“ILLINOIS IRISARIAN”

ILLINOIS IRISARIAN SPRING 2016

“ILLINOIS IRISARIAN” AMERICAN IRIS SOCIETY,

REGION 9 Issue 2016-001 Spring 2016

Visit our website at: WWW.AISREGION9.COM

Find us on: facebook.com/aisregion9

‘Illini Fountain’

(S. Varner R 1993, SPEC)

ILLINOIS IRISARIAN 2 SPRING 2016

Region 9

Top 4 Symposium Winners

‘Jesse’s Song’

(B. Williamson 1983)

‘Silverado’

(Schreiner 1987)

‘Yaquina Blue’

(Schreiner 1992)

‘Dusky Challenger’

(Schreiner 1986)


“ILLINOIS IRISARIAN”

TABLE OF CONTENTS/PHOTO CREDITS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents 3

Photo Credits 3

Region 9 Officers 4

Region 9 RVP comments 5

Region 9 Committees 6

Region 9 Meetings 7

Orville Dickhaut Obituary 8

What’s In A Recipe 9-11

by Linda Sercus

Grooming Irises For The Show 12-14

(Part One) by Cindy Rust

Region 9 Affiliate Calendars 15

Region 9 2015 Symposium 16

Results

Membership and Regional 17-18

Participation

by Chuck Winters

Washington Park Botanical 19

Garden Iris

Region 9 Minutes 20-23

PHOTO CREDITS

Front Cover-Stephens

Inside Front Cover:

Top left-Dejoux in my

Garden: sud-ouest

France

Middle Right-Marilyn

Campbell

Middle left-Blue J Iris

Bottom Right-Marilyn

Campbell

Page 5:

Dave Kelly

Page 8:

Dickhaut Family

Page 16:

Top Right-exclusive to

iris-ua.nerod.ru

Middle Right-Breezeway

Iris Garden

Lower Right-Iris City

Gardens

Page 23:

Bottom Left-Exline Iris

Garden

Bottom Right-John

Weiler

Back Cover

C&T Iris Patch


Region 9, American Iris Society Officers

Region 9 RVP: Margaret Kelly Asst RVP: Debra Miller

1708 Holiday Drive 61 Laconwood Drive

Pekin, Illinois 61554 Springfield, Illinois 62712

309-347-8561 217-529-8014

[email protected] [email protected]

Secretary: Leora McTall Treasurer: John Bilski

61 Laconwood 9127 Wedgewood Drive

Springfield, Illinois 62712 Fairview Heights, Illinois 62208

217-529-8014 618-398-1029

[email protected] [email protected]

AFFILIATES AND PRESIDENTS

Mid-Illinois Iris Society Ernie Henson

6401 Cedar Road

Iuka, Illinois 62849

618-822-6584

[email protected]

Northern Illinois Iris Society Diana Anshakov

2928 North 4425th

Road

Newark, Illinois 60541

[email protected]

Prairie Iris Society: Jerry Wilhoit

2282 N. 350th Street

Kansas, Illinois 61933

217-948-5478

[email protected]

Sangamon Valley Iris Society Debra Miller

61 Laconwood

Springfield, Illinois 62712

217-529-8014

[email protected]

Southern Illinois Iris Society Gail Devilbiss

1253 Moonglow Road

Centralia, Illinois 62818

618-533-4705 [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]






Hi!

I am writing this greeting with the weather being in the 20’s. The

wind makes it seem even cooler. Next week will be the beginning of

February, and the temperature is supposed to be in the 50’s. Our poor

plants will be so confused by the time spring arrives.

We (Dave and I) are looking forward to spring! We can’t wait to en-

joy our new plants and their bloom season. After seeing all the won-

derful blooms in Oregon, we are looking forward to bloom season

here this year.

We plan to attend the Chicago Flower & Garden Show in Chicago in

March. If you have not been there, you will be pleasantly surprised at

the beautiful displays, demonstrations – food and garden, and the large market place to pur-

chase garden plants and supplies.

We are looking forward to going East to New Jersey to attend the National American Iris Con-

vention May 23-28, 2016. We plan to take the optional tour to Philadelphia for the “Land of the

Free” Tour. The garden tours will be visiting Presby Memorial Gardens, Glenara Gardens with

George & Carol Boyce of Palmerton Pennsylvania and George Hildebrandt’s Garden in

Slatington, Pennsylvania.

Another excellent opportunity for Region 9 members will be the Median Iris Society Mini-

Convention, “Medians Rule Supreme in 17”. The Mini-Convention is scheduled for May 18-20,

2017 and it will be held in Lafayette, Indiana. Convention attendees will tour five gardens and a

Purdue University Experimental Agriculture Farm. Hybridizers of Median and Arilbred Iris will

have their beauties on display.

Our affiliate iris shows are coming up in May and I hope you will take the opportunity to attend

a show in your area. Whether you choose to display irises or just take in their beauty, it is an

opportunity to see some of the newer or maybe historic irises.

I extend an invitation to you to come to our “Spring Fling”, to be held in Pekin, Illinois at the

University of Illinois Extension Building. It will be an excellent opportunity to meet in a new

venue and conduct our business and training. Our speakers will be Jerry Wilhoit of Redbud Iris

Gardens of Kansas Illinois who will speak on Louisiana Irises, and Margaret Kelly of Holiday

Iris Gardens, Pekin, Illinois who will speak on “Journey with irises”, telling you about irises

and taking you to iris gardens across the USA. Hope to see you there!!!

Greetings From your Regional Vice

President

Margaret Kelly

“We can’t wait to enjoy our new plants and their bloom season”.


COMMITTEES

By Laws: Steve Poole

775 Kaid Road

Eldorado, Illinois 62930

618-841-9670 (cell)

[email protected]

Iris Auction and Sale: Chuck Simon

10S122 Lorraine Drive

Willowbrook, Illinois 60527

630-323-5070

Judges Training: Becky Simon

10S122 Lorraine Drive

Willowbrook, Illinois 60527

630-323-5070

Membership: Suzy Schneider

21202 North 21st Avenue

Nokomis, Illinois

62075-3912

217-556-7415

[email protected]

Youth:

Vacant

Webmaster: Dave Kelly

1708 Holiday Drive

Pekin, Illinois 61554

309-347-8561

[email protected]

Illinois Irisarian Editors: Dave & Debra Miller

61 Laconwood

Springfield, Illinois 62712

217-529-8014

[email protected]

Nominating: Jerry Wilhoit

2282 N. 350th Street

Kansas, Illinois 61933

217-948-5478

[email protected]

Immediate Past RVP: Dave Kelly

1708 Holiday Drive


309-347-8561

[email protected]





Region 9 Spring Meeting

Saturday April 2, 2016

University of Illinois Extension Building

1505 Valle Vista


9:30 AM Coffee and Friendship Time

10:00 AM Regional Meeting

11:15 AM Plant Auction

12:00 Noon Potluck—members bring a dish to share

After potluck Judges Training: Jerry Wilhoit, “Lousiana Iris”,

Margaret Kelly, “Journey”.

Region 9 Fall Meeting

Friday August 12, 2016 and Saturday August 13, 2016

Friday, August 12, 2016:

1:30—3:30 PM Setup at Washington Park Botanical Gardens

1740 West Fayette, Springfield, Illinois

5:30 PM Dinner at Golden Corral, 1038 La June Drive

Springfield, Illinois (Exit 92A, off I55)

6:30—7:00 PM Share Picture Hampton Inn, SW meeting room

2300 Chuckwagon Drive, Springfield, Il

217/793-7670 (Hotel reservation by July 18th

for special rate)

7:00—8:00 PM Iris presentation to be announced

8:00—9:00 PM Iris presentation to be announced

Saturday, August 13, 2016:

8:00 AM—Noon Silent Auction for members only

8:00 AM Receive rhizomes for public sale

9:00 AM—Noon Public sale at Washington Park Botanical Gardens

Noon—1:15 PM Potluck lunch (everyone bring a dish to share)

1:30—2:30 PM Region 9 Business Meeting

3:30—4:30 PM Cleanup-A Team Effort-All Help!!


A Recollection of Orville Dickhaut

By Steve Poole

I have one small story to pass on, that is, if I remember it accurately. I was visiting Orville and

Lu's garden one year admiring their bloom. The Carlinville area had experienced a very bad

storm that spring. The storm had occurred a few weeks before iris season.

The plants were essentially undamaged, however Orville showed me their garage (not attached

to the house). On the side of the garage and part of the garage door that had been hit by the

storm were holes punched all the way through the door and walls by high speed hail stones.

Orville told me that he had picked up hail stones from inside the garage. The house had also

received some damage. While Orville was upset about the damage, with tongue in cheek he

quipped that thankfully the storm had occurred before bloom. Talk about a true irisar-

ian!!!

Orville Dickhaut

May 8, 1926—November 25, 2015 (Reprinted from original obituary)

Orville Dickhaut, 89, of Carlinville, Ill., formerly of Mascoutah, Ill., born May 8, 1926, in

Mascoutah Township, died Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2015, at his home.

Orville was a graduate of the College of Agriculture at the University of Illinois. He served in

the United States Army during the Korean War as a gunner in the 89th Tank Battalion.

Orville was a retired farm real estate appraiser and a member of the Guy Baird American Le-

gion Post 554 of Carlinville. He had a great interest in gardening and, along with his wife, was

a very active member of the American Hemerocallis Society (AHS) and the American Iris So-

ciety (AIS). Orville served as the Regional Vice President for Region 9 (Illinois), American

Iris Society. He was also a member of, Mid-Illinois Iris Society, Prairie Iris Society and South-

ern Illinois Iris Society. They also enjoyed many trips with the Elder Hostel Program. His fam-

ily will miss his affection and wicked sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Alvina, nee Weiss, Dickhaut.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Luella, nee Seyer, Dickhaut; a sister, Evelyn (Fred)

Justus of Lexington, Ky.; a sister-in-law, Evelyn Sappenfield of Milwaukee, Wis.; seven nieces

and nephews; and 17 great-nieces and great-nephews.

http://www.legacy.com/memorial-sites/university-of-illinois/?personid=176688238&affiliateID=1341

http://www.legacy.com/memorial-sites/korean-war/?personid=176688238&affiliateID=1341


"WHAT'S IN A 'RECIPE'?" Dehydrated Cow Manure

Composted Topsoil

Superphosphate

Bone Meal

Gypsum

Potash

Lime

By Linda Sercus Garden Director, The Presby Memorial Iris Gardens

Article reprinted from Roots Journal of the Historic Iris Preservation Society; Vol. 20, Issue 2, Fall 2007, pgs 25-

26 and AIS, Region 18 Bulletin, Volume 52, Number 1, Spring 2010.

Editor Note: Since the Presby Garden will be one of the gardens on tour at the 2016 American Iris Society Na-

tional Convention, we thought you might be interested in this article.

For fifty years local Montclairian and active community volunteer, Barbara Walther ruled The

Presby Memorial Iris Gardens with an iron will and exacting standards. The legacy she built

was based on not only the collection of irises accumulated but on the show that premiered every

May known as "The Rainbow on the Hill". In the subsequent thirty years, the legacy has contin-

ued, but the formula for building a successful iris bed was lost. Eighteen months ago, a treasure

trove of archival documents were uncovered, buried in boxes and rusty file cabinets in a little

used storage room in the Walther House, now serving as headquarters for the gardens.

There we found, in Barbara's usual typed notes, the exact instructions, ingredients and measure-

ments for building a “proper” iris bed for bearded iris. This particular document contained her

instructions for the Montclair Parks Department for the work to be done in the summer of 1965,

as in those days, the parks department supplied not only the ingredients for the beds, but also

the labor to do the work, supervised by Barbara and her posse of volunteers culled from the

Montclair Garden Club. A lot has changed since then; now The Board of Trustees of the gar-

dens is responsible to fund-raise the entire cost of running the gardens including labor, materials

and supplies – a daunting proposition for a group of civic minded volunteers.

Last summer saw the first three bearded iris beds renovated utilizing her instructions and ingre-

dients. There were those who were skeptical as the Spring of 2006 saw a glorious bloom sea-

son, and doubt was cast as to the need to implement such a costly endeavor. However, the old

photos often spurred the question “How DID she grow such BIG irises?” Our hunch was the

answer lay in the “recipe” so we forged ahead to renovate a bed of Histories from the 30's and

40's, a bed of miniatures, and a bed of moderns containing all irises in the collection introduced

after the year 2000 – all utilizing “the recipe”.

Spring came late this year, and was incredibly wet. But by our peak of bloom, traditionally Me-

morial Day, we were in the throes of a spectacular display for our 80th anniversary celebration.

For me, the most amazing display was in those beds planted out the year prior in "the recipe".

Instead of a 30 - 40 bloom rate for a first year bed, we were running on average about a 75

bloom rate - that was across the board; modems. Histories and miniatures alike clearly LOVED

this recipe. That was thrilling enough, but as the summer months progressed, we noticed imme-

diately the difference in not only the endurance of the foliage to retain a deep green color in the


summer heat, but a noticeable lack of symptoms indicating a disease such as rot or leaf spot.

Standing at the entry to the gardens and viewing the perspective of the beds marching in se-

quence across the base of the mountain, one could clearly ascertain which of the beds were

done in “the recipe”. In addition, the increase in the size of each clump was shocking – for

those of us here in the northeast, the size of the rhizomes that come in from the west are always

so impressive; we may truly be on to something as our “recipe” irises look like those coming in

from the west!

Perhaps it was just a good year; even under the best of circumstances, Barbara Walther would

experience a bad year. Her writings indicated disappointment in the 1961 bloom season when

the convention first was held at The Presby. The weather was horrible that spring and there

wasn't a spectacular bloom season for all those who attended including not only Dudley Ben-

bow from England, but Flamina Specht from Florence, who had recently started the iris garden

that now hosts the annual International Iris Competition, and who had received their initial dis-

play of Histories from The Presby's collection.

However, from my perspective, the effort and cost are well worth the results. We did six more

beds this summer including two more beds of Histories from 1900-1930, the entire original tri-

angle which is three beds encompassing 60's through 90's and a full bed of remontants. It has

been a grueling, Herculean effort on the part of the staff, as not only did we renovate thosebeds,

we utilized another of Barbara's tips - that of heeling the irises in as the beds are renovated.

By our best guestimate, we heeled in over 3000 irises in order to accomplish this restoration

effort. Our goal is to completely renovate the remainder of the entire bearded collection over

the next three summers. Interestingly, Barbara's notes indicate that she had the collection on a 5

-6 year renovation schedule and didn't need to fertilize every spring with the exception of the

remontants as the ingredients were built into the soil.

For those of you interested in trying this “recipe” Barbara's notes indicate that “For a hundred

foot bed of the Tall Bearded iris, some four bags of bone meal, three or less of 5-10-10, three of

super phosphate, three bags of potash (if small), one of gypsum if it is enough to cover the bed,

two small bags of lime.” Note: the beds at the gardens are approximately 100 feet long, six feet

across the top of the bed and eight feet across at the base, with the height being finished at 18"

deep.

Composted topsoil - enough to build a bed in three stages and finish at 18"deep.

Gypsum

- Loosens Clay Coils and helps improve water and air penetration.

- Aids in minimizing salt damage to plants

- Helps promote root growth and maximizes fertilizer effectiveness

- Ecologically safe, nontoxic, nonbuming; safe for plants, pets and people.

Superphosphate

Stimulates root development and aids in flower formation

Potash

Aids in developing plant vigor and enhances disease resistance.


Bone Meal

Helps develop sturdy root systems and stimulates plant growth.

5-10-10 Fertilizer

Lime

Calcitic or gypsum lime

Dry Cow Manure (aka dehydrated cow manure)

The following is transcribed from Barbara Walther's original notes.

· Scrape off old dirt to a very shallow level

· Spread Bone Meal thickly, rototill well (at least two times)

· Rake smooth

1st Layer- at least 4" topsoil spread over and raked smooth.

Then add a good sprinkling of dehydrated cow manure

Add a good sprinkling of bone meal, 5-10-10 and super phosphate Rototill 3 times

deeply and mix well. Rake and roll

2nd layer - at least 6" topsoil

Superphosphate as in 1st layer

Bone Meal, 5-10-10 and potash - light sprinkling of each.

Rototill 3 times and roll.

3rd layer - topsoil - keep spread wide for width of finished bed.

Bone meal lightly, 5-10-10 lightly, super phosphate lightly,limestone fairly lightly, and

gypsum fairly heavily (conditions soil) Rototill well but NOT as deep; NO rolling this

time. Rake smooth and shape bed.

Note: Our beds are shaped at an angle that allows the sides to set to minimize erosion. Allow

bed to settle for at least a week - if no rain, then water in well with a sprinkler to encourage set-

tling.

HAPPY IRIS PLANTING!

FUTURE AIS CONVENTIONS

May 23-28, 2016, Newark, NJ

May 22-26, 2017, Des Moines, IA

April 9-14, 2018, New Orleans, LA

You can find out more about these upcoming AIS National Conventions by visiting the

AIS Website. You can also refer to the latest edition of the AIS Newsletter (Irises).

Another excellent opportunity for Region 9 members will be the Median Iris Society

Mini-Convention, “Medians Rule Supreme in 17”. The Mini-Convention is

scheduled for May 18-20, 2017 and it will be held in Lafayette, Indiana.


Grooming Irises For The Show (Part One) by Cindy Rust

Reprinted from AIS Region 18 Bulletin, Volume 54, Number 1, Spring 2012

It will help to define why it is you wish to enter your irises in a show. There are usually four

different reasons: A) You want to support your club and have some nice irises to show the pub-

lic. B) You are interested in winning blue ribbons and maybe Best Specimen (Queen of Show).

C) You are interested in winning so many blue ribbons you qualify for the Silver Medal (most

blue ribbons of the show). D) You have a seedling you would like to show. You should identify

your reason(s) for participating in the show, because each reason can result in a different ap-

proach.

A. SUPPORTING YOUR CLUB

If you are participating mainly to support your club and your real interest is in the garden, good

for you. There are ways to exhibit some irises without decimating your garden display. Here,

the best approach is to choose stalks only from your larger clumps. If you have a clump with six

or more bloomstalks, you are unlikely to miss one. On the other hand, if you cut the only stalk

of a variety you have only recently acquired, you will miss it more. Even if you are not inter-

ested in winning show awards, you will still want to give a good account of your taste in choos-

ing, growing, selecting and grooming irises. The rule book says that 25% of an iris’ award can

be directly attributed to grooming and staging. In reality, that percentage can go even higher

and a skilled exhibitor can turn an average stalk into a blue ribbon winner with careful attention

to detail. For the exhibitor who is entering shows mainly to help the local club, I would suggest

a good number of stalks to bring will fall between six and twelve. This will give the public a

chance to see a fair sampling of what does well in your garden, and you should not be surprised

to win a few blue ribbons in the bargain.

B. WINNING BLUE RIBBONS AND BEST SPECIMEN OF SHOW

If your interests fall mainly into the B category of desiring to win blue ribbons and Best Speci-

men, you will need to begin planning early. You don’t necessarily need a large number of stalks

to enter. I have seen many times a skilled exhibitor enter one stalk… and win Best Specimen.

But, to be able to do this on a regular basis, you will need to plan well ahead. When making

your selections to grow in the garden, give preference to ones that bloom within the time period

your show is usually scheduled. Then, choose those varieties known for excellent branching,

good substance and preferably, more than one open bloom on the stalk at show time (this is not

necessarily a good attribute in the garden where less flowers out at once usually guarantee a

longer show). Don’t grow too many varieties. You will be better off to be able to really the

baby the ones you do grow. You will have to know your individual varieties to know whether

they give their optimum performance as a one year, two year or three year clump.

Don’t let weeds into your beds and don’t let your irises starve or have to go into a downward

spiral because of drought. If it doesn’t rain enough to keep them growing nicely, water them.

Don’t over feed or over water because you want good sturdy plants. Irises grown in good soil

and well cared for do not have to be sprayed against pests, unless you are visited by iris borers.

Likewise, you do not have to worry too much about their foliage; which should be at its best at


bloom time anyway. You will want to guard against letting your potential show stalks be blown

crooked by persistent winds. If this seems likely, stake them early. Likewise, you should be

vigilant about your iris’s branching. If it looks like the branching may be too close, causing a

flower to touch the stalk or another flower, pad them out early in the garden. A week before the

show is not too soon to begin. Be careful here and pad them out little by little with paper towels

rolled into a tube and cut into whatever size you need. Paper towels are soft, but don’t make the

padding too large or too tight or it will do harm to your branching instead of good. You can also

transport your show prospects to the show in their bottles with this padding in place and it will

offer you some protection. Don’t forget to remove the padding when you are entering your

flowers. Have your bloom stalks completely staged and groomed at home before you leave for a

show. If you can fill out the entry tags at home, do so. Be very careful loading, transporting and

unloading your stalks, because it is dreadfully easy to ruin a deserving entry with rough han-

dling. You can go over your stalks again when they are safely on the show tables, and you

should.

C. WINNING ENOUGH BLUE RIBBONS FOR THE SILVER MEDAL

If your reasons for entering the show run closest to C) you want to win lots of blue ribbons and

the Silver Medal, you are going to be working hard and planning ahead. If you can win 20 to 25

blue ribbons, you stand a good chance of winning the Silver Medal. This is about the minimum

amount you have a reasonable chance with that won’t have you hauling your entire garden to

the show. You must be competent enough to know a blue ribbon winner in your garden when

you see one, and not fill up your grooming tables with lesser irises that won’t win a blue or

higher placement. That said, if you run up against a really good competitor who is willing to

groom and transport 80 blue ribbon winners (and they do exist, but they are rare), you will need

to be happy with the Bronze Medal. In going for the Silver Medal, you don’t particularly care

whether you win the Best Specimen or any purple rosette. I suggest that you avoid the real

show ponies that you see winning purple rosettes at every show. The reason being that there are

bound to be at least three of four entries of each of those varieties and it is all too easy to win a

second or a third with your entry of that superlative variety that ordinarily would have won a

blue. You don’t have to work too hard for a blue ribbon if you pick the right classes and speci-

mens as you might think.

For a main season show, take a good look at MTBs. Their smaller flowers and naturally spec-

tacular branching makes them easier to groom and less likely to be damaged than their larger

flowered TB fellows. The larger and more ruffled your flower is, the more the chance for dam-

age; the more flowers there are, the more chances for damage there are. So, the largest, most

spectacular specimens with four flowers out will only knock the judge’s socks off if they are

flawless. That is hard to achieve. Since your motive is blue ribbons and not Best Specimen, you

might pass this type by and save yourself a lot of work. If you simply want a lot of blues, details

and diligence must be your motto. Don’t overlook anything, including checking under the petals

and in the spathes for insects and don’t leave any finger prints on your stalks. Your bottles must

all be sparkling clean and each stalk securely and neatly wedged. Make sure your tags are legi-

ble, neat and straight.


D. YOU HAVE A SEEDLING YOU WANT TO SHOW:

If your interests fall into category D); seedlings, you will have the most fun and the least work.

The judge’s handbook states that seedlings don’t need to be groomed. Don’t you believe it! I

guarantee you that if you bring in a nice seedling and dump it sideways into a bottle with ugly

brown folded flowers to show off its bud count, I will come out of nowhere and beat you. Every

dinky little club has its hybridizer who is interested in no class but the seedling class. In this

club, I am that person. If there is one person here who really wants to win Best Seedling, it’s

me. I can be beat, but I will make you work for it. That said, you will have just a small number

of seedlings really worth bringing on any particular show date, so do your homework and you

can still win. Don’t bring just another blue or yellow.

You have to bring something different with apparent improvements over what is already out

there. The improvements can be subtle, such as better bud count, better substance, better

branching. If such things are found on a blue or yellow, you can legitimately bring it. If it isn’t

an improved blue or yellow, keep it at home to enjoy and work further on. If you have a truly

reliable rebloomer, write that on the entry tag, especially if that is the only substantial improve-

ment. Rebloom that is reliable is rare and truly an improvement in any color pattern. The judges

will appreciate a small pedigree. Example: ‘Sudden Impact’ (TB) x aphylla ‘Ahlburg’. Since

you are entering only a few of your favorite seedlings in this class, get serious about color cod-

ing your flowers and your bottles and make sure the bottle fits in size and character the class of

the seedling you are entering. Even a complete amateur can come up with a winning and dis-

tinctive seedling. Present it properly and you can win a blue ribbon.

E. BEFORE THE SHOW:

There are things you can fix and things you can’t fix when grooming irises. Things you cannot

fix are flowers that are aging (look at the edges; if they are watery remove them or suffer the

penalty); top-branched entries especially with lots of open flowers that are touching (you can

shorten the stalk only so much – an astute judge will still realize the variety is top branched);

flowers that are crowded against the stem to the point of distortion or badly interfering with one

another; damaged spathes, holes, tears (unless it is a natural fold or tear); and badly under-

grown stalks to the point of being out of class (or over-grown if a dwarf or median).

That said, there are a surprising number of things you can tinker with and still win a blue rib-

bon. With a little practice, you will know a blue ribbon winner the second you see it in your

garden. It might not be spectacular, but it will be without major faults and it will be fresh.

Don’t wait until the morning of the show to visit your garden. Watch your possible contenders

from the time they first come up, stake them if they need help from the wind bending their

stalks over, especially if the ground is very wet. Cut them the day before the show (or several

days before if the weather is inclement or threatening) and store them appropriately. That means

if they are in jeopardy of being past prime by show date, store them in a dark and cool place. If

they are in prime condition, store them in a dark and cool place. If they might not open, store

them in full light, warm (not hot) and humid conditions. This might include a bathroom with the

door shut , lights on, and some steamy water in the basin or right under a lamp or light that is

warm (not hot). You can also put warm (not hot) water in its bottle.

Next Issue—Part Two—”Grooming Iris For The Show”


REGION 9 Affiliate Calendar Dates for 2016

Mid-Illinois Iris Society (MIIS)

March 28, 2016 Meeting to be announced

April 25, 2016 Meeting to be announced

May 7, 2016 Iris Show with SIIS, Lady of the Snows, Belleville, Il

August 6, 2016 Public Sale, 8:00 AM—Noon.

September 26, 2016 Beardless Sale for club members

October 24, 2016 Meeting

December 3. 2016 Christmas Party

Northern Illinois Iris Society (NIIS)

See the Region 9 website for NIIS meeting dates—aisregion9.com

Prairie Iris Society (PIS)

April 16, 2016 Spring Meeting-Los Zarapes Mexican Restaurant

Mahomet, Illinois, 9:30 AM, “Program by Jerry

Wilhoit”

Iris Show May 21, 2016, Lincoln Square Mall, Urbana, Il

August 6, 2016 Iris Sale-Lincoln Square Mall, 8:00 AM—Noon, Urbana,

Illinois

September 17, 2016 Fall Meeting-Los Zarapes Mexican Restaurant,

Mahomet, Illinois, 9:30 AM, “AIS National Conven

tion Pictures and experiences.

Sangamon Valley Iris Society (SVIS)

April 01, 2016 Meeting 7:00 PM, Rochester, Illinois

Topic: To be determined

April 22, 2016 Meeting 7:00 PM, Rochester, Illinois


May 14, 2016 Iris Show, Washington Park Botanical Gardens

Exhibit Hall, 12-4 PM, 1740 West Fayette Ave,

Springfield

July 30, 2016 Iris Sale, 1-4 PM, Washington Park Botanical Gardens

Exhibit Hall, 1740 West Fayette Ave, Springfield

August 26, 2016 Meeting 7:00 PM, Rochester, Illinois


September 23, 2016 Meeting 7:00 PM, Rochester, Illinois, Potluck


Southern Illinois Iris Society (SIIS)

April 17, 2016 Spring Meeting U of I Extension, Salem, Il

May 7, 2016 Iris Show with MIIS, Lady of the Snows, Belleville, Il

July 30, 2016 Fall Meeting and Public Sale, U of I Extension, Salem, IL


Results for Region 9 SYMPOSIUM

Top 35 Vote Getters

1. Dusky Challenger Schreiner 1986

2. Jesse’s Song B. Williamson 1983

2. Silverado Schreiner 1987

4. Yaquina Blue Schreiner 1992

5. Beverly Sills B. Hager 1979

5. Conjuration M. Byers 1989

5. Honky Tonk Blues Schreiner 1988

8. Daughter of Stars D. Spoon 2001

8. Emma’s Laughter S. Poole 2008

8. Stairway To Heaven L. Lauer 1993

11. Mesmerizer M. Byers 1991

11. Queen’s Circle F. Kerr 2000

11. Sea Power K. Keppel 1999

11. Stepping Out Schreiner 1964

15. Abby’s Fire S. Poole 2012

15. Gypsy Lord K. Keppel 2006

15. Laced Cotton Schreiner 1980

15. Skating Party L. Gaulter 1983

15. Splashacata R. Tasco 1998

15. Tuscan Summer K. Keppel 2010

21. Celebration Song Schreiner 1993

21. Devonshire Cream G. Sutton 2000

21. Going My Way J. Gibson 1972

21. Hello Darkness Schreiner 1992

21. Immortality L. Zurbrigg 1982

21. Kaelin’s Lipstick S. Poole 2011

21. Vanity B. Hager 1975

21. Wintry Sky K. Keppel 2002

29. Clarence L. Zurbrigg 1991

29. Everything Plus O.D. Niswonger 1984

29. Montmartre K. Keppel 2008

29. Supreme Sultan Schreiner 1988

29. Thornbird M. Byers 1989

29. Titan’s Glory Schreiner 1981

29. Tour de France K. Keppel 2004

‘Beverly Sills’

‘Conjuration’

‘Honky Tonk Blues’

See inside front cover for

pictures of Top Four

of the Region 9 Symposium.


Membership and Regional Participation

Reprinted from The Irisarian, Region 7 The American Iris Society, Fall 2012 by Chuck Winters

and edited by Dave and Deb Miller

Membership activities in the local clubs and Regional participation cannot be taken for granted.

I feel that a vibrant club, run by caring people will always attract new blood. It’s easy some-

times to skimp on the important things. Here is a little list of what I think is important-both for

local clubs and the Region:

Consistency and Continuity-Club members and prospective members’ expectations should be honored:

Stick with the published meeting calendar and times.

Offer a good program at each meeting-no exceptions-and rely on others in the community to be your guest speakers. Vary the topics-keep them interesting and publicize the meeting/speaker.

Keep the business part of the meeting moving and interesting.

Plan time for social interaction, food, fun, and fellowship at every meeting and surrounding the setup and cleanup of events.

Create an orderly nomination, election and transition of new officers, and budgets.

Committees and Chairs-It’s easy to get into a rut of the same people making all the decisions,

controlling every event, etc. For those doing the work, it sometimes seems like no one else will.

For those on the sidelines, it’s “Why does she always buy the show prizes?”

Why not ask someone DIRECTLY to step up and take a bigger role by being a Committee

Chair?

Give the Committee Chairs budgets and boundaries and let them be creative.

Make sure there is a reward and respect for doing a good job, and people will agree to do it.

Caring and Communications-Make sure that hospitality for guests (and members) at meet-

ings, sales, and shows is a priority. (How about a Hospitality Committee?).

Don’t let texting and email substitute for great printed newsletters, postcards, phone calls,

etc.

Do your new members feel like they’re the most important people in the club?

Make sure members know when each thing is happening and what their specific role is. So-

licit ideas at every opportunity. Acknowledge club members and contributors by name, in

print, etc.


Publish a yearbook with addresses, emails, and phone numbers of all members and a copy

of the latest bylaws.

Get a tech person to create and maintain a simple website.

Community and Conscience-The only chance you have to entice new members is based upon

your reputation in the community:

Keep the community aware of your presence through press releases about events or club

milestones.

Make sure your meeting times are listed on community calendars with a statement “Open to

the Public.”

Offer expertise in irises for programs at local garden clubs and other speaking opportunities.

Keep in contact with local horticulture and Master Gardener groups. Select one of your

meetings each year to hold jointly with another plant group!

Offer to write a column in a local paper or be quoted for garden articles.

Give back to the community and support other non-profits.

Get involved and have a presence at fairs, farmer’s markets, etc. ALWAYS be willing to

help others grow good irises.

Create and Change-Don’t be afraid to innovate for the sake of fun and keeping it interesting.

Editor Comments:

Look at ways to make meetings and programs new and interesting and attractive to new

members and visitors.

If a new idea is presented, consider it in a positive manner and think about how it will affect

the group.

Think “Out of the Box”.

Be supportive of our leaders as they plan out our events for the upcoming year.

Talk to your friends and contacts, encourage them to join both AIS and Region 9.

Encourage members of your local affiliate to get more involved if they are not already.

Let’s work hard to make 2016 the year where we increased Region 9 membership!!!


Border Bearded

Adamus (Z. Krupka 2006)

Intermediate Bearded

Battenkill Riffle (J. Burton II, 2003, IB)

Bedtime Story (J. Ritchie, 1982, IB)

Blueberry Bliss (Schreiner, 2004, IB)

Bonkers (K. Keppel, 2006, IB)

Calligrapher (M. Smith, 2005, IB)

Cayenne (M. Smith, 2003, IB)

Concertina (G. Sutton, 2000, IB)

Delirium (M. Smith, 2001. IB)

Dragonmaster (M. Smith, 2004, IB)

Limonada (K. Keppel, 2007. IB)

Maui Moonlight (J. T. Aitken 1987, IB)

Ming (M. Smith, 1997. IB)

Nickel (P. Black, 2006, IB)

Prince of Burgundy (O.D. Niswonger, 1993,

IB)

Spiced Peaches (P. Black, 2004, IB)

Starwoman (M. Smith, 1998, IB)

Louisiana

Ann Hordern (H. Pryor, 1997/1998, LA)

Joe Pott (J. Mertzweiller, 2007, LA)

Laura Louise (J. Mertzweiller, 1990, LA)

Little Bronzed Aussie (B. Pryor, 2006, LA)

Melody Wilhoit (H. Nichols, 2013, LA)

Midnight Spirit (R. Morgan, 1992, LA)

Pegaletta (G. W. Hollyman, 1960, LA)

Perfect Match (J. C. Taylor 1989/1990, LA)

Royal Embrace (H. Rowlan, 1984, LA)

Miniature Dwarf Bearded

African Wine (B. Kasparek, 1999, MDB)

Standard Dwarf Bearded

Cat’s Eye (P. Black, 2002, SDB)

DOT Com (B. Jones, 1997, SDB)

Neutron (T. Johnson, 2001, SDB)

Wish Upon a Star (P. Black, 2006, SDB)

Species

Sakai No Ogon (Maeda, 1998, Species)

Spuria

Color Focus (Jenkons, 1990, SPU)

Lemon Chiffon Pie A. & D. Cadd, 2006, SPU)

Tall Bearded

Abby’s Fire (S. Poole, 2012, TB)

Big Squeeze (P. Black, 1999, TB)

Bing (B. Filardi, 2011, TB)

Blue Fin (G. Sutton, 1998, TB)

Broken Pattern (P. Black, 2004, TB)

Celebration Song (Schreiner, 1993, TB)

Crowned Heads (K. Keppel, 1997, TB)

Dracula’s Kiss (Schreiner, 2009, TB)

Dusky Challenger (Schreiner, 1986, TB)

Emma’s Laughter (S. Poole, 2008, TB)

Enchanted Way (B. Blyth, 2011/2012, TB)

Gypsy Romance (Schreiner, 1994, TB)

Habit (P. Black, 1999, TB)

Jesse’s Song (B. Willliamson, 1983, TB)

Jurassic Park (Lauren, 1995, TB)

Modern Woman (T. Johnson, 2005, TB)

Queen’s Circle (F. Kerr, 2000, TB)

Royal Majesty (K. Keppel, 2007, TB)

Salzburg Echo (Schreiner, 2009, TB)

Sea Power (K. Keppel, 1999, TB)

Silken Trim (Schreiner, 2012, TB)

Silverado (Schreiner, 1987, TB)

Stairway to Heaven (L. Lauer, 1993, TB)

Stellar Lights (J.T. Aitken, 1986, TB)

Sweeter Than Wine (Schreiner, 1988, TB)

Telepathy (K. Keppel, 2003, TB)

White Room (L. Lauer, 2005, TB)

Yaquina Blue (Schreiner, 1992, TB)

Ziggy (V. Keyser, 2000, TB)

Unidentified SDB

(Unidentified (NOID)

Washington Park August 11, 2015

Iris In Bed With Water Problems


Region 9 American Iris Society (AIS) Meeting Minutes

August 8, 2015

Call to Order: Regional Vice President (RVP) Dave Kelly (Dave) called the meeting to order.

He recognized prior RVPs: – Ernie Henson, Margaret Kelly, Steve Poole, Chuck Simon, and

Jerry Wilhoit.

Secretary’s Report: Dave reported the minutes were published in the newsletter. Dave asked

for any additions or corrections. There were none. A motion to approve the minutes was made

and seconded. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report: John Bilski provided the Treasurer’s report. The balance as of January 1,

2015 was $4,601.76. The balance as of August 1, 2015 was $2,581.76. A motion to approve

the report was made and seconded. Motion passed.

Committee Reports:

Iris Auction and Sale: Chuck Simon provided a paper copy of the invoice with a list of irises

to be sent to Region 9 for the Silent Auction by Thomas Johnson, Mid-America Gardens to

Dave Kelly before the Region 9 meeting. The invoice was dated July 27, 2015. The irises were

to be shipped August 3 with a three day delivery.

Chuck Simon thanked those who helped with the sale.

Dave and Debra Miller are responsible for putting together an email list and for notifying those

who have attended the sale in 2014 and 2015 of the 2016 sale by email.

Judges Training: Becky Simon reported she received the activity reports that were due August

1 and the judge’s ballots that were due August 1.

Membership: Suzy Schneider, Chairman, reported as of 12/31/14 there are:

5 Affiliates

11 E- Members

124 members - 101 memberships

Youth Chairman: Dave reported Brian and Carol Davis have resigned as Youth Chair-

men.

Web Master: Dave reported the web-site is up and running. Those who have informa-

tion for the web-site should send it to him. .

Illinois Irisarian Editors: Dave and Debra passed out a report (see attached).


Nominating Committee: Jerry Wilhoit and Chuck Simon served as the Nominating Commit-

tee. The nominations for officers for 2016 – 2019 are:

RVP – Margaret Kelly

Assistant RVP – Debra Miller

Secretary – Leora McTall

Treasurer – John Bilski

There were no nominations from the floor. A motion to approve the nominations was

made and seconded. Election held and those nominated were elected.

Facebook Region 9: Margaret Kelly reported the Region 9 Facebook is up and run-

ning.

By-Laws: Steve Poole had nothing to report.

Reports by Affiliate Presidents:

Southern Illinois Iris Society (Southern) – Gail DeVilbis reported Southern and Mid

-Illinois Iris Society had their iris show at Our Lady of the Snows on May 16, 2015.

Southern Illinois Iris Society had their public iris sale and member auction on July 25 at

the University of Illinois Extension, Salem, Illinois.

Mid Illinois Iris Society (Mid Illinois) – Ernie Henson reported Mid Illinois had their

public iris sale and member auction of bearded iris on August 1 at Caseyville. They will have

their member auction of beardless iris at their September meeting.

Sangamon Valley Iris Society (SVIS) – Debra Miller reported SVIS had their Iris

Show on May 9, 2015. Renee Burns and Joe Carlove went home to get more iris and ended up

winning Best In Show. Neil Thomson went home to get more iris and ended up with the most

blue ribbons. SVIS had their Public Iris Sale on July 25, 2015. She reported the club bought

$50 of median iris for each club member. These median iris will be distributed at the August

meeting. In September SVIS will have a potluck and members will show slides of the 2016

AIS Convention.

Prairie Iris Society (Prairie) – Jerry Wilhoit reported Prairie did not have an iris show

this year because of the American Iris Society Convention. Their fall meeting will be on Sep-

tember 19, 2015 at Los Zarapes Mexican Restaurant in Mahomet, Illinois at 9:30 am. Margaret

Kelly will be speaking on the AIS National Convention in Portland, Oregon.

Northern Illinois Iris Society (Northern) – Chuck Simon reported Northern had their

annual iris show at Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois on May 30 and May 31, 2015. Their

annual iris sale was July 12, 2015 in Elmhurst, Illinois. Chuck Bunnell will speak on “MTBs”

at their yearend get together on Sunday, November 15, 2015.


Old Business

Friday Night, August 7, 2015 - Pictures and experiences at the national convention in Port-

land were shared by those who attended the convention – Deb Perschbacher, Suzy Schneider,

Leora and Ralph McTall, and Margaret and Dave Kelly. Steve Poole presented judge’s train-

ing on “The Perfect Iris Show Stalk”

Iris Sale - Chuck Simon provided a paper copy of the invoice with a list of irises sent to be

sent to Region 9 for the Silent Auction by Thomas Johnson, Mid-America Gardens to Dave

Kelly before the Region 9 meeting. The invoice was dated July 27, 2015. The irises were to be

shipped August 3 with a three day delivery.

Chuck Simon thanked those who helped with the sale.

Signs: - Dave and Debra Miller reported signs have been purchased and are in use. Sangamon

Velley Iris Society previously paid for one sign frame. SVIS has paid for one additional sign,

the top inserts for two signs, and the SVIS iris show and SVIS iris sale inserts for three signs.

Region 9 is responsible for one additional sign, the top insert for one sign, and the Region 9 sale

inserts for three signs since the sale information is different from the sale information for SVIS.

The cost for Region 9 is $298.23.

Spring 2016 Region 9 Meeting - The spring meeting will be Saturday, April 2, 2016 with a

potluck lunch at the Rochester Community Center in Rochester, Illinois. Debra Miller reported

Rochester takes reservations no sooner than six months in advance of the month of the event.

Secretary Note: When Debra Miller went to make the reservation for the Rochester Commu-

nity Room on April 2, 2016, she discovered the room had already been reserved by someone

else.

2016 American Iris Society National Convention - The 2016 AIS Convention will be in

Newark, New Jersey May 23- May 28, 2016. There will be optional tours before the conven-

tion.

Affiliations - The affiliates will get a form for accreditation as an affiliate after January 1, 2016.

Dave Kelly asked the affiliates to respond as soon as they can so Margaret, new RVP, can get

the information to national before the deadline,

Symposium Ballots - Dave reported he had copies of the Symposium ballot for those who

would like to complete them and turn them in today. The ballots are due to the RVP by Sep-

tember 1, 2015.

Websites and FACEBOOKs - Dave reminded the region 9 website is www.aisregion9.com.

The AIS website is www.irises.org.

Dave reported Region 9, Northern Iris Society, Prairie Iris Society, and Sangamon Valley Iris

Society have Facebook pages.

http://www.aisregion9.com


New Business:

Fall 2016 Fall Meeting - The fall meeting will be Friday, August 5 and Saturday, August 6 at

Washington Park Botanical Gardens. The proposed schedule is:

Friday, August 12 – Region 9 American Iris Society Plant Sale Set-up

Saturday, August 13 – Region 9 American Iris Society Plant Sale 9 am to 12 pm. with early

member arrival.

Steve Varner Garden - Dave Miller reported he met with Washington Park, Alexa Potts and

the head gardener. They are very interested in having the Steve Varner Memorial bed. How-

ever, they do not have the money at this time. Alexa will look into grants.

AIS Display Garden - Dave Miller reported he had submitted the paperwork for the Washing-

ton Park Botanical Garden to be an AIS Display Garden and is awaiting approval.

Meeting Adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Miller

AIS Region 9 Secretary

‘Illini Repeater’

(S. Varner 1972)

‘Miss Illini’

(S. Varner 1966)


ILLINOIS IRISARIAN David and Debra Miller, Co-Editors 61 Laconwood Drive Springfield, Illinois 62712-8727

‘Bantam’

(S. Varner 1985, MDB)

HM 1987, AM 1992

Greetings to all Illinois Irisarians.

We hope you have a GREAT bloom season!!!

“ILLINOIS IRISARIAN”

Documents

Transcript of “ILLINOIS IRISARIAN”