Summer Show held at Capel Manor on 5th-6th June 2010

The unusually warm weather proved a frustration for many exhibitors at this last show of the season. As some travel long distances to attend, spikes had to be chosen the day before and many did not stand up to the heat of the journey and were rejected.

The shows give members and public the chance to see a wide range of irises which are almost impossible to see any where else. It was especially pleasing to see members' new irises being displayed for the first time. Some members have been hybridising for a number of years, but Denis Lobidel was displaying his first seedling - a tall lavender plicata and he gained the satisfaction of not only winning a first, but also of his iris being "Referred for Further Assessment" - which means it will go into the trials and if it performs well, it may get the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit. Barry Emmerson showed an amazingly coloured seedling with flecks of red on a yellow ground - much admired.

Congratulations must go to Sharon Evans who made a supreme effort and won 6 firsts, 5 seconds , 7 thirds and the Ryall Memorial Tophy for best exhibit in the species classes - an outstanding contribution to the show.

The next BIS event is a day in Dorset on 25 September. There will be talks given by
(1) Malcom Pharoah, the Head Gardener at Marwood Hill Gardens which holds the National Collection of Iris ensata and Astilbe. As many members will know, this garden was planted by the late Dr Jimmy Smart and is a beautiful oasis offering the chance to enjoy a wide range of plants collected from across the globe in a stunning setting as well as viewing its two National Collections.
(2)Edmund Heaton who holds the National Collections of Trigridia and Sisyrinchium.
The cost is £15 per person (including lunch) and is open to non-members. Please email clive_russell@yahoo.com for details. The BIS AGM will follow the talks at the end the day. See you there.

Alun Whitehead