Re: REF: program suggestions

> I do presentations here in my area, too.  Besides the Iris 101, I also 
> do a digging and dividing workshop.

Actually, I've done that, too, when the timing has been right.  One of 
my talks was given at the home of a club member during the summer 
months.  At the end of my presentation, we all went out to her garden 
where I demonstrated digging and dividing a bearded clump, the 
divisions of which were then given to the other club members.

This summer I did another talk at a community center where I brought in 
an undivided clump from my own garden.  Because of all of the 
weather-related stresses on my irises this year, the clump served a 
dual purpose in my program.  Not only did I use it to demonstrate 
dividing a clump, but I was also able to teach the attendees exactly 
what rot looks and smells like.  Not sure that was the best way to 
pique interest in growing irises, though.  ;-)

Attendees respond very well to hands-on demonstrations.  Clump division 
is particularly instructional as it promotes discussion of "old 
mothers" and iris propogation, viable roots vs dead roots, healthy 
foliage and rzs vs diseased ones, borers (if they happen to be 
present), etc.

> And, I am in the process of putting together a presentation 
> specifically on the beardless types that we can grow including 
> siberians, spurias, pseudacorus, etc.

I've considered putting together a strictly beardless program.  I just 
wish I were more successful at growing the doggone things myself.  
Still, I can gather useful info from those who grow them well and pass 
it along.
>
> I have also done in the past a small workshop for interested folks in 
> seed starting indoors and planting the resulting germinated seeds.  I 
> bring seedlings that have been growing under lights since February and 
> they are given away following the presentation or used for door 
> prizes, whatever.

I like that idea, too, but again, it's something with which I have 
virtually no personal experience.  I did gather a bunch of beardless 
seeds this year, though, so this would be a good time to try it.
>
> One thing, too, that has been asked for by a few people but that I 
> haven't gotten around to doing yet, is a garden workshop on 
> hybridizing.  I admit it would be for a select few, but it could work 
> if the interest is there.

That's another area in which I have virtually no experience, but I know 
how much gardeners enjoy actually DOING, so it would be worth offering 
as an option.

Thanks, BJ.

Laurie


---------------
laurie@lfrazer.com
Shadowood - http://lfrazer.com
The Irises of Shadowood - http://lfrazer.com/iris/
Wallplates With Panache - http://lfrazer.com/wallplates/

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