Re: HYB: AIS: Haft Markings

I quite concur with Anner regarding haft markings. They lend personality to many iris that tend to be "just another ______ (fill in any of the common colors) without them. Well defined haft markings can almost shout, "come and look at me" if they add to the over all beauty of the iris.

Patti


ChatOWhitehall@aol.com wrote:

I wouldn't assume that about the haft markings, actually. Tiger, tiger, burning bright....

There are some who quite like the intriguing, distinctive, traditional markings of the Iris; indeed, AIS permits them when they enhance the blossom. And why would they not permit them? Combined with a good beard they often make for a snazzy and elegant flower. Distinctiveness is supposed to be a good thing in an Iris and there are a lot of banal modern irises out there which might be much improved by some nice haft markings.

When bearded irises appear in the garden magazines, it is often as a closeup of the beard and throat and hafts of a blossom with rich traditional markings and velvety texture. The essence of the bearded iris, in the eyes of many.
A smooth, or quiet, haft-- as opposed to a busy, or noisy one, to use the traditional terms as I learned them--- is not to be despised, certainly, but such is only one possible variation of many on a very rich theme. I have decided that the greatest joy lies in developing an eye which recognizes and enjoys many forms of excellence.
Moreover, I think the hybridizers, and AIS, should avoid defining perfection, or goals, too narrowly, else the game peter out.

Cordially,

Anner Whitehead
Richmond VA USA

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