Why Visit an Iris Show?

by Bob Pries

Guess what. It’s show time! Whether or not you grow irises, spring offers an opportunity to make your garden better. People with small gardens, difficult growing conditions, little time, or limited funds all have excellent reasons to come to an American Iris Society show.

Irises with ribbons at an iris show 

Over the years, irises have been referred to as the “poor man’s orchid.” Much like orchids, irises have enormous variety in flower color patterns and forms. Surely there are many you might love. Some can be pricey, but most are inexpensive compared to other perennials. And the best part of an iris show is that you will find sources, contacts, and opportunities to get irises for free or at a minimal charge.

Clubs that put on iris shows almost always have additional events throughout the year where you can find some free iris and others for $10 or less. Of course there are still the $60 irises. But if you were to invest in irises, surely would want them to prosper. Club members can offer you suggestions that can quintuple your irises in a year.  Some people find ways to sell their extra irises to generate income and fund new iris purchases. By going to an iris show you can discover masterpieces that grow well in nearby gardens and tolerate local conditions best. Exhibitors can guide you in how to grow award-winning bloomstalks. Who knows. Someday you may find your flowers in the Court of Honor, or winning a coveted rosette for “Best in Show.”

The Court of Honor includes the “Best in Show” 

Although there are many stories about irises being thrown over the fence into weeds and having it bloom the next year, it is also possible to kill an iris. Sometimes they are killed by kindness. A little local knowledge can save you a lot of heartache.

Of course, lots of people go to an iris show because they like seeing pretty flowers. You may be surprised at the show discovering unusual irises.  Irises have it all; and if you want a plant that is striking, rare, or challenging to grow, you may see those also.  When special irises are displayed, fellow iris lovers are always glad to see them. Different irises can grow in widely variable conditions from hot and dry to in water. What may be good culture in one area may be a death sentence in another. For this reason the local residents are usually your best resource. Forget the internet; befriend a local iris expert!

If you wish to make a special garden, there are irises that will make it outstanding. Discovering the diverse world of irises can make gardening easier with less work than most perennials.

How to find:

All across the United States - starting in the south and working north - bloom season is beginning and local clubs are presenting iris shows. Check out the American Iris Society show calendar and find one near you.