John Weiler is the founding father of the Fresno Iris Society, which began in 1967. His love of iris began at an early age growing up in Lincoln, Nebraska and has never stopped. He decided to spend his whole life working with and talking about plants and irises. After Dr. Weiler received his doctorate degree of Botany from UC Berkley he moved his family to Fresno and began his teaching career at California State University â Fresno (Fresno State). For the next 27 years he taught Botany, Ornamental Horticulture, Plant Science and Landscape Design.

While at Fresno State he began hybridizing irises particularly Reblooming irises and had his first introduction in 1977. By 2000 he had 88 introductions, 49 were Tall Bearded, 36 were Medians, two Pacific Coast Natives and one Species-X. Of the 88 introductions 45 were Rebloomers. He wanted to bring purity of color and enhance the blooming period.

His introduction Fresno Calypso, a TB, he feels is one of his accomplishments â a pure orange.

He has won many awards over the years; 12 Award of Merits, three AIS Medals of which one was the Hybridizerâs Award in 2004, an International Award, the Reblooming Iris Society in 1998 for Distinguished Service and Region 14âs Larry Gaulter Award in 2000. John Weiler was Region 14 RVP from 1980-1982 and has written many articles for their bulletin as well as many magazines.

At 86 years of age he is a little slow in walking, but, ask him any question regarding plants and irises he is willing to share anything he knows and is a sharp as he was in teaching his classes.

Janet

P.S.  Fresno State is currently setting up a 'John Weiler Learning Garden' for the Horticulture Department Students to work in.  They got to meet him yesterday.

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From: Jean Sturtevant <jms1027@insightbb.com>
To: "iris photos@yahoogroups.com" <iris-photos@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sun, August 29, 2010 8:56:41 AM
Subject: [iris-photos] John Weiler

 

So much talk about John Weiler's irises on this site lately.  Could someone tell me something about him?  Where he is located? Links to other sites?  Etc.  Thanks!   Jean in KY