cup to AIS.

Ginny Spoon receives Franklin Cook Cup for "Best Out of Region Iris", UNCLE CHARLIE (photo: July AIS Bulletin i, inside front cover).

Ron Mullin confides a stratagy for winning In-Region award: "Export the other hybridizers."

63

David Schreiner receives Wister Medals for HELLO Ken Fisher receives Williamson-White Medal for DARKNESS and YAQUINA BLUE from Vice President STRIPED PANTS.

Jeanne Plank.

Bennett Jones recieves the Sidney B. Mitchell Medal for PACIFIC RIM.

George Lankow receives Hans and Jacob Sass Medal for CEE JAY.

Anna Mae Miller receives the Morgan- Wood Medal for FROSTED CRANBERRY.

Terry Aitken recieves W. A. Payne Medal for BUTTERFLIES IN FLIGHT.

Keith Keppel recieves the Walther Cup (most HM votes) for PROTOCOL (IB).

64

y43S /^Mnds

mom

Dykes Memorial Medal

HELLO DARKNESS (Schreiner’s), 113 votes (photo: front cover)

runners up:

ACOMA (T. Magee), 73 votes YAQUINA BLUE (Schreiner’s), 72 votes

votes John e. mister Memorial Medal (Tall Bearded)

90 STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN (L. Lauer)

88 BOOGIE WOOGIE (H. Nichols)

78 RHONDA FLEMING (R. Mullin)

runners up:

70 MESMERIZER (M. Byers), 64 CELEBRATION SONG (Schreiner’s)

Caparne-Welch Medal (Miniature Dwarf Bearded) 59 TOOTH FAIRY (B. Jones)

runners up:

39 ELFIN MAGIC (A.&.D. Willott),

35 LITTLE RASCAL ( J.&.L. Fry), 35 PIXIE FLIRT (A.&.D. Willott)

Cook-Douglas Medal (Standard Dwarf Bearded)

51 PELE (T. Aitken)

runners up:

48 STARBABY (M. Smith), 32 TWEETY BIRD (P. Black)

Hans and Jacob Bass Medal (Intermediate Bearded)

66 PRINCE OF BURGUNDY (D. Niswonger)

runners up:

57 DARK WATERS (T. Aitken), 57 SMITTEN KITTEN (T Aitken)

Knowlton Medal (Border Bearded)

80 PETITE BALLET (K. Keppel)

runners up:

73 MAUI MAGIC (T. Aitken), 70 APRICOT FROSTY (D. Niswonger)

62

62

50

41

31

20

19

18

46

43

22

12

126

50

30

29

28

65

Williamson-White Medal (Miniature Tall Bearded) BILLIE THE BROWNIE ( J. Burton)

PRETTY QUIRKY (A. Probst)

runners up:

PAYOFF ( J. &c V. Craig), 33 OZARK JEWEL (K. Fisher)

Cla rente C. White Medal (Aril — Vi or more Aril) QUEEN SHEBA (H. Shockey)

runners up:

SERAPH’S JEWEL (H. Shockey), 26 BRONZE FALCON (L. Danielson)

william Mohr Medal (Aril— y* to less than % Aril) PATRIOT’S GEM (F. Gadd)

runners up:

MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION (S. McAllister)

DESERT MELODY (L. Flanagan), 18 SILENTTEARS (L. Peterson)

Mary Swords DeBaillon Medal (Louisiana)

PROFESSOR NEIL (J. Mertzweiller)

runners up:

COUP D’ETAT (M. Dunn), 28 C’EST FANTASTIQUE (M. Dunn)

Sydney B. Mitchell Medal (Californicae)

CHIEF SEQUOIA ( J. Weiler)

runners up:

EARTHQUAKE ( J. Ghio), 12 FOOTHILL BANNER (L. Lawyer)

Morgan-Wood Medal (Siberian)

ROARING JELLY (Schafer/Sacks)

runners up:

CONTRAST IN STYLES (Hollingworth), 44 SNOW PRINCE (S.Tiffney)

Eric Nies Medal (Spuria)

SULTAN’S SASH (D. Niswonger)

runners up:

HIGHLINE SNOWFLAKE (E. McCown)

ILA REMEMBERED (B. Hager)

66

J. A. Payne Medal (Japanese)

24 GEISHA OBI (L. Rich)

runners up:

22 PICOTEE PRINCESS (L. Reid), 16 JOY PETERS ( W. Ackerman)

Walthei" Cup (Most HM votes in all categories)

125 DIABOLIQUE (Schreiner’s)

runners up:

112 CROWNED HEADS (K. Keppel), 106 BRAGGADOCIO (K. Keppel)

M ward of Merit

Tall Bearded

180 FANCY WOMAN (K. Keppel)

129 POND LILY (E Jones)

123 JURASSIC PARK (L. Lauer)

98 B EWILDERB EAST (B. Kasperek) 87 TANZANIAN TANGERINE (B. Kasperek) 79 DAWNING (J. Ghio)

76 MELTED BUTTER (C. Fan)

67 NIGERIAN RASPBERRY (B. Kasperek) 63 BRINDLED BEAUTY (A. Ensminger) 60 ROSALIE FIGGE(J.McKnew)

59 PRETTY IS (R.Mullin)

59 TOASTED WATERMELON ( J. Hoage) runners up:

51 HALO IN GOLD (D.Niswonger)

49 GOOD LOOKING (Schreiner’s)

Border Bearded 71 CRANAPPLE (T. Aitken), runners up:

66 PEACH ICE CREAM (C. Lankow),

Intermediate Bearded

52 BOLD STROKE (E Jones),

runners up:

51 PRISM (M Smith),

Miniature Tall Bearded 235 BANGLES (L. Miller), runner up:

73 SNICKERDOODLE (O. Wulf)

58 FROSTING (J. Gatty)

58 HOTDOGS AND MUSTARD (K. Kasperek) 58 QUEEN OF ANGELS (Schreiner’s) 57 PACIFIC DESTINY (L. Lauer)

57 SWING AND SWAY (V. Messick) 56 PURE AS GOLD (Maryott’s)

55 GOLDKIST (R Black)

55 GREAT GATSBY (J. McWhirter) 55 NORDIC ICE (H. Shockey)

54 CRANBERRY DELIGHT (T. Aitken) 54 LADY JULIET (H. Nichols)

49 FOOTLOOSE (Schreiner’s) 49 WAR CHIEF (Schreiner’s)

68 LEMON UP (T. Magee)

63 CALICO KITTEN (C. Tompkins)

52 MAGIC BUBBLES (A. &D.Willott) 50 AURORA’S BLUSH (A &D.Willott)

130 STEFFIE (K. Fisher)

67

Standard Dwarf Bearded 71 HOTTENTOT (M. Smith)

49 BALLET LESSON (D. Niswonger) runners up:

38 IRISH MOSS (B Jones),

38 PIRATE’S PATCH (R Black)

44 PEACH PETAL PIE (D. Niswonger) 39 DARK RINGS (J. Gatty)

38 SERENDIPITY ELF (D. Niswonger)

65

49

Miniature Dwarf Bearded SCRUPLES (L. Miller), 51

runners up:

SQUIGGLES (L. Miller), 37

PINK BLINK (T.Aitken) ROBIN’S EGG (D. Sindt)

Aril— V4 to less than Vi Aril 59 KALIFA’S HORN (R. Annand)

21 OLD FASHIONED GIRL (S. McAllister) runners up:

17 IN TOTO (C. Boswell), 12 DREAM CATCHER (S. McAllister)

Aril — Vi or more Aril

27 LANCER (H. Shockey), 18 ANACRUSIS (H. Mathes)

17 ATTEN (H. Shockey) runners up:

16 OMAR’S VALOR (C. Boswell)

13 ENGRAVED INVITATION (S. McAllister)

Louisiana

36 PRALINE FESTIVAL (D. Haymon), 24 GEISHA EYES (C. Arny) runners up:

23 PROFESSOR MARTA MARIE (J. Mertzweiller)

22 ROKKI ROCKWELL (D. Haymon)

Californicae

13 SEA GAL (L. Belardi), 12 NATIONAL ANTHEM ( J. Ghio)

12 WILDER THAN EVER (J. Ghio)

runners up:

9 MANTRA (J. Ghio), 5 BLUE MOMENT (D. Meek)

5 LA SELVA BEACH (J. Ghio), 5 SAN LORENZO VALLEY (J. Ghio)

5 WHAT’S WHAT (J. Ghio)

Siberian

181 STRAWBERRY FAIR (R. Hollingworth)

1 1 8 LAKE KEUKA (D. Borglum) runners up:

55 MESA PEARL (J. Coble/R. Bauer)

50 HARPSWELL SNOWBURST (C. McEwen)

68

35

30

22

51

78

28

22

19

16

125

112

106

105

82

71

70

67

66

58

58

57

57

57

56

56

55

55

54

54

52

52

Species

MARVELL GOLD ( J. Waddick)

ARCTIC REBLOOMER (Carla Lankow), 30 runner up:

CASCADE CREME (L. Reid) Inter-Species

AQUATIC ALLIANCE (L. Reid) Spuria

MISSOURI SPRINGS (D. Niswonger), 43 runners up:

ZAMBOANGA (B. Hager), 27

ILLINI FOUNTAIN (S. Varner)

SONORAN SKIES (F. Wickenkamp) SUNRISE IN SONORA (F. Wickenkamp)

Japanese

INK ON ICE (T. Aitken), 22 RASPBERRY GLOW (T. Aitken)

runners up:

CASCADE SPRING DRESS (L. Reid)

EPIMETHEUS (S. Innerst), 16 PINK DACE (Jill Copeland)

Honorable Mention

Tall Bearded

DIABOLIQUE (Schreiner’s) 51 CROWNED HEADS (K Keppel) 50 BRAGGADOCIO (K. Keppel) 49 GOOD VIBRATIONS (Schreiner’s) 47 OWYHEE DESERT (L. Pinkston) 46 CHAMPAGNE FROST (K. Keppel) 45 POEM OF ECSTASY (B. Hager) 45 RUTH BLACK (P Black) 44

SEAKIST (Schreiner’s) 43

CAN CAN DANCER (L. Lauer) 43 PRINCE GEORGE (G. Shoop) 42 CHINESE NEW YEAR ( J. Ghio) 42

COLOR ME BLUE (Schreiner’s) 41

LITTLE JOHN (D. Spoon) 41

ART DECO (Schreiner’s) 40

VALENTINE’S DAY (V. Wood) 37

PHAETON (M. Smith) 37

SUDDEN IMPACT (R. Tasco) 37

BOYSENBERRY BUTTERCUP (L. Lauer) 36 KENTUCKY WOMAN (Schreiner’s) 36 ELECTRIC SHOCK (V. Messick) 36 LYME TYME (V. Messick) 36

BRAZILIAN HOLIDAY (Schreiner’s) DYNAMITE (Schreiner’s) PICANTE (J. Ghio)

HIPPO’Z TUTU (B. Kasperek) FASHION STATEMENT (J. Gatty) PACIFIC CLOUD (L. Lauer) WARM MEMORIES (R. Mullin) DANCE HALL DANDY (Maryott’s) NORTHWEST PROGRESS (Schreiner’s) SLY FOX (V. Wood)

ALMOST HEAVEN (D. Niswonger) BLONDE BOMBSHELL (J. Ghio) DAY GLOW (K. Keppel) DOROTHY DAVIS (S. Innerst) KING TUSH (B. Kasperek)

FJORD (R. Nelson)

MACARENA (V. Messick) WINNING EDGE (J. Ghio) PEIGNOIR (L. Markham)

SELECT CIRCLE (J. Ghio) TOUCHED BY ANGELS (W. Maryott) ZEBRA HALO (B. Kasperek)

35

35

34

34

34

34

33

33

33

32

32

31

31

31

31

31

30

30

30

30

29

25

25

25

57

43

42

39

80

73

72

55

67

62

51

69

BUGLES AND HORNS (G. Sutton) ELL FLY AWAY (L. Michel) BUGLEBOY BLUES (G. Sutton) CRANBERRY COOLER (R. Dunn) HELEN COCHRAN (J. McWhirter) TAN MAN (T. Aitken) ENHANCEMENT (J. Ghio) MARIAH (Schreiners)

SPIN DOCTOR (M. Davis) CITRON FROMMAGE (F. Rogers) SNOW SHOES (M. Osborne) DEAR JEAN (F. Kerr)

FIVE O’CLOCK WORLD (R. Nelson) RAKU BLAZE (T. Aitken)

ROGUE (J. Ghio)

VELVET UNDERGROUND (L. Lauer) ALABASTER UNICORN (G. Sutton) CHOOSE A JUICE (T. Burseen) CIRCUS CIRCUS (G. Sutton) RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE (P. Dickey) EMPEROR’S DELIGHT (Schreiner’s)

HOLLY GOLIGHTLY (J. McWhirter) PURPLE PLEASER (E. Lineberger) ZEPHERINA (Maryott’s)

LIMA (J. Ghio)

CLASSIC BORDEAUX (R. Ernst) GLAD CHOICE (J. Pierce) HUCKLEBERRY FUDGE (J. Gibson) LETMENTERTAINU (T. Burseen) MANGO TANGO (J. Ghio) PERFECT GIFT (K. Keppel)

RICH MAN (E. Lineberger) WALKARA (H. Ames)

BYE BYE BLUES (G. Sutton) CONSPIRACY (V. Messick) CORONA GOLD (W. Maryott) FOREVER IN LOVE (C. Mahan) HELEN LEADER (S. Innerst) SCREEN PLAY (K. Keppel) SUNKIST DELIGHT (D. Niswonger) WHIPPED HONEY (M Jameson)

29

29

29

28

27

27

27

27

27

27

27

27

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

runners up:

DIME A DANCE (M. Boro), 25 SOMBRERO WAY (Schreiner’s) MORSE CODE (L. Miller), 25 WINGS OF PEACE (G. Sutton)

MODERN MAJOR GENERAL (A. Feuerstein)

Border Bearded

APRICOT TOPPING (P. Black) EMU ZING (B. Kasperek)

FRIDAY BLUES (C. Lankow) runners up:

INDIGO DOLL (C. Lankow)

Intermediate Bearded GNU RAYZ (B. Kasperek)

FRUIT COCKTAIL (K. Keppel) FATHOM (M. Smith) runners up:

GEISHA (M. Smith)

Miniature Tall Bearded BAUBLES AND BEADS (L. Miller) MERIT (K. Fisher) runners up:

PINK BUTTONS (C. Lankow)

41 ROMANTIC INTERLUDE (T. Varner) 40 BRIGHTEN THE CORNER (A. Ensminger)

35 CASCADING RAINBOW (P. Black)

61 COUNTRY DANCE (E. Jones)

59 GALWAY (K. Keppel)

57 TANTRUM (K. Keppel)

53 DONEGAL (K. Keppel)

52 FESTIVE GLOW (A. &D.Willott)

37 RICK(B.Wyss)

70

Standard Dwarf Bearded 96 DOT COM (B. Jones)

56 HOODLUM (K. Keppel)

53 WEBMASTER (K. Keppel)

48 RINGER (K. Keppel)

39 TRAJECTORY (P. Black)

37 INCENDIARY (M. Smith)

37 SPRING FRESH (K. Keppel) runners up:

28 GROOVY GRUBWORM (P. Black)

34 EL TORITO(B. Jones)

34 MUSE (M. Smith)

33 FIRESTARTER (A. & D. Willott) 31 LIME SMOOTHY (T. Aitken)

30 CHINA PEACH (C. Lankow)

29 TOON TOWN (P. Black)

28 PLUM JEWEL (A. & D. Willott)

Miniature Dwarf Bearded 33 LITTLE DRUMMER BOY (A. & D. Willott)

29 INKY ELF (A. &D. Willott) 25 PIXIE PIRATE (A. & D. Willott)

runners up:

21 FAIRY FUN (P Black) 20 APRIL ICE (A. & D. Willott)

Aril — V4 to less than V2 Aril

13 DESERT JUBILEE (L. Flanagan) 10 DESERT JOY (L. Flanagan) runners up:

9 WANNABEE (S. McAllister)

5 DESERT FESTIVAL (L. Flanagan)

Aril — V2 or more Aril

17 DESERT ATTIRE (H. Shockey)

7 ALRIGHT ALREADY (G. Seligmann) runners up:

5 BIG COUNTRY (S. McAllister)

5 CODE TALKER (S. McAllister)

Louisiana

25 PLANTATION BELLE (M. Dunn) 23 CHEZ MICHELLE (M. Dunn)

19 BIG EASY (M. Dunn)

18 STOP AND GO (M. Dunn)

18 WHISTLING DIXIE (M. Dunn) runners up:

15 SURE BET (M. Dunn)

15 BOY CRAZY (M. Dunn)

5 KISS OF HONEY (S. McAllister)

7 MOONLIGHT MADNESS (S. McAllister)

5 MAXINE PERKINS (S. McAllister) 5 PURPLE HEART IMPRESSION (L. Danielson)

17 DELTA TWILIGHT (M. Dunn) 17 EVEN HANDED (M. Dunn)

17 KENTUCKY CAJUN (S. Norris) 17 RICH JEWEL (R. Morgan)

15

10

8

8

7

70

59

48

36

35

23

13

26

45

27

15

14

22

15

13

11

10

71

Californicae

RASPBERRY DAZZLER (V. Wood) AIR SHOW (L. Belardi) CHARTER MEMBER (J. Ghio) COZUMEL (J. Ghio) runners up:

EASTER EGG HUNT (J. Ghio)

GORDOLA (J. Ghio) GREETING CARD (J. Ghio) TRANCAS (J. Ghio)

CINNAMON BLUSH (D. Meek)

Siberian

CARELESS SALLY (M. Schafer/J. Sacks) 41 CARMEN JEANNE (C. Helsley) 37 BAND OF ANGELS (R. Hollingworth) 37

LORENA CRONIN (A. Cronin) ELISABETH McEWEN (J. White) PLEASURES OF MAY (M. Schafer/J. Sacks)

runners up:

FISHERMAN’S MORNING (James Copeland Sr.)

SIMPLE GIFTS (R. Hollingworth) 35 WHERE EAGLES DARE (C. Helsley)

Species

FADED JEANS (H. Bishop) runners up:

SUSLIK (J. Burton)

15 CHINA WEST LAKE ( J. Waddick) 12 GORDONVILLE WHITE (D.Niswonger)

Inter-Species

MAUVE SNOWTOP (L. Reid)

20 PACIFIC RED VELVET (L. Reid)

Spuria

MISSOURI SUNSET (D. Niswonger) MISSOURI CLOUDS (D. Niswonger) runners up:

STELLA IRENE (C. Jenkins) ADRIATIC BLUE (D. Niswonger)

Japanese

LION KING (R.Bauer/J.Coble) ROSEWATER (R. Bauer/J. Coble) TIDELINE (R. Bauer/J. Coble) FROSTED PLUM (L. Rich) runners up:

TROPICAL STORM (R. Bauer/J. Coble)

21 GIUSEPPE (C. Jenkins)

18 LADY BUTTERFLY (C. Jenkins)

14 HIGHLINE TOPAZ (E. McCown)

11 PERSEPHONE (S. Innerst)

11 PLEASANT EARLYBIRD (C. Harris) 11 SUMMER MOON (J. Rich)

11 VARIATION IN PINK (C.McEwen)

8

RED RINGLETS (T. Aitken)

72

Jii^k CL ommendatlon

The High Commendation (HC) is reserved for seedling irises, viewed in gardens, under seedling number or registered name, which have not yet been introduced. The HC Award is granted to each seedling that receives five or more votes.

Votes	Seedling	Hybridizer
raii Bearded
11	92-72A	F. Carr
10	93-44-1	J. Knudtson
8	SEAPOWER (93-89B)	K. Keppel
6	92-4-32	J. Knudtson
6	NATIONAL VELVET	L. Baumunk
5	95-79A	K. Keppel
5	CC-1300B	Schreiners
intermediate Bearded
11	MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
		L. Baumunk
Border Bearded
8	92-17-B	L. Markham
6	92-10-B	L. Markham
Miniature raii Bearded
8	92-18-1	H. Thurman
8	S 306	T. Varner
8	89 Z-15	B. Wyss
7	EE 487A	Dunderman/T. Varner
6	MTB-2-D	R. Morgan
6	BUMBLE BOOGIE	R. Probst
6	92-18-2	H. Thurman

Japanese

5 DWBE D. Delmez

Louisiana

5 DREAM WISH (L-782A) R. Morgan

5 IRISH SPIRIT (L-397G) R. Morgan

73

jZoonxls

Memorial iris Trial Gareieas

by Tiuss Jacket, (Zotomdo

HESE ARE IRIS TEST GARDENS HIGH IN THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS,

at the basp'd'f Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Irises are sent by many different hybridizers for testing over a three year period. Judging for the gardens is in accordance with the American Iris Society Judges Handbook, and by certified judges. Those irises receiving the highest point scores are awarded the Dr. Loomis Award.

The Dr. Loomis Award winners for 1997 are as follows:

3rd Year TB: OTOMISE (F. Foster)

3rd year Species: PURPLE CHA-CHA (Quesnel)

2nd Year TB: FIVE O’CLOCK WORLD (R. Nelson)

2nd Year SDB: POCKETS (L. Harder)

2nd Year MTB: v 350 (Varner)

In June, 1998, The Dr. Loomis Memorial Iris Trial Gardens were toured by convention visitors to the AIS National convention in Denver (see write-up elsewhere in this Bulletin). These gardens are maintained by the Elmohr Iris Society, who did a great job getting them into shape for the Convention.

Winners of the Dr. Loomis Award for 1998 are as follows:

3rd Year TB: FIVE O’CLOCK WORLD (R.Nelson)

3rd Year IB: MEZZA CARTUCCIA (Bianco)

3rd Year SDB: BUTTERSCOTCH CARPET (C.Chapman) 2nd Year IB: M ARRIS (Innerst)

The hybridizers’ support makes the high altitude trial gardens a success. We would encourage all interested hybridizers to send their new introductions, or seedlings under number. Irises should be sent to Russ Eacker, Director, 2513 Lelaray Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80909. ^

74

j^avotite truest 3fiises

1999 MSS motional eonwention

Following are the Favorite Guest Irises voted by conventioneers at the 1999 AIS National Convention in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Name

UNCLE CHARLIE BOOGIE WOOGIE HIGH STAKES LITTLEJOHN WILD WINGS DIABOLIQUE OWYHEE DESERT SMILING FACES CHASING RAINBOWS TOASTED WATERMELON ZANDRJA

BRINDLED BEAUTY STARSHIP ENTERPRISE MERLOT PRETTY IS RHONDA FLEMING WORLD PREMIER MELTED BUTTER MIDNIGHT OIL PRINCE GEORGE SIGHS AND WHISPERS SUSPICION DOROTHY DAVIS ACE

NEON COWBOY COLOR ME BLUE DOUBLE BUBBLE RICH MAN

Hybridizer	Year	Type	Votes
Spoon	’99	TB	169
H. Nichols	’93	TB	107
Schreiners	’99	TB	104
Spoon	’96	TB	101
Keppel	’99	TB	91
Schreiners	’97	TB	81
Pinkston	’97	TB	81
Keppel	’98	TB	79
Hager	’98	TB	67
Hoage	’94	TB	65
Nebeker	’96	TB	60
Ensminger	’94	TB	59
Schreiners	’99	TB	59
Schreiners	’99	TB	57
Mullin	’95	TB	54
Mullin	’93	TB	54
Schreiners	’98	TB	54
Fan	’94	TB	53
Keppel	’98	TB	50
Shoop	’97	TB	50
Paul Black	’90	TB	49
Keppel	’99	TB	46
Innerst	’95	TB	45
Miller	’99	MTB	44
H. Bradshaw	’98	TB	44
Schreiners	’97	TB	43
Ghio	’98	TB	43
E. Lineberger	’95	TB	43

75

'Tween 'ZLu/ S*nltk

*

bif (Zatoi\fn ^Hawkins, ^eot^La

HE WORLD OF IRIS HAS ALWAYS HELD A FASCINATION FOR DeEN

Day Smith, President of the National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc. She grew up in riiral Georgia and was exposed to the natural world, including flowers and butterflies. In later years she met Cecil B. Day, they married, had a family, and he founded the Days Inn Motel chain. Mr. Day passed away in 1978 and Deen remarried several years later to Charles O. Smith, Jr. Her activities include many professional responsibilities, as well as her extensive work with NCSGC.

The first iris she remembers was the old fashioned white variety that grew profusely along the roadside in Georgia. ELEANOR’S PRIDE is her favorite bearded iris because of the blue color. At the present time she owns a collection of many volumes of books containing botanical iris prints. These were on display when her garden was on tour during the 1992 AIS Convention in Atlanta. Also she is the owner of “Iris Court,” that is an 1853 antebellum residence in South Georgia, so named by the original owner for the many irises grown there.

As an AIS member for many years, it is appropriate that she would have an iris named for her. She chose an iris hybridized by Mike Moller to be named DEEN DAY SMITH. It is a tall bearded iris, peachy orange in color — a color visually prominent in any garden. The orange beards are tipped with white and the falls of the iris are orange with a golden flash around the beard. (It will be available at Long’s Gardens, Boulder, Colorado, in 2000.)

Mike Moller has been hybridizing since 1983. His present work is with the orange color line and smaller bearded irises; intermediates, standard dwarfs and miniature dwarf beardeds.

Mike was RVP for Region 20 in 1998 when the AIS Convention was held in Denver and he is currently on the AIS Board of Directors. He started the Dr. Loomis Memorial Trial Gardens in Colorado Springs, which was on the tour of gardens at the 1998 AIS Convention. Mike, in his other life, is General Manager for Logical Solutions located in Denver.

He and his wife Nina have a daughter, Shelly. *§>

Claire Honkanen, SC (right), and Mike Moller, CO (center), present Deen Day Smith, GA (left), with Iris named in her honor as President of National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc.

76

7§>en sH.a&ez

ISIS -1999

Ben Hager was born April i, 1915, in the sleepy little Monterey County community of Aromas, California. He died May 3, 1999.

Ben spent his pre-adult years in northern San Diego County and Orange County. Once out of school, he began a varied career which included working in restaurants, the designing and making of ceramics, a stint in the army, bee-keeping, and working on a banana boat!

It was while Ben was in the ceramics business in Capistrano Beach that a friend gave him two lug boxes full of irises. The irises were added to a garden occupied by glads and mums. The following year, 1951, he made his first iris crosses. In the spring of 1952 he entered his first iris show, and the year after that he was show chairman! From the show he took pollen of MOLTEN and put in on the iris SAVAGE, which he had won the previous year. The cross yielded FORAY, which was later to be Bens first tall bearded introduction.

His first taste of commercial iris production came when he went to work for Tom Craig. Then for two years he worked as field manager for Milliken Gardens. At the iris shows Ben had met Sid DuBose. Later, he got Sid a job at Millike ns. When Peg Dabagh told them of an iris garden in Modesto which was for sale, the two men decided to go into partnership. In the fall of 1955 they moved to Modesto and took over the business which Irma Melrose had built. The following spring saw the first catalogue of the “new” Melrose Gardens.

They stayed in Modesto four years, until the property was subdivided and they had to look for new acreage. In the fall of 1959 they moved to the present ten-acre location east of Stockton, where Ben remained until his death, except for a short time when, following Lloyd Austin s death, he helped manage Rainbow Hybridizing Gardens in Placerville.

Ben was well known for his promotion of irises other than tall beardeds. He, Sid and Alice White did much to establish the present definition of the Miniature Tall Bearded class. He served on the board of directors for the Siberian and Median Iris Societies, was past president of the Spuria Iris Society and western director for the Reblooming Iris Society.

His goal in iris breeding was to get the top award in each class, and a list of the awards he won (in the following article) substantiates his

77

intentions. The following articles by Keith Keppel and Philip Edinger provide a more detailed account of Ben Hager’s hybridizing achievements and the awards he won.

- Material gleaned from a Region 14 Bulletin , 1971.

Chasing the iris Rain how

b\f Keith Keppel, Oregon

Many may dabble with iris pollen, but only a lucky few achieve success in some part of the genus Iris. About once every fifty years one of the few perseveres until virtually every major iris group has been mastered. In the latter half of the twentieth century, that one was Benjamin Ross Hager.

Almost ten years ago he wrote, “There is nothing that can bring so much excitement to living as the creative drive. The urge to manipulate some element or group of elements into a new and possibly more satisfactory form can be an occupation of a lifetime. It can be an obsession. Such an obsession has been in charge of my life for the past 40 years...” 1

Ben had all the necessary qualifications for becoming a major breeder. He was intelligent, with an inquiring mind. He kept good records and learned from his own mistakes. He had imagination, envisioning what might happen with the right genetic combination. He had the capacity for hard work, and growing iris seedlings on a large scale is hard work. And he was determined (isn’t that another word for stubborn?), sticking with a breeding program for many generations before giving up if all came to naught.

He tried various plant forms from time to time. We could mention chrysanthemums and gladiolus from his southern California days, and cannas, then daylilies and daffodils. But irises were his first love, and he would not introduce a daylily at a price higher than an iris, since he felt that irises were superior.

Ben’s first iris seedling selections were made in 1953, from crosses made in 1951 on unnamed irises which had been given to him. His bearded iris crosses were numbered consecutively starting in 1953, and these crosses totalled more than 6700 by this spring. Although his first introductions were tall beardeds (1961: FORAY and SAVAGE QUEEN), it was with the smaller irises that Ben first gained recognition. The median movement was in full swing, and so were Ben’s median breeding projects.

One project was to use the genes of the small tetraploid species

78

aphylla to breed tetraploid miniature tall beardeds. The “table” irises had gained popularity, but there was a rather limited color range in the diploids. In 1966 the tetraploid MTBs SHRINKING VIOLET, ENTR’ACT, EN ROUTE and SCALE MODEL were introduced, “mostly for their breeding potential” according to their introductory blurb, “...the foliage is too large for proportion, the stems are not “flexuous” but of the aphylla type, lots of it from the base up on well grown plants, but straight. There is only one bud in each spathe, but there are usually 9 to 11 buds in all.” Generations of inbreeding resulted in PUPPY LOVE (’80), a tangerine-bearded pink MTB. Crossing it with his LOUISE HOPPER gave ABRIDGED VERSION, LITTLE ME, LITTLE WHO, and LITTLE YOU. Miniature Tall Bearded breeding was never quite the same after that.

But there were other aphylla tangents. The minimizing effect of this species was used to produce miniature dwarfs as well, such as PRODIGY, which in turn gave LIBATION and GIZMO. Coming more up to date we have BUGSY, with an ABRIDGED VERSION sib as an antecedent. And aphylla helped keep the intermediates smallish; LOOKIN’ GOOD is an IB sib to the MTB LOUISE HOPPER. With the border beardeds, PINK BUBBLES and most of the others were basically border bearded and/or tall bearded breeding, but the most recent ones, such as BRAIN CHILD, PAMPERED CHILD, and CUPID SMILES, also carry aphylla genes.

Ben also had more conventional lines, of course. The standard dwarf introductions began in 1963 with RICKSHAW and never stopped. Some of the best known of the series are: REGARDS, PEANUTS, PUPPET, DEMON, TEASE, HOCUS POCUS, LOLLIPOP, PEPPER MILL, CHERRY POP, TOASTY, RUSTY DUSTY, BEING BUSY, and FAIRY LORE, but this is just a small sampling of the more than seventy introductions in this class.

Intermediates began with BACK TALK in 1963 and the 1964 introductions DOLL TYPE, INDEED, CHIT CHAT, and GADGET. Ensuing years came with notables like the red-bearded CHEERS, orange-toned WHY NOT and OF COURSE, the violet- bearded pink IMPROVISATION, and the wild tangerine bicolor BLAST. In plicatas, BUTTER PECAN and HOT FUDGE were top of the line in brown and yellow tones, and PIECE OF CAKE was one of the first tangerine plic IBs.

Although Ben started with tall beardeds, success seemed slower with that group, and it was nearly ten years after the first introductions before

79

much of import happened. Iris balkana derivative BALKAN GLACIER was a 1968 introduction. The brown-toned TUCSON, a bright yellow SUN WORSHIPER, and BASIC BLACK (sent out the year of introduction complete with strand of faux pearls) were noteworthy in the early seventies, and purple plicata GRAPHIC ARTS came out in 1978, the sib MIRROR IMAGE the year following. Then at last, “lines” started developing and things came faster. VANITY (’75) was the first pink, with next-generation BEVERLY SILLS (’79) and grandchild ANNA BELLE BAB SON (’85). Lace and lateness, white to orchid coloration were combined in other lines to give IGLOO, SILVER YEARS, RECHERCHE, SILVER FIZZ and others. Orange lines gave GOOD SHOW, CINDERELLA’S COACH, and FRINGE BENEFITS. Whites and blues started back with ICE SCULPTURE and LEDA’S LOVER and segued on to BIG VALLEY, WELCOME ABOARD, BIG SKY (he liked his borders small, but his tails big), DRUM ROLL, KATHLEEN KAY NELSON, TINTED CRYSTAL, RITE OF SPRING, et al. There was the third Dykes Medal winner EDITH WOLFORD, and his very recent, very excellent POEM OF ECSTASY and CHASING RAINBOWS.

Remontancy was sought after with success. MOTHER EARTH, SUNNY SHOULDERS, WINDS OF CHANGE, CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS, AUTUMN CIRCUS and RECURRING DREAM

are but a few of the rebloomers to come from the Hager seedling patch. Ben was also on the lookout for novelties, and HORNY LORRI, JESTER and TRIPLE WHAMMY are three of his space agers.

Being in close contact with Jonnye Rich, it is no wonder that he tried his hand at breeding arilbreds. SHEIK was the first to be introduced, in 1976, with HOWDAH, KIOSK, ONLOOKER, and SULTAN’S JEWELRY a few of those from later years.

The first of the spuria crosses was made in 1955. While working at Milliken Gardens in southern California, Ben saw the sensational WADI ZEM ZEM; it was there that he made the cross that produced ELIXIR, which along with ESSAY and NEOPHYTE were his first (1964) spuria introductions. The extent of Ben’s involvement with spuria crossing can only be realized when looking at the breeding books; some 1100 different crosses are recorded, which resulted in about 60 introductions. A sampling of the sixty includes CONNOISEUR, ARCHIE OWEN, MARILYN HOLLOWAY, CLARKE COSGROVE, EAGLE, FAR OUT, ILA CRAWFORD, DIMINUENDO, and FUTURE PERFECT.

Japanese iris crossing was another matter. Early crosses at Melrose Gardens in Modesto fell victim as the Melrose ranch was being subdivided. In Bens notes: “#i through 47 lost to bulldozer. Got $200.00 for them.” Not without a fight with the insurance company! In 1961 after the move to Stockton, the crosses continued, with J50 as the first recorded and the cross that yielded TENDER TRAP, the first of his JI introductions (1965). no more crosses were listed by the nineties. STRANGER IN PARADISE (’70) won the 1976 Payne Award.

About 150 Louisiana crosses were made. DELTA KING was the first introduction, in 1968, followed in later years by MARY DUNN, FULL ECLIPSE, SHRIMP LOUIS, and others.

The year 1968 also saw the first of the Siberian iris introductions: RUBY WINE and SPARKLING ROSE. About no crosses were made successfully over the years, with SWANK, CHILLED WINE, STARSTEPS, THESPIAN, and JAYBIRD among the results.

Pacific Coast Natives are not easy to grow in the hot interior valleys of California. Still, Ben tried, and one introduction - AROMAS - was introduced by Bay View Gardens in 1971. Aromas is the name of the little northern California town where Ben was born.

Even inter-species beardless seedlings might show up in the field. ROY DAVIDSON WAS INTRODUCED IN 1987; PHIL EDINGER in 1991.

The influence of Hager irises can be seen readily by scanning the parentages printed in the registration records. Trace back the trees beyond the immediate parents and find even more Hager influence. Ben once wrote an article for the Bulletin called Shoulders. 2 It was a review of all the varieties found in the family tree of BEVERLY SILLS, and a roll call of the breeders who produced those irises. He showed how we current breeders are “standing on the shoulders” of those who went before us; we could not be where we are today without them.

We are now standing on the shoulders of Benjamin Ross Hager, and they are very broad shoulders indeed.

1 BAIS 278, July 1990 - p. 8.

2 BAIS 278, July 1990 - pp. 8-11.

The Pot of Com (ana Silver, anti Bronze...)

b\j f>klUp ^dln^er, (Zaii^otnLa

It has been said that Virtue is its own reward. Few, though, would challenge the notion that awards are quite an encouragement to continuing Virtuous endeavors.

81

For Ben Hager, the omnivorous iris breeder, awards were many and varied... and encouraging. In fact, it is safe to say that no other iris hybridizer, past or present, has pursued breeding in so many areas of the genus Iris and has received awards to acknowledge excellence in all such areas. From the smallest pumilas to the largest tall beardeds, from arilbreds to Siberians to spurias to Pacific Coast natives to miscellaneous species, he tackled it all with gusto and subsequent acclaim. Only bulbous irises, crested irises, and junos escaped his pollinating brush; and had they been easier growers in California’s central valley (or viable commercial prospects), even they would not have been left untouched. He said it in jest, but it was oh-so-true: that if it stood still long enough, he’d pollinate it!

No better testament to the Hager hybridizing career exists than a compendium of awards granted to his irises and to him. For the record, and as a tribute, these awards appear here in toto. And yet... even this list will surely be rendered incomplete over the next ten years, as his recent introductions and introductions-to-be continue to be officially recognized as superior irises.

One point should assert itself as you take in the sheer volume of these awards: that it is physically impossible for one person to accomplish this alone. Equal credit really is due long time partner and indefatigable field worker/manager Sid DuBose who from the outset saw to it that fields were readied for timely planting, that plants were watered and weeded and grown superbly for prompt evaluation. Decades of this ongoing field work allowed the raising of countless thousands of seedlings from which these awarded irises represent the pick of the collective litter.

Awards — American Iris Society:

note: recipients of awards higher than HM have received all requisite lower awards and are therefore listed only in their highest-status categories.

Dykes Memorial Medal:

VANITY (1982)

BEVERLY SILLS (1985)

EDITH WOLFORD (1993)

Knowlton Medal (BB):

PINK BUBBLES (1986)

Hans and Jacob Sass Medal (IB):

SWIZZLE (1979)

BUTTER PECAN (1991)

HOT FUDGE (1992)

82

Cook-Douglas Medal (SDB):

REGARDS (1973)

HOCUS POCUS (1981)

Caparne-Welch Medal (MDB):

GIZMO (1987)

DITTO (1988)

Clarence G. White Medal (AB):

KALIFAS ROBE (1998)

Eric Nies Medal (Spu):

COUNTESS ZEPPELIN (1997)

Award of Merit (and AM equivalent awards):

Tall Bearded: ANNA BELLE BABSON, FRINGE BENEFITS, GOOD SHOW, HORATIO, ICE SCULPTURE, KATHLEEN KAY NELSON, LEDA’S LOVER, SILVER YEARS, TIMESCAPE, TRIPLE WHAMMY

Border Bearded: SOMETHING SPECIAL Intermediate: CHEERS, OF COURSE

Standard Dwarf: ABRACADABRA, CLAP HANDS, CLAY’S CAPER, DEMON, PEPPER MILL, PUPPET

Miniature Dwarf: BITSY, BUGSY, CURIO, FLEA CIRCUS, LIBATION, THREE CHERRIES, TINY APRICOT, TINY CHERUB Miniature Tall Bearded: ABRIDGED VERSION, NEW IDEA Arilbred: COOL OASIS, DUNE, HUMOHR, SHEIK, SULTAN’S JEWELRY

Interspecies: PHIL EDINGER Japanese: STRANGER IN PARADISE

Louisiana: CAJUN COUNTRY, DELTA KING, FULL ECLIPSE, MARY DUNN

Siberian: CHILLED WINE, JAYBIRD, OMAR’S CUP, SWANK Spuria: ARCHIE OWEN, CLARKE COSGROVE,

CONNOISSEUR, DESTINATION, DRESS CIRCLE, ELIXIR, ILA CRAWFORD, ILA REMEMBERED, IN DEPTH, MARILYN HOLLOWAY, PORT OF CALL

Honorable Mention:

Tall Bearded: AFTER THE BALL, AMAZON BRIDE, AUTUMN CIRCUS, BALKAN GLACIER, BASIC BLACK, BEL CANTO, BIG VALLEY, BOUNTIFUL HARVEST, BURNING COALS, CALM SEA, CINDERELLA’S COACH, CRYSTAL CATHEDRAL, DARK RITUAL, DAVY JONES, DECOLLETAGE, DRUM ROLL, FANFARON, FOOLISH FANCY, FRAGRANT LILAC, GLAD RAGS, GOOD GUY, GRAPHIC ARTS, GRATUITY, HORNY LORRI, IGLOO, IN PERSON, LARK ASCENDING, LA VALSE, MAGIC, MELBA HAMBLEN, MIRROR IMAGE, MOON’S DELIGHT, MUCHAS GRACIAS, MUCH

83

OBLIGED, MY VALENTINE, NEPTUNE’S CLOAK, PLEASURE DOME, POEM OF ECSTASY, PRESTIGE ITEM, RECHERCHE, RED LION, RITE OF SPRING, SILVER FLOW, SPACE ODYSSEY, STOLEN DREAMS, SUNNY SHOULDERS, SUN WORSHIPER, TOTAL RECALL, TUCSON, VERISMO, WINDS OF CHANGE, WORLD CLASS, YVONNE B. BURKE

Border Bearded: AUDACIOUS, LACY LASSO, STAR CHILD Intermediate: ALL RIGHT, BACK TALK, BLAST, BRIGHTEN UP, CHIT CHAT, DARKNESS, DOLL TYPE, FIDDLE FADDLE, INDEED, LOOKIN’ GOOD, PIECE OF CAKE, PONY, POT LUCK, SVELTE, THREE DOLLARS, TRIO, WHY NOT

Standard Dwarf: ACE OF CLUBS, APRIL FOOL, AXIOM, BEING BUSY, CHERRY POP, COMBO, CRYSTAL BUBBLES, FAD, FRISBEES, GARDEN FAVORITE, HAPPENING, IDOL’S EYE, KITTEN CAPERS, LEMON TANG, LOLLIPOP, MONKEY, MUSIC BOX, MY SHEBA, ORNAMENT, PEANUTS, PLAY MISTY, POPCORN, RHINESTONE, RICKSHAW, SILKIE, SPANGLES, TEASE, WHIM, WUNDERKIND

Miniature Dwarf: BLUET WEEN, DOODLE, DRAGON S IN AMBER, DUMPLING, FOOTLIGHTS, GEM, GREY PEARLS, HOT FOOT, KID STUFF, MACUMBA, MINI COQUETTE, PETTY CASH, PRODIGY

Miniature Tall Bearded: DINKY, EN ROUTE, ENTR’ACT, GUMDROPS, LITTLE ME, LITTLE WHO, LITTLE YOU, LOUISE HOPPER, NEW WAVE, PUPPY LOVE, SCALE MODEL, SHRINKING VIOLET, TING-A-LING

Arilbred: BARELYMOHR, BURRA SAHIB, DESERT DIAMOND, DESERT PLUM, KIOSK, KUZA-NAMA, ONLOOKER, TURKESTAN, TURKISH FEZ, TURKISH TANGENT, ZERZURA Japanese: DAWN HORIZONS, TENDER TRAP Louisiana: CAJUN COUNTRY, DARK TIDE, DELTA SUNSHINE, SHRIMP LOUIS

Pacific Coast Native: AROMAS, PACIFIC MOON Siberian: ALTER EGO, INNOCENT EGO, CABERNET, OTHER WORLDS, PINK SPARKLE, ROSE QUEST, RUBY WINE, SPARKLE, SPARKLING ROSE, STAR CLUSTER, STAR GLITTER, STARSTEPS, THESPIAN

Spuria: AIRY FANCY, AMBITION, ARTS ALIVE, CHOCOLATE DIP, COPPER TRIDENT, CUSTOM DESIGN, DIMINUENDO, DRAGON RIDER, EAGLE, ESSAY, ELAN VITAL, ELEANOR HILL, FABLE, FAROLITO, FAR OUT, FIRST FRUITS, FIXED STAR, FOLLOW THROUGH, GILDED CHALICE, GUEST ARTIST, HEADWAY, JUBILANT SPIRIT, LOOK LIVELY, MARITIMA GEM, MEDIA LUZ, MEGATREND, NEOPHYTE, NOWTHIS, OBJET D’ART, PERFECT SPRING, PING AND PANG, PROTEGE, SARONG, SMALL PACKAGE, SPRING REVERIE, SUSPENSE, TRANSFIGURATION, WOODWIND, ZAMBOANGA

84

Walther Cup (greatest votes for HM):

BEVERLY SILLS (1981), LEDA’S LOVER (1982)

Franklin Cook Cup (favorite out-of- region convention guest):

SILVER YEARS (1985)

President s Cup (favorite in-region convention guest):

EDITH WOLFORD (1986)

Overseas Awards:

Austria (International Competition for Short Irises, Vienna):

1976 Silver Medal , IB: SWIZZLE 1979 Gold Medal, SDB: CLAP HANDS 1979 Bronze Medal, IB: POT LUCK 1981 Bronze Medal, IB: LOOKIN’ GOOD 1983 Bronze Medal, IB: OF COURSE

England (Wisley Trials):

Award of Merit (1989): PROTEGE (Spuria)

France (International Iris Competition, Orleans, 1978):

Spuria competition'. CLARKE COSGROVE (first prize), SARONG (second prize), ARCHIE OWEN (third prize)

Siberian competition: SWANK (first prize)

Silver Medal:

most important and diversified individual foreign contribution Silver Medal collection: Dwarf irises Silver Medal collection : Intermediate Bearded irises Silver Medal collection: Siberian irises

Herbaceous Plant Lover s Prize (for advances in new breeding directions): DEMON (SDB)

Germany (IGA 1973, Hamburg):

Silver Medal: DARK RITUAL

Italy (II Concorso Internazionale delFIris, Firenze):

Premio Firenze : BEVERLY SILLS (1981)

Premio Adriana Gardi: SOMETHING SPECIAL (1981)

City of Florence Prize (best red): IMMOLATION (1977)

Garden Club Cup (best garden variety): EDITH WOLFORD (1988)

Personal Awards and Honors:

American Iris Society: Hybridizer’s Medal (1973)

American Iris Society: Distinguished Service Medal (1985)

British Iris Society: Foster Memorial Plaque (1981)

85

KueseL

m20 - 1999

% zftAH £vets, (3 olotado

On March 30, 1999, AIS lost a dedicated irisarian who had supported and encouraged many a newcomer in the pleasures of growing iris and being involved in iris society activities.

Harry was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1920. He received his BA from Amherst in 1941 and a degree in Industrial Administration from Harvard in 1942. World War II interrupted his educational pursuits. He served as a captain in the US Army Quarter Master Core from 1942 until 1947. During his military service he met and married his wife Elinor. After the war, Harry completed an MBA at Harvard and began working for John Mansville Corp. He retired as Vice President in charge of Corporate Services from this corporation in 1982 after 35 years of service. He and Elinor were also blessed with three children: Jane, Jeff and Tim.

Following WW II, Harry’s interest and love of iris blossomed. He joined the American Iris Society in 1951. He began hybridizing in the sixties and published the first Old Brook Gardens catalog located in Old Brookville, NY in 1963. From this garden he introduced Siberians for McGarvey, Warburton and Vaughn from 1963 to 1976. In 1979 he won the Knowlton Medal for STEPPING LITTLE which continues to be a popular border bearded iris. He was transferred to Colorado and was responsible for coordinating the corporation’s relocation. In 1996, he and Elinor moved to Arizona.

Harry was no stranger in service to AIS. He served twice as the president of the Median Iris Society from 1968 to 1969 and -again from 1973 to 1975. He was president of the Empire State Iris Society as well as RVP for both Region 2 (New York) and Region 20 (Colorado). He was president of the Society for Siberian Irises from 1983 to 1985 and was on their board of directors for many years. He was honored with the S.S.I. Distinguished Service Award.

In 1993, Harry became an Emeritus Judge after being nominated for this honor by Region 20. He was a contributor to the AIS Bulletins , the Siberian Society’s newsletter, and regional publications. He also wrote articles for the British Iris Society publications. Sharing his love of iris with all gardeners was demonstrated with his generous donations of median, Siberian and spuria irises to the Denver Botanical Gardens. These

86

plants continue to provide pleasure to garden visitors exposing them to irises they might not otherwise have the occasion to see. As a related interest, he also had an extensive collection of iris stamps.

Harry had a special gift for making the people around him feel like what they were interested in or were doing was important and mattered. He was genuinely interested in other people. Associating with Harry brought out the best in others. His positive enthusiasm for life made the world a better place in which to be. He will be missed. *4?

l^utk Simmons

in Mcmorw

bif 7^ on /Kudin , (Dklakoma

“To EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON; FOR EVERYTHING He HAS A reason.” was the inscription on an iris picture in Ruth Simmons home, which gave us something to think about as we grieved the loss of our dear friend, Ruth, who died April 23, 1999.

Ruth was a long time member of AIS and had recently been named Secretary. She was an AIS Accredited Judge and also a National Council Judge. She was president of the Southwest Oklahoma Iris Society, editor of the Region 22 News, producer of Tall Talk , the newsletter of the Tall Bearded Iris Society and Publications Director for the Historic Iris Preservation Society. She was a member of both the Sooner State Iris Society and Tulsa Area Iris Society, and a tireless worker for both organizations.

Ruth maintained a large iris garden from which she generously donated irises for sales and to friends, and was active in a local Catholic Womens group. She is survived by her husband Jack, two children, Sue and Jack Allen, and four granddaughters, Charity, Carrie, Chelsea and Jaclyn, on whom she lavished much love and attention. We extend our sympathies to her family.

Ruth was also a very active member of the Convention Committee for the AIS National Convention in Oklahoma City this past spring. Because of her many hours of work in on this Convention, the Committee dedicated the event to her memory.

Ruth will be missed by the many people touched by her kindness, her caring and her love.

87

eomtribmtmms & Gifts

February, 1999 “July, 1999

in Memory Of:

J. Wesley Allen (TN)

Bill Maryott & Marilyn Harlow (CA)3

Grace Atherton (KS)

Wichita Area Iris Club 4 Florence Brown ( OR)

AIS Region 13 3 Jay Conklin (CA)

Derry & Bill Gerald (CA) 4 Inland Region Iris Society (CA) 4 San Fernando Valley Iris Society (CA) 4 Emma Dickinson (KS)

Wichita Area Iris Club (KS)4 Leota Dyers (KS)

Shirley M. Gresty (KS) 1 Verna M. Ewing

Shirley M. Gresty (KS) 1 Fred Gadd (CT)

AIS Region 1 1 Ruth Goebel (CO)

Patricia & Donald Morgan (CO) 2 Ben Hager ( CA)

AIS Region 13 3

Barbara & Terry Aitken (WA) 3 Clara B. Rees Iris Society (CA) 3 Robert L. Dunn (CA) 3 Philip Edinger & Gary Patterson (CA) 3 Paul W. Gossett (OK)3 Jay and Terri Hudson (CA) 8 Mt Diablo Iris Society (CA) 3 Marie & Dave Niswonger (MO) 5 Jeanne & Bob Plank (CA) 3 Joyce Ragle (CA) 3

San Fernando Valley Iris Society (CA) 3 Santa Rosa Iris Society (CA) 3 TrFCounty Iris Society (MI) 3 Olive & George Waters (CA) 3 Wayne Hinder liter (KS)

Wichita Area Iris Club (KS)4 Myrna Hood ( CA)

San Fernando Valley Iris Society (CA) 5 Robert J err ell (CA)

Mt Diablo Iris Society (CA) 3 Frank Jones (VA)

Walter & Sara Marley(VA) 3 Harry Kuesel (AZ)

Patricia & Donald Morgan (CO) 2 Marie & David Niswonger (MO) 5 Gertrude Lanham (TX)

Iris Society of Dallas (TX) 1 Mrs. David (Irene) Love (TN) Middle Tennessee Iris Society1 Ray Lyons (CO)

Patricia & Donald Morgan (CO) 2 Iris Merrifield (KS)

Wichita Area Iris Club(KS)4 Ida Mae Moore (TX)

Iris Society of Dallas (TX) 1 Mercedes Olsen (WA)

AIS Region 13 3 Charlie Patten ( OK)

Northern Oklahoma Iris Society1 Rich Randall (VA)

Japanese Iris Society1 Robert Reeder (UT)

AIS Region 12 1

88

Thomas R. Schaefer (MA)

Martha S. Hutcheson (MA) 4 1

David & Barbara Schmieder (MA) 4 Marvin Shoup (IL) 1

Northern Illinois Iris Society C0L0R* Nancy Silver berg ( OR) 1

AIS Region 13 3

Marie & David Niswonger (MO) 5 Ruth B. Simmons ( OK)

Fort Worth Iris Society (TX) 8 Paul W. Gossett (OK)8 RillaHickerson (OK)8 Jay and Terri Hudson (CA) 8 Jean Kersten (OK) 8 Walter & Sara Marley (VA) 8 Bill Maryott & Marilyn Harlow (CA) 8 Marie & David Niswonger (MO) 8 North Central Iris Society (OK) 8 Jeanne & Bob Plank (CA) 8 David & Barbara Schmieder (MA) 8 Tulsa Area Iris Society (OK) 8 Bea Williams (OK) 8 1

Roberta Snell (WA)

AIS Region 13 3 I

Judith Vaught (IN)

Marie & David Niswonger (MO) 5

in Honor1 Of:

Keith Keppel (OR) J

Rilla Hickerson 7

Lorraine & Gordon Nicholson ( GA) Sierra Foothills Iris Society (CA) 3

Donations:

(not dedicated to an individual)

Library Fund AIS Region 13 3 Alan D. Brooks, DDS (WA)3 Lorraine Nicholson (CA) 3 Tri County Iris Society (MI) 3 Warburton Medal Fund

AIS Region 4 (MD, VA, NC, WVA) 5

Olive & George Waters (CA) 1 Mary Welch (OK)

Northern Oklahoma Iris Society1 Florence Weed (WA)

AIS Region 13 3 Edith R Wheeler (CA)

Marvin R. Calloway 1

Cortell & Wheeler Families (CA) 1

James C. Cortell (CA) 1

Park & Shirley Cortell (CA) 4

Esther Helmer 1

Mt. Diablo Iris Society (CA) 1

Frances Phy 1

W. M. & Virginia Rudkin (CA) 1 Sacramento Iris Society (CA) 3 Betty Schmidt (CA) 1 Sunshine Club 1 Kerrye Wheeler (CA) 1 Sylvia Wilkenson 1 Pete & Rozellen Williams (CA) 1 Kathleen Wright 1 Lois Woodman (KS)

Wichita Area Iris Club 4 Bertha L. Wood

Shirley M. Gresty (KS)1

Jeanne & Bob Blank ( CA)

San Fernando Valley Iris Society (CA) 5

AIS Region 13 5 AIS Region 20 5 San Fernando Valley Iris Society5 Semo Iris Society (MO) 5 Dorothy & Hal Stahly (MI) 5 Tulsa Area Iris Society (OK) 5 5 Washington Iris Club 5

89

Gift Code:

1 General G

2 Research & Scholarship m

3 Library L

4 Clarke Cosgrove Youth Achievement CCY

5 Warburton International Medal w

6 Electronic Check List ECL

7 1999 Decennial Check List DCL

8 Classroom Project Fund CPF

* For color in the Bulletin through General Fund

- - - —

How to MaHe a Donation to MIS active Funds:

Donations to the AIS Fund Accounts should be made payable to: AIS, or The American Iris Society.

Mail to: Jeanne Clay Plank, Secretary of Donations

8426 Vine Valley Dr Sun Valley, CA 91352-3656 ** Note change of address to send donations Be sure to identify clearly on a separate paper

1. The recipient of the memorial or honor

2. The Active Fund to which you wish it to be credited

3. The name of person, persons, or organization donating

4. The address of person(s) to notify that a donation has been made ^

Correction:

The American Iris Society Foundation would like to apologize to Frederick G. Stephenson and the Blue Ridge Iris Society for the error printed in the July, 1999 Bulletin.

A contribution to the Foundation was made by the Blue Ridge Iris Society in honor of (not in memory of) Frederick G. Stephenson. For indeed, Mr. Stephenson is alive and well and is active in promoting the Blue Ridge Iris Society.

I I £

in Memoriam:

V

Leo Barnard (California) Lucie Burley (Arkansas) Richard Butler (Arkansas) Winifred Conklin (California)

D. Gertrude Fallon (Arkansas)

Mrs. Sterling Inner st (Pennsylvania) Patricia Williamson (Missouri)

_ _ )

90

y43S Stotefoont

Sale items & Publications

- - — - - - — - - - - ~~x

$27.00 The World of Irises

Highly recommended! 32 pages of full color. Edited by Warburton and Hamblen, 34 contributors and authors including international authori¬ ties. Published in 1978 and most authoritative book on all phases of irises. Scientific and popular. 6" x 9" hard bound cloth cover, 526 pages.

$15.00 Handbook for Judges and Show Officials

New release! Sixth Edition ©1998.

Basic Iris Culture . Pamphlets. Great information SOLD OUT for new iris growers. Ideal for clubs or shows.

V. _ )

$4.50 AIS Bulletins: Back Issues (not all issues available)

$14.00 ea. Check Lists: 1939, 1949, 1959, & 1969

Reprint. Soft cover.

$17.00 Check List, 1979

Reprint. Hard cover. Ten-year compilation of registrations 1970 - 1979.

$17.00 Check List, 1989

Hard cover. Ten-year compilation of registrations 1980 - 1989.

$7.00 ea. Registrations and Introductions:

1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998.

$2.50 Bronze 50th Anniversary Medals

The AIS 50th Anniversary medal in antiqued bronze. Suitable for pendants, show prizes, and special awards.

r~ “ ‘ ' a

View Before You Buy!

The official AIS Website now has photos of several of the Storefront sales items, so you can see what they look like.

Go to: www.irises.org

91

/ — — — — — — — — \

7 5th Anniversary Collection

$25.00 Commemorative Medal

Solid Silver, 1 V2 inches across. Only 500 struck.

$4.50 Bulletin

v _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ A

$2.50, 1 pack AIS Seals (50 per pack)

$10.00, 5 packs Self-adhesive ovals are larger than a half dollar.

Official design in blue and green on silver background.

2000 Iris Calendar: See inside front cover.

1998 & 1999 Iris Calendar - While They Last

$2.00 each (+$1.00 shipping)

$10.00 (+$3.00 shipping) for packs of 10

$4.00, 1 pack Iris Post Cards (16 per pack)

$10.00, 3 packs $25.00, 10 packs

f . \

AIS can now accept VISA & Mastercard (sorry, no other charge cards) for

Storefront orders (minimum order: $10.00). When charging your order, please include card type and number, expiration date, phone number, and signature.

v. _ J

Prices include postage and handling. Make checks payable to The American Iris Society, or include charge card information. Send order to:

Irv & Nancy Pocklington Phone: (217) 854=2184

609 Harrington St Carlinville, IL 62626=1230

Nancy and Irv Pocklington

92

Rent Slide Sets from the American Iris Socieiu

AIS Slide Sets available for 1999:

The Newest in Irises: 1993-1998 Introductions. Mostly TBs, but contains other types. Recent Award Winners: HM and AM Winners, 1992 - 1997 The Popularity Poll: Temporarily unavailable.

Types other than Tall Bearded: Bearded and beardless, arranged in blooming sequence.

Reliables: Mostly past award winners of various types — especially suited for newer iris societies and garden clubs.

1994 Portland Iris Convention

1995 York Iris Convention

Iris Trivia: This is a small set of slides and questions that can be used for a fun and informative meeting. (Use of all questions and slides takes at least one hour.)

To Order: Requests for slides should be made well in advance of requested date, preferably six to eight weeks. If optional, specify alternate sets and/or dates. Clearly print name and mailing address to whom slides are to be sent. Rental fee is $10.00 per set, payable to AIS. Only one set allowed for any request date. Slide sets are to be returned next day after viewing by Priority Mail. Note: Affiliates are entitled to one free TB set per year. Send check with request to:

Hooker Nichols Phone: (214) 352-2191

3365 Northaven Rd.

Dallas, TX 75229

Section Slides Available:

The various Sections of AIS also have slide sets available for rent. These feature irises of each respective group. Rental fee is $5.00 per set, unless noted otherwise. Requests for these slide sets should be submitted as follows:

Arils and Arilbreds: Order from Scott Jordan, 3500 Avenida Charada NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107. Rental fee $7.50. Check to Aril Society International. Dwarf: Dorothy Willott, 26231 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood, OH 44122-7111.

Check to Dwarf Iris Society. Rental fee $7.50.

Historic Iris Preservation Society (HIPS): Contact Joan Cooper,

212 West Country Rd. C, St. Paul, MN 55113. Rental fee $7.50. Check to HIPS. Japanese: Order from John Coble, 9823 E. Michigan Ave., Galesburg, MI 49053. Check to Japanese Iris Society.

Louisiana: Order from Dalton Durio, 5853 Hwy 182, Opelousas, LA 70570.

Check to Society for Louisiana Irises. Rental fee is $10.00.

Medians: Contact Terry Aitken, 608 NW 119th St, Vancouver WA 98685. $10 check to MIS. Rebloomers: Contact Olive Rice-Waters, 1914 Napa Ave, Berkley, CA 94707.

Check to Reblooming Iris Society. Rental fee is $7.50.

Siberians: Order from Robert Hollingworth, 124 Sherwood Rd E,

Williamston, MI 48895. Check to Society for Siberian Irises.

Species: Several sets available. Order from Helga Andrews,

11 Maple Ave, Sudbury MA 01776. Check to SIGNA.

Spurias: To order, contact Patricia Brooks, 102 Jefferson Lane, Ladson, SC 29456. Check to Spuria Iris Society.

93

y ADS> T^uLLetin yAd

Changes fat f BBS:

In an effort to encourage new commercial growers, the AIS Board voted to eliminate the “extra services” fees. The prices below are unchanged, but now include the cost of scanning, text, and layup. The sizes are slightly larger.

Also, we are now using an all- electronic setup with our new printer. As a result, we can no longer simply paste ads on paper. All ads submitted on paper will be scanned. If you have graphic images or logs as part of your ad, it would be best if you send them on a disk, or email them directly to Scott Aitken at <zebra@chcs.com> (payment must still be made through advertising editor).

Showing Section

found in the back of each Bulletin. Placement is roughly alphabetical.

$42.00 $58.00 $73.00	IVI6 inch 1 inch 2 Vri inch	Rate is for 4 issues. All ads are 2 Vs inch wide.
Display A duertisin g (Rate is for single issue) Black White:
$35.00	1 inch	1 x 4 Va
$46.00	Va page	i7/s x 4% (wide), or 3% x 2 Vs (tall)
$58.00	Vs page	2V2 x \Vs (wide), or 7% x 1% (tall)
$81.00	V2 page	334 x \Vs (wide), or 7% x 2 Vs (tall)
$104.00	Vs page	5 x 43/g
$115.00	Va page	5% x 4%
$138.00	Full page	yV2 x \Vs

Color (price plus color separations at cost):

$150.00 Vs page mini ad (if space available)

$276.00 Full page, interior page.

$250.00 Full page, interior page, 4 consecutive issue discount.

$400.00 Full page, inside back cover.

$425.00 Full page, inside front cover.

$500.00 Full page, outside back cover.

Terms

Payment is due with ad copy. Ads due: July 15 (Oct. issue), October 15 (Jan. issue), January 15 (Apr. issue), April 15 (Jul. issue). Send ad and payment (payable to AIS) to:

Harold Peters, (916) 933-3804

2048 Hickock Rd, fax (916) 933-0878

El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 email: < Harold@directcon . net >

94

Bulletin of the fus Shopping Section

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• U.V. Stable

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Ask for FREE SAMPLE AAA QUALITY ENGRAVERS

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Anastasia

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For a free sample:

call 503-292-1476

email paintings@anastasia.com

web http://www.anastasia.com

or write 5328 SW Hewett Blvd.

Portland, OR 97221

For a catalog send $3.00 (refundable)

JVarstafr 0%

<31 rt©

Tall Beardeds

102 E. Hamey Lane Lodi, CA 95242 Phone: (209) 339-4747

thats: DEW-IRIS

Byron Aarstad Proprietor

Send us a S.A.S.E. for a list of over 350 varieties

After Hours Iris Patch

Large selection of new and old bearded iris at affordable prices. Send $1.00 for catalog

12119 County Road A Liberty, MO 64068 816-792-1848

BLUE SKY IRIS

Debbie Gorham and Dob Applegate 19700 NW Adcock Rd Yamhill, OR 97145 Siberian and Japanese Iris Price list available upon request

95

Shopping section

Mketfs

Salmon Creek Garden,

dAward winning Irises

Introductions by Terry Aitken, Ken Fisher, Chad Harris, Bennett & Evelyn Jones, Carol Lankow, Marky Smith and Jean Witt.

$2.00 for Color Catalog

Aitkens Salmon Creek Garden 608 NW 119 St Vancouver WA 98685

Online catalog: www.e-z.net/~aitken

RGYLE

.CRES

Joe & Donna Spears 910 Pioneer Circle East Argyle, Texas 76226 940/464=3680

http://home 1 .gte.net/argliris

For Catalog: Send two first class stamps and your address.

Historic and Modern Bearded Irises

C.;:

BAY VIEW GARDENS

of Joseph J. Ghio

1201 Bay St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Send $2.00 for catalog listing the finest in Tall, Louisiana, Pacifica, and Spuria Irises.

DESIGNS BY AUDI

Specializing in Iris Apparel Blazers Jackets Shirts and Misc 3701 Lee Avenue North Robbinsdale, MN 55422 (612)588-5791 E-mail: asibell@aol.com http://www.visi.com/-asibell/

Price List Sample Material Available

Babbette Gardens

Specializing in TBs and Daylilies

Send $ 1 for Catalog Please make checks payable to: Babbette Sandt 40975 N. 172 St East Lancaster, CA 93535

'15o is 6T2lrc ©ardene

Ed & Rusty Ostheimer 1831 Bull Run Road Schriever, Louisiana 70360 Phone: 504-446-2329 Louisiana Irises Wholesale & Retail non , C i la log i e: S2 00

V vi

i t r.r

96

Shopping Section

Attention All Iris Collectors ! Computer software to catalog and store your record keeping needs, specifically made for Iris collections. System minimum: VGA monitor, CPU 486, 586, 686, Pentium, or Pentium II, 8 meg ram, 6 meg disk space, 3.5 floppy. IBM compatible running Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows NT.

No programming is required.

Visit our web site at benterprises.com E-mail is bmce@benterprises.com ToH free is 1-888-434-9696 Send check or money order only.

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$2.00 for Catalog Refundable from order

4

Iffk® Old & New Varieties

vM\jjK GREATVALUES

BllOlHD HAVEN

ITUS GARDEN

6940 FAIRPLAY ROAD SOMERSET, CA 95684

Specializing in Tall Bearded Irises

Located at 9130 Highway 99E, Los Molinos, CA, just 30 minutes North of Chico.

Catalog $1 (refundable) send to

Gene and Tina Cabral P.O. Box 9264, Chico, CA 95927 530-345-3937

GAL-DIXIE IRIS GARDENS

Largest selection of quality affordable bearded irises (new and old) in Southern California.

Herb and Sara Hoik 14115 Pear St. Riverside CA 92508

Catalog: 2 first-class stamps

97

Shopping Section

Specializing in TBs, BBs, IB, SDBs, and Spurias.

CAPE IRIS GARDENS

822 Rodney Vista Blvd.

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Catalog 11.00 — Refundable Dave Niswonger, Hybridizer and Grower

CLARKS GARDENS

RR3 Box 3245 Edwards, MO 65326 MDB, SDB, IB, MTB, BB, AB, TB Send $1.00 for price list

	EoOLEY'S
G A	R D E N S

11553 Silverton Rd. NE P.O. Box 126 Silverton, Oregon 97381

FEATURING THE FINEST OF TALL BEARDED IRISES QUALITY RHIZOMES

Incomparable Iris catalog in color

Send $5.00 for the catalog, then deduct it from your first catalog order.

CHEHALEM GARDENS

Tom and Ellen Abrego PO Box 693 Newberg OR 97132

Siberian and Spuria Irises

Descriptive price list available upon request

Comanche Acres Iris Gardens

Route 1 , Box 258 Gower, MO 64454

Quality TB, BB, LA and median irises at reasonable prices.

— Introductions by —

Jim Hedgecock, Henry Rowlan and Jimmy Burch.

Beautiful tall bearded color catalog $300 for two years.

Separate median and Louisiana lists $1°° each.

CONTEMPORARYGARDENS

of Perry Dyer

Rt. 5, Box &00 Blanchard, OK 73010

Tall beardeds, medians, Louisianas and daylilies. Featuring Intro¬ ductions of Perry Dyer, Augusto Bianco (Italy), and Louisianas from Kevin Vaughn (Mississippi).

1999 National Convention Tour Garden.

Send $2 for 1999 catalog.

D. and J. GARDENS

7872 Howell Prarie Road, N.E. Silverton, OR 97381

Introductions of Joyce and Duane Meek

See our ad in the April Bulletin Send $1.00 for catalog.

98

Shopping section

BRfTYCOTT

QRKDEHS

Siberian and Japanese Irises

Carol Warner 16815 Falls Road Upperco, MD 21155 (410) 374-4788

Send $1 for price list.

r Durio Gardens N

i Albert, Dalton, Ken and Belle

Growers and hybridizers of:

Louisiana iris Japanese iris Spuria iris Iris virginica Iris laevigata Iris pseudoacorus

Send $4.00 for your new, color catalog of irises and daylilies.

Louisiana Nursery 5853 Highway 182 Opelousas, LA 70570

Your garden deserves EVERGREEN labels

• Plant name engraved in U-V resistant green plastic plate; slips into galvanized steel backplate mounted on stem.

• Other galvanized steel products: plain plant markers, tag stakes, bloomstalk supports and rose pegging hooks.

Send first class stamp for brochure

Specialists in Japanese Iris. Catalog of descriptions with culture page: $2.00

9823 E. Michigan Ave. Galesburg, Mich. 49053

Introductions of

Currier McEwen & Kamo Nurseries Eartheart Gardens RR #1 , Box 847 Harpswell, ME 04079-9725 (207) 833-6327

DESCRIPTIVE CATALOG: $2/2 YR. REFUNDABLE

#

FRIENDSHIP

v

GARDENS

t

Specializing in Reblooming Irises

Featuring

Introductions by

Charlie Nearpass John Weiler Lloyd Zurbrigg and Joan Roberts

Descriptive catalog $2.00 Joan and Ken Roberts 341 Schwartz Road Gettysburg, PA 17325

99

Shopping Section

EVOLUTION INACTION IRIS GARDEN

Specializing in Alternate Flower Form. Jared Harris

93 E. 100 S, Logan, UT 84321 SASE for list.

IRIS GRRD€N

Over 900 Varieties

* Tall Beards

* Dwarfs

* Space Agers

* Dykes Medals

Reasonable Prices

Catalog $2.00 Refundable

21643 Shake Ridge Road Volcano, CA 95689 (209) 296-4436

Email loramasche@cdepot.net Internet http://welcome.to/irisgarden Wholesale Only on Site

FORTE’S IRIS GARDENS

Two locations to serve you!

Virginia Forte 12312 S. Wilson Rd.

Los Banos, CA 93635 (209) 826-4850

(Send $1 .50 for Catalog) TALL BEARDED

REBLOOMERS

HISTORIES

Mary Forte 9320 Lakota Way Atascadero, CA 93422 (805) 466-7958 e-mail: jforte21@aol.com

STOCK REDUCTION

of 1979 and earlier iris —$2.00 each + postage— Older Dykes $5.00 each + postage

Send SASE for list

Regular Catalog $3.00 deduct from catalog order

FOXES’

IRIS PATCH

92- 48th St. SW Huron, SD 57350-6543

Fox Brook Iris Farm

Andrew Wheeler 90 Call Rd • Colrain, MA 01340 1-413-624-8800 Email- Foxbrook@javanet.com Specializing in Siberian, Japanese and Species Spring Shipping Send $1.00 for extensive iris list Iris Books for sale - old, new & rare Send $2.00 for quarterly list.

Garden Fonts

... for affordable weatherproof labels.

Send for a FREE SAMPLE of Garden Fonts’ custom printed peel & stick labels for your new or used metal garden markers.

By Mail Garden Fonts Dept 1 1007 Province Rd Barnstead NH 03218

Phone 603.435.6128

email gardenfonts@yahoo.com

or... get more information,

and order securely online at our new web site...

www.gardenfonts.com

100

Shopping Section

GOLDEN’S IRIS GARDEN

Specializing in newer and symposium TB iris.

4564 Robin Dr. Prescott, AZ 86301 (520) 445-0503

Send for free catalog.

H ADAWAY FARMS

Route 1, Box 42M Carney, OK 74832

A FLOWER BED OF IRIS featuring tall and median bearded iris at affordable prices. Descriptive price list 11.00 (refundable with 1st order)

Iris Oily Gardens

IVIacey an d Greg IVicO iilloiigli <502 Briglifon Place NasWille, TN 37205-2556 615.386.3778 800.934.IRIS

Primarily l&eardless iris? Japanese, Louisiana, Siberian and. Species.

We carry some antique iris, fall ILearded iris, and a variety of pond plants.

Call or write for free catalog.

Harmony Iris Gardens

PO Box 3731 Santa Rosa, CA 95402

TB, Medians, Rebloomers

Display garden includes Spurias and PCI

$2.00 Catalog (refund with order) www.harmonyiris.com

Bill & Ada Godfrey 3 Pierce St Foxborough MA 02035

MDBS, SDBs, MTBs, IBs, BBs, TBs, REBLOOMERS

Display garden includes Louisiana’s, Siberian, Japanese, and Species.

Catalogue $1 (deduct from order)

[Thermit

TWjedlars

@alk

The Iris Gallery

of Jay and Terri Hudson Your Trusted Supplier of: Pacific Coast Species Unguicularis Siberian Spuria Bearded Iris

Year-round shipments of Pacific Coast and Unguicularis

SEND $2.00 FOR CATALOG

33450 Little Valley Rd Fort Bragg, CA 95437 1 -800-757-IRIS Fax: 707-964-3907

E-Mail: irishud@mcn.org

101

Shopping Section

IRIS— THE RAINBOW FLOWER

Video by Carolyn Hawkins, AIS Judge,

Soil Preparation, Planting,

Dividing, Pests/Diseases, Hybridizing, Designs and more!

35 minutes — Perfect for club programs or club libraries.

$19.95 + $3 Postage and Handling

Make check payable to:

National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc.

4401 Magnolia

St. Louis, MO 63110-3492

JGNES DANCE IN-THC-^IND IRIS GARDEN

Joni L. Renshaw 810 S 14th Street Tekamah, NE 68061

Send $1.00 for Descriptive Catalog Listing over 1 ,000 Newer, Hardy TB and Median Irises at Affordable Prices.

Jump Creek Gardens

TB * IB * BB * SDB RE&SA

Quality Rhizomes at Competitive Prices

Descriptive Price List $2.00 deductible from first order

Route 1 Box 282 Marsing, Idaho 83639

7280 Tassajara Creek Road Santa Margarita, CA 93453 (805) 438-3070 www.thegrid.net/irishill

J. & V. CRAIG IRIS

Jim and Vicki Craig

16325 SW 113 Ave Tigard, OR 97224

Tetraploids MTB IB BB TB

Send first class stamp for descriptive price list

Lauer’s J towers

th[ezver irises at bargain prices!

11314 ‘Kandobpfi %d. ‘Wiiton, Cft 95693 (916) 687-6134

LAURIE’S GARDEN

Lorena M. Reid (Reid) introductions of

Japanese, Sino-Siberians, Species & Interspecies Irises

Free list in spring, US only.

41886 McKenzie Hwy. Springfield, OR 97478

102

Shopping section

KARY IRIS GARDENS Ardi Kary 6201 E. Calle Rosa Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (602) 949-0253 Tall Bearded-Arilbred-Median

LORRAINE’S IRIS PATCH

20272 Road 11 N.W. Quincy, WA 98848 Dykes and many older Iris at most reasonable prices.

IRIS

HOSTAS

DAYLILIES

Mid-America

Garden

Paul Black & Tom Johnson

COLOR CATALOG $3.00

Foreign $4.00 U.S. Funds

NOTE our NEW ADDRESS

P O BOX 18278 SALEM, OR 97305-8278

P.O. Box 19; Boulder, CO 80306

Since 1905

Iris from the “Top of the World”

Featuring Irises from: Magee, Durrance, Hoage, Lyons, Moller, Jorgensen, D. Miller and others.

MARYOTT’S GARDENS

PO Box 1177 Freedom, C A 95019-1177 Newer TB’s Retail/Wholesale

Full color catalog $5 — Deductible

www.irisgarden.com

MILLER’S MANOR GARDENS

Roger and Lynda Miller 1 2788 E. 191 St. Noblesville, IN 46060

MDBs, Medians TBs, Siberians Daylilies, and Hostas

Newest irises at affordable prices

Send $1.00 for catalog , deductible from first order.

103

Shopping Section

OUNTAIN VIEW

IRIS GARDENS

Large selection of iris at bargain prices. 100% extras with every order. Specializing in club and wholesale orders. 2000 catalog w/color $3.00 refundable with order.

Donna & Lacy Hagood 6307 Irwin Ave Lawton, OK 73505 (580) 492-5183/536=3378 MVIGOK@AOL.COM

NAPA COUNTRY IRIS GARDENS

John & Lesley Painter

9087 Steele Canyon Rd. Napa, Ca. 94558

QUALITY TB IRIS

Irises grown in the world famous wine producing region of California

Send first class stamp for catalog available Arpil through July

Mountain View Gardens

“Located in Montana’s beautiful Flathead Valley”

SPECIALIZING IN SIBERIAN IRISES

Send 1st class stamp for catalog.

2435 Middle Rd. Columbia Falls, MT 59912 www.mountainviewgard.com

NICHOLSON’S WOODLAND IRIS GARDENS

5406 Milnes Road Modesto, CA 95357

We have several hundred iris vari¬ eties from which to choose. We always like to have visitors during bloom season. Very reasonable prices. Modesto (home of American Graffiti) is located in central California. Our location is very close to Hwy. 99. (209) 578-4184

Send $1.00 for catalog Refundable with first order

email: iris4u@pacbell.net web: http://home.pacbell.net//iris4u/

nIcholls gardens

Japanese Rebloomers Siberian - Species LA - Median - TB Hosta & Day lilies

4724 Angus Dr, Gainesville, VA 20155 HTTP://www.he.net/~ngardens Catalog $1.00

104

Shopping Section

NICODEMUS IRIS GARDENS

Richard & Barbara Nicodemus

RR1 Box 297 Buffalo, MO 65622

Large Selection of Mostly Newer:

TB - Medians - LA - Jl - SPU - SIB - Irises Descriptive Catalog $1 (Refundable with order) Visitors Welcome 41 7/345-8697

cAJontfc cPt*e $*ts Qaftdens

Mary Ferguson

PO Box 595 Norfolk, NE 68701

Newer TB and Median Irises

Tall Bearded,

Medians, Siberians, Species, Hostas and Daylilies

Price list $1.00 (deductible with order)

PEDERSON’S IRIS PATCH

Sibley, Dazey North Dakota 58429

Iris Capitol of North Dakota

Quality Tall Bearded Iris at Competitive Prices

Please send 2 first class stamps for price list

PLEZ-SCENT IRIS GARDEN

Home of the Owyhee Series OWYHEE DESERT BRUNEAU JASPER OWYHEE AMETHYEST

plus more

706 E. Bates, Parma, ID 83660

utback Iris

Gardens

Largest grown iris in the country at dis¬ count prices. 100% BONUS with every order.

Color Catalog - $3.00.

Mary & Jerry Turner 209 Lakeview Ave Apache , OK 73006 (580) 492-5183 & FAX

OUTBACKOKl@AOL.COM

2a *7* sTai »T* kT* «7» O *T* *1* *1

ARIL and ARILBRED IRIS

PLEASURE IRIS GARDENS

425 E. LUNA AZUL DR. CHAPARRAL, NM 88021

105

Shopping Section

Clean-shaven iris, Uncommon perennials, Bog plants, Hostas &

Wildflowers.

Catalog $1 .00

PINE RIDGE GARDENS 832-1 Sycamore Road London, Arkansas 72847

Mary Ann Spurlock £05-529-6534

(inafao rfDe Mo±

• REBLOOMING IRIS

• T3 - LA -SPURIA - 1000 Choices

• Weddings & Special Events

• Hass Avocados

8>000 EJalcom Canyon Rd.

Somis, CA 93066 Free Catalog On Request

\ _

Offering over 4000 Varieties of Bearded Iris

Reasonable Prices Specializing in Rebloomers and Space Agers

“ Try Us - You’ll Like Us”

Descriptive Catalog $5.00

(Refunded with First Order)

Tony and Irene DeRose 21680 Upper Pleasant Ridge Caldwell, Idaho 83605 (208) 453-1305

Iris Far m

Specializing in tall bearded and rebloomers.

Visit us @ rainbowfarms.net

250 County Road 323 Bartlett, TX 7651 1

(512) 338- 1618 phone/fax

Visa/Mastercard accepted

1R.cot&ida£e

Onto.

Median & Dwarf Bearded Also: TBs, Siberians I florentina (orris)

Tracy W. Jennings P.O. Box 524 Rockford, MN 55373 Descriptive catalog — $1.00

ROCK SPRINGS IRIS FARM

Rt. 1 Box 238 B Henrietta Texas 76365

Reasonable prices Descriptive Catalog Send 2 first-class stamps (940) 538-6932 email: RSIrisFmTX@aol.com

106

Shopping Section

RORIS

RORIS

GARDENS

8195 Bradshaw Road Sacramento, CA 95829 Phone: (916) 689=7460

Tall Bearded Iris

Send $5.00 for Color Catalog

(Deductible from 1st order)

Our 72 page catalog features a color photo of every flower we offer.

IRIS GARDENS

3629 Quinaby Road, Salem, Oregon 97303

Fine Iris for discerning collectors.

GROWERS - HYBRIDIZERS - ORIGINATORS

Americas Finest Iris Catalog. Accurate color illustrations, a treasure trove of information. $5.00

SOURDOUGH IRIS GARDENS

109 Sourdough Ridge Road Bozeman, MT 59715-9264

Older varieties thrive In high altitude, colder climates. Reasonable prices.

Send long SASE for list available Apr. 15-Oct. 1

i # s

1000 TB Varieties

Rebloomers, Space Agers, Dykes Medals & more...

Catalog $2.00 (refunded with first order)

Keith Chadwick 14000 Oasis Road Caldwell, ID 83605 (208) 459-7185

(805)461-3270 Fax (805)461-5670 e-mail Scottaris@aol.com

SCOTT’S IRIS GARDENS

14605 Chispa Rd., Atascadero, CA 93422

Jack & Bonne Scott We love our farm and invite you to visit. Enjoy the iris, visit with the animals, rest in our edible flower and herb garden, and yes. we have lots of bearded iris for sale.

Hybridizing today for tomorrows rebloomers

Catalog $ 1.00 (deducted from first order)

SPRUCE GARDENS

2317 3rd Rd WfsnerME 68791-3536 1000+ choice newer tall bearded irises 200+ newer Medians List $1.00 deductible

10/

Shopping Section

3342 W. Orangewood Phoenix, AZ 85051

(602) 841-1231

BEARDED and SPURIA

GUARANTEED QUALITY - 1000 CHOICES Send 2 - 1st Class stamps for catalog

IF YOU HA VE THE BEST

OUST OMERS YOU HA VETO GROW THE BEST

Over 1400 varieties of hardy tall bearded, licensed and inspected by Dept of Agriculture

Send $1 for catalog

Stanley Iris Garden

3245 N. WING RD, STAR, ID 83669 208 - 286 7079

Spanish ^£ork {garden

Darlene Pinegar 40 South 200 West Spanish Fork, Utah 84660

Hybridizing for RE and SA irises.

Send 2 first class stamps for descriptive list of TB, Median, RE, and SA irises.

SUPERSTITION IRIS GARDENS

Rick Tasco / Roger Duncan

2536 Old Hwy., Dept. A9 Cathey’s Valley, CA 95306

phone 209-966-6277 E-mail randrcv@sierratel.com

tBEARDED IRIS

miniature dwarfs to tails

fREBLOOMERS

hundreds; dwarfs to tails

*HISTORICS one of

the largest commercial listings

*AR ILBREDS- a wide and varied selection _

INCREDIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE

Descriptive catalog $1.50 Listing over 1,100 varieties

16592 Road 208, Porterville, CA 93257 559-784-901 1 Fax 559-784-6701 (Note: New Area Code!)

Specializing in reblooming and space age iris. Over 1 ,500 varieties of tall bearded and median iris.

Catalog $3.00

Stump Hollow Iris Gardens

Offering the finest in Bearded Iris 2384 Applegate Lane Payette, Idaho 83661-5017 E-mail floral@cyberhighway.net Price list available

108

Shopping Section L. J
TB*S PLACE 1513 Ernie Lane Grand Prarie, TX 75052-1106 New Introductions from Tom Burseen and most other hybridizers.		■JLIJL Don and Ginny Spoon ^ 1225 Reynolds Road Cross Junction, VA 22625 (540) 888-4447 e-mail: VSpoon@aol.com we grow over 4000 iris varieties 2200 listed over 750 rebloomers j 72 page catalog Bearded Iris Introductions TBs — Medians — MDBs Modems — Classics — Histories Send $2 for catalog Refundable with order Satisfaction guaranteed
PLANT MARKERS A unique and attractive tag. All metal and long lasting. Permanent and economical. Perfect for Iris Send self-addressed stamped envelope for description, price list and picture. F. K. UNRUH 37 Oaknoll Road Wilmington, Delaware 19808 ! (302) 994-2328
WILLOW BEND FARM • http://willowbend.fgn.net Bob & Lynn Denton Reasonable Prices Free Catalog New & Classic Varieties We have all of the American Dykes Winners 1154 Hwy. 65 Eckert, CO 81418		ZEBRA GARDENS <5 dK L S^t PURSUING TOMORROW TOW Distinctive bearded iris. Broken color flowers, variegated foliage. TBs. Medians. & MDBs Brad & Kathie Kasperek 9130 North 5200 West Elwood, Utah 84337 (435) 257-0736 Catalog $3.00
r Please support our vendors. Tell them you saw their ad in the L PIS Bulletin! j

benjamin

Sid DuBose (left) and Ben Hager (right) tending the iris fields.

/Hedal TOinnets

Bulletin of the American iris Society

ISSN 0747-4172

Volume lxxx, No. 4 Series No. 315, Section 2 October 1999

umpozLum

of Tali Bearaea fi

Revised Ballot

Please vote for your favorite 25 Tall Tearded Iris Varieties

All members of The American Iris Society are urged to participate in this ballot in order that we may obtain a wide consensus of the tall bearded iris varieties that grow and bloom best in gardens throughout America. Mail the completed ballot to your RVP by December i, 1999. Final results will be published as the popularity poll in a future issue of the Bulletin. Please vote!

The July issue Symposium was missing a group of AM winners. These have been integrated into the list for an October Revised Symposium.

Attention: Overseas Members are invited to vote the Symposium Ballot. Instructions on the following page. See deadline on following page, item #5.

Please Vote

Sixtieth Official Tall Bearded Iris Symposium of the American Iris Society

2000 Revised

This is your ballot to help determine the One Hundred Favorite Tall Bearded Irises for 2000. The list of candidates was completed by combining the following lists of outstanding varieties:

** The 100 top varieties in last years Symposium

** The tall bearded irises eligible for 1999 Wister Medal

** The tall bearded irises eligible for 1999 Dykes Medal The tall bearded irises eligible for 1999 Awards of Merit

** The tall bearded irises that won 1998 Awards of Merit

** The tall bearded irises that won 1998 Honorable Mentions

Every member of The American Iris Society may participate in this balloting of the irises listed on the following pages. Each member is allowed twenty-five votes. Please follow the instructions below.

1. Vote only for an iris that you have seen blooming in a garden.

2. Clearly place an “X” in front of each of your twenty- five favorites. The second member of a family membership should use an “O” symbol to designate votes. Additional, family or youth members should use a number (1, 2, 3, etc.) in front of each vote to identify it. Each member is entitled to a maximum of twenty-five votes. Since the ballot is designed for easy tabulation by the Regional Vice Presidents, please follow directions carefully.

3. No member may vote for more than twenty- five varieties. You may vote for fewer than twenty- five if you wish.

4. Your ballot must be mailed to your Regional Vice President by December 1, 1999 in order to be counted. The name of your RVP is listed inside each AIS Bulletin. Sign your ballot and mail it first class.

5. Overseas Members may vote by mailing their ballot to the Awards Committee Chairman whose name and address appear inside each AIS Bulletin. It is advisable to send by Air Mail to assure receipt of your Ballot by the deadline of December 1, 1999.

Name(s): _ _

Address:

__A8BEY ROAD

_ _ ABSTRACT ART

j.. _ ^ACAPULCO SUNSET

1 ACOMA

■ _ ^AEGEAN STORM

^AFTERNOON DELIGHT

_ AFTER THE BALL

_ AFTER THE DAWN

_ AFTER THE STORM

AGE OF INNOCENCE

_ AIN'T MISBEHAVEN

_ ALASKAN SEAS

^ALEXANDER’S RAGTIME BAND

_ ALL TOGETHER

_ AL' ORANGE

_ „ALPINE TWILIGHT

_ ALTRUIST

L _ AMERICAN CLASSIC

_ AMERICA'S CUP

_ ANGELS IN FLIGHT

_ ANNA BELLE BABSON

_ ANNE MURRAY

_ ANSWERED PRAYERS

APLOMB

: _ APRIL IN PARIS

:_ARCTIC EXPRESS _AROUND MIDNIGHT

_ ART FAIR!

ASCENT OF ANGELS

_ AURA LIGHT

_AUTUMN TRYST

_ AVALON SUNSET

_ ^AWAKENING

BABBLING BROOK BALCH SPRINGS BALTIC STAR BATTLE ROYAL BAYBERRY CANDLE BEFORE THE STORM BELLS ARE RINGING BERTWISTLE BEST BET BETTY DUNN BEVERLY SILLS BEWILDERBEAST BIG BIRD

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS BIRTHDAY SURPRISE BITTERSWEET JOY BUCK AS NIGHT BUCK FALLS BUCK TIE AFFAIR BLENHEIM ROYAL BLUE MONTANA SKIES BLUE SUEDE SHOES BOLD LOOK BOOGIE WOOGIE BOSS TWEED

BOXWINK S GOLDEN DREAM BOY NEXT DOOR BRAVE NEW WORLD BREAKERS BRIDE'S HALO BRINDLED BEAUTY BR0NZETTE STAR BUBBLE DANCER .BUBBLING ALONG .BUBBLING OVER .BUSY BEING BLUE

CABOT COVE _.CAFE OLE’

_ CAJUN QUEEN

_CAJUN RHYTHM

_ CAJUN SPICES

CAMELOT ROSE __CANNINGTQN BLUEBIRD

_ CANNONBALL

_ CAPTAIN'S JOY

_ CARIBBEAN DREAM

_ _ CARNIVAL SONG

__CASCADE SPRINGS

_ CEE CEE

_ CELEBRATION SONG

_ CHAMPAGNE ELEGANCE

.CHAMPAGNE WALTZ

_ CHANGE OF PACE

_ CHANGE YOUR WAYS

_ _ CHANTILLY UCE

_ .CHATTER

_ CHEATING HEART

_ CHEROKEE HERITAGE

_ CHEROKEE NATION

___CHERRY GLEN

_ _CHERRY UNE

_ CHERRY SMOKE

_ _ CHRISTMAS

_ CHRISTMAS TIME

_ CIRCUS WORLD

_ CITY LIGHTS

__CITY OF PARIS _CURENCE

_ _ CUSSIC LOOK

_CUSSMATE __CLEAR MORNING SKY . _CLOSE SHAVE

COALIGNITION CODICIL COLORADOAN COMANDANTE COMING UP ROSES COMPETITIVE EDGE CONJURATION CONTINUITY COPPER CLASSIC CORAL SUNSET COTE D OR

COUNTRY GENTLEMAN CRANBERRY DELIGHT CREDIT LINE CROSS CURRENT CRUISE CONTROL CUSS ABLUE STREAK .CUTTING EDGE

DAKOTA MOON DANCE HALL DOLLY DANUBE WALTZ DAWNING DAWN OF CHANGE DAZZLING GOLD DEBBIE REYNOLDS DEBBY RAIRDON DEBRENEE DEGAS DANCER DELTA BLUES DESIGNER GOWN DIDDLER

DIRTY DEVIL CANYON DODGE CITY DOROTHEA MARQUART DOVER BEACH

DREAMSICLE DUSKY CHALLENGER

EAGLE'S FLIGHT .EARTH SONG .EASTERTIME EDITH P. WHEELER EDITH WOLFORD .ELAINEALOPE ELEGANT IMPRESSIONS ELSIE RICHARDSON EMPEROR'S CONCERTO EPICENTER ERMINE DOLL EVERYTHING PLUS

.FALLEN ANGEL FANCY STITCHES .FANCY WOMAN FASHION DESIGNER .FATAL ATTRACTION FEATURE ATTRACTION FESTIVE MOOD FIESTA SONG FILIBUSTER FILM FESTIVAL FINALIST FIRST INTERSTATE FLIGHTS OF FANCY FOOTLOOSE FORBIDDEN FRUIT FOREIGN STATESMAN FRINGE BENEFITS FROSTING FROZEN BLUE FUNNY GIRL

.GALLANT ROGUE GAY PARASOL GINGER SWIRL GIRAFFE KNEEHIZ GNU

GNU AGAIN GNU BLUES GNUS FLASH GOING MY WAY GOLD FROSTING GOLDKIST GOLD SPECULATOR GOODBYE GIRL GOOD LOOKING GOOD SHOW GRAND WALTZ GRAPHIQUE GRATEFUL CITIZEN GREAT GATSBY GUADALAJARA GUADALUPE GYPSY ROMANCE GYPSY WOMAN

HALFWAY TO HEAVEN HALO IN CREAM HALO IN GOLD HALO IN ROSEWOOD HANDSHAKE HAUTE COUTURE HELLO DARKNESS HELLO-GOODBYE HIGH DRAMA HIPPO'Z TUTU HOLLYWOOD AND VINE HOLY NIGHT

HONKY TONK BLUES .HORATIO HOT CHOCOLATE HOTDOGS AND MUSTARD

.ICED TEA .IMAGINARY .IMMORTALITY .INDIGO PRINCESS .INDULGE .INFERNAL FIRE .IN REVERSE .ISLAND SURF .ISN'T THIS SOMETHING .IT'S MAGIC

.JAMES P.

.JAZZED UP .JAZZ ME BLUE .JESSE'S SONG JET'AIME .JOHN KEARNEY .JOHNNY REB .JOYCE TERRY .JOY JOY JOY .JUAN VALDEZ .JURASSIC PARK

.KATHLEEN KAY NELSON .KEVIN'S THEME .KILT LILT .KLONDIKE LIL .KNOCK 'EM DEAD

.LACED COTTON .LACY PRIMROSE

.LADY BIRD JOHNSON .LADY FRIEND LADY JULIET LA MER

LARK ASCENDING LATIN LOVER LAVALSE LEDA'S LOVER LEMON CHESS LEMON MIST LIFE OF RILEY LIGHTNING BOLT LIGHTNING STREAK LION'S SHARE LOCAL COLOR LONG'S PEAK LONESOME DOVE LORILEE LOS COYOTES LUCILLE RICHARDSON LULLABY OF SPRING

MADAME BOVARY MAGIC SHOW MALLOW DRAMATIC MANAGUA MARCY MICHELLE MARIPOSA SKIES MARTHELLA MARY FRANCES MASTER PLAN MASTER TOUCH MELTED BUTTER MESMERIZER MICHIGAN PRIDE MIND READER

MOTHER'S LITTLE HELPER MOUNTAIN MAJESTY MUCH OBLIGED MULLED WINE MYSTIC'S MUSE MYSTIQUE

NAVY BLUES NEW CENTURION NIGERIAN RASPBERRY NIGHT ATTACK NIGHT FIRES NIGHT GAME NIGHT RULER NO BIKINI ATOLL NORA EILEEN NORDICA NORDIC ICE NORTHWEST PRIDE NOTABLE

NOTHING BUT NET

OH JAMAICA OX CORRAL OKTOBERFEST OLD BLACK MAGIC OLYMPIAD

OMINOUS STRANGER OPAL BROWN ORANGE EMBERS ORANGE JUBILEE ORANGE SLICES OREGON SKIES OVERJOYED OSAKA O SO PRETTY

OVERNIGHT SENSATION

PACIFIC DESTINY PAGAN GODDESS PAINT IT BLACK PANAMA HATTIE PERSIAN BERRY PINK CHARMING POND LILY PINK QUARTZ PINK STARLET PRESTIGE ITEM PRETTY IS PRETTY WOMAN PRIVATE RESERVE PRIVATE STOCK PRIVATE TREASURE PROGRESSIVE AHITUDE PROUD TRADITION PUMPKIN CHEESCAKE PURE AS GOLD PURPLE PEPPER

QUEEN IN CALICO QUEEN OF ANGELS QUIET ELEGANCE QUITO

RAINBOW GODDESS RAIN MAN RAMBLIN' ROSE RARE OCCASION RARE TREAT RASPBERRY FUDGE RASPBERRY SPLENDOR RAVEN'S QUOTE

RAZZLEBERRY .RED HAWK .RHONDA FLEMING .RIDE THE WIND .RINGO

.RIPPLING RIVER .RITE OF SPRING .RSVERBOAT BLUES ROMANTIC EVENING ROSALIE FIGGE ROSETTE WINE .RUFFLED BALLET RUFFLED COPPER SUNSET RUFFLED GODDESS RUFFLED SKIRTS .RUMBLESEAT RUSTLER

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE SCARLET EMBERS SHIPSHAPE SHIRLEY M.

SIERRA GRANDE SILVERADO

SIGHS AND WHISPERS SILVER FOX SKATING PARTY SKIPALONG SKY BLUE PINK SKY HOOKS SKYLARK'S SONG SKYWALKER SMART MOVE SNEEZY SOCIAL EVENT SO FINE

.SOLOIST .SOMERSAULT .SONG OF ANGELS .SONG OF NORWAY .SPANISH FIREBALL .SPEED LIMIT .SPELLBREAKER .SPICED GINGER .SPICED TIGER .SPIRIT WORLD .SPLASH OF RASPBERRY .SPRING PARASOL .STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN .STAR FLEET .STARLIGHT EXPRESS .STAR SAILOR .STEPPING OUT STRICTLY BALLROOM .STRIKE IT RICH .STUDY IN BLACK _SUKY

SUNCATCHER .SUNNY BUBBLES .SUNRAY REFLECTION .SUPERSTITION .SUPREME SULTAN SWEET MUSETTE .SWEETER THAN WINE .SWING AND SWAY .SWINGTOWN

.TALL SHIPS JANGUERAY .TANZANIAN TANGERINE TELEGRAPH HILL .TEMPTING

_ TEMPTING FATE

_ TENNESSEE GENTLEMAN

_ TENNESSEE VOL

^TENNESSEE WOMAN

_ TENNISON RIDGE

_ TEXAS GLORY

_ THAI ORANGE

THQRNBIRD

_ JHRILLER

_ _ THRILLSEEKER

_ _ THUNDER SPIRIT

_ TIGER HONEY

_ TIMBERWIND

_ TIMESCAPE

^TINTINNABULATION

_ TITAN'S GLORY

_ TOASTED WATERMELON

_ TOM JOHNSON

_ TOTAL RECALL

_ TRIPLE WHAMMY

_ UNFORGETTABLE FIRE

_ URGENT

_ VANITY

_ VIBRATIONS

_ VICTORIA FALLS

_ VIGILANTE

_ VINTNER

_ VIOLET TIGER

_ VIVA MEXICO

_ VOLTAGE

_ WENCH

_ WHERE THERE'S SMOKE

_ WHITE HEAT

_ WILD THING

_ WINDS OF CHANGE

_ WINI CONKLIN

_ WINNER TAKE ALL

_ WINTER OLYMPICS

_ WISHFUL THINKING

_ YAQUINA BLUE

_ _YES

_ ZANDRIA

_ ZEBRA BLUSH

WAR CHIEF WATER BALLET WATERWORLD

Heckman

N D t k y, INC.

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AUG 00

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