Monterey Bay Iris Society

History

The Monterey Bay Iris Society was established in 1975 and been active continuously since its inception. Some members have been growing and hybridizing irises for fifty years.

Purpose

The Monterey Bay Iris Society was created to spread the appreciation of the irises in the Monterey Bay Area. The Society operates within Region 14 of the American Iris Society.

Region 14, which includes northern California, Nevada and Hawaii, is a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation whose sole purpose is promoting the culture and improvement of the genus Iris.

The Objectives

The objectives of Region 14 are:

• Develop the science of horticulture and any activities related
  to the study, propagation, improvement and culture of the genus iris
• Stimulate and foster interest in horticultureal pursuits
• Conservation and protection of these plants
• Encouragement and support of scientific research
• Investigation and conservation of the genus Iris in the wild
• Collection, compilation and publication of data concerning
  the history, classification, breeding and culture of irises
• Education of the public through exhibitions, display gardens, and publications

The American Iris Society exists for the sole purpose of promoting the culture and improvement of the Iris.

Meetings

The Monterey Bay Iris Society meets the third Friday of every month at the Native Son's Hall, 239 High Street, Santa Cruz, at 7:30 P.M. We do not have regular meetings in July or December. Visitors are welcome.

At each meeting we have a program that corresponds with the season. For instance, in February we discuss fertilization, and in April we present how to prepare and stage the irises for the upcoming show. Slide presentations cover the most beautiful must have varieties. We also have a picnic in July and a dinner in December.

Board

• OFFICERS
  • President
    • Tom Karwin
  • Past President
    • Diane Sampson
  • Vice President
    • Sheryl McEwan
  • Secretary
    • Jim Cummins & Brenda Woods
  • Treasurer/Show Chair
    • Charley Kearns
  • Newsletter Editor
    • Joe Ghio
  • Librarian
    • Brenda Wood
  • Hospitality
    • Karen Valentine
  • Webmaster
    • Ann Pike

• 1 YEAR BOARD
  • Larissa Daniel
  • Marie Devery
  • Brenda Wood
• 2 YEAR DIRECTORS
  • Jessie Bush
  • Rosa Raddichi
  • Fred Valentine

Iris Shows

In April of each year, the Society presents an iris show. Generally, this event is held in the Capitola Mall, 1855 41st Avenue, Capitola, California.

We have two main purposes for this show. First, we wish to introduce the interested members of the public to irises. Second, we wish to provide an occasion to judge irises, both unnamed seedlings and established cultivars.

In this show, irises are not judged against other irises of different colors, but are judged for the best possible form, color and size of that particular cultivar. We also judge the skill of the exhibitor in terms of how well the plant has been grown, and how skillfully the stalk has been staged at the show.

Unnamed, unregistered seedlings are judged separately from the named cultivars. Seedlings are new varieties grown from seeds collected from carefully planned crosses between two parent irises. Seedlings are judged differently from the named cultivars. What we are looking for in a seedling is something new that is not found in any other named iris, along with good form, vitality, strong stems, and a high bud count.

Anyone can enter irises in the MBIS show. We especially encourage interested youth to enter the irises that they grow. We have a special category for youth entries along with ribbons and trophies.

If you would like to enter irises from your garden next year, contact our Show Chairperson Charley Kearns, c/o Monterey Bay Iris Society, Post Office Box 2361, Los Gatos, California 95031.

Iris Sales

The Monterey Bay Iris Society's Annual Sale is held the first Saturday in August, starting at 9:00 A.M and continuing until sold out.

The generally has been held at the upper level of Deer Park Shopping Center, in Rio Del Mar, Santa Cruz County. Popular named varieties are often priced far below market value, and we always sell out, so be sure to arrive early.

For information, watch local newspapers or contact us at Monterey Bay Iris Society, c/o Diane Sampson, 76 Cutter Dr, Watsonville, California 95076.

Scholarships

The members of Region 14 of the American Iris Society shall award a $500.00 scholarship with the intent of promoting interest in irises. The award shall be given to a student demonstrating interest in iris activities with Region 14 or pursuing a career in horticulture, floriculture, landscaping, nursery production, or a related field.. Students may be seniors in high school or in a college or university at this time. Preference will be given to students that are family of Region 14 members. In the event of a tie, preference will be given to a Region 14 family member. Their home address must be within the area of Region 14.

Please complete this application and mail it to the address below, postmarked by April 3, 2006. A committee will then screen the applications. If you are selected for the scholarship, you will be notified by June 1, 2006.

Application is on the AIS Region 14 Website. Please use your Back button to return to our website