Re: Local iris society

Donald,
I do love your positive attitude, and it will be one of  your best assets in
trying to start a local.  
Capital-Hudson Iris Society started three years ago, in Nov., with a core
group of 5 local people, guided in person and by mail by Helen Schueler, Reg
2 editor, and Kathy Guest, then Reg 2 (Empire State Iris Soc) VP and
membership Chair.  Membership was greatly boosted by general iris culture
lectures given by club members at the Capital District Flower and Garden
show,  which is a three day show at an arena in snowy March.
Cooperative (County) Extension bulletin boards and newsletters are great
places to advertise for members.
Giving talks for men's and women's garden clubs hasn't produced many members,
but does yield customers for sales.  
Plant Society members-lilac, daylily, orchid, rose, hosta, often are
interested in the in-depth information another plant society offers, and we
have gained many members from those groups.  We advertise meetings and sales
in one another's newsletters, swap speakers in the winter months, and really
are _all_ stronger groups because of our cooperation.  Our local Extension
office has encouraged the plant societies to network, and their Master
Gardner program is also a great source for non-iris speakers for meetings.
The Master Gardeners are the most fun group to give iris talks to-because
they have such great questions, and I know they'll spread the word to folks
who call in to their plant clinics.
Long-winded, but some things that have worked for us.
Kathryn Mohr
kemohr@aol.com
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