In a message dated 10/22/2005 7:13:15 P.M. Central Standard Time,
lmann@volfirst.net writes:
<<Keith, if what you find from the AIS website links isn't
enough to
satisfy your curiosity,>>
Keith, you are new to irises and are starting out the same way that most
of us started out. You've got the iris fever and that's about all you
know at this point. We are more than willing to help.
Can you plant all you want or is your space limited? You will want
to plant them at least 18 inches apart in all directions to give them room to
develop into lovely clumps. Maybe more in your location.
Just a few statistics. In 2004 alone, there were 1052 new irises
registered. In 2003 there were 1031 irises registered. When
you multiply that by just ten years you have over 10,000 irises of various
types! The American Iris Society maintains the system that records all
this information. It's the Registration & Introductions
booklets. ( R & I ) Compiled yearly and on a ten year
basis.
Of those 1000 + irises each year, there are many that will be
pretty. To someone at least. Then there are many seedlings seen on
here. Some will be Registered and Introduced and some will not.
This is why I suggest that you visit all the sites on the Internet and
get some idea of what you like best before you buy. On here you are
mainly seeing bearded irises, miniatures and tall bearded, but there are many
more, lovely types of irises. Some may do well in your area and others
may not.
Good to see you enjoying the list. We have the advantage of having
Colleen on from the other side of the world. She is enjoying spring now,
while those of us state side have to make do with 'rebloom!'