I often use out database for photos when I see an iris advertised that does not have a photo. It will seem like a good bargain but if it is almost identical to ones that I already grow I will not purchase it. The database here has saved me from buying an iris that would just grow in my garden next to one that is almost like it. Also, if we are having an iris auction at our Iris Society and I am not familiar with the ones being offered I can go to the ATP database and look at the photos and decide which ones to bid on. I know this is not a scientific way to garden but I keep in mind that these photos were mostly not taken by professionals and that the plant that is pictured may grow a shade differently in my garden.
