IRISES: The Bulletin of the AIS - Summer 2019 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 issue.

The Summer issue of the AIS Bulletin will be available online soon, accessible via the Emembers section of the AIS website. The print copy has been mailed via the U.S. Post Office. On the cover, a beautiful iris 'Autumn Explosion' by Rick Tasco, winner of the President's Cup at the AIS 2019 National Convention held in San Ramon, California.

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.

In this issue...

Don't miss all of the San Ramon, California Convention information such as the convention award winners, on pages 2 and 3. 

On page 10, Neil Houghton remind us that, "required images with iris registrations," and he lays out the way to do it. 

Also on page 10, the French Iris Society you will find the invitation to hybridizers to submit their creations for the 2021 Franciris International Iris Competition to be held in Paris, France. (More detailed information Franciris 2021 continues on page 11).
Next, on page 12 Las Cruces, New Mexico wants your irises for the 2021 National Convention to be held there. 

The AIS Photo Contest is back for 2019, and you may read all the rules and information about how to enter, on page 13.

Pages 14 and 15 contain Section Happenings, and there you may read about the different AIS Sections, such as the Reblooming Iris Society, the Historic Iris Preservation Society (HIPS), the Aril Society International, and others. 

International Iris News are on pages 16 through 18. 

Youth views on pages 19 through 23.

The AIS 2019 Convention Review is on pages 24 all the way to 48, with lots of reading to do and beautiful pictures to see. 

Neil Houghton tells us all about tip #5 on his series about iris photography, on page 49.

Lastly, a touching article, "Rise Like a Phoenix," about Anita Moran's personal experiences with her family who lived in Paradise, California on pages 51 — 54. 

Not a member of The American Iris Society? Please see our website for information about becoming one: http://irises.org/

There's a lot more to see and read in this edition of IRISES, either in digital or print formats.

Happy Gardening!

IRISES: The Bulletin of the AIS - Winter 2019 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 issue.

The Winter issue of the AIS Bulletin will be available for online viewing soon, and accessible via the Emembers section of the AIS website. The print copy has been mailed via the U.S. Post Office. On the cover, the 2018 AIS TB Symposium's First Ranked ‘Dusky Challenger’ (Schreiner's 1986, 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.

What's in this issue?

The results of the 2018 AIS TB Symposium start on page 3, and then continue on pages 10 — 13. 

On page 9 don't miss the Bulletin Board, and in particular a new rule for iris shows. Please read: IRISES ELIGIBLE FOR AIS SHOW AWARDS.

On pages 14 and 15, a great article by Bob Pries called Building an Online Library. 

Photography tips in the article called, Photographing the Overall Garden: Three Strategies for Focusing, by Ron Thoman, on pages 16 — 19.

Coming to Terms with Arilbred Medians: A Rebuttal, by Anita Moran are on pages 20 — 22.

Have you ever needed tips for organizing your iris lists? Here's your chance to improve your records with, Organizing Your Iris Collection, Using the Spreadsheet Tool on Your Computer by Maryann Schicker, on page 23. 

Some fun and "funtastic" information about those irises that didn't win the "big one" but won the hearts of many an iris lover. Please do read, Close But No Cigar by Jim Morris, a detailed drive through the road of historic irises that could have made it big, on pages 24 through 27.

Jill Bonino and Kathy Chilton embarked on a trip to the The Presby Iris Gardens that took much more time than anticipated, on the way they learned how to set up irises for the 2020 Newark International Iris Competition, on pages 28 through 31. The article is called, Three Days to Newark. 

Lastly, get to know the new AIS Board members on pages 32 — 34. 

Not a member of The American Iris Society? Please see our website for information about becoming one: http://irises.org/

There's a lot more to see and read in this edition of IRISES, either in digital or print formats.

Happy Gardening!

IRISES: The Bulletin of the AIS - Fall 2018 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 issue.

The Fall issue of the AIS Bulletin will be available for online viewing soon, and accessible via the Emembers section of the AIS website. The print copy has been mailed via the U.S. Post Office. On the cover this time, the Winner of the 2018 Dykes Medal, 'Haunted Heart,' by hybridizer Keith Keppel (R. 2010, TB). Congratulations!

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.

Starting with beautiful pictures of all the 2018 Award Winners, on page 2 and 3, then it continues on pages, 58 and 59. 

AIS President, Gary White says goodbye, after three years at the helm, on pages 8 and 9.

The list of AIS 2018 Awards is on pages 10 though 16. 

Don't miss the invitation to submit an article for the AIS 2020 Centennial publications. Details are on page 17. AIS NEEDS YOU!

On pages 18 and 19 you will find detailed information about the 2019 AIS San Ramon Convention, and the registration form. 

Section Happenings are on pages 20 and 21, followed by dates of future AIS Conventions. 

On pages 22 and 23 beautiful images and article about International News, compiled by Bruce Filardi.

Interested in garden photography? Here's an article for you by Neil Hoghton, Ready for Your Close-up? on page 24.

Youth Views are on pages 25 through 27, compiled by Cheryl Deaton. 

Remembering Friends gives us details on the life of talented long time AIS-member Perry Dyer, on page 28. 

A detailed article that can't be missed, Coming to Terms with Arilbred Medians, by Tom Waters, on pages 30 through 38.

Scarlet Ayres, gives us information about New Mexico's The Big Dig, at the Mesilla Valley Iris Society, on pages 40 through 43.

And, lastly, having soil issues? Please read, Improving Your Garden Soil, by Wilbur Bluhm, on pages 44 through 47.

Not a member of The American Iris Society? Please see our website for information about becoming one: http://irises.org/

There's a lot more to see and read in this edition of IRISES, either in digital or print formats.

Happy Gardening!

IRISES: The Bulletin of the AIS - Summer 2018 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 issue.

The Summer issue of the AIS Bulletin is already available for online viewing and accessible via the Emembers section of the AIS website. The print copy has been mailed via the U.S. Post Office. On the cover this time, the Winner of the 2018 President's Cup, Louisiana iris 'Acadian Sky' by none other than hybridizer Joe Musacchia (R. 2017). Congratulations!

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 entire line up of the 2018 Convention Award Winners, on pages 2 and 3.

Our friend, Kelly Norris received an award from the American Horticultural Society, take a look on page 9.

News from the Novelty Iris Society, Species Iris Society and others can be found on "Section Happenings," on page 12. 

News on the AIS Foundation's Ackerman Essay Winners were announced, and you can find the announcement on page 17.

Memories in writing and images of the 2018 New Orleans National Convention extensively covered in this issue on pages 20 — 26. 

Notes and images from the combined Tall Bearded Iris Society and Region 13 Spring iris tour are covered on pages 27 — 31, then on 34 — 35.

We also had an Aril Convention this year, held in Las Cruces, New Mexico beautifully covered on pages 36 — 47.

And, last but not least a very informative article called, 'Winning the Borer War," on pages 48 and 49.

Not a member of The American Iris Society? Please see our website for information about becoming one: http://irises.org/

There's a lot more to see and read in this edition of IRISES, either in digital or print formats.

Happy Gardening!

IRISES, the Bulletin of the AIS - Winter 2018 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 issue.

The Winter issue of the AIS Bulletin is already available for online viewing and accessible via the Emembers section of the AIS website. The print copy is in the hands of U.S. Post Office. On the cover this time, the Winner of the 2017 AIS Photo Contest, called "Blue Tectorums," by Beth Conrad from New Zealand. Congratulations!

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.

On page 3, Winners of the 2017 AIS Photo Contest are announced, photos are located in several segments of this publication. 

AIS President, Gary White's message is on page 8, with great news about the 2021 AIS National Convention location, and the names of newly elected AIS Directors. Take a look.

Ready or not, it's good to know about A Charitable Bequest to AIS, ex-AIS President, Jim Morris explains on page 11. 

What's happening with HIPS (Historic Iris Preservation Society)? What's happening with the Novelty Iris Society or the Spuria Iris Society? Check pages 12 and 13 for Section Happenings.

An introduction to AIS Gold Medal Recipient Jeanne Clay Plank, by Jill Bonino on pages 15 and 16. 

A wonderful read on pages 16 - 18, by California hybridizer Doug Kanarowski, called Two Hybridizing Advancements: One Intentional, One Accidental. Nice hybriding technique photos accompany the piece. Enjoy.

The 2017 AIS Tall Bearded Iris Symposium Results are published starting on page 22 and continue through page 27. 

Beautiful shots of iris in many different garden situations comprise the list of the 2017 AIS Photo Contest Winners. Some are quite unique and original. On pages 18 through 31.

The request for bearded irises for the 2020 Centennial Convention is on page 32, and the International Iris Competition information for the same year follows on page 33. 

Don't miss the piece on Images Now Required with Iris Registrations on pages 34 and 35, by Neil Houghton, the new AIS Image Coordinator. 

Lastly, extensive information about the 2018 AIS National Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, on pages 37 through 44. Hope to see you there! More online information about the convention can be found here: http://www.2018irisconvention.org/

Not a member of The American Iris Society? Please see our website for information about becoming one: http://irises.org/

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 is already available online as described above). 

Happy Gardening!

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!

IRISES, the Bulletin of the AIS - Spring 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, cover below, which you will receive via U.S. Mail very soon. 

The Spring 2017 issue of the AIS Bulletin will also be available soon for online viewing and is accessible via the Emembers section of the AIS website. 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.

International News feature iris news from Italy and Australia, on page 14

Youth Views on page 15 focuses on Coloring Contest Winners, Photo Contest winners of the Clark Cosgrove Memorial Award for Youth Achievement and more. 

New taxonomic arrangement of the Genus Iris? James Waddick's article, Comments on Crespo et al, on pages 20 and 21 exposes this dilemma. 

Enjoy a second article about genetics through, Still Confused About Genetics?  — a reprint of Dr. Currier McEwen's column from Spuria News dated 1967. 

Our own blogger, Susanne Holland Spicker, has a fantastic article on subjects we know her to do so well: growing irises and capturing them for the rest of us to enjoy. It's on pages 24 — 27, Tall Bearded Irises: Companion Plants with Pink, Red and Purple Irises.  

Don't miss the inspiring story of Cindy Rust, in Tell Me a Story, A Hybridizing Adventure — on pages 28 through 31. 

"Although I am just an ordinary person myself, I inherited an extraordinary way of seeing ordinary things." 

You won't miss the 2020 Centennial Iris Competition rules in the centerfold, pages 32 and 33. Thank you to the IRISES editors for giving it an extra push.

Bob Pries takes us to the origins of the Iris Encyclopedia with a write up on pages 34 and 35 — Confessions of an Information Junkie. 

"The river of information on the Internet is miles wide but only inches deep."

Considerations for Cool Season Tall Bearded Reblooming Iris Judging on pages 36 through 40, is an thoughtful examination of judging reblooming irises, by Mike Lockatell. 

Is your group interested in hosting a National Convention? If not sure, read Hosting an AIS National Convention by Paul Gossett on pages 43 through 45. It's an excellent source of information. 

Lastly information on Des Moines, IA the site of this year's National Convention of The American Iris Society on pages 46 and 47. 

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!

IRISES, the Bulletin of the AIS - Summer 2015 Edition

BY ANDI RIVAROLA

Hot off the presses, here's the Summer Edition of IRISES, the Bulletin of The American iris Society. On the cover, 'Football Hero,' a fantastic new introduction by hybridizer Lynda Miller and top favorite iris chosen during the Portland National Convention. For all Favorite 15 Guest Irises of the convention, please see page 34.

The Summer 2015 issue of the AIS Bulletin is now available for online viewing within the Emembers section of the AIS website. 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.

A fantastic edition, this time focusing on the National Convention held in Portland, Oregon.

One of the most detailed convention descriptions I've seen in recent years, it covers everything that a gardener/attendee would want to know, from the the pre-convention gardens and their uniqueness, to details of irises and updates on hybridizers' current developments. From this land of many iris wonders you will enjoy a full 10-pages of pure iris talk.

And for some welcome news, Bonnie Nichols writes a detailed article about the newly formed Novelty Iris Society of which she's President, on page 11, with information regarding the selection of the first officers and directors, a list of committee heads still needed, and the many ways to help the new Society.

You will find the article on the announcement of the 2015 Winner of the Bennet C. Jones Award for Outstanding Median Hybridizing, Jean Witt, both inspiring and stimulating -- on page 13.

Jean Morris, explains on pages 38-39 of the section Another Day in the Garden why Siberian irises are her favorite, and how she glad to seeing these beauties at the Portland Convention. I must say that I feel the same way as Jean, I cannot grow them in my area, but oh boy I love to see them when I can. 

Don't miss the buckets-full-of iris blooms from Schreiner's Iris Gardens, on page 3. I couldn't believe my eyes on location. Only at Schreiner's. 

The Bulletin's section Youth Views is on page 8 and the encouraging essays by youth members, and Ackerman Essay Winners, on page 9.

If you like reading mystery novels, the nonfiction story by Aaron Floden and James Waddick will surely please you. Is set in a land of many eccentricities and contracts, and the line of captivating characters are looking for a majestic prize. Don't miss The Long Road to a New Iris in India -- Part 1, on pages 50 - 51. 

Congratulations to Jim Waddick from Missouri for winning the 2014 Michael Foster Memorial Plaque announced and bestowed by the British Iris Society. Read about it on page 14.

On page 62, towards the end of the Bulletin find the invitation to next year's convention. Although not mentioned in IRISES due to publishcation deadline restrictions, please note that the 2016 National Convention website is out. Going Eas in 2016 will be held in Newark, NJ. Click on the link for more information. 

AIS President, Jim Morris, continues to inform us about Irises Down Under & New Zealand, with his Part 3 of what seemed like a trip of a lifetime. The combination of two splendid beauties, nature and irises, really makes it a special trip, don't you think?

There's a lot more to see and read in this edition of IRISES, either in digital or print formats. I hope you are an AIS member because that means that you will receive the print edition soon (it's in the hands of the Post Office), or if you are an e-member, then that version is already available online as mentioned above. 

Happy gardening!

IRISES, the Bulletin of the AIS - Spring 2015 Edition

By Andi Rivarola

Hot off the presses, here's the Spring Edition of IRISES, the Bulletin of The American iris Society. On the cover, irises and more irises from The Joyce Lockatell Memorial Garden, Cosby Farm, Virginia. 

The Spring 2015 issue of the AIS Bulletin is now available for online viewing within the Emembers section of the AIS website. Note: to access this area 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.

A fantastic edition, as usual, with information and articles varied for all to delight.

Our AIS President Jim Morris writes an extensive opening statement that includes details about his recent trip south of the Equator -- to Australia and New Zealand. A lengthy article with lots of interesting pictures is published later in this issue in the section, Irises Down Under, Australia. Besides all the gorgeous irises from local hybridizers we have come to know and enjoy such as Blyth, Grosvernor and Taylor, I enjoyed the pictures of the Proteaceae family hybrid called Warath, and Echium candicans 'Pride of Madeira.' Gorgeous beauties.

I hope Ken Walker, from Northern California is preparing a digital program because if it is as interesting as his articles in the last three editions of IRISES, I wouldn't want to miss it. This one is Iris Parts: Diversity in the Genus, Party 3 -- Flowers, starting on page 19. 

It was fascinating to read starting on page 30, about the collaborative efforts of the Missouri Botanical Garden botanical staffers Kyle Cheesborough's and Jason Delaney's exploration and plant collecting in the Altai region of Southern Siberia, Russia, a UNESCO World Heritage Center. What a thrill to know that this exploration and work has been sponsored in part by the Greater Saint Louis Iris Society. 

Everything you need to know about the 2015 Portland, OR National Convention of The American Iris Society, is on page 32-33, and by the way, hope to see you there.

I read with much pleasure the article by Katherine Cook about the Franklin Cook's Iris Garden, and its history along with a touching biography of her dad, Franklin Cook. Yes, the same person for which the AIS convention award is named: The Franklin Cook Memorial Cup. Here's a sneak peek: To either side of the tool house, double French lilacs, mixed with singles, heavily perfumed as they can only be in a moist midwestern spring. Following the white picket fence perimeter south, to the west corner, and coming west to each side of the barbecue, were crabapples of several varieties, from white, pink, double, to deep rose, framing the center beds of iris displays. From there, my mother made jelly each year.

If you are interested in reblooming irises, you must read the article: Gibson Plicatas, Create Modern Rebloomers, by Mike Lockatell, on pages 40-41. 

There's so much to see in this edition of IRISES, either in digital or print formats. I hope you are an AIS member because that means that you will receive the print edition soon, or if you are an e-member, then that version is already available online as mentioned above. 

Happy gardening!

What Surprises Will You Find In News & Notes?

By Wayne Messer

For those of you who have not seen it, News & Notes is the electronic newsletter of The American Iris Society for its members.  While you can learn more about it here (scroll down to July 2013 on that News page), we thought sharing a typical (or atypical) issue would give a better taste of what it is and does.

First, let me apologize for not just having a working issue embedded in this post.  I really wanted to do that; but, could not get it to work.  However, we do have one where you can follow the links here on the Iris Encyclopedia.  (You will find another link to that at the end of this post.)

Regular issues of News & Notes are sent monthly containing 5-10 items about happenings in AIS and the world of irises.   In the left column are a table of contents, the featured article - in this case a “preview” of the 2015 Dykes Medal Winner, and a list of quick links to frequently consulted AIS sites.

The featured article, and each of the other articles, generally are a quick summary of the topic with links (shown in blue) to a variety of sources to learn or see more.   That is one of the great things about an electronic newsletter; you can immediately act.  In this case to see the Dykes Medal Winner at an Iris Wiki page or go to iris popularity polls, again on the Iris Encyclopedia.  FYI - the photo shown illustrating this article is ‘Dividing Line’, the 2014 Dykes Medal Winner, which was announced in a special edition of News & Notes last year devoted to the 2014 Medal Winners.

Then in the right hand column are the other articles:  upcoming events (particularly when there are imminent deadlines associated with them), announcements and reminders, and recent happenings.  For the upcoming conventions, there are links to the announcements and schedules on the AIS website and on the conventions sites.  An added bonus is a link to some videos showing irises from earlier visits to some of the tour gardens (with the videos on another Iris Encyclopedia page).

While I could go on and on about the exciting items you will find in News & Notes, the best way to get a sense of it is to follow some of the links.  I’ll just mention one more item you will find in each edition - Jigsaw Puzzles!  While we try to make every item interesting, informative, and fun; with the puzzle the emphasis is definitely on fun.  With two levels of difficulty to match the challenge you need.

What to Do Now

As I said, I like News & Notes because you can immediately go find out more about a topic, sign up for something, use an email link to write to someone, or take some other action.  In that spirit, here is what you can do now.

If you are an AIS member and are not receiving News & Notes, please have our Membership Secretary update or add your email address.  (Link is a email address.)

If you are an AIS member and are receiving News & Notes, please let us know what more you would like to see.  If your Section, Region, Club, Committee, etc. is doing/going to/has done something interesting, please let us know.  Email wrmesser@gmail.com with your suggestions or comments.

If you are not yet an AIS member, learn more about the benefits of joining and even join online by starting here.  If you already know you want to join and do it online, you can go directly to this page to join.

For those with topics you would like to include, however, you do not know what to link to, the Iris Encyclopedia may be what you need.  In addition to having great information about irises, it is available so you can (or we can help you to) create a page to point to.  That’s what wiki means - you can quickly edit a page or create and edit one  - in this case, the Iris Wiki.  And it is available whether you would like something in News & Notes or to link from a newsletter.

Thank you to Kelly Norris and Bob Pries for identifying the need for News & Notes and getting it started.  And thank you to everyone for reading News & Notes and providing suggestions and comments.  Please keep them coming.

As promised, here is the page on the Iris Encyclopedia where you can see this complete issue of News & Notes with working links.