Mel's trip to Oregon in 2023

by Mel Schiller

In May 2023, Bailey urged me to head to Oregon to visit with Thomas and Kirk at Mid-America Garden as Bailey was too busy with school to make the trip. 

Anxiety is something I battle with, and this issue has returned since the death of my other son. Airports are no easy feat. I can confidently say I silently won the battle with the airports and the anxiety. I felt the fear, yet continued on my journey. I met many lovely helpful people along the way who gave me guidance and support, for which I will be forever grateful. It was my first time flying solo outside of Australia.

I flew into Oregon extremely late in the evening and Lynda Miller kindly picked me up from the airport and drove me to Mid-America Garden. Thomas and Kirk are wonderful friends and gracious hosts.

We first met Thomas in Barry Blyth's garden Tempo Two around 10 years ago. A beautiful friendship has developed from there!

Thomas invited us to come stay with him, and we eventually took him up on his offer. We have learned to appreciate our time spent in the United States. I find going shopping amusing, and people love to hear me talk. I guess my Aussie accent is something to get used to! 

I love the trees and the plants that grow in America. I would love to grow rhododendrons like we see in the majority of the gardens in Brooks, Oregon. Gosh, they make my heart flutter. 

In the late afternoon and evening the iris field at Mid-America Garden is so peaceful. It is a magical time of silence and listening to the birds calling in the distance. I spent a lot of time taking photographs. Some 9000 to be exact! In between photographs I hybridized . . . a lot. 

The gratitude I feel towards Thomas and Kirk for allowing us into their lives and passing their love of their garden and irises is beyond beautiful. I feel extremely fortunate and privileged. I fall in love with the irises, both new and old. The beauty to be found in the wonderful new creations is truly magnificent. Here are some that I absolutely loved from Thomas's field. 

 

'A Million Dreams' (Johnson, 2023)

The clarity of colour on this iris variety is simply outstanding. Coming from 'Arrivederci' breeding, an iris that we love, makes us think of future possibilities. 

'Breath of Fresh Air' (T. Johnson, 2023)

The work that Thomas has achieved in this line is amazing. He has developed many beautiful pink irises with blue beards. We love them!

'Distant Shores' (T. Johnson, 2023)

The colour contrast in 'Distant Shores' shows exquisite depth. This variety just kept calling me and  I kept going back to take another look! 

'How Bizarre' (P. Black, 2023)

Ahh Paul Black . . . lines and more lines. I love his work -  so different, and unusual. That is what the team at Smokin Heights love. Statement irises that are different so they stand out and make wonderful impacts in the garden. 

'Indecisive' (P. Black, 2023)

The foliage. 'Indecisive' is all about the foliage. Variety is the spice of life, and shades of green and cream provide versatility in the garden. The colours just work to make a pleasing blend for the eye to behold. We are all about variegated foliage plants. Visual appeal is everything! 

'Just Between Us' (T. Johnson, 2023)

This iris grew on me over time. There is no doubt about the beautifully branched stems and the pleasing colour to the eye. It also comes from 'Arrivederci' lines. Unfortunately, we find 'Arrivederci' doesn't love our garden in Australia. It is a variety that is extremely slow in growth habits for us! Despite this shortcoming, I still used it in hybridizing.

'Let Me Be There' (T. Johnson, 2023)

This variety is very delicious in every way. Gosh, I fell in love quickly! I used this in hybridizing and have ordered it to import to Australia! The seedlings that Thomas has coming on are beautiful! 

'Lovely Livvy' (T. Johnson, 2023)

This is the iris that broke the internet, and it is easy to see why. It has the stuff that dreams are made of! To see it bloom in my garden will be amazing. I look forward to that day at Smokin Heights! 

'Mega Ruffles' (P. Black, 2023)

Such an appropriate name for this beautiful iris. What is there not to love when you see lots of ruffles?

'Never Enough' (T. Johnson, 2023)

I remember this variety clearly. I remember saying to Thomas, "A rock could sit on the standards." The super substance that this variety presents is amazing. It was an absolute "yes" from me in every way. I loved this variety. 

'On The Line' (T. Johnson, 2023)

This variety had just started to bloom in my last few hours in the field. I managed a quick photograph and liked what I saw. Deep in my heart, I knew Bailey would love this visually appealing variety!

'Princess Pretty Pink' (P. Black, 2023)

I am a sucker for pink irises. I patiently waited for this variety to open, going to the clump daily to check its progress. I was not disappointed. A beautiful pale plicata in pink. Wow! 

'Refined Elegance' (T. Johnson, 2023)

This iris was a "yes" from the get-go. This year I am finding myself drawn to yellow. Normally, I am not a yellow person. Maybe my tastes are changing! This iris variety has the perfect name. It was elegant in every way. The bloom won over my heart. 

'Such A Sweetheart' (T. Johnson, 2023)

Oh this was an easy win me over. Pastel shades in this smoky lavender and pale pink plicata mix. Wow. Its warm, it's inviting. Its gorgeous! 

'Superhero Kiss' (T. Johnson, 2023)

This colour combination is a m a z i n g. It is on the shorter side but that does not detract from its beauty. This iris makes a huge statement in the field. I would call it one of those jaw-dropping irises. I love it!

'Unimaginable' (P. Black, 2023)

Oh yes! I come back to the haft-lined pattern as a favourite. I love the drama of this iris. It makes your eyes dizzy looking at the haft area. In a clump, the impact is electrifying!

'Zero Gravity' (T. Johnson, 2023)

I loved this variety coming from 'Sergey' crossed with 'Espionage'. It is another favourite, a beautifully neutral-toned variety. I can see this variety in a beautiful vase amid a mixed bunch of blooms. 

My 2023 trip to the United States was definitely something that I needed in my life at this point in time. The feeling of complete peace washed over me when I stepped into the iris field at Mid-America Garden. There was no agenda or rushing about. No other thoughts except for the irises. It took me a couple days to get my mind sorted and unraveled for my task at hand. And I successfully traveled solo. High Five!