What's in a name


Hi again folks.
 
While on the subject of names, I thought that some of you may enjoy the following which is an excerpt from an article I wrote for the ISA 1996 Yearbook.  All iris mentioned are Louisianas (save you all diving for your check lists!):
 
... "There are always people around who buy for the colour alone, and I feel that these people are to be congratulated for their steely resolve, loyalty and dedication.  I prefer to be persuaded by the colour AND the name.  I would like to plant SPANISH BALLET next to ACACIA RHUMBA.  Imagine the light-footed fandangoes that must go on at night?  Or if CHARLOTTE'S TUTU was planted next to BETTY BLOCKBUSTER - what would the neighbours think?
 
Likewise, imagine a planting flirtation between GLADIATOR'S GIFT and LA STUPENDA - surely a diva of Wagnerian proportions, but with the agility of Xena the Warrior Princess would result  from the close planting of these two Iris?  I am almost certain that the planting of CURRENCY next to HOT & SPICY would not leave you with any small change, and with OBVIOUS HEIR planted next to STYLISH SOCIALITE you would surely create a match made in heaven.
 
I am also certain that FAR AND AWAY planted next to GOING SOUTH would give them both some direction.  QUIET HARBOUR planted with TRANQUIL SPIRIT would be a good combination for a soft gentle part of your garden.  The more lively FESTIVE FEVER planted with WILD PROSPECT would certainly get the other iris discussing the finer points of Lenten restraint, while WHISPERED PROMISE would feel right at home with WAKE UP SUZIE - or perhaps that is what wakes Suzie up anyway?
 
Nobody could deny that there was some unusual chemistry at play if BUSHFIRE MOON was planted next to JOHN'S LUCIFER.  I am not certain which one would start the fire, but anything would be possible.  Or if FIGHTING SPIRIT just wanted to relax for a while, I am certain it would find a friend in PRINCESS LEIA, who could go on fighting the good fight for a while.
 
Likewise, GATE CRASHER and DAZZLING STAR would feel right at home at any WELL DRESSED garden event, where GOOD VIBES abounded, PARADE MUSIC was featured or where one wished to WINE AND DINE while hearing SOFT LAUGHTER from the other guests.  Perhaps they would be listening to SATCHMO playing HALO DOLLY?"...
 
Perhaps those subscribers to iris-talk who have named Iris in the past like to share the "stories behind the stories" with us all.  I appreciate that this subject may have been done before, but I certain that some of the explanations would be most entertaining - and give us a bit of insight into the hybridiser as well.
 
Cheers for now.    Heather Pryor from the Land of Oz.
i*@pip.com.au
 


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