Siberian/Species Iris Convention 2022

 by Jeff Bennett

A clump of irises at the Siberian/Species Iris Convention in May 2022

Every year, local societies, regions, and national societies have shows, conventions, meetings, and treks. As we found out with Covid, you don’t always know how long it will be to attend the next one. Your local show is the easiest to attend as you can generally drive to it and be home the same day. A regional meeting may require one overnight stay while a national convention will require a flight and at least three nights stay for most attendees. Since I had not been able to attend a national convention yet (due to Covid) and this year I was busy getting my own beds ready for a local regional meeting three weeks after this year’s national convention in New Mexico, I decided to attend the 2022 Siberian/Species Iris Convention. The convention was held May 27-29, 2022 near Seattle, Washington. The King County Iris Society was the host of this event and they did a wonderful job planning years in advance for us to visit three display gardens with guest irises to view and evaluate and vote on.

On our first evening, we had a presentation from Ken Walker on “Iris Species Across the World”. Ken shared his superior knowledge of where species of irises come from with the attendees. His trips to these locations to visit irises in their native habitat were very informative. By showing a map, he was able to show just where certain species were from which in turn helped us understand the requirements we must provide if we are to succeed at growing them here in the USA. Elevation, precipitation, and hi-lo temperatures are all factors to consider. I enjoyed Ken’s ability to explain the growing conditions encountered while on his treks.

Saturday morning we boarded the bus to take us to our first tour location: Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden. This 11-acre garden was established to preserve two gardens that were slated for demolition to expand runways of the airport. Both gardens were physically moved to this new location starting in 1996. Elda Behm’s Paradise Garden was moved to the location in 1999-2000 after a master plan was developed. In 2005, the Seike Japanese Gardens were also moved to this location with the help of the city and many volunteers. The Seike Japanese Gardens and Nursery were also in the airport’s path.

Photographing irises in bloom at Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden 

Rhododendrons in full bloom

Siberian iris 'Silliousness'

The garden is a lush and flowering garden that is free to the public. Ferns, rhododendrons, and lots of irises were in bloom to greet us. The group immediately started taking pictures of the mostly Siberian irises on an overcast day which was perfect for viewing and picture taking. The timing for bloom at this garden was just right in my opinion. The snack table had delicious pastries to pick from while we enjoyed the garden.

The next tour spot was the Bellevue Botanical Garden. It is in the city of Bellevue, Washington. The gardens were opened to the public in 1992. Starting out with 7.5 acres, the garden now encompasses 53 acres and has a visitor center. It also offers classes, webinars, and lectures. The garden itself is very similar to Highline SeaTac Garden in the types of plants on display: hostas, rhododendrons, grasses, dogwoods, and everything that loves the moisture that the Pacific Northwest provides from above. Everything is in meticulously manicured beds along meandering pathways that are very accessible to all abilities for viewing. Again we saw lots of irises in bloom in the public beds and the guest beds. Some of the guest irises had to be protected with wire barriers from rabbits that were nibbling on the shorter foliage of some irises. There was even a sale area with a good sampling of plants to purchase on the honor system. Varieties of Japanese and pseudata irises were offered for sale. Of course, I purchased some, like candy for a kid. Definitely, a place to visit when in the Seattle area.

Iris laevigata 'Variegata'

Siberian iris 'Juniper Leigh'

We returned to our hotel, plants in hand, to rest and refresh until dinner. By the way, the food provided for our dinners was top-notch. Great flavor and choices to please everyone. Carol Warner was our speaker this evening. She is the owner and hybridizer at Draycott Gardens in Maryland. She was able to share pictures of her gardens and how to use beardless irises in them. Her matter-of-fact presentation of her years of experience designing and planting pleasing displays of mixed plantings was inspirational. One thing that stood out for me was how great an iris 'Caesar’s Brother' is. 'Caesar’s Brother' is a Siberian iris that is over 90 years old. It has withstood the test of time and can be grown almost anywhere. I will vouch for that as it grows well in my California garden, ncreasing and flowering every year even though we don’t get long cold periods that Siberians like.

Convention irises with multiple bloom stalks

Convention attendees during judges' training conducted by Carol Warner

Siberians in bud

Sunday morning we boarded buses again for our final tour spot to Cascadia Iris Gardens in Lake Stevens, Washington. Patrick and Margaret Spence have been growing irises at this location since 2012. Situated on over five acres with approximately three acres for their plantings of irises, peonies, lilacs and almost any unusual plant Patrick can sneak in the driveway. His passion for plants was clearly evident during the tour he gave of his garden plantings. He knows the history of every plant there and is truly a connoisseur of all things green. As things would have it, we had a little bit of rain here, but not enough to fluster these visitors. Beautifully grown Siberians and species irises were just about a week away from full bloom. The clumps of 20-30 stalks were just waiting for a sunny day to come forth. In a normal year, they would have been in full bloom; but as we know, this was not a normal year for weather. Cooler and wetter than normal conditions slowed things down just a bit. Nevertheless, we had a beautiful display of healthy irises to appreciate.

Siberian iris 'Summer Sky'

Iris species cross seedling SP13-1-1

Patrick Spence (center) conducting a tour

Iris clumps at Cascadia Iris Gardens

Carol Warner gave a judges' training on Siberian irises. I definitely learned some tips in this training. So much so that I wanted to go back to the previous gardens to look at more details, now that I know.

The convention ended that evening with another great dinner and a “redistribution”. Since a raffle is considered gambling in the state of Washington, the way to “earn” irises is to redistribute them to those that want them. I REALLY enjoyed the redistribution as those that were there can tell you why. An auction of irises was also held and many bidders were vying for many species and cultivars of hard to find irises.

The convention ended that night, but a special invitation went out to attendees to visit two open gardens. Debby Cole graciously opened her garden for viewing. It’s amazing how many Pacific Coast irises you can grow in limited space. Debby does a wonderful job in her hillside plantings.

Debby Cole's Yard

Iris clump in a garden bed

 Pacific Coast iris in bloom

Bob Seaman's Leonine Iris Gardens was also an open garden on this day. This property is filled to the edge with mainly Pacific Coast irises. Due to the cooler spring temperatures, the PCIs were blooming very well still. I’ve never seen so many varieties of PCIs in bloom in one place. Definitely, a place to visit during bloom season in May when the gardens are open for viewing.

Leonine Iris Gardens

A stone garden path with labeled irises

Pacific Coast iris 'Escalona'

Overview of Leonine Iris Gardens

So all in all, go to a convention, regional meeting, or a show and see different types of irises in bloom. Especially in a climate very different from your own. You will then understand what they are supposed to look like when well-grown. You also meet some wonderful people that share your love of irises and realize how much passion is put into creating new irises for us. Looking forward to spring and the next convention.

IRISES, the Bulletin of the AIS - Summer 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 Summer 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, ‘Bluebird Of Happiness’ (Paul Black 2012, 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.

Find a wonderful display of the 2017 Convention Award Winner Winners, on pages 2 and 3.

You will see a selection of notes on Section Happenings on page 10 and International Iris News on page 11.

Youth Views by Cheryl Deaton on pages 14 and 15.

Louisiana iris inspiration on pages 16 and 17.

A wonderful report on the Des Moines, IA Convention starts on page 18 and it extends all they way to page 37. You will not miss this section and that's a very good thing. 

Jean Morris reports on the Median Iris Society's Mini-Convention held in Lafayette, Indiana on May 18-20, 2017 on page 40.

Yours truly reporting on the Spuria Iris Society's Mini-Convention held in the Los Angeles area, on May 5-6, on pages 42 and 43.

A very detailed and beautiful tribute to iris hybridizer Charlie Nearpass by Dr. Donald Spoon on pages 45 to 49. 

Young hybridizer David Toth recalls his early beginnings and inspiration in "Thinking Beyond Borders" on pages 50 to 52. 

Gerry Snyder reports on Judging Irises in Paris on page 54. 

More Des Moines, Iowa Convention Award Ceremony images can be found on page 67. 

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. 

Mt. Pleasant Iris Farm, Part 3

By Bryce Williamson

On the scenic drive up the Columbia River Gorge on the bus at the 2015 AIS National, I read that when Chad Harris and Dale Grams moved to what would become Mt. Pleasant Iris Farm they found the fields covered in old growth Himalayan blackberries ranging from 10 to 15 feet deep.  The next three years were spent clearing the land.

Today no sign of the overgrowth is present and instead, we were greeted with long rows of well grown irises, expanses of manicured lawn, and perennial borders.  Yes, peak bloom for bearded irises had passed, but after peak bloom the weather had turned cool to cold and damp to wet so there were many irises still in good bloom.  In fact, I found the three days of the tour to be the best days I have ever spent taking images since the overcast weather reduced shadows and helped create good quality images.

There were a number of tall bearded irises that I saw and liked in this garden over the last two years.  Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I will curb my verbosity and let the pictures do the talking.

Lynda Miller's Miniature Tall Bearded, 'Moose Tracks', was attracting attention in the guest beds.  My thanks to Kelly Norris for permission to use his copyrighted image.

Moose Tracks would go on and win the Hager Cup at the Awards Banquet on the last night of the convention.

I don't know whether to be happy or sad that I live so far away from Mt. Pleasant Iris Farms. There is so much to see from very early in the spring through June that if I lived closer, I would be making a pest of myself and visiting the garden every ten days.  On the bucket lists for the future is a trip up to Washington to see the Japanese irises in bloom.  Chad wrote that next year the Japanese irises will be blooming on 2 and 3 year clumps and the results should be spectacular.

Chad Harris's introductions can be found at two sources: http://www.mtpleasantiris.com and http://aitken-garden.goodsie.com. 

Images in this blog are copyrighted and cannot be reproduced without permission of the copyright holders Bryce Williamson and Kelly Norris.

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!

Come to the Iris Convention!

By Mike Starrhill

With spring fast approaching, it is time to start making plans to attend the American Iris Society's spring 2015 Convention, "Iris in Wonderland." This year it is being held in beautiful Portland, Oregon, from May 18th to the 23rd. Iris friends old and new will be meeting up to tour gardens and see the very latest and greatest creations our hybridizers have to show off, as well as attending all the events, presentations and meetings for the various specialized societies. It is a wonderful time and we invite you to join us!

I was so delighted to attend the 2006 Portland Convention, "Reigning Iris." It was my first Convention and everyone was so friendly and made me feel right at home. It was so much fun to meet iris friends that I had only known from the internet, and let me tell you, the gardens and flowers are amazing. Here are some photos I took at the gardens that will again be showcased.

Aitken's Salmon Creek Garden, in Vancouver, WA: Spread over a lovely hillside, the rows and rows of flowers beckon visitors further and further into the distance. Terry and Barbara grow a wide variety of species and there is always something surprising to stumble upon. 

Visitors enjoy the blooms at Aitken's Salmon Creek Garden,
AIS Convention 2006.

Mid-America Garden, in Brooks, OR, is the home of Paul Black and Thomas Johnson, two of America's top hybridizers. One of the highlights for me in this garden was seeing a preview of what's to come in their reselect seedling beds.

Display beds at Mid-America Garden,
AIS Convention 2006.

Schreiner's Iris Gardens in Salem, OR, is a destination for gardeners of all stripes. While irises are the main attraction, their display gardens are filled with companion plants and are always a delight. It is sure to inspire you with plenty of ideas to take home to your garden.

Display garden at Schreiner's Iris Gardens,
AIS Convention 2006.

And, again, seeing the rows and rows of reselected seedlings gives us a sneak peek into the future and the wonderful advances we'll see shaping iris fashion in years to come.

Seedling beds, Schreiner's Iris Gardens,
AIS Convention 2006.

We'll also be visiting Mt. Pleasant Iris Farm, in Washougal, WA, home of Chad Harris and Dale Grams; Miller's Manor Gardens, home of Lynn and Roger Miller; and Wildwood Gardens, home of Tracy and Will Plotner.

I. pseudacorus variegata,
photographed at Mt. Pleasant Iris Farm

After the main Convention, the Siberian & Species Convention will take place on the 24th and 25th. "Another Day in the Garden" will take visitors back to some of the previous gardens as well as the garden of Kevin Vaughn. In addition to the cornucopia of irises you'll enjoy, the sights and attractions of Portland are nearby, and you have all the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest within easy driving distance. From the mountains of the Cascades and the rainforests of the Olympics, breathtaking drives through the Columbia Gorge, and the incredible geology from the deserts to the volcanoes to our beautiful beaches, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

You can find all the details you'll need to plan your trip at the Convention's main website. See you there!

Flower arrangements at Cooley's Gardens,
AIS Convention 2006.

Mid-America Gardens, iris fields.
(click for larger view)

AIS National Convention 2015 -- Portland, Oregon

By Andi Rivarola

I really love the AIS conventions held at Portland, Oregon; that is why I believe that if you can only attend one AIS convention in your lifetime, make it to the Portland in 2015.  

Aitken's Salmon Creek Garden

And, since it's never too early to make plans ahead of time, I'm here to tell you that registration is open, the hotel is ready to take registrations, and the gracious hosts are preparing the gardens for your enjoyment. Click below for the latest information about the convention, such as a registration link; also information about how to make your reservations early to make sure you get a room on site; and to find out about the fantastic program that The Greater Portland Iris Society has put together for us. 

Iris In Wonderland

Just about everyone is preparing to come to Portland, Oregon, for the 2015 AIS National Convention “Iris in Wonderland 2015”. The convention dates are May 18-23, 2015. Five of the six official host gardens on tour are well known commercial gardens and have been hosts for previous conventions. Also, stay a few more days for "Another Day in the Garden," the Siberian/Species Iris Convention to be held immediately following the AIS Convention, on May 24-25. 

Mid-America Iris Garden

Mt. Pleasant Iris Farm

At the AIS National Convention in 2015, some of the most exciting commercial gardens, such as Schreiners, Mid-America, Aitken's Salmon Creek Garden, Mt. Pleasant Iris Farm, and Wildwood Iris Gardens will be in full blooming splendor during the tour.  Many of the prolific and successful iris hybridizers including Keith Keppel, Paul Black, Thomas Johnson and Terry Aitken will show you around and personally describe their innovative work and amazing creations. What can one say about that? Come join us for the Convention.

'Roy's Repeater' Spec-X

2015 AIS National Convention at Portland, OR

Hope to see you there!