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 Fall 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, 2017 Dykes Medal Winner ‘Montmartre’ (Keith Keoppel 2008, 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.
Don't miss the listing of all award winning irises, on pages 14 — 20 with the title, AIS 2017 Awards.
A fascinating view at genealogy of irises with the article by Maryann Schicker, titled Introduction to the Vertical Genealogical Chart, on pages 22 — 25.
A beautiful description of the Florence Iris Gardens by Florence Darhenay, in her piece called A Walk in the Giardino, on pages 26 — 29. Lovely images included.
Debbie Strauss says adieu to the last AIS Silent Auction she and Nick Steward put together. Her article is called AIS Silent Auction and is on page 30.
An invitation to attend the 2018 AIS Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana starts with a fantastic description on pages 32 — 33, and continues with the registration form on pages 34 — 35. You may also find information about the convention online at: http://www.2018irisconvention.org/
International Iris News gives us but a glimpse of iris news from outside the U.S., compiled by Bruce Filardi, on pages 39 — 41.
A reprint from our own blog, by Susanne Holland Spicker, called Older Tall Bearded Irises ~ Timeless Beauties on page 43.
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.
Happy Gardening!
