TALL BEARDED IRIS IRWELL SOFT HEARTED

Blooming today in the Autumn afternoon sun shining its light on this re-bloomer. Tall! some 9 inches taller than its registered height coming in at 97cm (39"). Buds are tipped violet with a tan gold outer opening to creamy white standards that have just a blush of violet lavender and are heavily infused with a bright gold shade in the midribs. Falls are indeed the off white with strong gold shoulders, gold on the reverse, all completely finished with an amazing bold yellow beard. The bloom stalk in this photo has had frosts and buckets of rain thrown at it and it didn't give up so there is a strong possibility that when it blooms in its regular mid season time slot later this year it will be an iris to watch out for!! 

2016 New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist
IRWELL SOFT HEARTED (Ron Busch, R. 2010). Sdlg.1771-4110. TB, 30" (76 cm), M. S. white, gold center; style arms gold; F. off-white, gold shoulders, gold reverse; beards yellow. Parentage unknown.

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version. Reproduction in whole or in part of this post, its opinions or its images without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson is strictly prohibited. Photo credit and copyright Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

Read More

TALL BEARDED IRIS IRWELL JAZZ TIME

More of 'The Late Show'
I have 4-5 plants of Irwell Jazz Time and they have bloomed non stop for the last 4 weeks, and I must of taken 30 or 40 photos of it, but because of the colouration and the striations on the falls the blooms have a tendency to confuse the camera, they never seemed to look acurate but we got there in the end despite the heavy rain.

2016 New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist
IRWELL JAZZ TIME (Ron Busch, R. 2010). Sdlg.1657/3057. TB, 30" (76 cm), E. S. lavender, purple flecked, slight purple midrib; style arms gold, purple midrib; F. cream white ground, ¾" purple plicata band; beards lemon. Parentage known.

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version. Reproduction in whole or in part of this post, its opinions or its images without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson is strictly prohibited. Photo credit and copyright Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

Read More

TALL BEARDED IRIS IRWELL BANDIT

More of 'The Late Show'
Ron Busch Irises are renown for their rebloom so it comes as no surprise to me that some more of his Irises are starting to poke up extra bloom stalks after last weekend's 120mm and this weeks 50mm of rain.
The above "Irwell Bandit" blooming yesterday, for me it's the second year of re-bloom. Good height (115cm-45 inch) Stalk with two branches and 12 buds on the rebloom stem, . Vigorous grower, clean purple bottom foliage.

As well as 'Irwell Bandit' over the last few weeks we have also re-blooming at home Irwell Simplicity, Irwell Jazz Time, Irwell Enchanted Circle, Irwell Morning Bright, Irwell Fancy Dragon and Irwell Playboy. I will post on the blog photos and Checklist descriptions of these in the next few weeks.

2016 New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist
IRWELL BANDIT (Ron Busch, R. 2010). Sdlg. 1819. TB, 30" (76 cm), M, Re. Standards white flushed lavender; style arms lavender white; Falls red violet, white veining around tangerine beard, off-white edge. Parentage unknown. PBF.  The Iris Garden, 2011.

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version. Reproduction in whole or in part of this post, its opinions or its images without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson is strictly prohibited. Photo credit and copyright Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

Read More

THE LATE SHOW

Ron Busch's Irises never fail to amaze! This is a yet to be registered seedling of Ron's producing a vivid display in our Autumn Garden. 

Reproduction in whole or in part of this post, its opinions or its images without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson is strictly prohibited. Photo credit and copyright Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

Read More

Tall Bearded Classic Iris SUMMIT

'Summit' photo taken yesterday.
Part of my program each season is to replace the older earlier photos on my Blog to portray a more accurate photo for ID which is after all the purpose for the blog, its my record of the Irises growing at home.
The photo is as the Waterson Catalogue description below and shows the rich yellow of the falls. 

Waterson Iris Garden, Wanganui, Irises 1960-61.
SUMMIT A lovely iris which, like Pinnacle, is a combination of white and yellow. The standards are the same pure white, without even a hint of cream, but the falls, instead of being primrose yellow as in 'Pinnacle', are a rich yellow. In the clump it is breathtakingly beautiful. There is an exquisite quality of beauty about this combination of white and gold which appeals both to the lover of bright colours for colour's sake and to the lover of artistic colour combinations- Summit is a tall and stately iris with widely branched stems carrying classically formed blooms.

D'Arcy Blackburn, Clifford Street, Gisborne, Bearded Iris Catalogue, 1957-1958
Summit (Stevens) A famous iris, one of the raiser's white and yellow amoenas, which has been acclaimed overseas as an outstanding iris. Tall and widely branched, with standards of pure white and falls of golden yellow, it makes a wonderful clump. Excellence substance and habits of growth. (48 inches)

Reproduction in whole or in part of this post, its opinions or its images without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson is strictly prohibited. Photo credit and copyright Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

Read More

TALL BEARDED IRIS IRWELL SIMPLICITY

Yes I am keeping notes regarding plant habits and bud count and all the other important things but I do not have enough time to extrapolate the data to the blog at the moment.
There are about twenty 'Ron Busch Irises blooming at the moment some in different gardens in different parts of the North Island so gathering the information and taking photos are the priorities at the moment. The dots will be joined and filled in later so if you need the bud count, or information of plant health you will have to return at a later date.
I hear some call these photo's glamour shots but I like to think of them as a method to ID irises and by time I have finished 'The Ron Busch Collection' will be well documented and after-all that's the end game. So here is another of Ron Busch 2010 stunning introductions blooming at home today.

2016 New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist
IRWELL SIMPLICITY (Ron Busch, R. 2010). Sdlg. 1764-4015. TB, 30" (76 cm), EM. S. white, yellow base; style arms white; F. white, ¾" lavender margin edged pale lemon, pale lavender spot with texture veining; beards yellow. Parentage unknown. PBF.

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version. Reproduction in whole or in part of this post, its opinions or its images without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson is strictly prohibited. Photo credit and copyright Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.
The copyright of course includes the well known Iris photo kleptomaniac in France known as 'Irisenligne' who seems to back to his bad old habits again.

Read More

Tall Bearded Iris IRWELL CASUAL FLIRT

I knew the early blooms would include some of Ron Busch incredible catalogue.
So here is one of the early starts after a night of heavy rain.

2016 New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist 
IRWELL CASUAL FLIRT (Ron Busch, R. 2010). Sdlg. 1852-4044. TB, 30" (76 cm), EM. S. lemon, violet midrib; style arms old gold, wine midrib; F. rose wine plicata on white; beards bronze. Parentage unknown. The Iris Garden, 2014.

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version. Reproduction in whole or in part of this post, its opinions or its images without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson is strictly prohibited. Photo credit and copyright Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.
This of course includes the well known Iris photo kleptomaniac in France known as 'Irisenligne' who seems to back to his bad old habits again.

Read More

New Zealand Tall Bearded Iris EARLY BEAUT

Hardly any iris  bloom stalks anywhere at home just yet, and it feels like it's going to be one of those 'all at once' iris seasons once nature finally makes its mind up when spring will start so the irises get an temperature 'go' signal that is consistent over a few days or weeks not an hour or so like it is currently, and that the daylight hours change from just a astronomy calculation to reality.
Even with all of these challenges it seems that our garden Tall Bearded Iris season starts these days with a couple of David Nicoll's 'Early' series Irises.
'Early Beaut' is an unusual colour tone with a pollen parent that is a well known Southern Hemisphere beauty of Barry Blyth 'Chinese Empress' that has softened the rather coarse colour tones of its famous pod parent 'Thornbird'. Double budded with good bud count, good plant health with strong plant habits.   


Richmond Iris Garden, 376 Hill Street, Nelson. Issue #54, 2004-2005 Catalogue.
* EARLY BEAUT - D. Nicoll Early flowering Violet blue standards infused with green at centre, falls veined violet merging to creamy mustard edge............................$15.00

2016 New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist
EARLY BEAUT D.B. Nicoll, Reg., 2004. Sdlg. D98T12-l. TB, 33″, (85 cm), VE ; S. light violet blue with a light infusion of green-gold from the centre midrib; style arms light creamy mustard with a touch of violet on the lip; F. veined violet centres merging and fading to light creamy mustard edges, under surface of central midrib green; beards bright orange; slight sweet fragrance. Thornbird X Chinese Empress. Richmond Iris Gardens 2004/05.

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version. Reproduction in whole or in part of this post, its opinions or its images without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson is strictly prohibited. Photo credit and copyright Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©. 
This of course includes the well known Iris photo kleptomaniac in France known as 'Irisenligne' who seems to back to his bad old habits again.

Read More

New Zealand Tall Bearded Iris BEYOND RICHES

'Beyond Riches' is an iris introduced by Alison Nicoll, Richmond Iris Gardens, New Zealand, and certainly has inherited the genes from the pod parent George Shoop's 'Prince George', with an extra large dollop of added zest and wow!!
 Standards are a lilac white with a distinctive gold edge, hafts are veined leading to a solid magenta purple with a mandarin orange coloured beard. Large slightly fragrant blooms on well branched stems, that carry a upmarket sophisticated bling look with a dash of Parnell. A very nice iris with good plant health, a sister seedling to the New Zealand Dykes medal winner, 'Atavas'.

Richmond Iris Gardens, 376 Hill St., Richmond, Nelson, New Zealand
Specialist Growers and Hybridisers of Beautiful Bearded Irises Catalogue, Issue 62, 2012-13.
BEYOND RICHES: [A. Nicoll ’07] Standards, pale lilac blue with fine gold edge. Falls, Purple blend on magenta, white area around tangerine beards.

New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist 2015
BEYOND RICHES    (Alison Nicoll, R. 2007) Sdlg. A00T2-1. TB, 30" (76 cm), ML    S. light pale lilac-blue, fine gold edging; style arms lilac blue, darker lilac center, gold tips; F. rich magenta and purple blend, white area around beard, fine gold edging, gold and violet veins; beards tangerine; lightly frilled, ruffled; slight sweet fragrance. Prince George X Outrageous Fortune. Richmond 2007/08.

Reproduction in whole or in part of this post, its opinions or its images without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson is strictly prohibited. Photo credit and copyright Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

Read More

Classic Tall Bearded Iris MYSTIC MELODY

Stevens Bros. Bastia Hill, Wanganui. Irises 1951-52 Catalogue.
Novelties 1951-52
MYSTIC MELODY (Stevens)
Proud as we are to have raised Pinnacle and Summit with their sensational and wholly new colour combination,we are equally proud to have raised this less sensational but no less lovely iris. Mystic Melody is a sister seedling of Summit, and while the contrast between the standards and falls is as great, the sharpness of the contrast has been muted and softened by the smooth cream standards and the richer deep gold of the falls. This beautiful mellow quality is intensified by the softer outline of Mystic Melody’s form, which surrenders the dignity of the classic shape for the charm of gentle ruffling. Though the flowers are really large, one is not conscious of their size owing to perfect proportions, and to the smooth purity of the cream and warm rich gold colour. If we were given the choice of one iris, and only one for our garden this lovely iris would be our selection. It has the ethereal beauty of the pale blues, the brightness of the gold’s, the grandeur of the richer colours, and the purity of the finest white iris, and no other iris we have seen possesses all these attributes. We have often been asked which is our favourite iris, and we have not been able to answer the question. But here we have found it, and it is Mystic Melody.

Courtesy Schreiner's Iris Lovers Catalog 1958. 

Schreiner's, Salem,Oregon, Iris Lovers Catalog, 1952.
MYSTIC MELODY M-L 39” This sister seedling to Summit though less striking, is not less glamorous, indeed there is a haunting loveliness about the butter yellow of the enamelled sun-drenched falls a the luminous, shimmering cream of the silken moonlight standards that weaves a spell over the beholder and leaves him rapt. Picture this iris with four open blooms may suggest a bunchiness which in fact does not exist, as the branching starts 8 inches from the ground. If you must chose between this and Summit I would say; If you are a breeder, buy Summit, if a fancier buy Mystic Melody. But if you can 'Buy Both', for each is a distinct and outstanding iris in its own right. HM 52

The Iris Year Book 1952.
Iris Travels in 1952, Mr Harold W. Knowlton.
People who think Pinnacle a trifle coarse can find a beautiful refined yellow bitone in Mrs. Stevens' Mystic Melody.

Fleur de Lis Gardens, Sioux City, Iowa. 1953 Catalog.
MYSTIC MELODY (Stevens) TB 40" M.
Another new bitone, this has rich cream standards, smooth butter yellow falls' Semi-flaring form. HM 1952

The Iris Year Book 1953
Progress in New Zealand, D'Arcy Blackburn.
In creating Mystic Melody, introduced in 1951, Mrs, Stevens has given us a still more finished flower but this time in a pattern of cream and gold. It, too, grows strongly and seems assured of a place in our gardens for many year to come.

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, January 1953, Number 128.
Random Comment.Don Waters, Ohio.
Mystic Melody is very fine both in form of flower and stalk-a refreshing yellow and cream bicolor with much more intensity of color than Pinnacle. In my opinion it is better in every respect than Summit in which I was somewhat disappointed.

Iris Society Year Book 1953 (British Iris Society)
Award to Mrs Stevens 1953 Foster Memorial Plaque, NLC.
One of her latest has perhaps been overshadowed by Pinnacle but it is my favourite, and, I believe her’s: Mystic Melody is from white and yellow amoena breeding but is not so definitely contrasted,the standards being cream and the falls golden yellow, very smooth and gently waved at the edges.It flowers late but very freely, and is good in all ways.

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, October 1954, Number 135.
Report and Varietal Comments From Region Three, Mrs. Wallace J. White .
Amoenas and near Amoenas
Mystic Melody - cream standards, butter yellow falls. Lovely.

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, October 1954, Number 135.
Report and Varietal Comments From Region 5, Ralph E. Lewis.
I saw Summit for the first time. It is much more striking than Pinnacle, but I still like Mystic Melody the best of these three.

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, October 1954, Number 135.
Report and Varietal Comment- Joplin Area, Mrs James A. Sapp, Mo.
Mystic Melody - Most outstanding  of the Stevens iris. Superior to Pinnacle or Summit in our garden.

Lyon Iris Garden, Van Nuys, California. Lyon's Irisland, Iris and Hemerocallis, 1955 Catalog.
MYSTIC MELODY (Stevens, 1951)
This is a sister to Summit. While there is not as much color contrast in Mystic Melody as there is in Summit, we think the form is better, and the petals broader. The enamelled butter-yellow falls create a "melody of sweet music" with the standards of soft cream. An impressive iris. 39" Mid-Late. Honorable Mention 1951.

Eden Road Iris Garden, Wenatchee, Washington. 1956.
Mystic Melody (Stevens) M. 39in. ((Fair Elaine) x ((Lagos) X (Gudrun x Sdlg.)))
Creams standards, and rich butter yellow falls are vet y contrasty. The medium sized flowers are of flaring form, charming and outstanding.

D'Arcy Blackburn 14 Clifford Street, Gisborne. Bearded Irises 1957-1958.
Mystic Melody (Stevens)
With cream standards and butter yellow falls. this sister seedling of Summit has received the Award of Merit of the American Iris Society. Distinct and outstanding and a favourite of the raiser, Mrs. Stevens.  AM '55 (42 inches)

The Iris Year Book 1957
The Iris Show, N. Leslie Cave.
Among the Trade Stands, Waterers put up their annual display. There were a number of New Zealand  irises and I once again admired the refreshing appearance of Mrs. Stevens' trio, Pinnacle,Summit and Mystic Melody.The latter has creamy standards and golden yellow falls, and like Pinnacle is a very good iris; unlike many pampered new irises they grow vigorously and flower freely, apparently a rather vulgar trait these days

Easy Breeze Gardens, Yakima,Washington. Irises 1957.
Mystic Melody (Stevens '51) This has cream standards, and butter yellow falls. Flaring form, nice contrast.

Edenwald Gardens Vincennes, Indiana. Iris, Summer and Fall 1959.
MYSTIC MELODY (Stevens)
Sister to Summit, and although not as contrasty, may prove to be the better. Standards are cream and Falls butter yellow. A lovely Iris.

Waterson's Iris Gardens, Wanganui. Irises 1960-1961
MYSTIC MELODY (Stevens)
 Mystic Melody is a sister seedling of Summit and while the contrast between the standards is as great, the sharpness of the contrast has been muted and softened by the smooth cream standards and the richer deep gold of the falls. This beautiful mellow quality has been intensified by the softer outline of Mystic Melody's form which surrenders the dignity of the classic shape for the charm of a gentle ruffling. Though the flowers are really large, one is not conscious of their size owing to their perfect proportions, and to the smooth purity of the cream and warm rich gold colour. A.M., A.I.S., 1955. 3½ft.

Longs Gardens, Boulder, Colorado. Summer and Fall 1967.
Longs Mile High Quality Iris
Mystic Melody (Stevens) M. 39in.
Cream standards and butter yellow falls combine to make this a very lovely iris. HM '52, AM '55

New Zealand Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist 2014
MYSTIC MELODY  Mrs J. Stevens, Reg., 1949.   Sdlg. 9/T192.  TB, 42″ -48″, M, Y6D. S. creamy white. F. Deep rich gold. Orange beard. Falls to small for standards. 3½ - 4ft.; Description J Stevens Studbook notes,‘1947 flowering’; ((Fair Elaine) x ((Lagos) X (Gudrun x Sdlg.))) Novelties' Stevens Bros 1951-52. Schreiners 1951, HM 1952 AIS, AM 1955 AIS.

It is a privilege to grow Mystic Melody at home and very pleased to have it in my collection. It is a very vigorous grower and flowers freely, shows good Purple bottom foliage (PBF).

Reproduction in whole or in part of this post, its opinions or its images without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson is strictly prohibited.

Photo credit and copyright Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

Read More

New Zealand Tall Bearded Iris IRWELL THANKSGIVING

Stunning Iris from New Zealand's late Ron Busch. For those who do not know I did communicate with Ron Busch regularly and in 2008 we discussed several of his about to be registered irises. One of the discussed was the iris 'Irwell Thanksgiving' and its pedigree. I have scanned Ron's handwritten notes regarding 'Irwell Thanksgiving' which indicate the genetic material used to produce the iris, and whilst not in the format of the official checklists it is hugely better than just a checklist entry 'Parentage Unknown'. 
The 2012 written prediction by one member in particular of the NZIS that Rons Irises "will pass into obscurity as unknowns" is quite frankly risible, and shows the predictors complete lack of knowledge and respect of Ron's Iris breeding history. (Maybe an apology will be forthcoming Peter?? You can write it in the comments if you like) 
  

Ron Busch Handwritten pedigree 'Irwell Thanksgiving', May, 2008

AIS Checklist, 2009.
IRWELL THANKSGIVING
(Ron Busch, R. 2008) Sdlg. 1733-3167. TB, 34" (86 cm), M
S. lemon; style arms lemon, purple midrib; F. rose purple, ³⁄₈˝ lemon border, white veins on shoulders, purple blush below lemon beard. Parentage unknown. Te Ohanga 2008/09.

2013 New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist
IRWELL THANKSGIVING (Ron Busch, R. 2008). Sdlg. 1733-3167. TB, 34" (86 cm), M. S. Lemon; style arms lemon purple midrib; F. Rose purple ⅜" lemon border; white veins on shoulders, purple blush below lemon beard. Involved Irwell seedling lines. ((Brookside x Honky Tonk Blues) x Snowspoon) X Ringo, Emma Cook, Latin Lover, Lula Marguerite, Velvet Robe, Laurie, Taholah.

Reproduction in whole or in part of this post, its opinions or its images without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson is strictly prohibited.
Photo credit and copyright Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

Read More

New Zealand Tall Bearded Iris EARLY EMBERS

Back home for the weekend from my work in Christchurch, and this morning I walked the garden at first light one of the most enjoyable times of the day for me. Still a few weeks away yet for peak bloom which I will not be here for so it was a delight to see a New Zealand bred Iris shinning like a beacon in the garden. It's David Nicoll's 'Early Embers' which I have always had a lot of time for but only get to see it at it's best when the Nor-Westerly winds stay away in the early season.

Plant has good healthy foliage with average rhizome increase, medium size but proportional blooms, with bloom stalks height in our garden is around the 77cm (30") . Can't say I agree with the hybidisers description of the beard colour as just red its more of an orange-red. In cold weather standards can sometimes show some subtle signs of a rose purple colour that some 'iris experts' call virus flecking.  Most likely will never win an award as it is past its peak bloom by time the 'Iris Shows' come around, but it is a stand-out award winning Iris in our garden. Comes with a pedigree of Bill Maryott's stunning velvety maroon 'Cherry Glen' a great garden Tall Bearded crossed with Barry Blyths 1995 amoena  'Yes', a very early blooming TB that has long bloom season.
 'Early Embers' is  listed this year in the Nicolls 'Richmond Iris Garden 2014-2015 Catalogue' and I think it is still traded elsewhere so if you want a early blooming Tall Bearded that puts on a great show with the intermediates make sure it's on this season's Buy-It List!!.

Richmond Iris Garden, 376 Hill Street, Nelson. Issue #64, 2013-2014 Catalogue.
EARLY EMBERS E. Peachy apricot rose colours with a red beard.

2013 New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist
EARLY EMBERS D.B. Nicoll, Reg. 2004. Sdlg. D00T6-l. TB,36" (91 cm,), E. Standards, medium peach-apricot lightly infused with rose; style arms medium apricot; Falls, medium light, apricot-tan with a rose blush merging from the centre to light tan-apricot edges; beards red. Cherry Glen X Yes. Richmond Iris Gardens 2005/06.

Reproduction in whole or in part of this post, its opinions or its images without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson is strictly prohibited.
Photo credit and copyright Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

Read More

New Zealand Tall Bearded Iris ERIC'S DREAM

'Eric's Dream' is a rich deep bronze-brown self with self to deep gold brown beards. It seems to have inherited its form from the pod parent 'Fort Apache' so has a 1980's reminiscent feel which is no bad thing if you are looking for an iris with a appealing '80's classic look'. Magnificent iron rod stalks hold the large blooms on well branching and bud count. Grows at home and has good plant habits making for a great clump. Bred in Gisborne by Eric Braybrook using two of Schreiner's finest so called 'red-bronze' irises, so comes with top bloodlines. A good selection and should it be fertile would make a good parent. This year I purchased another of Eric's Irises with a similar colour tone named 'Blissful Morning' and I am looking forward to its blooming.

New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Checklist 2013
ERIC'S DREAM Eric Braybrook, R. 2004 Sdlg. 94/14/A. TB, 31" (80 cm), M ; Standards. tan; Falls. tan and orange; beards orange; moderate fragrance. Fort Apache X Spanish Leather. HM 2003 NZIS. 

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Reproduction in whole or in part of this photo without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson or Heritage Irises is strictly prohibited.

Photo credit and copyright Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises © .

Read More

New Zealand Tall Bearded Iris MISSION SONG

Only one of the parents are known which is no big deal when the known pod parent is Schreiner's amazingly golden yellow 'Golden Ecstasy '89" which itself has parents of two of the best yellows Schreiner's ever produced 'Tut's Gold' and 'Yukon Fever' so with only a solo parent known 'Mission Song' was always likely to have a good start in life. The colour combination is nothing really new or innovated, yellow standards, white falls with a full yellow band, a similar colour combination can be found in 'Joyce Terry' (Muhlestein) or that great Dykes classic, 'Debby Rairdon' (Kuntz) but 'Misson Song' has larger blooms that are a brighter glittering yellow, White falls with yellow reverse have a nice gold bushy beard. This is a very impressive Iris, but it has to be said its no bobby dazzler when it comes to increase its a wee bit on the slow side with growth but plant health is great. I have only just started to grow irises from Eric Braybrook a relatively unknown hybridiser from Gisborne who registered his first irises in 1999, but his introductions have not been commercially available until recently, and you guessed it, no publicity about this hybridiser or his irises by that New Zealand Iris club thing, but promoting New Zealand bred Irises is probably far too radical for that conservative organisation!  

New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Checklist 2013
MISSION SONG (Eric Braybrook, R. 2010) Sdlg. 94/15/A. TB, 32" (82 cm), M  S. yellow; F. white, edges yellow; beards yellow; slight fragrance. Golden Ecstasy X unknown.

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter. 

Read More

Tall Bearded Iris IRWELL WALTZ TIME

 

 This has been an outstanding Iris for me ever since it first bloomed at home. Ruffled sunshine yellow standards that are open, and a peak on the inside revels a colour change to a diffused white. Flared and nicely ruffled falls are mahogany copper red with a bright yellow starburst pattern extending down the falls,with antique gold colouring the underside of the falls and is also the edging colour top side.  Wonderful proper proportions,and beautiful healthy deep green foliage. Taller than the registered height. Slight fragrance. A very masculine look that just calls to visitors across the garden.

New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Checklist 2013
IRWELL WALTZ TIME  (Ron Busch, R. 2010). Sdlg. 1882/4012. TB, 32" (81 cm), M. S. and style arms gold; F. copper red with gold influence, wide gold patch below gold beard, ½" yellow border. Parentage unknown.

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.

Reproduction in whole or in part of this post, its opinions or its images without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson is strictly prohibited. Photo credit and copyright Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

Read More

Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris 'WILD WESTY'

'Wild Westy' another show stopper from one of New Zealand's premiere Hybridiser of Median Irises , Noel Lapham. Plant was generously included as a bonus plant in an iris order from Mossburn Iris Gardens. Interesting bloom colour combination, and flowers with substance are held on stalks well above the foliage. If you have a New Zealand Iris collection this iris is a must have.

Mossburn Iris Gardens,Mossburn. New Introductions, 2006 Catalogue.
WILD WESTY  N Lapham, 2004 SDB. standards pale pink purple tinge,Falls peach-violet with tan veining, beard white tipped vibrant orange.

New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Checklist 2013
WILD WESTY, Noel Lapham, Reg., 2004. Sdlg. Orange Tiger B/P-2. SDB, 13″, (32 cm), M. S. pale pink with purple tinge; F. peach and violet overlaid with tan veining; beards white tipped vibrant orange. Parentage unknown. Mossburn Iris Gardens 2006/07.

As always clicking on the above images will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter. 

Read More

IRIS SHOWS 2013

Iris 'Irwell Angels Dream'

ACCENT ON IRIS FLOWER SHOW
Burrell Creek Hall, The Bucketts Way
Burrell Creek, New South Wales
17 km’s from the Taree Service Centre or 17 km’s north of Krambach.
19th October, 2013
Saturday 10 am to 3 pm
Quality Iris on Display and For Sale, also Daylilies and Fresh Flowers
Light Refreshments available
Do consider entering the flower show.You may win a prize for your effort,
or, just add to the days Spring display!
The Show Schedule is on the website, or contact Lyz to receive one.
Entry Cost: $3.00
KINSPIRIT IRIS & DAYLILY FARM
Phone 6559 1275

  
THE IRIS SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA
NEW SOUTH WALES REGION
2013 IRIS SHOW
Wentworth Falls School of Art Hall
Great Western Highway, Wentworth Falls (near railway station)
October 26th, 2013
Saturday 9.00 am.to 4.00 pm.
All entries to be displayed on Friday, 25th October for judging that afternoon
Potted Iris, Rhizomes, Seeds, Craft Items, Cottage Plants for Sale,
Cultural Information, Lunch and Teas available
Admission $5 (Concessions for seniors) Children under 16 free
Wheelchair access
Information: 02 47842727
Email: dicoxiris@bigpond.com

MORRINSVILLE HORTICULTURE SOCIETY ROSE & IRIS SHOW
Campbell Hall, Knox Presbyterian Church Hall, Canada St, Morrinsville
Friday, 1st November, 2013.
Entries at the hall on the morning of the day
Open to Public: 12 noon to 4:00 p.m.
Inquiries: Jan Kerkin
Ph: (07) 889 3607
Email: jan@kerkin.co.nz

HOBART HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY INC. ROSE, IRIS & FLORAL ART SHOW
Hobart Town Hall – 50 Macquarie Street, Hobart   (opposite the GPO)
1st and 2nd November, 2013
Friday 1.00 - 6.00 pm. Saturday 10.00 am - 4.30 pm.
Please come along on Thursday night or Friday morning to enter some exhibits in the novice section.
There is no cost to entering any of these shows.  New exhibitors desperately needed. 
Tubes and vases can be provided or you can use clean green bottles if you have them.
Other iris members are present on Thursday night to help show you how to display your irises.
Admission is free 

POVERTY BAY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY ROSE & IRIS SHOW
Showgrounds Park and Events Centre, Gisborne
2nd & 3rd November 2013
Saturday 1.30 - 4.00 pm. Sunday 9.30 am - 3.30pm.
Entry fee is $5 adults, children free.
For further details contact the Show Secretary, Jill Coates, 06 8631310.

RANGITIKEI IRIS SHOW 2013
Palmerston North Leisure Centre, 569 Ferguson Street.
2nd & 3rd November 2013
Saturday 1.00 - 4.00 pm. Sunday 10.00 am - 4.00pm. 
Public welcome to exhibit at 10am on Saturday.
Free to exhibit and free admission.
Sales tables with over 300 plants, and raffles.
Contact Julie 06 3579925.
 

MASTERTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 2013 IRIS SHOW
Young Citizens Hall, Chapel Street, Kuripuni, Masterton
Saturday, 2nd November 2013 1pm-4pm, 
Display of Irises, Plant Sales, and Christmas Raffle
Admission $2.00
New rule ; To continue exhibiting after the first year you must pay $10.00 fee and become a member.

HUTT VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY EARLY SUMMER SHOW
Horticultural Hall, Laings Rd, Lower Hutt
9th, & 10th November, 2013
Saturday 12.00pm. - 4.30 pm. Sunday 10.00 am - 4pm.
All entries must be received by 9.30 am on Saturday morning of the show
Judging commences at 10.30 am sharp
Entry fee is $2.50 adults, members & children free.
For further details contact the Secretary (04) 479 5548

MARTINBOROUGH ROSE & IRIS SHOW
Martinborough Town Hall,
Saturday 9th November 2013
12.00 noon until 4.00pm
Everyone is encouraged to enter their blooms.
Admission Gold coin Donation

We encourage everyone to enter their blooms.

We encourage everyone to enter their blooms.

For a Show Schedule and All Inquiries
Contact Maree Roy (06) 3069319 or Yvonne Harvey (06) 3069553

HAWERA AUTO COURT EGMONT A & P ASSOCIATION SUMMER SHOW
Showgrounds, Burnside Avenue, Hawera
15th & 16th November 2012
Home Industries including Iris and Flower Show, Cattle, Equestrian, Dog Trial, Tractor Pull, Kidzone.

NELSON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY ROSE AND IRIS SHOW 2013
The Nelson Horticultural Society Inc. are holding their Rose and Iris Show
Sunday 17th November 2013 at the at the Granary, Founders Park, Nelson
From 10.00 am -5 pm. Entry $5 adults, children free.

 TIMARU HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY EARLY SUMMER SHOW
Caroline Bay Hall, Timaru.
16th & 17th November, 2013
Saturday 2.00 - 5.00 pm. Sunday 11.00am - 4.30pm.
Irises, Roses, cut flowers, container plants, orchids, alpine and rock garden plants, bonsai, floral art, fruit and vegetables.
Braggers Corner for large or unusual vegetables and plants
Admission $3.00 adults, or a membership ticket, children free.
For further details contact the Secretary, Ted Falvey (03) 684 3760

The above is a list of Australian and New Zealand 2013 Iris Shows to date. If you require a show schedule or times to stage your blooms please do not hesitate to contact the Show Secretary's listed above. This post will be updated when I am notified of more shows. If you have a show you would like to add to the list leave details as a comment. 

Read More

New Zealand Tall Bearded Iris 'IRWELL ROYAL HEIRESS'

Exciting and Explosive colours yet balanced and certainly not a cookie cutter iris. Ron Busch left the New Zealand Iris world a much more beautiful and brighter place than he found it.
Perhaps I should consider a 'New Zealand Iris of the Year Award'. I am sure I could get a garden to grow the potential winning Irises, wouldn't be that hard to purchase a nice big 'Iris of the Year Cup', and perhaps organize some prize money.Who knows perhaps the 'Iris of the Year' would feature in the Gardening Press. All they need is a great photo and a press release, and I have someone in mind other than myself to do a professional job with that! Why not!!!
Do you think as it makes perfect sense that the award could be for any 'IRIS' no matter if the Hybridiser is living or deceased........................"You may call it "nonsense" if you like, but I've heard nonsense, compared with which that would be as sensible as a dictionary!" to quote Lewis Carroll

New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist 2013.
IRWELL ROYAL HEIRESS (Ron Busch, R. 2010). Sdlg. 1672-3132. TB, 30" (76 cm), E. S. and style arms white flushed lavender; F. red violet, white veining extending downward, tan gold edge; beards tangerine. Parentage unknown.

As usual, clicking the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Julie May

Read More

New Zealand Aril Bred iris MOUNT MELITA

 

Another quality New Zealand  Aril Bred iris from the Richmond Iris Gardens. Alison Nicoll has really made a mark with her Aril selections of late which show a good eye for form selection in this class. The colour is a self of a dark diva blue (Ridgway 196) and bloom form is good with that rounded Aril trait on 40cm stems. Once again Alison has used 'Tabriz' (Kidd,'83) as a parent but this time a cross with Paul Blacks hauntingly blue Standard Dwarf plicata 'Cubby Cheeks' ('85) for an outstanding result. Introduced in the same year as 'Magic Mushroom' another of Alisons Aril Bred Irises I grow successfully, in fact all the Arils I purchased from Richmond Iris Garden in January 2012 established themselves well in their first season and bloomed in October 2012 just 9 months after planting which is a good result, so if you want my advise give them a go.

Richmond Iris Garden Catalogue, 376 Hill Street, Nelson. Issue 56, 2008-2009
New Introductions.
MOUNT MELITA: AB [ A. Nicoll '06] Dark blue, falls have a purple wash.

New Zealand Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist 2013
MOUNT MELITA  Alison Nicoll, Reg., 2006. Sdlg. AO2D1-7. AB (OGB-), 15″, (39cm), M-L. Dark blue self, style arms tipped purple, F. washed purple; beards lemon. Chubby Cheeks X Tabriz. Richmond Iris Gardens 2008/09

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter

Read More

Tall Bearded Iris IRWELL STAR STRUCK

As with all the 'IRWELLS'  its a strong and vigorous grower with great bloom count on rod like stems. 'Irwell Star Struck' was awarded an Honourable Mention when it was grown in the NZIS Tall Bearded Trial Garden at Makikihi in 2012.

New Zealand Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist 2013
IRWELL STAR STRUCK Ron Busch, Reg., 2010. Sdlg.1901-4085. TB, 30" (76 cm), E. Standards and style arms white flushed wine; Falls wine, wine-white edge, white veins at shoulders and around orange beard. Parentage unknown. H.M. 2012 (NZ)

The Bulletin published official results from the 2012 Trial Garden but did not give any of the irises names, so.............as most of my readers appreciate quality information I thought it would be of interest to you all to publish the names of the award winning irises bred by Ron Busch, so here we go. The three irises (all registered in 2010) that were awarded Honourable Mentions (H.M.) are, IRWELL WATCH TOWER , IRWELL ANGELS SONG, and IRWELL STAR STRUCK
Two others were judged Highly Commended (H.C.) in the same trial and Ron had registered (2010) these irises as IRWELL OBSESSION and IRWELL DANCE. 

A big hat tip once again to Julie May for the use of her very fine photos.
Clicking the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Julie May.

Read More