Names of irises

Here is my 2 cents worth on the subject of names.  I have always felt the 
name should represent some characteristic of the iris - it helps  for remembering 
and recognizing -- however,  some  people like to honor friends/family/events 
etc such as when Jane McKnew  insisted on the name ROSALIE FIGGE - I tried 
all kinds of persuasion against  the idea,  other suggestions, etc to no avail 
-- so that can be a problem.  Also certain types/theme of names can influence 
purchase.  There are those that  shy away from anything with "witch" in the 
name (I remember WITCH'S SABBATH people talked about).  Others shudder at names 
such as BABOON BOTTOM ! (I think it's funny- but not everyone has my quirky 
sense of humor!)   I used to plant my irises according to occupations their names 
suggested.  The problem there was all those to do with the sea were various 
shades of blue (SEA OF GALLILEE,  ADMIRAL --something.  etc)  Then I tried in 
decades  - or in groups of those hybridized  in 5-year goups --- but that was 
unwieldly.  Then I tried all SDBs together , IBs , together, etc but sections 
of the garden looked "dead" when each class finished blooming. and finally in 
exasperation I said , "WHAT other way is there?"  My daughter heard me and 
calmy said "Do it alphabetically"  SO -VOILA------THAT is what I have done every 
since, and it works very well.  I keep the  SDBsin the front row AND I keep the 
rebloomers separate from the oncers.  Of course this sometimes throws  too 
similar colors together sometimes, such as the "GOLDS" -- and my alphabet is not 
 an example of perfect filing!  because of the size of the iris (putting SDBs 
in front)  And adding  new irises can  mess the system up a little ---I try 
to leave extra space at the end of a letter  (such as after the end of the As 
before beginning the Bs)
Now,  on reading this over, I'm not sure it has anything to do with naming 
irises! Guess I'm still feeling frustrated at not getting to the St.Louis 
meeting which I hear was so great! ! !Goodnight! ! !   Rosalie nr Baltimore,USA a 
wonderful cool zone 7, keeping the iris extending the season   ryfigge@aol.com

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