Hybridizers: Breeding Irises- the small ones, 1 by Ravenhill

Ravenhill wrote:
I\'m fairly new to being a member, although have used DG as a reference for years.
Really nice how everyone is supportive here! I slowly learned how to use the digital cameras, and would just pull the card and transfer data that way, and later use a card reader, for my work boarding dogs in my home (sending pics to their families).

Finally, I got a cell phone that had a decent camera in it, at about the same time camera # 23 got lost (dust and dog hair do them in!). I learned how to use it, and it was faster and easier, but then used Dropbox to transfer things from phone to elsewhere.
We\'re never too old to learn this stuff, especially if we love the subject!

Back to the original topic of this post, here in Texas, I have found that the older low-maintenance irises, the ones who attracted me by growing in vacant lots, are often simpler, without the frills and curls and horns and colored beards and all that. So the choice of TBI from Schreiner\'s may have had some that included those features we like but are not really \"natural\" to the plants.
I can also say that my experience is that some iris need 2-3 years to really settle in, and then surprise one by becoming fiercely prolific.
I have around 40 kinds of iris going now, and need to put the latest purchases in.(Requires some building of new beds, so they are in temporary housing).
I am fairly neglectful of them, not watering much, removing dead leaves and debris, but honestly, I love them for being stubborn and brave with the lantana and other tough ones.
At some point, I will want to learn to hybridize, I think. by then, I will know who is toughest, and maybe strive toward that \"Knockout\" iris goal.

Here\'s Fast Forward, a tough little rebloomer who took off and multiplied right away.