The Permian Basin Iris Society is a non-profit AIS Region 17 501(c)3 member and an American Iris Society affiliate. PBIS meets at 7 pm the second Monday of each month, February through October, at 12324 W Palomino Drive Odessa TX.
Everyone is invited to attend the meetings and learn about the beautiful, versatile and easy to grow iris. We hope you would like to join us for all the benefits of newsletters, free iris, fun, and friendship as well.
During the year, the Permian Basin Iris Society hosts our annual iris show and rhizome sale as opportunities to educate the public about the many types and colors of iris, as well, as how to dig, plant, and grow the rainbow flowers.
We organize design classes on creating iris floral arrangements, and have programs on how to divide, plant and grow iris in our dry climate. We have programs on how to enter and win awards at our annual show.
Another objective of our society is to reach out to everyone, including garden enthusiasts, to show them how versatile, inexpensive and easy to grow the iris family is. Iris, like AIS and PBIS, are non-discriminating -- anyone and everyone are welcome and can grow them.
PBIS is honored to have two American Iris Society certified judges, as well as the Past Region 17 Vice President and an American Iris Society Board Member.
PBIS meets at 7 pm the second Monday of each month, February through October at 12324 W Palomino Drive Odessa TX. Everyone is invited to attend the meetings and learn about the beautiful versatile and easy to grow iris.
We hope you would like to join us for all the benefits of newsletters, free iris, fun, and friendship as well. Dues are $7 per year for single memberships or $10.00 per year for families or couples. For information call 432-697-6340.
We also encourage you to join The American Iris Society by going to http://www.irises.org/. When you first join AIS you will receive one free years membership in the Permian Basin Iris Society. Mail a copy of your receipt to the PBIS treasurer and receive a free year PBIS membership.
Approved August 10, 2009
A Nonprofit Affiliate of the American Iris Society
I. NAME
A.The name of this affiliate is Permian Basin Iris Society.
II. PURPOSE
A.This affiliate shall be organized and operated exclusively for purposes described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future tax code.
B.The purpose of the Permian Basin Iris Society shall be to develop the science of horticulture and any activities related to the study, propagation and culture of the genus Iris; to stimulate and foster interest in horticultural pursuits, conservation and protection of these plants; to cooperate with other organizations, public and private, in education, in the science of horticulture of all those interested in learning any phase of the genus Iris, by any and all means which may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors of Permian Basin Iris Society. These shall include but are not limited to:
1. Encouragement and support of scientific research, including those pertaining to the solution of diseases related to, but not necessarily exclusive to the genus Iris, and investigation and conservation of the genus in the wild;
2. Collection, compilation, and publication of data concerning the history, classification, breeding, hybridizing, and culture of Irises;
3.Education of the public through exhibitions, public display garden, published standards for judging, and local, area, regional and national meetings open to the public.
III. LIMITATIONS
A. No substantial part of the activities of this organization shall consist of carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation except as otherwise provided by Section 501(h) of the Internal Revenue Code, and this organization shall not participate in, of intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office.
B. No part of the net earnings of this organization shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, its members, directors, officers, or other private person, except that this organization shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposed set forth in these articles.
C. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these bylaws, this organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on
1. By an organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;
2. By an organization contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.
IV. OFFICERS
A. President
1. Preside over all meetings
2. Sign all documents
3. Sign checks in absence of Treasurer
4. Turn all files and records over to successor at end of term
5. Any other duties pertaining to the office
B.Vice-President
1. Assist President
2. Assume duties of President in case of absence
3. Plan a program for each regular or special meeting
4. Any other duties pertaining to the office
C. 2nd Vice President
1. Coordinate all publicity
a. Show
b. Rhizome Sale
c. Regular meetings notify members
d.Any other Society activities
2. Responsible for new member recruiting
3.Any other duties pertaining to the office
D. Secretary
1. Keep all minutes of meetings
2. Arrange for substitute if absent
3. Conduct all general correspondence
4. Prepare bi-annual report for Region 17 American Iris Society newsletter
5. Prepare all paperwork for affiliation required by American Iris Society
6. Turn over all records and files at end of term
7. Any other duties pertaining to the office
E. Treasurer
1. Collect all dues
2. Keep account of financial accounts
3. Make all payments in accordance with the budget
4. Prepare a budget and present it at the October meeting for approval
5. Present a financial statement at each regular meeting
6. Notify members when dues are late
V. SERVICE
A. Nominating Committee
1. Consists of two members at large and the immediate past President or Vice-President
2. Appointed at the August meeting by President
3. Will nominate one member for each office
4. Nominations will also be taken from the floor at the September meeting
B. Election
1. Done at the September meeting
C. Length of office
1. Each office will be two years
2. All officers will be eligible for reelection after one year not in that office
D. Vacancy
1. Filled by Presidential appointment
VI. MEMBERSHIP
A. Regular
1. Only voting members
2. Must pay by the August meeting their annual dues of $7.00 single or $10.00 family
B. Sustaining Members
1. Cannot for some reason be an active member
2. Will be informed of all proceedings
3. Dues $20.00 due in August
C. Honorary Members
1. Community member who has assisted the Permian Basin Iris Society in a special manner
VII. MEETINGS
1. 2nd Monday
2. Meet February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October
3. Special meetings may be called by the President
B. Time
1. Meetings will begin at 7:30
2. Meeting time may be modified by President with notification of all members
C. Quorum
1.Will consist of a simple majority of the regular members at each separate meeting
D. Executive Meetings
1. President has the authority to call meetings of the elected officers
VIII. CHAIRPERSONS
A. Iris Show
1. Appointed by the President at the June meeting.
2. In charge of annual Iris Show
3. Will appoint a co-chairperson
4. Will appoint chairpersons for all necessary show committees at the October meeting
5. Will send proposed show schedule to National American Iris Society Exhibitions Chairperson before the February meeting
6. Will present the proposed show schedule that follows all American Iris Society guidelines at the February meeting
7. Will send final show report to Exhibitions Chairperson, Region 17 RVP, newsletter chair, & historian as required by AIS
8. Will prepare an article for publication for the 2nd VP
B. Rhizome Sale
1. Appointed by President at the February meeting
2. In charge of the annual Iris Rhizome sale
3. Shall ask for help from membership as needed
C. Miscellaneous
1. President shall appoint any other chairpersons as needed
IX. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
A. Will be by the Roberts Rule of order unless otherwise cited in the Bylaws
X. BYLAW AMENDMENTS
A.Will be approved by the majority of the regular members.
B. Notification of the changes will presented to members one month prior to voting
XI. DISSOLUTION
Upon dissolution of the Permian Basin Iris Society, its assets remaining after payment, or provision for payment, of all debts and liabilities shall be distributed to the American Iris Society to support its youth awards, or for one or more other exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the internal Revenue Code.
Iris Programs from American Iris Society certified judges are available for your club or organization!
Available Topics:
• Tall Bearded Iris: How to Dig, Divide, & Plant. Slideshows on newer varieties, historic, seedlings, & novelty.
• History of the Iris Species
• Spuria: What, Where and How to Grow. Slide show of different varieties.
• Median Iris: The smaller, earlier blooming species. Slide show of different varieties.
• Iris Shows: How to enter horticulture (single stalks), English boxes, Educational displays, design (artistic arrangements). How do the judges evaluate the entries and give the ribbons?
• Garden Judging of iris growing in the garden.
• Awards and Ballots given and distributed by the American Iris Society
• New and exciting hybridizing: Broken Colors and Space-age iris with horns, flounces, and various extensions from the beard.
Certified Presenters in Midland/Odessa:
• Connie Ford
AIS Garden Judge since 2004, AIS member since 1995, Region 17 2008 Convention & Meeting Chair, West Texas Iris Society President, Permian Basin Iris Society Past President, WTIS & PBIS Past Show Chair.
• Debbie Strauss
AIS Master Judge since 2004, AIS member since 1981, AIS Garden Judge since 1984, AIS Board of Directors, AIS Silent Auction Chair, MIS Board of Directors, MIS Fundraising Chair, AIS Region 17 Vice President 2008-2010, AIS Region 17 Assistant RVP 2005-2007, AIS Region 17 Youth Chair 2002-2004, WTIS and PBIS Past President and Past Show Chair.
Certified Presenters in Lubbock:
• Dana Brown
AIS Master Judge since 2003. Programs: A Year in the Life of a Commercial Garden, Arils and Arilbreds, Awards and Ballots, Garden Judging of Medians, Garden Judging of Tall Bearded, Medians, Preparing for a Show, Spuria.
• Ramona Howard
AIS Master Judge since 1986. Programs: Arils and Arilbreds, Arrangements and Designs, Awards and Ballots, Garden Judging of Medians, Garden Judging of Tall Bearded, Louisiana, Medians, Preparing for a Show, Spuria.
Iris Classification
The irises most often used as garden plants fall into three main groups:
Bearded Iris
Aril Iris
Beardless Iris
Each group has its unique qualities, and a collection including representatives from each group will be varied.
Bearded Iris are identified by thick, bushy "beards" on each of the falls (lower petals) of the blossoms. Originally, most of these were native to central and southern Europe. The American Iris Society has divided the bearded irises into six groups for garden judging awards.
Even if you grow nothing but bearded irises, you can enjoy a remarkable range of color and a bloom season extending for months. Some bearded irises are "rebloomers", blooming again in the summer, fall or winter. Additional water and fertilizer applied during the summer months encourages them to bloom again. There are now reliable attractive rebloomers available which will perform in all but the coldest climates.
Soil Preparation:
Fertilization:
Spring Garden Care:
Step 1
Dig the entire clump gently out of the ground with a spading fork or shovel.
Step 2
Wash soil from the roots. trim the healthy leaves into fan shapes about 6 inches. Remove poor leaves and old bloomstalks. Don't compost diseased materials - destroy them!
Step 3
Write the name of the iris close to the rhizome, on the middle leaf, with a sharpie. This area will be preserved the longest and will help you keep track of the iris' name longer (important for both growing and showing!).
Step 4
Cut off the outer rhizomes. Discard the old center potion without leaves (this is spent). Cut away any signs of rot and wash the rhizomes with a 10% bleach water solution. Dry in the sunshine for a few hours, turning them over a couple of times.
Step 5
Plant each division as shown in the slideshow to the right, with the top of the rhizome at soil level. The foot likes to have sunshine on its top! Do not bury it completely. Plant them about two feet apart then fill in and firm the soil.
Everyone is encouraged to bring some iris stalks, even if you have never done so before. Here are some tips for selecting and preparing iris stalks for a show. Remember also that if you cant enter the individual stalks in the horticulture, you may do design with them or give them to someone else who is doing designs.
STALK SELECTION
This may be the most critical part. How do you decide what looks good enough to take to a show? Start looking at your garden several days beforehand to see which stalks appear to have potential. If a stalk looks like it will have fresh flowers open by show day and the branching and spacing look good, you may want to mark it with a piece of colored yarn. Some people cut their stalks the night before the show, but I wait until the morning of the show so that I can pick ones which have just opened. If bad weather threatens, however, you may want to cut the stalks and bring them inside ahead of time. You also may not have enough time on the morning of the show to get everything done.
The flowers should have NO faults. This is hard to find, and even harder still to get those perfect flowers to the show. Bent petals, bruised petals, holes from aphids, extra petals, petals pointing in strange directions, and spider webs all detract from the flower's beauty. Tears in the petal are okay as long as they are naturally occurring, and do not deform the petal. Having multiple flowers open is a plus, but not a requirement. You are better off having a stalk with one nice flower than several flowers that are starting to shrivel, have tears, or display other faults. And you want flowers that will look good at the time the judges view them, not just when you see them hours before the show.
Before you start cutting prepare a bucket (or several if needed) of tepid water and add about 1 cup of Karo to it and mix it good. Take it into the yard with you and as you cut each stalk, immediately place it in the bucket. Leave for 30 minutes or so. This will give your stalks time to absorb the water mixture that will condition the stalk and flower so it will not require any more water for the day. It also gives the blossoms a good plumping.
As you survey your iris, if the stalk is leaning badly, don't cut it for a horticulture entry but cut it and bring it for a design for yourself or to give to a fellow member. As a horticulture entry, you won't be able to get it to stand up straight in the bottle, and the flowers will tend to be pointing outwards. If as you check your garden days before the show, and you have a leaning stalk that you think has the potential to be a good show stalk, make sure that you stake it a couple days before the show. This will give the flowers time to change their alignment so that they again are pointing upwards.
If the iris has multiple branches, they should all be in the same plane. Even having several nice open flowers might not be enough if the branches are all pointed in different directions. The stalk selected should be free or nearly free of leaf spot. Some trimming to eliminate this is allowed, but if extensive and obvious, it will be penalized by the judges.
If at all possible, choose a stalk that has the terminal bud open. If there are multiple flowers open, they should all be the same size. Secondary buds from the same socket tend to be smaller. The spacing should be well away from the stalk. You don't want any flower to be rubbing up against the stalk or against another flower. The flowers should be nearly vertical. Pointed in towards the stalk is known as "towing in", and pointed out away from the stalk is known as "towing out". Both of these are faults, and will be penalized. You can help the flowers that are "towing in" or have a petal rubbing up against the stalk by wedging a piece of rolled up fan, or paper towels or packing peanut between the branch and the stalk. This may be enough to keep it in that position by show time. Just don't forget to take out your wedge when you get to the show!
If the cultivar is a space-ager, make sure that all flowers are uniform. Space-agers tend to have some beards with horns, some with flounces, and some with just a regular beard. If it is supposed to have horns, it may be penalized if only some petals have horns and others do not. However, some are never consistent, so know your iris or let the iris judges do the evaluation on the bench.
Label the irises at home with a split piece of paper with the name written on it, as you cut them so there won't be any memory lapses about the name when you prepare the tag or at the show. Do not write on the stalk. If this is noticed by the judges, they will take points off. Instead, write the names on a long slip of paper, with a slit in it which you can slip wrap around a branch until you are at the show.
GROOMING
Always cut the stalk as close to the ground as possible. You probably will not keep it that length, but you can always cut it shorter, while it is impossible to make it taller. Usually there is a leaf or two attached near its base. If they are going to end up crammed into the bottle neck and all bent over, take the leaves off! On the other hand, keep any leaf that is attached to the stalk above the bottle neck. Stick the stalk into the bottle and step back. Does the curve of the stalk at the base prevent it from standing straight? If so, you may want to trim off a few inches. Does it look top heavy because all the branching and flowers are well above the bottle? Again, you may want to trim the base of the stalk. Generally, the bottom branch should start a few inches above the neck of the bottle.
Often the bottom branch starts so low to the ground that when you put it in the bottle, the base of the stalk does not touch bottom of the bottle. This can make for an unstable stalk, but having the lower branch right up against the bottle neck makes it look unbalanced. Raise it up to a level that is pleasing, and wedge the stalk at that height by putting cotton or a cut section of stalk into the bottle neck. You can use this same method to hold the stalk in place even if it is all the way down. Make sure, though, that the cotton or pieces of stalk are not sticking up above the neck of the bottle.
If there is a branch where all of the buds have already bloomed, don't leave this branch attached. Carefully cut it off where it joins the stalk. This is hard to do and still make it look natural, so such stalks should be chosen only if they are otherwise excellent. Take off any spent blossoms, carefully cutting the ovary off at the base. Use a cotton ball to wipe off any fingerprints from the stalk or use face power and a soft brush to add the bloom back to the stalk. If there are cobwebs, insects, etc., take these off carefully. Sometimes the tip of the leaves can turn brown or have leaf spot. Use very sharp scissors to carefully trim off the brown area, but maintain the graceful shape of the leaf, and cut off no more than ¼ inch. Never, ever cut the leaf straight across!
For some shows, bottles are provided by the show committee to provide a uniform appearance. Other clubs may allow you to bring and use your own containers provided they meet the show requirements. Some clubs use clear vases or bottles, others use brown bottles or PVC pipe as their containers. If there is too much of a curve at the bottom of the stalk, however, no container will be able to compensate, and the whole stalk will be leaning. Often you can compensate by cutting the stalk a little shorter, eliminating the worst of the curve.
Occasionally you have a really thick stalk which is just too fat for the bottle. If possible, and if allowed by the show committee, try to find a wider necked bottle for this monster. These are very hard to find; therefore, you may have to trim the base of the stalk vertically to a size that you can cram into the bottle. Make sure that the cut portion is not exposed above the neck of the bottle, as this is unsightly.
For other than tall bearded, a smaller bottle can provide better proportion for a smaller, shorter iris. If this is permitted by the show committee, the smaller bottle should be the same color as the other show bottles and, of course, the labels should be removed. The show committee, nevertheless, may require only one size of bottle for overall show uniformity.
Flowers that are partially opened at the time they are judged will be marked down if they are the only flower open, so if you have a bud that is only partly opened, you may be able to speed it along by putting warm (not hot) water in the bottle, keeping it in a warm room, judiciously using a blow dryer, and, as a last resort, carefully helping it along with your fingers.
TRANSPORTATION
The trickiest part is getting the stalks to the show. You may be able to get a case of the bottles to take home with you. I put the bottles in the box that once held the vases as a case, making sure that they are spaced far enough apart so that no petals hit one another or any car parts. Generally, I fit about six stalks into a case-sized box. Newspapers can be used for wedging in the bottles tight.
Various other techniques are used. People make holders out of wood with PVC pipe mounted at an angle. There are caps or corks at the bottom of the pipes. Others use chicken wire in a 5-gallon pail with water in the bottom. Still others put the stalks in bottles, and then lay the bottles down with the stalks resting on the edge of a cardboard box with "V"s cut into it to hold the stalks in place. Another good way is to roll newspapers and secure with rubber bands. Place many of these in a large bucket with the handle standing up in the middle. Stalks can then be placed between the rolls at good distances apart to keep them from touching or rubbing.
For transporting, SUVs and minivans are ideal, as they have enough height that you don't have to worry about the stalks hitting the roof. Cars are more difficult, but you can put a box with the bottles on the floor, usually at an angle so that the stalks won't hit the windshield, seat back or roof. Usually, after you have struggled to get everything loaded, you vow to begin growing more of the shorter, more easily transported SDBs and IBs. Be very, very careful driving to the show. Corners, pot holes, drainage dips and stop lights are not your friends!
SHOW TIME
Bring scissors, cotton balls, a sharp knife, Q-tips, a bottle with extra water, face power, soft brush, rubberbands, address labels and a pen. Make sure that you get to the show in plenty of time to unload (carefully!), make out tags, and do any last minute touchups or adjustments. Also remember that for some shows, all your stalks need to be transferred and repositioned into the club bottles. There will be a lot of hustle and bustle as people try to get their stalks ready: bottles get positioned on the tables, carts filled with bottles roll across the floor, and others are designing arrangements in the corner. You don't want to be caught short of time. The show committee usually is quite strict as to the cut-off time, after which no further entries will be accepted. Usually it is around 10:30 a.m., but check the show schedule to be sure.
Every stalk entered needs a tag filled out. These are special tags with a bottom section that can be torn off after the judging. Usually you can get tags ahead of time at a spring meeting. This will allow you to fill them out at home, saving time and aggravation at show time. To fill out the tag, you will need to know the registered name of your iris, and the type (tall bearded, Siberian, etc.). You will also need to know the division and section codes for each stalk. These can be found in the show schedule. If you are not sure of the name of your iris, please don't guess. Label it a mystery iris or unknown, and leave it for display and ask for name suggestions by leaving a piece of paper by it. It is helpful to have a supply of return address labels handy, as it is quicker to put a label on than to fill out your name and address on a whole lot of tags. Make sure that you fill out both the top and bottom portions of the tag! The bottom portion is folded up by the placement committee and tucked in so that only the name of the iris and the class show. Use rubberbands to attach the tags to the bottles. They go through the hole in the top of the tag then around the bottle from the bottom so that it hangs around the bottle's neck.
You may only enter one stalk of each variety. A historic tall bearded stalk may be entered either in the Historic Class or the Tall Bearded Class, but not both. If entering the Collection Class (three or more stalks of the same cultivar, etc.), however, you may also enter the same cultivar as an individual stalk.
Your iris stalk is now ready to be confirmed and placed by the show committee. Except for the people assisting the judges, no one is allowed in the area with the stalks once judging starts. Now is the time to get coffee and be nervous! After all judging is finished and the best stalks are moved to the head table, you may go into the show area and see how well your entries did. But even if you aren't on the head table, it's still a lot of fun to see all the different entries, and admire all the irises that you've never seen before. Write down the names of those you might want to buy. Talk to the other exhibitors and the judges to find out how you could have prepared your stalks better. And look forward to the next time!
Best of luck to you all!
PBIS meetings are held the first Monday of every month at 7:00pm, and the upcoming meetings are listed below!
April 9 - Meeting
How to Enter Iris in the Show
April 28
24th Annual Iris Show
"Around the World With Iris" Theme
Enter 8 - 10:30 am
View 1 - 5 pm
Free and everyone is welcome to enter and view. You can take home a lovely stalk for your Mom, daughter, or sweetheart for only $1. Or pick one of the Top Winners for $2. For more information call 432-230-2484
May 14 - Meeting
What did we learn from the show and all the results! Awards ceremony.
June 11 - Meeting
July 9 - Meeting
August 13 - Meeting
September 10 - Meeting
October - Meeting and Bar-B-Q
Region 17 Convention
August 12-13
Cleburne, TX
WTIS Rhizome Sale
TBA
La Casa Verde (Midland)
Chairman: Al Elliott
PBIS Rhizome Sale
September 24
La Casa Verde (Odessa)
Chairwoman: Connie Ford
WTIS Show
April 14, 2012 (Midland)
PBIS Show
April 28, 2012 (Odessa)
Music City Mall
Chairwoman: Pat Jones
April 16-21, 2012
American Iris Society National Convention
Ontario, California
Chairs: Kathy Chilton ranchiris_aol.com
Jill Bonino aistreas_earthlink.net
Aug 3-4 2012
AIS Region 17 Convention Austin TX
Chair Ken Fuchs kenfuchs42_hotmail.com
April 15-20 2013 The American IS National Dallas TX
Chair Bonnie Nichols bjnhtn_aol.com
April 21-23 2013 Society of Louisiana Iris Dallas TX
April 12-17 2014 The American IS National Dallas TX
May 25-30 2015 The American IS National Portland OR
Visit www.irises.org - the official website of the American Iris Society!
President: Debra Strauss 432.352.5483
First Vice President: Felicia Henry 432.367.0165
Second Vice President:
Treasurer: Connie Ford 432.413.9978
Secretary: Kay Snead 432-296-6122
