Wow Evelyn! That is great you are going to help her out! Sounds like she needs it! The way she referred to some Iris as MIA had me thinking something had happened. I also thought I read something on here, it may have been about the failed watering system!
Winterberry also only takes checks in the mail or phone payment with cards. Paypal is so simple I am not sure why they don't just use it. The only thing I could think of would be fees or concern of not getting their money. I am not a business owner but I have read about situations that seem like a consumer abuses the complaint process of PayPal causing a delay payment. I know that not everyone is honest unfortunately.

As mentioned elsewhere, I ordered some (mostly) oldies from Woottens in the UK:

Mrs. Horace Darwin (Michael Foster 1888):


Sir Michael (George Yeld 1925):
http://wiki.irises.org/TbPthru...
I believe this iris was named after the Michael Foster mentioned above. (It also happens to be the name of my DH )

Jean Cayeux (Ferdinand Cayeux 1931):

This was a replacement because they accidentally sent me Alzacar (Vilmorin-Andrieux et Cie 1910):

last year instead.

Indian Hills (Henry Lee Grant 1935):


Spartan (Schreiner 1973):


Canadian Streaker (Chuck Chapman 1997):

Really interesting choices, Lilli - I do like the simple elegance of the older shapes, especially in clumps.

I like to have a few oldies to show the history of how bearded irises have developed and I agree that they are very elegant flowers. Judging by the ones I already have, they are also much easier to grow than most of the modern cultivars, as we have discussed elsewhere; 'survival of the fittest' and what better choice than an iris named after good, old Darwin's daughter in law?

The Utah Iris Society is having its annual Sale and Auction Saturday. We have ordered iris from Keith Keppel, Mid-America, and Suttons for the auction and have received 18 2017 intros plus a number of 2016's and 2015's. We will also have newer rhizomes that members bring. I will be helping with the auction and get tired thinking about it.

Wish I lived in Utah. That's going to be quite an auction. Thank you for all your hard work.

Lovely order, Lilli. I think those oldies will look very graceful in your garden. Just don't let your DH watch when you deadhead 'Sir Michael' as that might give him nightmares.

I'll try to remember that!

Here is my final list to Bluebird Haven Iris Garden:

Afternoon Delight
Babbling Brook
Batman
Boyfriend
Cable Car
Casa Morena
Carnival in Rio
Chief Waukeska
Codicil
Crackling Burgundy
Dera
Dutch Chocolate
Escondido
Gondolier
Horned Sunshine
Laurel Oak
Lavender Queen
On Line
Orbiter
Orinoco Flow
Pearl Chiffon
Pencil Sketch
Perfect Interlude
Picture Bouquet
Pierre Minard
Pink Unicorn
Pledge Allegiance
Red Polish
Rocket Red
Rosa Nova
Rosette Wine
Samurai Warrior
Sea Wolf
Shape Ship
Silent Majesty
Titan's Glory
Victoria Falls
Webspun

It sure looks like I did not cut it down to 20!

On Sunday, Steve and I went to pick up his small order of what he ordered previously when we were here. He just ordered 2 'Go Around', and received 3 as well as another bonus, 'Collage'. Then I handed Mary my order and she was rather surprised, as I had only placed small orders with her before. I did not know then about being able to access all those pictures on the website. That's what got me into trouble!

Strangely, he has not even asked why I am digging a new garden when I don't even have all of the weeding done! I would certainly ask that question. Nevertheless, he seemed pleased that we will have an iris bed, so I suppose I shall not make too much of it.

I had to take today off from digging and rest my body, while I attend to some other important matters. I did overdo it yesterday. I thought I had better do this before I forget! Also it will give it time to set, as I watered it so the soil would cohere when I continue to dig. Double digging is not for the faint of heart!

Great order of (around) 20!

I am sure your iris bed will look amazing in the spring!

Evelyn: re book, order The World of Iris from The American Iris society. It will answer many of your questions.

Lucy ~

Lucy ~ I did get it from Amazon, as AIS no longer carries it because it is out of print. I am look forward to reading it.

Also they did have another recommended book, "Tall Bearded Irises...."by Walter Stager. I found it on Kindle for only $3.88. I had to be thorough in the search, as it wasn't even listed for sale until I clicked on the Kindle page.

I went to the Iris sale today. I got there about 10 minutes after it started and there was already a lot gone! I grabbed one Siberian since they were going fast and 1 MDB and was going to ask if they could hold it for me because I realized I forgot to stop and get cash but then I noticed they had some checks in the cash box so I was able to use a check. After I realized I should have went back and grabbed a couple more things that had caught my eye and sat down at a nearby bench to collect my thoughts about which ones I had wanted and noticed all the Sibs were already gone. I highly doubt they were there until 3 because I went over to Mahoney's Garden Center which was visible front he tent and when I drove by again the tables looked pretty empty.

I wish I had grabbed the Paprikash http://wiki.irises.org/Sib/Sib... because when I googled it after I liked the looks off it more than the one I got called Fancy Me This. I was going by the picture on the sign and I knew I didn't have much time before they were gone. I grabbed the SDB Invisible and noticed they had a few others plus MTBs I already had.. I probably would have got more if I wasn't so worried about how I'd pay.

I planted Invisible already, I had that one on my wishlist so I noticed it immediately.

I have been really amazed at how well the sibs do here. Neal sent me some a while back and they have done so well. I might just have to get more. I was tempted at our club's iris sale, but didn't get any, now I kind of wish I had.

Well, they are easy to care for irises, so what's not to like?

I never see any besides white and violet shades for sale around here. I know there are lots of others with great color variation. I remembered there is a nursery near here that was known for selling Siberian Iris and I looked it up http://www.jpwflowers.com/ I think she has the most I have ever seen in one place. If anyone knows of others please share!

evelyninthegarden said:Lucy ~ I did get it from Amazon, as AIS no longer carries it because it is out of print. I am look forward to reading it.

Also they did have another recommended book, "Tall Bearded Irises...."by Walter Stager. I found it on Kindle for only $3.88. I had to be thorough in the search, as it wasn't even listed for sale until I clicked on the Kindle page.

Walter Stager was an attorney in Sterling, Illinois (about 12 miles from where I live). I think you will enjoy his little book......there are some "varietal comments", and a few growing "hints", but, to me , the best thing about it is the "poetry"!

You can't do better than Marty & Jan for Siberians. jpflower.com. It is a bit early to dig Siberians which is why so few at the sale. They of course hybridize themselves 7 learned from the late Currier McEwen & Bea Warburton. I was sitting in my baseball cap near the standard dwarfs & I wish we had met.

crowrita1 said:Walter Stager was an attorney in Sterling, Illinois (about 12 miles from where I live). I think you will enjoy his little book......there are some "varietal comments", and a few growing "hints", but, to me , the best thing about it is the "poetry"!

This "little" book has over 1000 pages, much to my amazement! (That is on the Kindle.) On the laptop it is 274 pages. Sometimes it is easier to read on the laptop.