Chasing the Iris Rainbow in ’24: Binge Year

By Grahame Ware

October 2024

Siberian iris ‘Banish Misfortune’ (Marty Schafer & Jan Sacks, 1999)
photo by Grahame Ware

All of us have abiding interests in life. You get the photography bug or the writing rash, or, worst of all, an art-collecting mania grips you; and it won’t let go. With me, these abiding interests are like a self-inflicted tattoo made without the company of sailors and drinking too much rum, or possibly, they’re a birthmark that I’ve only just recognized rising out of my epidermal sheath.

When the flames of enthusiasm have been lit, the fire never goes out. Oh, the embers may cool, but they are always ready to burst back into flames when a wind of inspiration blows up. And blow up it did this past year with my latent love for irises.  But, this time, I didn’t hold back— I gave in— and had a full-blown tryst with the iris muse. I wanted as many of those “girls of the rainbow” as possible. I envisioned them everywhere in my garden.  Only then did it dawn on me that my iris fire was raging. Ahh, but my muse knew ... and she was smoldering without a smile in a curiously alluring way.

Proof of this fiery syndrome is provided herein below: 

a) Early in the New Year, I joined The American Iris Society with an inexpensive e-membership so I could mine their archives and do research on iris cultivars. So far, so good. 

b) The first iris subgroup that I pursued and joined was the Society for  Pacific Coast Native Iris, mostly because they had a seed exchange.  Their seedex is a wonderful affair and I was able to get some really good seed and, subsequently, get some good seedlings going. They’re now planted out in a new bed and settling in very nicely. Kudos to  Louise Guerin. 

c) Quite soon after that, I joined the Ontario Iris Society (ONIS) and enthusiastically wrote an article for their winter newsletter on my attraction to standard dwarf bearded (SDB) irises I’d received from their rhizome sales in ’22 and ‘23. I had taken advantage of their rhizome sales, a marvelous way to raise funds for ONIS. Now, as a member for the first time, I got priority of ordering for the sale this past  July. Merci, merci, merci Kate Brewitt. 

d) I’d become fascinated with so many historical iris cultivars (cvs) that I  just had to join the Historic Iris Preservation Society (HIPS) because—  whaddya know?—this organization also had a rhizome sale that was cross-border friendly (as well as being a fantastic fundraiser). The rhizomes and the historic iris offerings were simply amazing. It was a big ‘Wow’— the momentum was building. All hail Nancy McDonald and Barbara-Jean  Jackson for my ‘Storm On Superior’ package that included a huge  ‘Voltigeur’ chunk! 

e) Then I turned right around and signed up for the Dwarf Iris Society because— guess what?— I discovered they were having a seed sale with many exciting crosses and cultivars that I had no hope of acquiring any other way except through their seed sale. No, this wasn’t a “bridge (or a binge) too far”; and, yes, I’m a seed-growing nut that loves having healthy, home-grown seedlings. They outperform. My seed order via post arrived here on Gabriola Island, on Canada’s Pacific coast, in one week all the way from New Mexico— a distance of over 2000 kms flying and nearly 3000 kms driving. I can’t wait to see what the ‘Green Spot’ x ‘Cheerful Chipmunk’ cross produces. Wow, again, and thanks, Tom Waters — you’re awesome!

Shipment of iris seeds
photo by Grahame Ware 

f) But I wasn’t finished with my Year of the Iris Binge. Just this month, I  couldn’t resist being a part of the Society for Siberian Iris because  (you’re not going to believe it but…) I heard that they too were going to have a seed exchange with many of the top hybridizers providing seeds of their top irises and new crosses as well. I know! I went weak in the knees and transferred by osmosis or some other mysterious energy .to my hands. Somehow, I was clicking away with my mouse and a PayPal thing.

The good news is that soon, I’ll be able to donate seeds or plants to the rhizome exchange of the groups that I’ve joined.  I take comfort in knowing that this fire of mine burns safely because it doesn’t add to our global warming nor make home insurance rates go up. 

Finally, peace has washed over me and cooled the flames of my Year of the Iris Binge. I have now planted all of the rhizomes from the exchanges, and they’re thriving. I’m thrilled at what I was able to get. It meant I had to create new beds from scratch to display the historics and other irises. What a motivation the rhizome exchange was.On the seed side, I have some wonderful-looking Pacifica seedlngs and many packets of iris seeds dutifully awaiting germination.

Now, here I am, the curator of new iris plants and seeds and the inspiration that comes from those plants and seedlings. I’ll admit that I feel somewhat like comedian Martin Short’s character, Ed Grimley Jr., in his “Night Before  Xmas” skit. With all these iris plants and seeds, I couldn’t be happier. In fairness to myself, and as a way of explaining this conflagration to my dear wife, the passion for irises didn’t happen overnight. She’s seen this movie before, but I still assure her (out of having-to-do-this-again guilt, I  suppose) that, once again, I’ll be okay. She just nods and smirks with a “Sure you .will” expression.

Bare root iris rhizomes waiting for replant
photo by Grahame Ware 

So know this dear reader: you too can let your iris fire blaze away and not worry— just smile— because it won't burn down any forest or house— just singe your pocketbook ever so slightly. 

 “It is”, as the saying goes, “but a mere pittance.”

IRISES: The Bulletin of the AIS - Summer 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 Spring 2024 issue of the AIS Bulletin will be available online soon, accessible via the Emembers section of the AIS website. The print copy will be mailed via the U.S. Post Office. On the cover, 'Spicy Mustard’ (2021, SPEC-X) by Jill Copeland.

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.

The Society for Louisiana Iris & the Spuria Iris Society Convention put together a lovely convention this year. This event is covered on a beautiful article with lots of images, on pages 11 through 15.

A recap of the AIS National Convention held in the Portland, Oregon area. The Convention was called New Horizons and you can read it and look at some gorgeous images on pages 16 - 21.

An initial article of Mt. Pleasant Iris Farm visited by many convention attendees in Washougal, Washington during the AIS National Convention. The article with beautiful shots is on pages 22 - 25.

Miller's Manor Gardens was part of the National Convention as well. Read all about it on pages 26 - 28.

A new series of articles about iris hybridizers starts with this issue. Spotlight on Hybridizers — The Next Generation features two fantastic hybridizers, Steve Kelly and Diana Ford. 

Claire Schneider and Jody Nolin had fun in Italy and France, judging irises for the iris competitions in those countries. But, they called their article, This Wasn't a Vacation; It Was Work! Do we believe them? You be the judge by reading their article on pages 34 through 37. 

And, then Claire Schneider put together a fun article about A Visit the Cayeux Garden while in France. Read it on pages 38 - 40.

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 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 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!

IRISES: The Bulletin of the AIS - Spring 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 Spring 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, 'Kimono Silk’ (Bauer & Coble 2008, JI) by John Bauer.

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.

Don't miss an invitation to the National Convention of The American Iris Society organized by the Greater Portland Iris Society. A description of the program and a registration form can be found on pages 10 - 13.

John Noble tells us everything we need to know about elegant and sophisticated Japanese irises in his article, Japanese Irises... Late and Large Beautiful Iris Blooms, on pages 14 - 17. 

Yet more beardless irises are presented to us by Pacific Northwest resident, Kathleen Sayce, in her article titles Trends in Pacific Coast Iris Hybrids, on pages 18 through 23. 

A fascinating story of how The W.A. Payne Medal originated, described in detail by Gary White, on pages 25 - 27. 

If you never participated in the annual symposium of TB irises, read all about it on Riley Probst article, the 2024 AIS Tall Bearded Iris Symposium on page 28.

Attention AIS Judges, don't forget to read the Changelog for the Handbook for Judges, Edition 8.23, on pages 29 - 31.

And... Attention Hybridizers, AIS Registrar, Janis Shakelford gives us instructions on how to use the fairly new iris registration system, on Attention Hybridizers: How to Register An Iris, on pages 32 through 35.

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 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 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!

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!

IRISES: The Bulletin of the AIS - Fall 2023 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 2023 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, the 2023 Dykes Medal winner 'Don't Doubt Dalton' (Tom Burseen 2015, 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 are of the AIS website for more details.

The AIS 2023 Awards are in full display beginning with the cover, back cover and all other winners displayed on pages 2 - 3. The listing of all winners are on pages 12 to 19.

A great recap of Region 21's Spring Garden Tour is included on pages 20 - 24.

A heartwarming tribute to Don Spoon on 25 - 31.

Don't miss the fantastic article by Charles Perilloux, about the Preservation of the Native Species of Louisiana Irises on pages 32 through 40.

Hot! Hot! Hot! Watering Irises When It's Hot, a very interesting article by Claire Schneider is on pages 41 to 43.

The Oklahoma Iris Festival and More by Michael Kowalchyk is on pages 44 to 47. Don't miss it. 

An invitation to the Spuria and Louisiana Iris Societies Combined Convention is on pages 48 and 49.

Everything you need to know about the New Horizons 2024 Portland National Convention is on pages 50 and 55.

Recommendations from the new AIS Membership Secretary, Jean Richter on pages 56 and 57.

The article, Are Japanese Irises Delicate Now Way! on pages 58 and 59.

A final article on Iris Grown in Containers: Part Four, on pages 60 and 61.

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

/./././

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!

IRISES: The Bulletin of the AIS - Summer 2023 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 2023 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, Dallas Convention President's Cup winner 'Decked Out' (Tom Burseen 2015, 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 are of the AIS website for more details.

You're really going to enjoy this issue. There's extensive coverage of the Dallas Convention, starting on page 10 all the way to 42 with extensive corage by several authors and photographers. 

Update on the AIS Integrated Online System on page 43. Want to know what the IOS is? Take a read please. 

Bryce Williamson covers Region 14's Irises and Iconic Landscapes with lovely photos and descriptions, pages 44 - 49. 

Claire Schneider covers the Latest AIS news from online resources, on pages 50 to 51.

Are you a hybridizer? Check this communication piece by the AIS Registrar on page 53.

Feeding Your Container-Grown Iris is explained on pages 54 -55.

On pages 56 to 58, read about Adding Variety to your Garden with Iris Grown from SIGNA Seeds. 

And exclusive report on AIS Youth in Region 14 by Carolyn Hoover is on page 59.

The Ackerman Your Essay Contest Results and entries are on pages 60 through 67.

Don't forget the Beginner's Corner, on pages 76 - 77.

And, lastly, Section Happenings on pages 78 through 79.

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

/./././

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!