RE: Introduction

Marte,

We have some TBI growing (whew, the lingo will kill me for awhile!  I'm a 
computer guy so acronyms don't scare me, but this is different!), as well 
as a number of non-bearded.  We like the non-bearded better so thought we'd 
give them a try.  Based on the reading I've done, it looks like the best 
bet are the siberian and spuria.  We'll give them a whirl.

Yes, we do intend to get to Denver for the show since it's close and soon. 
 It should be interesting to us novices.  We like the look and will learn 
the jargon.

Kelly
-----Original Message-----
From:	Marte Halleck [SMTP:MorJHalleck@worldnet.att.net]
Sent:	Sunday, April 26, 1998 10:12 AM
To:	Multiple recipients of list
Subject:	Re: Introduction

Kelly J. Lipp wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> I'm Kelly Lipp.  My wife and I garden in Colorado Springs CO and are
> interested in adding iris to our various gardens.  Specifically, we're
> interested in non-bearded iris, preferably, since we live in Colorado,
> types that don't require "wet feet."

Hi Kelly & welcome:

When first reading your posting, I thot you'd made a typo -- why are you
not interested in bearded iris? I'm in Evergreen, west & south of Denver
at 7,400' & have had the most success growing TBs, SDBs & MTBs. I'm
certain I have colder winter temps than you do & more snow, but our
summer moisture & temps aren't that different from the Springs, tho
probably cooler at night. I know of some who grow JIs in the Denver area
but it's tricky as they want lots of sun & lots of water plus rich soil
& this combo isn't easy in Colorado. SIs do well thruout the state but
take a while to establish, as do SPUs -- both seem to be sufficiently
cold-hardy (the SPUs somewhat less so) but again, they require better
soil & more water than bearded iris do. I'm just getting started with
ABs -- they would seem ideal for the Springs unless you are in an
atypical location, i.e., damp & shady. I'm fairly certain you can forget
LAs & PCNs -- too cold -- & would be sceptical of your succeeding with
"woodland" irises such as I. versicolor, I. setosa, etc, but the tiny I.
reticulata do well here & you might be able to grow "Dutch" iris just
fine but they don't overwinter at my place. Anyway, would love to hear
more about your aims & interests.

> We'll probably be passive listeners as we learn the lingo!

Forgive the jargon: TB=tall bearded; SDB=standard dwarf bearded;
MTB=miniature tall bearded/table iris; SI=siberian; SPU=spuria;
AB=arilbred; LA=louisiana; PCNs=pacific coast natives.

Marte in the mtns	Zone 4/Sunset 1  Colorado
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