IRISES, the Bulletin of the AIS - January/February 2014 Edition

By Andi Rivarola

Apologies for the lateness of this review; we plan, and plan some more, and then one gets a cold. I don’t know about you, but all I can do when I get a cold is... rest, do nothing, and then rest some more. So, even though I had everything necessary to share this post with you about the new issue of IRISES, well it just did not happen.

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of ex-AIS President Clarence E. Mahan, but with the sadness comes the joy of knowing that the winter edition of IRISES has been dedicated to his memory. A section called “Remembering Clarence Everett Mahan” starts with a touching obituary by AIS’s President, Jim Morris; and it ends with the testimonials of several friends from around the world that you will find to be both enlightening and heartwarming. I didn't know Mr. Mahan well, and only had brief communications via Facebook (yes, we were FB friends) and email. Once, he even wrote to tell me how brave I was to face the social media challenges of the society. I appreciated his gentle compliment

Some of the great topics on this issue:

Riley Probst, the AIS Symposium Chair, gives us a historic review of the AIS Tall Bearded Iris Symposium. Who doesn't want to know how the TOP 100 Tall Bearded Irises list got started, and what are the current stats on TBs around the country? A very educational read.

Going to Déjà vu Dallas 2014? Hope that you are, but even if you are not please read Bonnie Nichols formal invitation to the National Convention. Located in the Dallas area and the site of the 2013 Convention, the gardens are interesting and well presented with beautiful irises, so we're wishing for a wonderful repeat. A convention registration form and the convention schedule are also included. For updates and more information about the Convention visit their website at: http://www.irises-dallas.org

If you don’t know Robert Piątek you will have a change to meet him on an article called, Iris Hybridizer and Author from Poland. From his early beginnings as a forester in the District Zawadzkie National Forest, Poland, to his current work hybridizing irises, you will be enchanted to make his acquaintance even if on paper. Don’t miss the beautiful iris pictures that accompany his introduction to the American public. 

A fascinating write up about little irises may also catch your attention. The article called “Small is Beautiful” by Charlie Carver from Orcas Island, Washington.

Don't miss The Winners of the 2013 AIS Photo Contest will also surprise you with their quality, and their display size, which this year is extra large. Check them out and you’ll know what I mean. 

Other wonderful articles include:

• The 2013 Honorary Awards Recipients
• Herbicide Studies: Weed Control in Irises, by John E. Kaufmann
• New Emeritus Judges Announced
• AIS Display Gardens: What are they? By Bob Pries
• Iris Color Terminology: Luminatas, by our own Rene Fraser
• Winners of the 2013 AIS Photo Contest
• Sections Happenings, by Gary White
• And much, much more…

For those new to The American Iris Society, as a member you receive the printed quarterly edition of IRISES via mail, or if you are an e-member, then you will be able to read the entire publication online. The latter is a very convenient option for overseas iris enthusiasts. For more information, please go to our website's membership information section.  

(The printed edition is in the hands of the Post Office, some members included myself have already received it; the e-version is ready for view at its normal location online.)