IRISES, the Bulletin of the AIS - Fall 2017 Edition

By Andi Rivarola

A warm welcome to those who are seeing IRISES, the Bulletin of The American Iris Society for the first time. If you are a member of The American Iris Society I hope you enjoy this new edition, which you will receive via U.S. Mail very soon. 

The Fall 2017 issue of the AIS Bulletin will also be available soon for online viewing and accessible via the Emembers section of the AIS website. On the cover this edition, 2017 Dykes Medal Winner ‘Montmartre’ (Keith Keoppel 2008, TB).

Note: to access this area of the website you must have a current AIS Emembership. AIS Emembership is separate from the normal AIS membership. Please see the Electronic Membership Information area of the AIS website for more details.

Don't miss the listing of all award winning irises, on pages 14 — 20 with the title, AIS 2017 Awards.

A fascinating view at genealogy of irises with the article by Maryann Schicker, titled Introduction to the Vertical Genealogical Chart, on pages 22 — 25.

A beautiful description of the Florence Iris Gardens by Florence Darhenay, in her piece called A Walk in the Giardino, on pages 26 — 29. Lovely images included. 

Debbie Strauss says adieu to the last AIS Silent Auction she and Nick Steward put together. Her article is called AIS Silent Auction and is on page 30.

An invitation to attend the 2018 AIS Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana starts with a fantastic description on pages 32 — 33, and continues with the registration form on pages 34 — 35. You may also find information about the convention online at: http://www.2018irisconvention.org/

International Iris News gives us but a glimpse of iris news from outside the U.S., compiled by Bruce Filardi, on pages 39 — 41.

A reprint from our own blog, by Susanne Holland Spicker, called Older Tall Bearded Irises ~ Timeless Beauties on page 43.

There's a lot more to see and read in this edition of IRISES, either in digital or print formats. If you are an AIS member know that you will receive the print edition soon (it's in the hands of the U.S. Post Office), or if you are an e-member, then that version will be a available online soon. 

Happy Gardening!

THE 2017 MARY SWORDS DEBAILLON MEDAL "OUR FRIEND DICK" for Louisana Irises

By Susanne Holland Spicker

Please join us in congratulating Ron Killingsworth as The Mary Swords Debaillon 2017 Medalist for Louisiana Irises for 'OUR FRIEND DICK'.

'OUR FRIEND DICK' (Ron Killingsworth 2009) Photo by Ron Killingsworth

The AIS Wiki describes this lovey Louisiana iris as follows:

'OUR FRIEND DICK' (Ron Killingsworth 2009) LA 38" Mid-season bloom. Standards pink violet veined darker; style arms yellow edges light violet; falls dark violet veined darker, white halo, golden steeple signal tipped dark violet, slightly ruffled. Plantation Point 2010. AM 2015, The Mary Swords Debaillon Medal 2017.

Thank you, Ron for an outstanding Louisiana iris!

Interested in Louisiana Irises?  Please visit The Society for Louisiana Irises website.

THE 2017 WILLIAM MOHR MEDAL "EYE TO EYE"

Susanne Holland Spicker

Join with us in congratulating Keith Keppel for his 2017 William Mohr Medal winner 'EYE TO EYE'. This award is for Arilbred irises with less than 50% but at least 25% aril content. 

'EYE TO EYE' (Keith Keppel 2009) Photo courtesy of Keith Keppel

This eye-catching arilbred is described by the AIK Wiki as follows:

'EYE TO EYE' (Keith Keppel 2009) AB 12" Mid-season bloom. Standards violet-blue, lighter toward edge; style arms chartreuse to oil yellow; falls pale corinth purple wash on olive yellow ground, sharply defined 5/8" blackish red-purple signal spot; beards golden glow. Keppel 2009. HM 2011, AM 2014, The William Mohr Medal 2017.

Our thanks to Keith for yet another outstanding iris. It joins other Keppel 2017 award winners: Dykes Medal 'Montmartre' and 'Reckless Abandon', Wister Medal.

For a complete list of the 2017 American Iris Society Award winners, please visit http://wiki.irises.org/.