Ayres's iron iris gate
part of the backyard with “good buddies” Pegi Naranjo-
Smith and Cleide Blackwell from Brazil. They posed
for us under Scarlett’s yellow climbing rose. Inside the
back yard Scarlett grows Arilbreds, TBs and Medians
and displays colorful upcycled glasswork. She is also
experimenting with growing Louisianas in buckets.
We noted the following irises: ‘Poisonous’
(Lawrence Ransom 2010, AB-SA) (RB-) growing at
IB height, this iris is tannish-gold over lavender with
cream fall centers and gold edges. Beards are orange,
then white, then surprise you with lavender horns!
‘Dubai’ (Thomas Johnson 2013, OGB+)—voted as best
OGB+ at the Trek—blooming with standards in light lilac
purple, falls strawberry rose and a large red-purple
signal. ‘Refiner’s Fire’ (Pete McGrath 2007, OGB) with
the standards in lilac lavender, falls bronze orange and
a burgundy red signal.
Two SDBs were performing well, the appropriately
named ‘Spring Is Here’ (Paul Black 2015) in bright
green-gold, and ‘Oh Canada’ (Thomas Johnson 2015)
in light blue and a maroon fall spot veined white.
‘Rarer Than Rubies’ (Barry Blyth 2007/2008, TB)
‘Sand Dancer’ (Rick Tasco 2010, AB) (OGB), the top
popularity poll winner, is creamy tan heavily veined
red-brown. Other TBs included Larry Lauer’s ‘Living
On The Edge’ (2009) and Barry Blyth’s ‘Rarer Than
Rubies’ (2007/2008).
Judges’ training on Arils and Arilbreds was held
in this garden. It was a tag team with Perry Dyer
explaining the culture and various ideal characteristics
of Arils and Arilbreds, and Dell Perry untangling
the nomenclature and the “plus and minus signs”
associated with the iris classifications. Both did a
fabulous job.
The Aril Trek was very enjoyable and educational.
Thanks to the garden owners and to the Aril Society
International along with the Mesilla Valley Iris Society
for their hard work in putting it together. Also thanks
to the banquet keynote speaker Pete McGrath for
presenting an entertaining and informative program.
We are looking forward to 2021!
d
Summer 2018 AIS Bulletin 43