by Heather Haley
In this post, I'll continue sharing an update of a growing
iris resource on YouTube. The American Iris Society (AIS) uses its YouTube
Channel to help organize and disseminate knowledge of the genus Iris, while
fostering its preservation, enjoyment, and continued development. Many of the
videos available are from the AIS Webinar Series, and their upload was planned
for the benefit of all persons interested in irises.
In "A Growing Iris Resource On YouTube: Part I," I shared the origin of the AIS Webinar Series in 2020 as well as descriptions of recorded presentations that brought iris enthusiasts together during the pandemic. As the Webinar Series continued in 2021, all AIS sections and cooperating societies were invited to give presentations, which I shared in Parts II and III.
Past AIS president Gary White serves as an organizer for the webinar series, and has continued inviting wonderful speakers to share iris knowledge and experience with us. Gary is also part of a small crew of webinar hosts working behind the scenes to admit attendees in Zoom, and help the webinar run as smoothly while they are recorded. I got involved as a webinar host in 2021, and it is always a joy to listen, learn, and support connections among people who are passionate about irises.
The following describes some of the webinars that AIS volunteers prepared, delivered, recorded, and posted to our YouTube Channel during 2022.
Patrick Spence is a past president of the Society for Japanese Irises, operates Cascadia Iris Gardens in King County, Washington, and maintains a large important collection of beardless irises, including Japanese irises. In this webinar, you can learn about the variety of forms and patterns available in Japanese irises, along with the culture and care requirements of these exceptional garden plants.
Doug Chyz is the co-chair of the AIS Public Relations and Marketing Committee, a past president of the Fredericksberg Area Iris Society, and a former AIS Region 4 Vice President. In this webinar, you can learn more about growing and exhibiting irises in containers, as well as get advice about sizes and types of containers, hardiness concerns, and the pros and cons of this cultural practice.
Webinar #24 - "Judges Training: Awards and Ballots” with Gary White and Bonnie Nichols
Webinar #25 "Judges Training: Awards and Ballots” with Gary White and Bonnie Nichols
National Judges Training Chair Bonnie Nichols joined Gary White in two webinars describing various AIS awards and the responsibilities of its judges. The first session focused on garden awards that are voted by judges accredited by the AIS. History about the awards is included, with notes and photos about the people for whom the special medals are named. The second session goes on to describe other awards and symposiums voted by the AIS Board of Directors; members of AIS, a section, or affiliate; judges at exhibitions; and convention attendees. Although designed to provide judges training, these programs are suitable and informative for non-judges as well.
Riley Probst is a past president of the Reblooming Iris Society and operates Fleur de Lis gardens in Modesto, California with his wife Shirley. In this webinar learn about cultural requirements for reblooming irises as well as irises that grow well in warm or cool climate areas.
If you have not done so already, consider recording which of your irises rebloom in your garden. If you would like to share this data with other reblooming iris enthusiasts, forms are available here.
