Re: Loomis Iris Test Gardens
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: Loomis Iris Test Gardens
- From: M*@aol.com
- Date: Fri, 24 Jan 1997 08:30:29 -0700 (MST)
The Loomis Test Garden was set up to test iris for a 3 year period. During
that time every iris is point scored every year. Hybridizers receive a report
listing every iris in the garden, and listing each individual score in every
area, according to the AIS Judges Handbook. I reworked the system of scoring
only to the point where a good iris in the garden should score 60 points.
Anything over that score must display some outstanding characteristics. I
give a lot of judges training on this issue, it takes time but a good judge
will see take the system does work.
The start up of a garden like this involved about ten thousand dollars
commitment from the Elmohr Iris Society. I went to the City Council and
secured an area along side the newest Library in Colorado Springs. This
adding of gardens did not cost the local taxpaper anything. Iris members are
encouraged to work the gardens, and judges are encouraged to point score as
much as possible. Even visiting judges are asked do some point scoring.
Other costs include printing of yearly reports, purchasing of awards, and the
usual costs associated with a garden. We have also produced a yearly video
that is mailed to every RVP in the AIS. This video is for every regions use,
and you can contact your RVP to view it. The 1996 version is being copied
right now, and will be mailed in mid-February.
After 3 year test period, iris are returned to hybridizer, destroyed, or used
in our annual sale. Most hybridizers have given us the iris, and our sales
make a huge profit, do to the outstanding iris available. The garden pays for
itself.
