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Greetings for 2009

In our 31st year, great things are happening. Finally, the Dykes Medal (the annual “best of the best” award) for North American Irises has come to one of our family of hybridizers. Marky Smith made history by being awarded the Dykes Medal in 2008 for an Intermediate Bearded Iris, ‘Starwoman’.

Since the beginning, our mentors, Bennett Jones and George Shoop, have advised us to introduce only the best seedlings that we can produce. Over the years, our percentage of award winners has been quite outstanding. An accumulation of some 60 ‘best of class’ national medals attests to the dedication of our family of hybridizers. The bottom line? “EXPECT QUALITY.”

On another front, Terry was honored to have been selected by the British Iris Society to receive the Foster Memorial plaque for a combination of hybridizing effort and service to the iris world. Another member of our team, Bennett Jones, has previously received this recognition.

Additions to our team, this year, are Chuck Bunnell of Lafayette, Indiana and Richard Richards of La Mesa, California.

The American Iris Society award system continues to recognize the work of our hybridizers. In addition to Marky’s historic success in winning the Dykes Medal with ‘Starwoman’ (IB), she has also garnered another Hans and Jacob Sass Medal for best IB with ‘Ming’ and Lynn Markham received the Knowlton Medal for best Border Bearded with ‘Teapot Tempest’. Amongst the Award of Merit winners were Ken Fisher with ‘Sailor’s Dream’ (MTB); Chuck Bunnell with ‘Missus Bee’ (MTB); Marky Smith with ‘Panther’ (SDB) and Chad Harris with ‘Freckled Peacock’ (JI).

Terry also picked up awards in the German Iris Society International competition with ‘Fire Coral’ (SDB) and ‘Pink Latte’ (SDB). In Region 13 (Oregon, Washington and Alaska), he also received best in region iris award for ‘Rimaround’ (IB).

Busy times lie ahead with a national Spuria Convention in 2010 and a National Japanese Iris Convention in 2011. Guest plants are in place in our display garden for both of these conventions. Drop by to see them, and many other irises on display. We generally have bloom from early April until July 1st, with a scattering of rebloom later in the summer. Maximum bloom usually occurs the last two weeks of May. Garden visitors are welcome daily from 9:00am – 5:00pm during bloom season. If you are visiting from a distance, or are interested in a specific type of iris, it is best to call or email first. The best time to reach us near a phone is after dark, Pacific time.

We thank our many customers and our fellow irisarians for your support.

May your 2009 gardening season be a rewarding one!

Terry and Barbara Aitken