Pacific Coast Irises at Queen Elizabeth Park

Tucked away in Masterton’s Queen Elizabeth Park is a little iris garden, originally established by money donated by the Wallis family and named in their honour. Bert and Nance Wallis were keen irisarians and founder members of the New Zealand Iris Society (NZIS) in the late 1940s. Bert loved Tall Beardeds – the taller and brighter the better – while Nance preferred smaller bearded and species irises.

They passed their love of irises onto their family – son-in-law Ron Isles was President of the NZIS and grandson Gareth Winter is the current editor of the Almanac of the Society for Pacific Coast Native Iris. Gareth, who breeds PCIs in Masterton, has donated some of his seedlings to his grandparents’ garden, and I recently went down to have a look and see what was flowering. This exceptional blue variety took my eye, and I couldn’t help but think of 'The Mamas & the Papas' song, “Californian Dreamin”, partly because the next line is ‘on such a Winter’s day’!

I sent Gareth a copy of the photograph and he went over to the park to see the flowers himself, but before he got there a thief in the night had beaten him, and all the flowers had been picked and taken away. While we admire their extreme good taste in stealing the iris flowers we think they should have been left there for the rest of the public to enjoy.

Gareth's blog 'IRISES & ARCHIVES' is an very good read and a link can be found above in 'MUST READ BLOGS'
As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter

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New Zealand Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris KIM MAREE

I am quite partial to Blue and White coloured plicata's in the Lilliput's as they add a special carrying power to the emerging spring garden. Noel Lapham thinks that there are a lot of iris with this colouring but this one is a brighter colour. Obviously a Lapham family favourite as 'Kim Maree' was selected by their daughter, and has been named after her.

New Zealand Hybridisers Checklist 2011
KIM MAREE Noel Lapham, Reg. 2011 Sdlg. 04-7/2. SDB, 11" (28 cm), M
Standards white ground, dark violet rim; style arms violet, lighter edge; Falls, white ground, violet rim and hafts; beards white, yellow tips in throat. Chubby Cheeks X Crispin Babe. 

A 'Huge Hat tip' to Bev and Noel for the use of their photo.
 Photo Copyright and Credit Mossburn Iris Gardens

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New Zealand Bred Aril Median Iris HAIDEE

New Zealand Bred and classified as a Arilbred Median (AB-MED), it also has the classification from the Aril Society as OGB- which is a  a hybrid containing any combination of oncocyclus and regelia and other eupogon irises. To simplify things this iris at 14 inches has the same height requirements as a Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris to give you an idea of size, it just has different mix of iris genetics. 'Haidee' blooms have striking and vibrant rose lavender standards and falls of a darker rose lavender tone. Small lighter violet highlights around a deeper violet beard. Growth is less than average but I am sure this is one of those irises that I will have to find the right spot to grow in order for it to be a success. Difficult to bred with because of its varied chromosome count derived from its parentage.

Richmond Iris Garden, 376 Hill Street, Richmond, Nelson. Catalogue 2006-2007 Issue 56
HAIDEE (Catton 1979) Lavender standards, falls flushed rose. Brown hafts, purple beards......................$6.00

Aril Society International Checklist 2010
HAIDEE  OGB-  (Hilmary Catton, R. 1979).  Sdlg. C731-10.  AB-MED (1/4), 14” (36 cm).  S. lavender; F. lavender, washed rose; light brown hafts; deep violet beard.  Myra X Saracen Warrior.  Wyuna, 1979-80.  [APTT]  

I purchased this iris last year from Richmond Iris Gardens but it has not been listed this season, so maybe next year.
As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version. 
Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter

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New Zealand Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris 'KINKAID'

Over the next week or so I have the privilege to feature 4 more New Zealand Bred Standard Dwarf Bearded Irises hybridised by Noel Lapham and available for sale this year from Mossburn Iris Gardens.
Noel tells me that KINKAID was very popular last season and that he will be Breeding with it this season, grows well. Its one that's on my order sheet

New Zealand Hybridisers Checklist 2011
KINKAID Noel Lapham, Reg. 2011 Sdlg. 07-11/1. SDB, 11" (28 cm), E.  Standards, dark violet, light lemon ground; style arms light violet, deeper midrib; Falls, white ground, dark violet rim and veins; beards white, tipped purple at end, deep yellow in throat. Chubby Cheeks X Lore. Mossburn Iris Garden 2011.

A 'Huge Hat tip' to Bev and Noel for the use of their photo.
Photo Copyright and Credit Mossburn Iris Gardens

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Barry Blyth's 2012 Introductions

'IN HIGH HEELS'
B. Blyth 2012

 The Tempo Two web site has now been updated with all of the photos of his new 2012 Introductions.(Yes folks there are more than three outstanding irises introduced by Barry each season.) Mr. Blyth the generous chap that he is sent these three photo's of his new introductions to share with you all as a preview to the release of one of the finest kaleidoscopes of sensational new Irises for 2012. Checklist descriptions for these varieties are listed at the bottom of this page. Tempo Two gardens will be open to visitors on 3 weekends starting 20th October, 2012 and will have a display in their barn of some of the newer named iris for closer comparison to each other, or if you like you can wander the rows and see how they grow.

'MAKE MINE MAGIC'
B. Blyth 2012

You would have to think it would be a safe bet that 'DECADENCE' is in the parentage somewhere!!

'AVENUE OF DREAMS' 

B. Blyth 2012

 AIS Checklist

AVENUE OF DREAMS Barry Blyth, Reg. 2009. Seedling Q98-1. TB, 40", (102 cm), Early-mid-late bloom season. Standards opalescent creamy pink becoming opalescent lavender-pink at midrib; falls light rosy magenta, 1/8" edge of soft pinkish lilac; beards tangerine in throat, soft blue-lilac at end; pronounced sweet fragrance. N211-5, Art at Dawn sib, X O21-1: (Paris Fashion x H165-9, Aflutter sib). Tempo Two 2112/2013.

IN HIGH HEELS Barry Blyth, reg. 2012. Sdlg No. S216-1, TB, M 34", (Sweet Svengali X (0166-A: (M39-1: (Excuse Me Darling x Mayfair Mistress sib) x Chocolates and Silk sib) x Dinner Talk)). Tempo Two 2012/2013.

MAKE MINE MAGIC  Barry Blyth, reg. 2012. Sdlg No. S299-1, TB, EM 34", 0248-1: (Winsome Dancer sib x (L285-1: Paint The Scene x Dreamlord) x Ocelot) X Another Woman. Tempo Two 2012/2013.

  My thoughts above on the influence of 'DECADENCE' in 'MAKE MINE MAGIC' comes from ANOTHER WOMAN (Blyth '10) which a cross of 'Bursting Bubbles' X 'Decadence'

Click on Catalogue to download

A big hat tip to Barry Blyth for the sending of these beauties and please visit his web site 

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

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Iris Bucharica a really wild show

Introduced in England in 1902, having all the airs and graces of antiquities with it's very Persian look is delighting us with it's start of bloom today. Very easy to grow just plant and forget but please remember where you planted it as you could pull it out as a strange weed!
 As a reference for your information I have copied below the expansive writings of Sir Michael Foster regarding these bulbs collected by others in Bokhara (the capital of the Bukhara Province,Uzbekistan) published in The Gardeners’ Chronicle 1902, the article is also noted as a source of information regarding the identification of Iris Bucharica in the American Iris Society Checklist of 1929.

The Gardeners’ Chronicle, June 14th, 1902.

NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. 
NEW  I R I S E S. 
In the course of last year Messrs. Van  Tubergen received from their collector in Bokhara a consignment of bulbs obviously belonging to the Juno group of Irises, collected in that country. They arrived in several numbered collections, presumably gathered from different spots; but on flowering proved to belong to two forms only, to which, for reasons given below, I have ventured to apply the above names.

Iris Bucharica, Foster, sp. n.
Bulb similar to that of I. orchioides, but in the specimens received more globose. Stem, about 1 foot or 1½ foot high, bearing six or seven leaves, each of which sheathes the stem at its base, and three, four, or more flowers. So far the plant in its general features resembles I. orchioides, but the leaves are somewhat shorter and less gradually pointed, and more distinctly striated on the under surface. Moreover, while in I. orchioides each flower is set on a distinct peduncle, in this plant the peduncle is quite short, or the flower is actually sessile. The horny margin of the leaf bears, as in I. orchioides, a number of inconspicuous setæ. The plants are smaller, shorter, and more slender than those of I. orchioides, but this difference may disappear on further cultivation. Spathe valves, as in I. orchioides, longer than the tube, narrow, not inflated, slightly scarious at the tip.
The outer petal, fall, consists of a strap- shaped claw, -which, after an inconspicuous constriction, expands into a much broader, obovate, emarginate blade, which bears on its hinder two-thirds a large plicate crest, continued along the claw as an inconspicuous median ridge.
The claw is pare white in colour, the blade with the crest a rich golden yellow, which suddenly ceases where the blade joins the claw. By the side of the crest over the blade are a few diverging dark purple, almost black veins, varying in intensity in different flowers. Messrs. Van Tubergen inform me that some of the plants show variations in the markings.
The inner petal, standard, small, pure white, extended horizontally, consists of a caniculate claw expanding into a broader, flat, distinctly mucronate blade.
Styles large, pure white, with large white, quadrate, or in some plants deltoid crests. Anthers as long as, or slightly longer than the filament.
Tube about three times as long as the rounded, trigonal, thin-walled ovary.
Seeds not as yet seen. Ripening capsule, like that of I. orchioides, long, rounded trigonial
 Habitat, Eastern Bokhara, on mountain slopes, altitude 5000 to 6000 feet, on sides of river Sureh-ab, a tributary of the Amu Darya.
The points of specific difference between this plant and I. orchioides lie in the flower. In I. orchioides the outer petal is simply strap-shaped, with no obvious distinction between claw and blade ; and the crest is less conspicuous. In I. orchioides the inner petal is lanceolate, and never, so far as I have seen, distinctly mucronate, as in the plant now described. In I. orchioides the crests of the style are smaller, and the anthers are apparently always shorter than the filaments.
M. Foster, Shelford May 20, 1902.

Courtesy 'The Gardeners’ Chronicle' 

The Gardeners’ Chronicle, April 18th, 1903.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE
IRIS BUCHARICA
I find that my description of Iris bucharica (Gardeners’ Chronicle June 14th 1902, p 385), I underated it's, at least possible, dimensions. I have now in flower a plant whose stem is 22 inches high ; the lower leaves are 1 foot long, and 2½ inches wide at the broadest part. It bears no less than 10 flowers and in the flower the outer petal (fall) is 2⅞ inches long, by 1½ inches at its broadest, whilst the style is 2¼ inches long by 1⅛ inches at its broadest. It is really a very fine plant. M. Foster, Shelford.

AIS Checklist 1929
bucharica. Jun-W (Foster 1902 Bokhara) Gardeners’ Chronicle 91 : 385. figure 387. 1902. Gardeners’ Chronicle 93 : 251 1903: Barr 1903 : Krelage & sons 1905 : 1913: Grullemans 1907 : Eddy Garden Service 1929 : F.C.C R.H.S. 8th April 1902, shown by Willmott ; BOKHARA I.

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

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Border Bearded Iris TINK

Now here is an iris I am looking forward to seeing it bloom again in the coming few weeks or so. Purchased one Sunday in May while meandering  at the Masterton car boot sale I discovered for sale this "mystery iris" (the seller had no idea of its name). Of course I immediately purchased the rhizome with it's bloom stalk attached and rushed home to 'Solve the Mystery' of its name and take some photos of my 'find'. Let me tell you the taking the photos was the easy part. I was completely stumped with a name, so I enlisted the help of Keith Keppel who had this suggestion,  "An unusual combination.  Do some research on the border bearded 'Tink' (Durrance '91).  Your picture looks a bit too good for what I remember, and the falls a bit more apricot toned, but there are so few anywhere near.  When 'Tink' came out, it was compared with the old Kleinsorge TB, 'Surprise Party'."
Sure enough I found a listing in Waimate Iris Garden catalogue from the days when they sold Border Bearded Iris which to be honest was the last place I expected to see it catalogued as Waimate always had very conservative tastes in their offerings, but finding the listing confirmed it did come to New Zealand. After reading Perry Dyer's description (below) which mentioned the purple-based foliage did certainly clinched the ID. I am over the moon to have this brilliantly loud re-blooming addition now growing in my garden and man can it grow, its only been growing here for 16 or so weeks and its growth has been very impressive!!!!

Longs Gardens, Boulder, Colorado. 1991 Colorado Creations.
TINK (John Durrance) 26" EM. Sdlg. D86-2. 6 buds. Tinker Belle at her Sunday best. A lovely pastel bicolor with lavender standards, gold falls, and gold-orange beards. Little Suzie X Tinker Tam $20.00

Contemporary Views,1992, Perry Dyer– Border Bearded
One of the most fun irises in Texas was the new BB, TINK (Durrance 1991), colorful, with an innovative combination of colors. Standards are pink lemonade pink; falls are amber with yellow in the center (very much like a burnished ‘Tulare’ (Hamblen) in color and shape). Bright orange beards. Looked like 2 different flowers had been dissected and glued together – we’ve never seen a color combo like this before. But it works, and I’m hooked! Simple, thin stalks with 2 branches, double socketed. Beautiful purple-based foliage with the vigor and health of ‘Tulare’. Watch for this one!

Waimate Iris Garden 2000
TINK,  Durrance 1991
Pink lavender and golden tan bi-colour. Colourful. Re-blooms well. E-M ...................$4.00

AIS Checklist 1999
TINK  John Durrance, Reg 1991 Sdlg. D86-2. BB, 26" (65 cm), EM ; S. lavender; F. gold; beards gold orange. Little Susie X Tinker-Tam. Long 1991. HM 1993, AM 1997 .

It's important to remember with re-blooming irises that these irises are doing two seasons growth every year so after the first flush of blooms you need to feed them generously and then keep the water up to them through the summer season and all through to Autumn if you can. This is necessary to be sure of a good display the following spring.

As usual, clicking 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 is strictly prohibited. 
Photo credit and copyright Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

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Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris IRWELL GRACE

Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Irwell Grace' flowering for me today.  Standards painted a bright blended salmon pink that compliment the apricot melon falls that have a burgundy brown wash on the edge of the hafts which continues in lighter tones around the edge of the falls. Brilliant light blue beards heavily tipped a luminous red tangerine. Two or three well sized flowers per stem and a sweet light perfume. The form is impeccable and 'Irwell Grace' will quickly become a garden favourite no matter who's garden it grows in. By the looks of things Jean Stevens 'Forest Glade' will be next maybe tomorrow.  Both these irises are growing in terracotta pots so are early compared to the garden growers.

New Zealand Hybridisers Checklist 2011
IRWELL GRACE  Ron Busch, Reg. 2010 Sdlg. 1-952. SDB, 12" (30 cm), M S. bright pink; style arms pink; F. pink washed cream; beards tangerine. Parentage unknown.

I purchased this iris last year from Mossburn Iris Gardens it wasn't catalogued but I asked them nicely and they obliged, so maybe if you ask nice.....

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 ©.

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Intermediate Bearded Iris MAUI MOONLIGHT

An Iris to look out for this bloom season is Terry Aitkens 1986 Intermediate Iris 'Maui Moonlight'. This iris is a tough little beauty that has great plant health and takes no time at all to form a large robust clump. Lemon standards, with nicely ruffled and well proportioned lemon horizontal falls. It's great branching is just how it should be for all intermediate irises, couple this with multiple flowering rhizomes that have 2 or 3 stems per rhizome, producing a very bright and clean lemon effect when viewed as a clump. A big favourite in our garden.

IRISES A Gardener's Encyclopedia, Claire Austin
Iris 'Maui Moonlight'(T. Aitken 1987)
Everything about this lightly ruffled iris is lemon : the beards, and the scent. Height : 58cm (23") Bloom; Midseason. Parentage Lemon Rings X Dream Affair. Hans and Jacob Sass Medal 1993.

IRIS Flowers of the Rainbow, Graeme Grosvenor
Maui Moonlight, (Aitken 1987) 58cm. Soft lemon-yellow with very vigorous plant habits

Perry Dyers CONTEMPORARY VIEWS – 1992 . The SUN BELT AWARD Runners-up
I’ve usually got my ear to the ground and know what’s coming up, but I sure missed a beat on MAUI MOONLIGHT (Aitken 1987, IB) and didn’t get it the first couple of years it was on the market. The description is rather uneventful – a smooth light yellow self. But to grow it is a rewarding gardening experience. Perfect proportions, with wide, compactly formed flowers with just a hint of gentle waving, on 20-24” stalks that have exceptional branching, well positioned, with well-timed buds and flawless plant habits.

AIS Checklist 1989
MAUI MOONLIGHT J. T. Aitken, Reg. 1986  Sdlg. 82M22. IB, 23" (58 cm), M ; Lightly ruffled bright lemon yellow. Lemon Rings X Dream Affair. Aitken's Salmon Creek Garden 1987. HM 1989, AM 1991, Sass Medal 1993.

 Sold in New Zealand by Richmond Iris Garden in Nelson and Kiwi Iris Delights in Auckland (all links above in New Zealand Iris Growers) .
As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter

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