contemporary views – 1988 award winners - American Iris Society (2024)

CONTEMPORARY VIEWS <strong>–</strong> <strong>1988</strong> Perry Dyer It seems that each year I am asked to write a review of the bloom season, either locally or a review of a convention garden for the national Bulletin. I have a bit of a reputation for taking thorough garden notes. Good notes, plus a good writing technique, make for a good article. It is perhaps a bit ironic that, this being my first year as a Master Judge, I have decided to formalize my review and make it an annual exercise. Thus, you are reading the first (hopefully annual) edition of “Contemporary Views”. If the format of this review looks familiar, it is because I openly admit that it is styled very much like that of Joe Ghio’s “Bay Views”. I suspect he began his annual review 25 years ago for many of the same reasons that I am. I offer the reader a Sun Belt point of view. I use his format as a compliment rather than plagiarism. And what a perfect year to review. Remember the report of the convention gardens I wrote for the AIS Bulletin last year, “A Good Omen’? I’m sure there are several hundred iris lovers in a bit of disbelief that it indeed was a good omen. As with the Bay Viewer, I will be “bestowing” annual “<strong>award</strong>s”. Keep in mind that the opinions and tastes expressed in this article are strictly my own. I pride myself in being an open-minded, objective iris judge. I will vote for an iris, if worthy, even though for personal reasons I might dislike a hybridizer or his/her philosophy in hybridizing or marketing. I think every good judge has this as a goal, but he/she will also tell you that it is easier said than done. One more thing, this is to be a positive review. Although I may fault, say, the branching of a particular variety, the fact that it gets mentioned in this write-up is a positive. The one exception to this philosophy is the RETURN TO SENDER AWARD, and I have the right to change my mind in the future, if the recipient later proves itself. My promise is that, if this indeed does happen, you’ll hear about it from me in “Contemporary Views”. [NOTE: Decision was made, in the 1989 edition of this annual review, to drop this category in its entirety.] In each color category, the best is listed first, then in descending order. At the end of each color group is a list, designated “Classics”, of those that are older (at least 10 years on the market), but still worthy. I would recommend these to any new grower who has a limited budget or is on a fixed income. AWARD WINNERS 1. The CONTEMPORARY AWARD, given to the Best New <strong>Iris</strong> seen. “New” is defined as last 3 years inclusive (meaning, this year, an iris introduced in 1986, 1987, or <strong>1988</strong>): SILVERADO (Schreiner 1987). Of the hundreds of Schreiner introductions I have evaluated and enjoyed in over 20 years, my feeling is that this is their finest achievement <strong>–</strong> ever! Starting at the ground, it has thick, husky, vigorous foliage. The stalks consistently throw 3 modified candelabra branches plus spur with backup buds. It will look good in a clump or on the show bench, as it tends to open 3 at once with perfect spacing. The stalks are thick and strong to support the weight of the flowers (no “Victoria Falls Down” here!). The flowers are large but not gross, set in a pure, crystalline silvery white with self beards tipped yellow in the heart. There are some infusions of silver-blue underlying that set the whole flower in motion; the infusions are more of a mood than actually visible. The form is faultless. Broad but not blocky, with full but closed standards and flaring falls. The substance is thick as leather, yet an airy look is transmitted because of the diamond dusted finish and moderate ruffling. Runnersup: SNOWBROOK (Keppel 1987); EDITH WOLFORD (Hager 1986); THRILLER (Schreiner <strong>1988</strong>). 2. The L’ELEGANTE AWARD, given to the New <strong>Iris</strong> with the most beautiful individual flower (does not necessarily address overall plant): BUBBLING LACE (Black 1986). No matter how adverse the weather conditions or bloom season (no, I haven’t forgotten the Spring of 1987!), ‘Bubbling Lace’ opens each of its blooms smoothly, without twisting or tearing. For such a heavily laced iris, this is a major accomplishment. Large, fluffy, cold, icy-white flowers infused bluelavender are supported by decent stalks (2 branches and 6 buds are the norm) and plant habits and vigor that are average. This is the most beautiful flower in irisdom. It even replaced my former favorite iris, ‘Clara Goula’ (Arny, LA). Runnersup: EDITH WOLFORD (Hager 1986); ICE CAVE (Wright 1986); ROYAL ELEGANCE (Gatty <strong>1988</strong>). 1