Newly Published: BEARDLESS IRISES, A Plant For Every Garden Situation

By Andi Rivarola

We iris lovers take for granted the huge amount of information that is available online, and because there are so many people sharing their love for iris with photographs, blogs, and plainly just posts on Facebook, we forget that there are those in the iris community that are really experts in the field.

I didn’t know anything about Kevin Vaughn just a few months ago, and didn’t think of him as an expert when I first met him. In fact I thought of him as another iris fan with an amazing taste for garden design, but after reading all the details in his book I realized that the love for irises runs deeply than that for him.

Today I believe that he has not only great advice to give on how to grow irises successfully, but also offers a multitude of information that makes reading his new book a joy. 

During the recent National Convention of The American Iris Society, held in Portland, Oregon, attendees were able to experience the beauty of Kevin Vaughn’s garden twice. Once during the pre-convention (optional) tour, and then as part of the Siberian & Species Convention held after the regular convention.  It was during these two sessions that I had the pleasure to meet Kevin Vaughn and enjoy his friendly demeanor, and also his knowledge of irises.

Cover photo provided by Kevin Vaughn

One feature of the Portland convention that was really different from other conventions is that many of the irises were blooming at the same time. Call it "Global Warming," or simply, "the weather." Normally, one would not see this, but having all the different irises blooming at the same time made it an extraordinary experience. The Vaughn garden had a huge variety of iris types, Louisiana, Spuria, Siberian, median and other irises, several of which he's also hybridizing. There was a particular combination towards the back of the property that really caught my attention: a fantastic display with a gorgeous bright yellow i. pseudacorus next to a deep purple Siberian iris seedling. Both reaching five feet tall and blooming in full glory. What a sight! (I'm still to post the many photos of this garden, stay tuned). 

Pacific Coast iris 'Caught in the Wind' (Joseph Ghio, R. 2012)

Even though Kevin grows many bearded and non-bearded irises, this book focuses on everything that is fascinating about the latter. 

So why write about beardless irises? Kevin says,”Compared to their bearded iris cousins, the beardless irises have remained a secret to many gardeners…” 

With this gorgeous book, suddenly a wide variety of non-bearded iris types are introduced in a way that is easy to understand, with a multitude of photographs to tempt the unsuspecting reader to take a chance; perhaps grow a few of them.

Louisiana iris 'Aqua Velva' (Kevin Vaughn, R. 2014)

You will also find answers to the following questions:

"What are beardless irises?"

"What is the purpose of the beard on bearded irises, and how do beardless irises do without them?"

Pacific Coast Native iris 'Moderator' (Joseph Ghio, R. 2011)

If you don't grow beardless irises in your garden at this time, after reading this book you may just start doing so. Some of the sections on each chapter such as, "Garden Use and Culture," Pests and Diseases," and Kevin's own "Favorites," will help you make decisions about where to start. 

Vaughn Seedling 40-chromosome Siberian iris seedling 

I hope you also start keeping an eye on Kevin Vaughn's work as I have, as many of the iris seedlings in his garden show much promise. I have started to add some of his Spuria irises to my wish list, and one of the first ones is a child of 'Adriatic Blue' called 'Adriatic Memories,' that is just amazing. Can't wait to see it growing in my own little garden.

Vaughn wide-ruffled Spuria iris seedling

Enjoy this preview of pictures provided by the author, and let me assure you that there are many more in the book. Besides being a great writer, Kevin Vaughn is a great photographer and hybridizer. Here's the list of iris varieties covered in the book:

Siberian

Louisiana

Spuria

Species

Species-X

Pacific Coast Natives

"BEARDLESS IRISES, A Plant For Every Garden Situation" is available via Amazon.com 

The Iris Garden: Premio Firenze -- Florence, Italy, Part II

Part II: The Iris Garden
By Andi Rivarola

Iris pallida and olive trees at the Prunetti Farm in Chianti area

Various activities and initiatives have taken place during the life of Premio Firenze and some of the most important to are: 

• In 1963, the planning and development of the "First International Iris Symposium" 
• Collaborated since 1997 with the Department of Plant Biology of the University "La Sapienza" in Rome by participating in meetings and seminars.
• Collaborated since 1998 with the University "La Sapienza" in Rome and The Lynnean Society in London to promote the Iris International Conference "Iris & Iridaceae: Diversity and Methodology."
• In 2006, the planning and development of the "Second International Iris Symposium."

Winner of the 2012 Competition "Cheyenne My Dog" by Marucchi

Premio Firenze also took part in exhibitions and specialized events in the field of landscape and gardening, organized exhibitions, courses  in hybridization, courses for judges and lectures in schools.

2012 Firenze Competition Signs 

The Main Garden

The Iris Garden was set up on a hilly land previously cultivated but now surrounded by olive trees as well as other plants of the native Tuscan collections including: cypress trees, Judas trees (Cercis siliquastrum L.), strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo L.), laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) and some varieties of maples. Irises are accompanied by roses, and also bushes to highlight paths and walkways. But it is the iris plants and their variety of forms and colors that almost completely cover the garden and when they are in full bloom turn it into a colorful landscape. The vast majority of irises are tall bearded (almost 3000), but there are also intermediate, border and dwarf irises. The international competition variety has practically guaranteed continued improvement and renovation of the main iris collection, making it one of the largest and interesting in the world.

Judges in the Garden - Zdenek Seidl, Jill Bonino, Laura Bassino, Gisela Danthe, Augusto Bianco

Ponte Vecchio and River Arno, Florence

The garden also contains Siberian irises, Pacific Coast Native, spurias, and around the pond area there are some Louisiana, pseudoacorus and Japanese irises.

Bearded and beardless species irises typical in the region are represented by iris pallida, iris germanica, iris florentina, iris setosa, iris unguicularis, and iris ochroleuca 

There are numerous collections of historic irises in the garden among which we should mention:

• The collection of the American Dykes Medal Winners since 1927 to today. 
• Some historic irises from the Presby Memorial Garden in Montclair, NJ.
• Historic irises from the Prague Botanical Garden, the Czech Republic.
• A full collection of plants of the first and second prize winners of the international competition since 1957.
• And also a selection of all the plants that participated in the competition, organized by years, from the first competition to date.

A part of the garden was reserved for ARSIA, a local Tuscan agency focused on development and innovation in the agriculture and forestry industry, and the plants included were chosen for their conservation of genetic material of the genus iris.

Valerio Romano, Director of the Firenze Competition, in the Garden

The Garden at Villa Gamberaia

Note: This article contains information originally shared online in Italian by Saverio Pepe, a resident of Florence, who kindly gave permission to use his material and images for this blog post. The pictures on Part II are all from Jill Bonino who participated in Premio Firenze as a judge in 2012. 

Translated by Andi Rivarola 

If you missed Part I

IRISES, the Bulletin of the AIS - October/November 2013 Edition

By Andi Rivarola

Here's another wonderful issue of IRISES, the Bulletin of the American Iris Society that will be arriving at your doorsteps soon. 

As you can see from the cover, it is gorgeous and bright yellow, 'That's All Folks,' by hybridizer Bill Mariott, the tall bearded iris winner of the 2013 Dykes Medal. 

Here's a review of what you'll see in this issue:

Bonnie Nichols of the Dallas Iris Society makes a good case for a visit (or second visit for some of us) to the Dallas Area for an encore presentation of the National Convention in that area called, Déjà vu Dallas 2014! Be sure to read her wonderful detailed review of the gardens that will again make for a great Convention. For updates and more information about the Convention visit their website at: http://www.irises-dallas.org

Also, you will find the following information:

• In the Culturally Speaking section, don't miss Transplanting and Replanting Irises
• 2013 Award Winners, a full list of all winners for this year
• A sad adieu note from former IRISES Editor Kelly D. Norris
• In Standards & Falls, horticulturalists pick their favorite irises
• A short article on Endangered Iris Populations
• AIS member from Wisconsin Patricia Del Negro writes for In Your Backyard
• Delightful pictures of the Louisiana Iris Convention 2013
• The President's Message by Jim Morris, including an introduction of IRISES' new Editor
• Iris4U Germany branch introduced by Jennifer Dreyer
• Youth Views by Cheryl Deaton
• And 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, the e-version is ready for view at its normal location online.) 

Society for Louisiana Iris 2014 Convention

By Andi Rivarola

Whether you're looking for 'C’est Fantastique,' 'Cajun Cookery,' 'French Quarter,' 'Bayou Bluebird,' 'Big Easy,' or 'Red Velvet Elvis,' you know you've made it to Louisiana iris heaven if you make it to New Orleans for the Society for Louisiana Iris Convention.  

I'm excited to extend a cordial invitation to all of you to take part of the 2014 Society of Louisiana Iris Convention.

Louisiana Iris 'Estelle Egan'

Louisiana irises offer so much in terms of color and form, and are such a feast to the eyes, it is only fitting that it would be held in the diverse and colorful city of New Orleans. 

Patrick O'Connor, the Convention's Chair, put together an outstanding website, and one has to only look at the Tentative Schedule and Program to find that it will be an SLI event not to be missed.

 Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden

I am personally looking forward to a very scholarly part of this Convention -- the Symposium, a talk by Benny Trahan about Louisiana iris in the wild and its native habitat. Patrick says about Mr. Trahan: "No one today has more extensive experience than Benny Trahan in observing Louisiana irises in their native habitats.  He has systematically traveled the state with topographic maps leading him to places where the terrain would indicate the possibility of iris populations. Benny has studied fulvas, giganticaeruleas, brevicaulis and, his specialty, the nelsoniis.  For comparison, he traveled to Florida to observe I. hexagona in its various forms. " 

Louisiana Iris 'Deja Voodoo'

As in most iris conventions, the schedule will also include fantastic garden tours, an iris show, and judges trainings, but most importantly if you attend you will be part of a "fortunate" group that will see these events take place at the New Orleans Museum of Art,  the New Orleans Botanical Gardens, The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, and the Longue Vue House and Gardens. Imagine, to visit all these beautiful locations plus Louisiana irises in full bloom!

Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden

Be sure to browse through the full SLI Convention Program, where you will find extensive information you won't want to miss.

Also, for updated information follow the Greater New Orleans Iris Society's Facebook Page.

Longue Vue House

Hope to see you there!

Favorite Victoria Convention Pictures

By Ron Killingsworth


The digital camera is the best thing since the microwave oven and it makes it so easy to take too many pictures and then just throw out the bad ones.  The problem is there are too many good ones!  Here are a few photos I took during the American Iris Society Convention in 2011 in Victoria, Canada.

At iris conventions, like the one taking place this week in Dallas, the attendees have the opportunity to visit numerous gardens. Many are absolutely breathtaking, and give plenty of opportunities to take photographs.

Water garden with irises at Government House, Victoria, Canada

Butchart Gardens view, Victoria, Canada

Butchart Gardens view, Victoria, Canada

As a lover of water irises, I had plenty of opportunities to enjoy them.

My sweetheart of over 50 years and wife for 47 years at a pond view in Finnerty Gardens, Victoria, Canada

Irises were not the only specimens worth looking at.  Fantastic flower beds greeted us at every garden.

Government House gardens in Victoria, Canada

Hatley Park Gardens in Victoria, Canada

Beautiful architecture and formal gardens also beckoned.

Hatley Park Gardens in Victoria, Canada

Hatley Park Gardens and buildings in Victoria, Canada

Have you been to an American Iris Society Convention?  This year is a special year for conventions because you can attend the American Iris Society convention at Dallas, TX, from April 15-20 and stay for the Society for Louisiana Irises convention in the same hotel from April 20-23.   Log on to the Iris Society of Dallas for more information on both conventions, and think about your vacation plans for 2014.

2012 Clarence G. White Medal Award 'Noble Warrior'

By Andi Rivarola

Here's yet another announcement of an AIS medal winner. Hope you like seeing their pictures and descriptions. This is the way I have always dreamed of seeing them, slowly in order to absorb their magnificence one by one.

This time the 2012 Clarence G. White Medal: 'Noble Warrior,' hybridized by Rick Tasco of California.

A complete list of winners in other categories can be found on the AIS website.

Here's a full description of this beautiful iris:

'Noble Warrior' (Richard Tasco, R. 2005) Sdlg. 01-AB-14-10. AB (OGB), 33" (84 cm), EM, Standards are creamy ivory, light yellow midrib and veins that lighten toward edge; style arms golden yellow; Falls are slightly recurved, golden yellow, burgundy red (RHS 187B) veining, darker on hafts and around signal, lightening toward bottom, large round burgundy red signal; beards wide golden yellow in throat, narrow bronzed yellow in middle and end, tipped tiny insignificant burgundy overall; slight musky fragrance. English Eyes X Bagdad's Folly. Superstition 2006. AIS Awards: HM 2008, AM 2010.

Photo by Rick Tasco

I contacted Rick Tasco because I did not have a picture of 'Noble Warrior' to share with all of you, and since I had his attention I also asked him why he decided to work on Arilbred irises and what were his goals. 

Here's what he wrote back:

"I started to hybridize arilbreds because I lived in locations where they grew well, the Valley of the Sun in AZ, and the lower Sierra foothills in Central California.  There aren't many arilbred hybridizers out there and not enough arilbreds are available, so I saw a field that needed more varieties.   I enjoy their unusual patterns and characteristics.

One of my goals in hybridizing arilbreds was to get veins and a large signal on the falls.  'Noble Warrior' is a step towards my goal.  I'm still working for more and bolder veins and a larger signal.  I'm never satisfied."

(AR) Arils

The aril irises include some of the most amazing plants in the genus Iris, from the largest flower (over a foot in length) to tiny dwarfs (the whole plant only a couple of inches high). Arils can also be the most challenging plants to grow, requiring exacting conditions, but the glorious exotic flowers and the pride of achievement compensate for the effort. Arils have been crossed with their easier cousins the true bearded irises to create arilbreds, a separate horticultural class that brings easier culture but retains some of the exotic traits of the pure arils. Arils tend to come from areas of restricted rainfall. They are often referred to as desert iris. But depending on the species these "deserts" can range from high Himalayan plateaus to coastal Mediterranean climates. Most require a dry summer dormancy.

Aril iris are so named because of the fleshy collar on one end of the seed that is believed to be food for ants. When the ants carry it off they plant the seed. Aril Iris have distinctive beards, different from the better known bearded Irises. In some cases the beard may be a broad patch of short hairs that appear like velvet. Many of the Oncocyclus types have large black spots below the beard that rivet the eye. The color palette of the flowers has often been compared to Oriental rugs and may have been an inspiration to the artisans since they both originate in the same parts of the world such as Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, etc.

The Clarence G. White Medal

The highest award given by the American Iris Society strictly to Aril and Arilbred Irises with 1/2 or more aril content

History from Clarence Mahan:

This medal is restricted to irises of one-half or more aril content that clearly exhibit at least two readily recognizable aril flower characteristics as defined and approved by the Aril Society International. It is named in honor of Clarence G. White (1869-1957).

Clarence G. White was born in Cleveland, Ohio. After attending Harvard University, he worked for the White Sewing Machine Company, which had been founded by his father. Later he operated his family's plantation in Florida. His experiments with potato growing in Florida have been credited with being the basis for establishing the potato business in that state. He moved to Hawaii in 1905, and there he owned and operated a large pineapple plantation. He was involved in many philanthropies and civic activities. He moved his family to Redlands, California in 1919, and he began raising flowers and extending his works of civic philanthropy. It was at this time that White developed an interest in and irises.

More on the Clarence G. White Medal, such as its history and past medal winners, can be found on the Iris Wiki.

For more information on AIS Awards, please visit our website.

Spuria News -- Summer 2012

By Andi Rivarola

Presenting the latest edition of Spuria News, the Newsletter of the Spuria Iris Society, published twice a year and available to Spuria Society members.

Here are few of the topics on this edition:

2012 Eric Nies Medal Winner, and Other Awards
Spuria Fundraiser for 2012
This, That and a Few Other Things, by Brad Kasperek
Which Comes First: The Flower or The Garden Plant, by Brad Kasperek
A Blast From The Past, by Darol Jurn
Missouri Rambling, by President Jim Hedgecock
2012 Spuria Introductions (pictures included)
News About a New Digital Program
2016 Spuria Iris Society Mini-Convention
2012 Popularity Poll
Paypal in Our Midst

And much, much more.

For information about membership with the Spuria Iris Society, please visit Society's website.

(SPU) Spuria Irises

Spurias are tall (2 to 5 feet in height) and elegant, and have very attractive foliage. The shape of the bloom often suggests orchids and the colors range from white and yellow through blue, wine and brown, often with bright yellow signals. This horticultural class is equivalent to the botanical Series Spuriae. The highest award is the Eric Nies Medal.

2012 Morgan-Wood Medal 'So Van Gogh'

By Andi Rivarola

Here's yet another announcement of an AIS medal winner. This time the 2012 Morgan-Wood Medal: 'So Van Gogh,' hybridized by Marty Schafer and Jan Sacks of Massachusetts.

A complete list of winners in other categories can be found on the AIS website.

Here's a full description of this beautiful iris via the Iris Wiki

'So Van Gogh' (Marty Schafer/Jan Sacks, R. 2005) Sdlg. S97-20-10. SIB, 30" (76 cm), EM Standards and style arms medium blue-violet (RHS 90B to 91B), darker veining and edges (89B at darkest); Falls are yellow (13C), lighter at edge, darkest at signal, veined blue violet (89A to 90B), darkest at tip, signal yellow, veined deep blue-violet, blends into F. 'Sarah Tiffney' X 'Banish Misfortune.' Joe Pye Weed 2005. HM 2008, AM 2010.

(Photo by Schafer/Sacks)

The Morgan-Wood Medal

History by Clarence Mahan 

This medal is restricted to Siberian (SIB) irises. It is named in honor of F. Cleveland Morgan (1882-1962) and Ira E. Wood (1903-1977).

F. Cleveland Morgan was a pioneer Canadian breeder of Siberian irises and a founding member of AIS. Some of his magnificent cultivars still enhance gardens around the globe. Three of his best known irises are 'Caezar', 'Caezar's Brother' and ‘Tropic Night'. Educated in England and Switzerland, he was a director of the Henry Morgan Company and a patron of Canadian arts. Morgan's association with the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts spanned a period of forty-five years, including 8 years as president of that institution. The museum held a special exhibition in 1961 to display more than six hundred works of art that he had donated.

AIS instituted the Morgan Award for Siberian Irises, the predecessor to the Morgan-Wood Medal, in 1951.

More on the Morgan-Wood Medal, such as its history and past medal winners, can be found on the Iris Wiki.

For more information on AIS Awards, please visit our website.

2012 Payne Medal Winner 'Coho'

By Andi Rivarola

We are happy to announce the winner of the 2012 Payne Medal: 'Coho,' hybridized by Chad Harris of Washington.

A complete list of winners in other categories can be found on the AIS website.

Here's a full description of this beautiful iris via the Iris Wiki:

'Coho' (Chad Harris, R. 2004) Sdlg. 96JG2. Japanese Iris (3F.), 38" (97 cm), VE Standards are pink (RHS 75C), medium size, prostrate; style arms off-white, edged pink (75B), style crests pink; Falls are dark pink (75A), blue cast around signal evenly blending to soft pink (75D) at F. edge, signal yellow (6B) in sunburst pattern, semi-flaring. 'Joy Peters' X 'Hatsu Kagami'. Aitken 2005. HM 2008.

(Photo by Chad Harris)

From the Society for Japanese Irises (SJI):
The Payne Medal (named for W. Arlie Payne) is the highest award given by The American Iris Society that a Japanese iris can receive in its class. Payne Medal winners are then eligible to win the Dykes Medal, which is the highest award an iris can receive from The American Iris Society. Prior to 1992 the highest award a Japanese Iris could receive was the Payne Award. This award has now been elevated to a medal status.

The Payne Medal

The highest award given by the American Iris Society strictly to Japanese Irises.

History from Clarence Mahan: 

"This medal is restricted to Japanese irises (JI). It is named in honor of W. Arlie Payne.

W. Arlie Payne was born on a farm near Terre Haute, Indiana. He graduated from Central Normal Collage in Danville, Indiana, and studied pattern making. Payne worked as a lumberjack, photographer, real estate agent, and pattern maker until he established a landscaping business on sixteen acres of land south of Terre Haute. He was at first especially interested in peonies, but in the late 1920's, he "discovered" Japanese irises. He started hybridizing Japanese in irises in 1932. Over the next three and a half decades, he raised many thousands of seedlings."

More on the Payne Medal, such as its history and past medal winners, can be found on the Iris Wiki.

For more information on AIS Awards, please visit our website.

2012 Dykes Medal Winner 'Florentine Silk'

By Andi Rivarola

We are happy to announce the winner of the 2012 Dykes Medal: 'Florentine Silk,' hybridized by Keith Keppel of Oregon.

A complete list of winners in other categories will be announced soon.

Here's a full description of this beautiful iris via the Iris Wiki:

'Florentine Silk' (Keith Keppel, R. 2004). Seedling 99-116A. TB, height 40" (102 cm), Mid-Late bloomseason. Standards peach (M&P 9-A-4), slight orchid (41-E-5) basal infusion; style arms peach, orchid midrib; falls medium violet (41-J-9), narrow pinkish buff (42-D-3) edge; beards light blue at end, base lavender white, carrot red (10-C-10) in throat. 96-45E, 'Crystal Gazer' sibling X 'Poem Of Ecstasy'. Keppel 2005. Honorable Mention 2007; Franklin Cook Cup 2007; Award of Merit 2009; Wister Medal 2011.

The Dykes Medal is the overall top award of the American Iris Society (AIS), given to a single iris each year. Irises are eligible as a Dykes Medal candidate for three years following the winning of a classification medal. Only AIS registered judges may vote for this award. For more information on AIS Awards, please visit our website.

In the Iris Garden: The Weed of the Month Club

A beautiful iris garden in Monterey Bay that does not belong to the Weed of the Month Club!

     While dating myself since the various products of the month clubs seemed to have all disappeared, I used to joke in talks to groups that I belonged to the Weed of the Month Club. By that, I mean that weeds are opportunistic—get the tall ones under control and watch the short weeds move into that spot. Over the years, I have found 4 specific weeds to be the greatest problem here: morning glory, spurge, nut grass, and dock. Each have their specific problems and require different approaches to keep them under control.

Every beautifully groomed garden needs a great iris--my favorite new to me iris this year--Jerico Springs

     Morning glory (Calystegia ) arrived at this yard in mushroom compost that I had bought to build up the soil in the back of the yard. So often trying to solve one problem results in the arrival of a new issue. Roundup was suppose to be the cure all for morning glory, but like most panaceas it turned out to be less than was promised. Morning glory is amazingly vigorous—its roots have been found 10  feet down into the ground in trenches and morning glory seed can germinate for more than 10 years. Once in the garden, eradication is not really going to happen, so the focus has to be on keeping it under control. I have learned to never let morning glory flower since that only exacerbates the problem. Having reduced the morning glory infestation to sprigs here and there, I use a small quart spray bottle with Roundup and that does work.

     Spurge (Euphorbia maculata) is another weed that is not only a total pest, but requires immediate attention. After letting it get out of hand for a couple of years, I have found that the best solution is to nip it at ground level when it just has a few leaves. My tool of choice is an O-ring hoe; the sharp 0-ring is perfect for spot weeding. Unfortunately the manufacture seems to be out of business and I keep having to replace the handle, but that is a small price to pay for spurge control. Last year I thought I really had spurge on the run. One day I was cleaning the walk when I noticed what seemed to be spurge, but not the normal all green clone that I usually find. Yip, my spurge now has a brown and green clone that is hard to spot—once again the high hopes of eradication have been dashed.

     Nut grass (Cyperus rotundus) arrived in the yard by hiding in the roots of iris rhizomes that had not been properly and thoroughly cleaned. There was a time that I despaired that the nut grass was beyond control, but then I found Manage (no longer made, but I continue to use it up since one ounce was only slightly less expensive than a ounce of gold). At first I had to use the Solo backpack sprayer over large areas and Manage does work, though slowly. It translocates slowly to the roots and the nuts, so the kill is gradual over 3-4 weeks. Years into the battle, I am now down to hitting nut grass with the small spray bottle, but total eradication is most likely a phantom.

    Dock (Rumex crispus ) was in the yard when I moved here and in recent reading, I learned that the young leaves are eatable, though I am not sure why anyone would want to eat it. The county agriculture inspector told me that the solution was hoeing them off at the ground or Roundup. With its long, branched taproot, hoeing only seems to encourage more growth and Roundup seems to be the best solution if applied with great care. I've had to use the Solo backpack on large areas, but now I am back to the spray bottle since I can drip Roundup on dock leaves around irises without spray on the iris leaves.

     With all chemicals, correct application is vital. Roundup will “tulip” iris flowers, so any time that I use it over a large area, I wash off any nearby iris foliage when I am done; Roundup damage does not seem to be permanent, but the loss of good bloom for one year can be hard to take—I did a major round of cursing the neighbors a few years back when 40% of the iris bloomed with Roundup damage to to their gardener using it for everything and anything. When using Manage, Manage splash seems to interrupt the correct expression of color in irises and daylilies, but the effects wear off within a few months.

     No matter how hard we all try, the weeds will always be with us. It does not help, either, if you have neighbors who allow their weeds to grow unchecked—on the east of the lot, I fight the encroachment of Bermuda grass from that neighbor; on the west of the lot, the avid gardener has given up any effort to control weeds (or snails, but that is another story) and I have to watch for nut grass sprigs invading under the fence. Just as we have the pageant of color in the garden starting in the spring, we also have the pageant of weeds to entertain and disgust us.

Another lovely, weed free garden at Napa County

Heavenly Hager Irises

Late at night, after I kiss my dear husband goodnight, I sneak out of our bedroom, pad down the hall, and turn on the computer in my study.  I spend hours on the internet chasing my next fix:  beautiful photographs of irises.  I search garden blogs, Facebook pages, garden forums, and commercial iris grower catalogs.  I assemble dream gardens and wish lists.

I expected to grow weary of this obsession within a few months and to move on, perhaps to something more respectable like playing Resident Evil 5.  I was mistaken, and my nightly sojourns only leave me wanting more.  Occasionally I find a photograph that is so beautiful that I must share.  My husband Mike is a good sport, and will give an animated nod of appreciation when I call him in to look at an especially pretty iris, but to tell the truth, from the glazed appearance of his eyes, I suspect the Nairobi Trio is playing in his head.


When I saw Barbara Kuhlman's photograph of Ben Hager's iris 'Edith Wolford' on Gardenweb, I knew I couldn't limit my sharing to Mikey.  I had to share it with all of you.

After a night spent with this photo, I recalled another lovely picture of 'Edith Wolford' and decided on the theme 'heavenly Hager irises.'  I was smitten with this enchanting photo by Laurawege on Dave's Garden quite some time ago.  Here the geraniums and delphiniums make perfect companions, and have me fantasizing about a new lavendar-blue and yellow bed in my garden.  

All of Joel Shaber's photographs of his Idaho garden are worth staying up into the wee hours to view, but his images of 'Edith Wolford' are particularly lovely.  These photos show why this iris won the highest honor for an iris, the Dykes Medal, in 1993.

The word 'clump' seems unsuited to describe such beauty.

'Edith Wolford' blooms midseason and is a tall iris, reaching 40 inches.










Susanne Holland Spicker grows irises in her brilliantly coordinated and charming Utah garden.  She feeds the iris addiction with her exceptional photography in her blog, Sowing the Seeds, a great site for late-night iris ogling.  Here she has captured the beauty of Hager's 'Poem of Ecstacy' which she grows with 'Jump For Joy.'

'Poem of Ecstacy' was the winner of the John C. Wister Memorial Medal for tall bearded irises in 2004.  Here it is paired with tall lupines in Susanne's garden, demonstrating her talent combining plants with different forms and coordinating colors.

'Poem of Ecstacy' grows to be about 36" tall and blooms midseason.














'Beverly Sills' is Ben Hager's most famous iris, with consistently high ratings in the American Iris Society's popularity polls.  It was the 1985 winner of the Dykes Medal, and is named after the famous opera singer.  It does her justice.

This iris is easy to grow in Southern California and makes a satisfying clump in a short period of time.  It has quite an extended bloom season in cool weather here.  Last year it was blooming from late April through June.

'Beverly Sills' is a pale, warm pink.  It is a photogenic iris, and has the wide falls that Ben Hager is so famous for creating.

This is 'Beverly Sills' with 'Lady Friend.' 

















'Chasing Rainbows'  is a 1998 Hager introduction.  Naomi DiVincenzo, an avid gardener who has just won her first blue ribbon for iris horticulture, grows a lovely clump on her grounds, Front Range Iris, in Colorado.  You can see how she brought home the blue from this photo.

One of my regular stops during my nighttime forays on the internet is the archive of the American Iris Society's annual Photo Contest.  This is why:

This photo of 'Chasing Rainbows' by Becky Fain, the proprietor of the Inn at Iris Meadows in North Carolina, won first prize and appeared on the cover of the AIS magazine.  I wanted to make sure that those of you new to growing irises got to see it too.


The American Iris Society Photography Contest is a wonderful way to share your irises, your garden, and your photography with other iris lovers.  The deadline this year is June 30, so if you love taking pictures of your irises, please consider entering.  We have many long nights ahead in front of the computer, and we need more beautiful photos!