Iris-istible Victoria    Jean Graham, Lyn Hickey, Terry Laurin & K. Brewitt

(reprinted with permission from “The Iris Standard, Newsletter of the Ontario Iris Society,” v.6, issue 4 (July/Aug 2011)

 

Diane Whitehead, Convention Registrar, warned us in one of her chatty pre-conventions emails.  The weatherman had predicted an entire week of rain for the AIS National Convention in Victoria. As a result we packed boots, umbrellas and waterproof jackets and expected the worse...the west coast of Canada is notoriously ‘wet’.

 

In spite of this, the rain never materialized. It was forecasted each day but each day came and went without anything more than an early morning drizzle.  And this is just one of the reasons why this was an AIS National Convention to remember!

 

The first garden we visited was Government House Gardens. This is the Estate of the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia. Here three median irises by Paul Black caught the eye of many a convention attendee; ‘Dazzling’ (2008), if you recall a favourite at this year’s Median Iris convention, ‘Man’s Best Friend’ (2008)  and ‘Star In The Night’ (2009).

There was also a fine display of Pacific Coast Natives (PCN). People gathered to view these beauties as PCNs have not been seen at a convention before.  It was a delight for those of us who can’t grow them to see them growing in a garden setting. ‘Banner for Iona’ is prettier in life than in pictures. This iris was named in honour of Iona Campagnolo, Honourary Patron of the Convention. Ms. Campagnolo, an avid gardener herself, gave a heart-warming address at the welcome dinner.

 

Next was the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP) at Glendale Gardens and Woodland. ‘Ginger Twist’ (Schafer/Sacks 2009) was in fine form in this garden along with ‘Ballet Performance’ (T. Johnson 2007) and ‘Nouveau Riche’ (Keppel 2008).

The morning of day two saw us at Finnerty Gardens on the grounds of the University of Victoria. Developed in 1974 following the donation of a rhododendron collection, Finnerty Gardens has evolved into a four-season treasure. Fine gravel paths lead the visitor down well-labelled native plants, groundcovers, stands of bamboo, three-foot hostas, trees, ponds and benches strategically placed to capture the changing vistas. The air was fresh and filled with birdsong.

 

The well-tended iris planting was a riot of colour. Strong, vigorous, healthy plants included tall beardeds, Siberians and species-crosses. Contributing hybridizers would be pleased although some cultivars presented just huge buds. Choosing a favourite was sooooooo difficult!

 

Our final stop was the gardens at Hatley Park. After a long trek across the grounds, past 15 foot rhododendrons and sweeping western cedars, we found the spectacular master planting. Once again the work that the volunteers had put into maintaining these gardens was evident. The gardens were immaculate. Siberians were at their peak and many of the TBs were found in bloom. ‘Snow Lion’ (M. Smith 2008) and ‘Hoosier Dome’ (Miller 2007) were but two with an abundance of bloom stalks. Two Siberians that were attracting the attention of photo seekers were ‘Nothing But The Blues’ (Hollingworth 2008), a very deep and clear blue and ‘At the Crossroads’ (Schafer/Sacks 2009).

 

After viewing and evaluating the convention irises we enjoyed a guided tour of the magnificent grounds of Hatley Castle.