Polymerous said:
It's not exactly a modern ruffled beauty, but I think it is pretty enough, in a clump.
Marilyn ~ All irises do not have to be "the latest", or "modern ruffled beauties", to be beautiful irises. I think it is a little more than "pretty enough". (IMHO)
Some people like historics, I like a few of them, but not all. Some people like the latest extremely ruffled ones, I like a few of them, but not all. Some people like outrageously large and bold beards, I am not one of them.
Some people like "space agers" and broken patterns.... I like a few irises that are tan or brown, and I think I read that you don't like them at all.
Rob sent me a clump of Thornbird, and I am enjoying it (them) to the extreme. (Really!)
When I first started looking at irises seriously, selfs were my first choice. I have come to appreciate a wider range of patterns and styles. I still do like the crystal clear colors of a self, but there are so many more of interest to me now.
At least there are enough styles and color combinations to keep us all interested. I hope that my tirade did not sound like a lecture...it wasn't meant to be one.
And of course, there is always hybridizing to attempt to create something new. Apparently, it is more of a challenge and a lot of patience and hard work to get a favorable result.
