Donald,
I see no problem with either of the 2
seedlings you have shown that have come from 'Tel Aviv'. Both are lovely
and graceful. Yes, the second one pictured has somewhat open
standards. In my view, however, that is permissible because, sometimes,
arilbreds have such wide standards that the standards have to move out around
the stylecrests; otherwise, the standards would look too pinched and would
twist. Quoting 3 sentences about arilbreds from the American Iris
Society's Handbook for Judges and Show Officials: "Flower forms
of these irises are very diverse and different from that of the tall
bearded irises....Standards are usually rounded or broadly oval and may be domed
and touching, overlapping slightly, or erect and open. They may be
tailored, gently waving, ruffled, or reflexed outward on the sides
(flagging)." p. 123 I know that Lowell Baumunk had some input on
this section of the judges' handbook. I heard his presentation at one of
our fall regional meetings, and I remember him stating that fact and stressing
these points to judges in training as well as to judges. Don't fault that
seedling for having somewhat open standards. Keep that seedling. It
is beautiful. And don't be afraid to use it for breeding. I have
used arilbreds with the same characteristics, for that can be bred
out. However, I think that is a choice seedling. (Apologies for
lecturing you, my friend.)
Elm