IRISES: The Bulletin of the AIS - Spring 2025 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 Spring 2025 issue of the AIS Bulletin will be available online soon, accessible via the Emembers section of the AIS website. The print copy is being mailed via the U.S. Post Office. On the cover, gorgeous 'Seminole Moon' (Harry Wolford 2009, LA) photographed by Patrick O'Connor.

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 are of the AIS website for more details.

Besides the cover, an update of sorts and a fantastic article by Patrick O'Connor called, Louisiana Irises for a Broad Swath of the Country is on pages 10 — 14.

Michael Mace and Garry Knipe's delightful article and amazing images will be a highlight for anyone loving these iris cousins from South Africa. The article is called, Fun with Moraea, the Spectacular "Peacock Flower" of South Africa, on pages 15 through 22. 

A Hidden Gem in the Parc Floral, Paris explores some findings at this iconic location in France. Take a look on pages 24 and 25. 

The 2025 Youth Essay Contest sponsored by the AIS Foundation is announced on page 27.

An article that originated in this very blog space is re-printed on pages 28 — 31, it's Three Myths About Bearded Irises. 

We hope you like the beautiful centerfold inspired this month by Schreiner's Gardens 100 Anniversary, and also word inspired, on pages 34 — 35. And, that is just half the articles on this issue.

There's so much more on this issue. Don't miss it!

./././

Support the work of The American Iris Society by becoming a member:

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

• Annual Print Membership receives the printed version of Irises, the Bulletin of The American Iris Society, published four times annually.

• Annual E-membership participants can view the online version of Irises, the Bulletin of The American Iris Society. Also, has access to the online iris checklist.

• The Annual Full Membership receives both benefits described above.

• Participate in AIS’s Webinar Series featuring AIS experts from around the U.S.

• Get connected with AIS members via our Facebook Group Iris Lovers, and other social media channels.

• Get to know about lesser known irises, such as species, spuria, Japanese, Louisiana, Siberian and other beardless irises.

• Support AIS's Mission of education, conservation, research, preserving historical archives, and outreach projects.

• Did you know that The American Iris Society is the registration authority for all rhizomatous irises worldwide?  

• The Iris Encyclopedia is available 24-7, 365 days a year, and filled with a wealth of iris knowledge. Stop by for a visit!

IRISES: The Bulletin of the AIS - Winter 2024 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 2024 issue of the AIS Bulletin is already available online, accessible via the Emembers section of the AIS website. The print copy has been mailed via the U.S. Post Office. On the cover, 2023 AIS Photo Contest First Place Winner - Irises in the Landscape "Iris sanguinea Clump Beside Scottish Burn," by Bernard Pryor.

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 are of the AIS website for more details.

On page 2 you will find the results for the 2023 AIS Tall Bearded Iris Simposium. It then continues on pages 11 - 14. 

A great introductory article about directors of AIS on Welcome new and returning directors!, on pages 15 through 17.

Introducing New Emeritus Judges on page 18.

The 2023 AIS Honorary Awards Hybridizer Medal Recipient on page 19. Congratulations Lowell Baumunk.

A wonderful presentation of What's New in the Iris Encyclopedia, on pages 20 - 21.

The 2023 AIS Exhibition Report, on pages 22 - 30. 

Introducing The American Iris Society 2024 Photo Contest, on page 31. 

A very interesting article called, Photography and the Digital World Part 1, on pages 32 - 35.

A continuation of the prior article on photography, on About Photography and Using Handheld Devices, on pages 36 - 39.

Request for Beardless Guest Irises for the 2026 AIS Convention NJ-NY, on page 40.

And, the Request for Bearded Guest Irises for the 2026 AIS Convention NJ-NY, on page 41. 

The Mt. Diablo Iris Society's 2023 Virtual Iris Show on pages 42 through 47.

There's so much more on this issue. Don't miss it!

/./././

Support the Work of The American Iris Society by Becoming a Member:

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

• Annual Print Membership receives the printed version of Irises, the Bulletin of The American Iris Society, published four times annually.

• Annual E-membership views the online version of Irises, the Bulletin of The American Iris Society. Also, has access to the online iris checklist.

• The Annual Full Membership receives both benefits described above.

• Participate in AIS’s bi-monthly Webinar Series featuring AIS experts from around the U.S.

• Get connected with AIS members via our Facebook Group Iris Lovers, and other social media channels.

• Get to know about our lesser known irises, such as species, spuria, Japanese, Louisiana, Siberian and other beardless irises.

• Participate in the Annual convention. The next convention will be in Portland, OR in 2024.  

• Support AIS's Mission of education, conservation, research, preserving historical archives, and outreach projects.

• Did you know that The American Iris Society is the registration authority for all rhizomatous irises worldwide?  

• The Iris Encyclopedia is available 24-7, 365 days a year, and filled with a wealth of iris knowledge. Stop by for a visit!

2022 Photo Contest Winners: Pets, Wildlife, or Garden Art with Irises

 Every year the American Iris Society (AIS) sponsors a photo contest to celebrate irises, their use in garden and natural settings, and the people who grow and hybridize them. 

We are pleased to announce the following winners of the 2022 AIS photo contest:

Pets, Wildlife or Garden Art with Irises

First Place – “Light Beam”

photo by Margaret E. Edgington, Fritch, Texas

Second Place – “Ants on Spuria, ‘Rodeo Blue’”

photo by Anna Cadd, Healdsburg, California

Honorable Mention – “New Perspective”

photo by Margaret E. Edgington, Fritch, Texas

First Place Youth – “ Art in the Iris Garden”

photo by Wyatt Willis, Dyersburg, Tennessee

During this contest, photographers submitted entries in the categories listed below, which vary from year to year. Next, a panel of three to five judges reviewed submissions and voted for adult and youth winners for each category. Additional information about the annual photo contest can be found on the AIS website.

Visit other World of Irises blog posts to see 2022 award-winning photos in each category:

1. Irises in a landscape or garden
2. Irises in a field
3. A person or people at iris events or tours with irises
4. Close-up of an iris or irises
5. Iris photos – macro
6. Photos of pets, wildlife, or garden art with the irises (link available after 11/23)

2022 Photo Contest Winners: Macro Iris Photos

Every year the American Iris Society (AIS) sponsors a photo contest to celebrate irises, their use in garden and natural settings, and the people who grow and hybridize them. 

We are pleased to announce the following winners of the 2022 AIS photo contest:

 Iris Photos - MACRO

First Place – “’Yummy Accent’s’ Beefriend”

photo by Michelle Shriber, Ogden, UT

Second Place – “Red Iris”

photo by Oscar E. Gutierrez, Fredericksburg, VA

Honorable Mention – “Sorbonne”

photo by Greg Glotzbach, Yorkville, IL

Honorable Mention – “Gift 30 Years Ago”

photo by Greg Glotzbach, Yorkville, IL

First Place Youth – ““Howla Pena” 

photo by Wyatt Willis, Dyersburg, TN

During this contest, photographers submitted entries in categories listed below, which vary from year to year. Next, a panel of three to five judges reviewed submissions and voted for adult and youth winners for each category. Additional information about the annual photo contest can be found on the AIS website.

Visit other World of Irises blog posts to see 2022 award-winning photos in each category:

1. Irises in a landscape or garden
2. Irises in a field
3. A person or people at iris events or tours with irises
4. Close-up of an iris or irises
5. Iris photos – macro
6. Photos of pets, wildlife, or garden art with the irises (link available after 11/23)

2022 Photo Contest Winners: Close Up of an Iris or Irises

Every year the American Iris Society (AIS) sponsors a photo contest to celebrate irises, their use in garden and natural settings, and the people who grow and hybridize them. 

We are pleased to announce the following winners of the 2022 AIS photo contest:

Close-Up of an Iris or Irises

First Place – “Sherified”

photo by Erin L. Chien, Creve Coeur, Missouri

Second Place – “Walking Iris”

photo by Kathy Oldham, San Ramon, California

Honorable Mention – “Twin White & Light Purple”

photo by Randy Melton, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Honorable Mention – “Edith Wolford”

photo by Patricia A. Land, Bear, Delaware 

Honorable Mention – “Titan’s Glory”

photo by Patricia A. Land, Bear, Delaware

First Place Youth – “Hidden Innocence”

photo by Lynsie J. Nebeker, Twin Falls, Idaho

Second Place Youth – “Elizabethan Age”

photo by Lynsie J. Nebeker, Twin Falls, Idaho

During this contest, photographers submitted entries in categories listed below, which vary from year to year. Next, a panel of three to five judges reviewed submissions and voted for adult and youth winners for each category. Additional information about the annual photo contest can be found on the AIS website.

Visit other World of Irises blog posts to see 2022 award-winning photos in each category:

1. 1. Irises in a landscape or garden
   2. Irises in a field
   3. A person or people at iris events or tours with irises
   4. Close-up of an iris or irises
   5. Iris photos – macro
   6. Photos of pets, wildlife, or garden art with the irises (link available after 11/23)

2022 Photo Contest Winners: Scene at any Iris Event

Every year the American Iris Society (AIS) sponsors a photo contest to celebrate irises, their use in garden and natural settings, and the people who grow and hybridize them. 

We are pleased to announce the following winners of the 2022 AIS photo contest:

 Scene at Any Iris Event

First Place – “Hungarian Artist at Dry Creek Garden, Union City, California” 

photo by Mikey Lango, Santa Clara, California

Second Place – “Sunny Day” 

Mason Train, Colton, California

Honorable Mention – “Best of Show, ‘Pink Swan’”

photo by Kim Ung, Arlington, Virginia 

Honorable Mention – “Ann Plein Air Artist, Dry Creek Regional Park Iris Garden” 

photo by Sara Trayser, Fremont, California

First Place Youth – “Region 18 Spring Garden Tour”

photo by Wyatt Willis, Dyersburg, Tennesee

During this contest, photographers submitted entries in categories listed below, which vary from year to year. Next, a panel of three to five judges reviewed submissions and voted for adult and youth winners for each category. Additional information about the annual photo contest can be found on the AIS website.

Visit other World of Irises blog posts to see 2022 award-winning photos in each category:

1. Irises in a landscape or garden
2. Irises in a field
3. A person or people at iris events or tours with irises
4. Close-up of an iris or irises
5. Iris photos – macro
6. Photos of pets, wildlife, or garden art with the irises (link available after 11/23)

2022 Photo Contest Winners: Irises in the Wild

 Every year the American Iris Society (AIS) sponsors a photo contest to celebrate irises, their use in garden and natural settings, and the people who grow and hybridize them. 

We are pleased to announce the following winners of the 2022 AIS photo contest:

 Irises in the Wild

First Place – "'It’s A Bigun'"

photo by Anna Cadd, Healdsburg, California

Second Place – “Wet ‘n Wild in Roseburg”

photo by Mason Train, Colton, CA

Honorable Mention –  “Black Widow Iris”

photo byWilly Hublau, Wellen, Belgium

During this contest, photographers submitted entries in categories listed below, which vary from year to year. Next, a panel of three to five judges reviewed submissions and voted for adult and youth winners for each category. Additional information about the annual photo contest can be found on the AIS website.

Visit other World of Irises blog posts to see 2022 award-winning photos in each category:

1. Irises in a landscape or garden
2. Irises in a field
3. Scene at any iris event
4. Close-up of an iris or irises
5. Iris photos – macro (link available after 11/16)
6. Photos of pets, wildlife, or garden art with the irises (link available after 11/23)

2022 Photo Contest Winners: Irises in a Landscape or Garden

Every year the American Iris Society (AIS) sponsors a photo contest to celebrate irises, their use in garden and natural settings, and the people who grow and hybridize them. 

We are pleased to announce the following winners of the 2022 AIS photo contest:

 Irises in a Landscape or Garden 

First Place – “Path Through the Irises” 

photo by Beth Belaney-Train, Colton, California

Second Place – “Iris and Koi Pond”

photo by Oscar E. Gutierrez, Fredericksburg, Virginia 

Honorable Mention – “’Gilt Edged Bond’ in the Garden”

photo by Jeanne Roberts, Temecula, California

Honorable Mention – “Iris Field and Old Barn” 

photo by Beth Belaney-Train, Colton, California

First Place Youth – “Jim and Jean Morris Garden”

photo by Wyatt Willis, Dyersburg, Tennessee

During this contest, photographers submitted entries in categories listed below, which vary from year to year. Next, a panel of three to five judges reviewed submissions and voted for adult and youth winners for each category. Additional information about the annual photo contest can be found on the AIS website.

Visit other World of Irises blog posts to see 2022 award-winning photos in each category:

1. Irises in a landscape or garden
2. Irises in a field
3. A person or people at iris events or tours with irises
4. Close-up of an iris or irises
5. Iris photos – macro
6. Photos of pets, wildlife, or garden art with the irises (link available after 11/23)

Iris Identification: A Puzzle and a Problem

by Bob Pries

A short time ago I was asked if I could identify an iris. When I looked at the picture I thought “Wow, this is one I would love to grow also.” My favorite colors are brown and blue so I was eager to find the answer.

 Unknown iris

One of the first steps I took was to complete a reverse image search in Google Images. It is simple. You go to images.google.com and click on the camera icon in the search box.  A screen will open to search by image. I chose the option to upload the image I saved.

The camera icon is shown above the arrow

Instantly Google Images gives you the 30 best matches. On my first try the image did not appear and the choices were interesting but barely similar. But I tried again later and to my delight the exact image appeared as the first choice. There several things to try next and each might head me in a different direction.  So I looked at the image Google had chosen at the top of the page and clicked on it. I noted that below that top image it noted there were 264 pages that featured this image.

Google Image search results

When I clicked on the search result, Google displayed each result for the image with the URL and title. Almost all the pages featuring this image were ads for various irises (most of which had no relation at all to the iris of interest.) But one search result caught my eye. It was Dave’s Garden and appeared to have a cultivar name attached. I clicked on the image and the Dave’s Garden page came up with a description for an intermediate iris named ‘Wrong Song.'  At last, I had a name!

Just to be sure, I searched for ‘Wrong Song’ in the Iris Encyclopedia, a wiki of the American Iris Society. This wiki is a comprehensive encyclopedic source of iris information and is curated by persons who serve as docents for iris-specific content. To my consternation, an iris with a very different appearance appeared in the encyclopedia entry for 'Wrong Song.' 

Iris 'Wrong Song' in the Iris Encyclopedia

The shape and color patterning were very close, but it seemed obvious that the image I was trying to identify had been colorized and photo-shopped to appear very different. My mind started thinking about the 264 internet pages that were using this altered picture. Although many were just using it as a generic iris picture, others were terribly misrepresenting this iris ‘Wrong Song.’ My heart started to hurt. You see, this isn't the first time people have been singing the wrong song about an iris. 

When the American Iris Society (AIS) was formed in the 1920s, one of its main goals was to clear up iris identification. Today the central mission of the AIS is to register irises. Registration provides a unique name for an iris and is accompanied by an official description. The goal is to prevent two different irises from having the same name or for any one iris to be given several names making communication difficult. 

It took two decades of work in the nineteen twenties and thirties to straighten out the many names that had been casually used for irises. The AIS had to plant test gardens and consult historical descriptions to determine which names were the most legitimate for which irises. It is discouraging to discover two irises on the internet today with the same name. One is the accurate registered iris, and the other is a mythical, colorized-version of the original.

There are a number of iris photos that have been colorized and published on the internet. Some, like the one I searched for, are quite beautiful. However, we should avoid naming a heavily-altered photo using the name of the iris from which it was derived. Someone purchasing an iris by this name may suffer sadness when the iris does not live up to their expectations.