Mel's trip to Oregon in 2023

by Mel Schiller

In May 2023, Bailey urged me to head to Oregon to visit with Thomas and Kirk at Mid-America Garden as Bailey was too busy with school to make the trip. 

Anxiety is something I battle with, and this issue has returned since the death of my other son. Airports are no easy feat. I can confidently say I silently won the battle with the airports and the anxiety. I felt the fear, yet continued on my journey. I met many lovely helpful people along the way who gave me guidance and support, for which I will be forever grateful. It was my first time flying solo outside of Australia.

I flew into Oregon extremely late in the evening and Lynda Miller kindly picked me up from the airport and drove me to Mid-America Garden. Thomas and Kirk are wonderful friends and gracious hosts.

We first met Thomas in Barry Blyth's garden Tempo Two around 10 years ago. A beautiful friendship has developed from there!

Thomas invited us to come stay with him, and we eventually took him up on his offer. We have learned to appreciate our time spent in the United States. I find going shopping amusing, and people love to hear me talk. I guess my Aussie accent is something to get used to! 

I love the trees and the plants that grow in America. I would love to grow rhododendrons like we see in the majority of the gardens in Brooks, Oregon. Gosh, they make my heart flutter. 

In the late afternoon and evening the iris field at Mid-America Garden is so peaceful. It is a magical time of silence and listening to the birds calling in the distance. I spent a lot of time taking photographs. Some 9000 to be exact! In between photographs I hybridized . . . a lot. 

The gratitude I feel towards Thomas and Kirk for allowing us into their lives and passing their love of their garden and irises is beyond beautiful. I feel extremely fortunate and privileged. I fall in love with the irises, both new and old. The beauty to be found in the wonderful new creations is truly magnificent. Here are some that I absolutely loved from Thomas's field. 

 

'A Million Dreams' (Johnson, 2023)

The clarity of colour on this iris variety is simply outstanding. Coming from 'Arrivederci' breeding, an iris that we love, makes us think of future possibilities. 

'Breath of Fresh Air' (T. Johnson, 2023)

The work that Thomas has achieved in this line is amazing. He has developed many beautiful pink irises with blue beards. We love them!

'Distant Shores' (T. Johnson, 2023)

The colour contrast in 'Distant Shores' shows exquisite depth. This variety just kept calling me and  I kept going back to take another look! 

'How Bizarre' (P. Black, 2023)

Ahh Paul Black . . . lines and more lines. I love his work -  so different, and unusual. That is what the team at Smokin Heights love. Statement irises that are different so they stand out and make wonderful impacts in the garden. 

'Indecisive' (P. Black, 2023)

The foliage. 'Indecisive' is all about the foliage. Variety is the spice of life, and shades of green and cream provide versatility in the garden. The colours just work to make a pleasing blend for the eye to behold. We are all about variegated foliage plants. Visual appeal is everything! 

'Just Between Us' (T. Johnson, 2023)

This iris grew on me over time. There is no doubt about the beautifully branched stems and the pleasing colour to the eye. It also comes from 'Arrivederci' lines. Unfortunately, we find 'Arrivederci' doesn't love our garden in Australia. It is a variety that is extremely slow in growth habits for us! Despite this shortcoming, I still used it in hybridizing.

'Let Me Be There' (T. Johnson, 2023)

This variety is very delicious in every way. Gosh, I fell in love quickly! I used this in hybridizing and have ordered it to import to Australia! The seedlings that Thomas has coming on are beautiful! 

'Lovely Livvy' (T. Johnson, 2023)

This is the iris that broke the internet, and it is easy to see why. It has the stuff that dreams are made of! To see it bloom in my garden will be amazing. I look forward to that day at Smokin Heights! 

'Mega Ruffles' (P. Black, 2023)

Such an appropriate name for this beautiful iris. What is there not to love when you see lots of ruffles?

'Never Enough' (T. Johnson, 2023)

I remember this variety clearly. I remember saying to Thomas, "A rock could sit on the standards." The super substance that this variety presents is amazing. It was an absolute "yes" from me in every way. I loved this variety. 

'On The Line' (T. Johnson, 2023)

This variety had just started to bloom in my last few hours in the field. I managed a quick photograph and liked what I saw. Deep in my heart, I knew Bailey would love this visually appealing variety!

'Princess Pretty Pink' (P. Black, 2023)

I am a sucker for pink irises. I patiently waited for this variety to open, going to the clump daily to check its progress. I was not disappointed. A beautiful pale plicata in pink. Wow! 

'Refined Elegance' (T. Johnson, 2023)

This iris was a "yes" from the get-go. This year I am finding myself drawn to yellow. Normally, I am not a yellow person. Maybe my tastes are changing! This iris variety has the perfect name. It was elegant in every way. The bloom won over my heart. 

'Such A Sweetheart' (T. Johnson, 2023)

Oh this was an easy win me over. Pastel shades in this smoky lavender and pale pink plicata mix. Wow. Its warm, it's inviting. Its gorgeous! 

'Superhero Kiss' (T. Johnson, 2023)

This colour combination is a m a z i n g. It is on the shorter side but that does not detract from its beauty. This iris makes a huge statement in the field. I would call it one of those jaw-dropping irises. I love it!

'Unimaginable' (P. Black, 2023)

Oh yes! I come back to the haft-lined pattern as a favourite. I love the drama of this iris. It makes your eyes dizzy looking at the haft area. In a clump, the impact is electrifying!

'Zero Gravity' (T. Johnson, 2023)

I loved this variety coming from 'Sergey' crossed with 'Espionage'. It is another favourite, a beautifully neutral-toned variety. I can see this variety in a beautiful vase amid a mixed bunch of blooms. 

My 2023 trip to the United States was definitely something that I needed in my life at this point in time. The feeling of complete peace washed over me when I stepped into the iris field at Mid-America Garden. There was no agenda or rushing about. No other thoughts except for the irises. It took me a couple days to get my mind sorted and unraveled for my task at hand. And I successfully traveled solo. High Five!

A Trip Down Memory Lane - Part Two

 By Maggie Asplet

Gosh, it seems like only yesterday and I was writing part one.  So, on with the rambles from an old lady.

Part one had us visiting other places and not just spending all our time at Mid-America Iris Gardens.  Mind you, we didn't mind not leaving, but just so many irises to see and you can never look at them too many times.

A beautiful sunset from the paddock down the road from where Thomas & Kirk live.

(Paddock is Kiwi speak for field.)

The learning experiences, the sharing of knowledge, or perhaps I should say listening to the experts knowledge, is just so invaluable, and just shows you how "so little I know".

Something that some might thing rather trivial can be of great value to another person.  Photos do make explaining yourself to someone else so much easier.  During my last trip I took particular notice of the watering system Thomas used and what connections etc.

Watering system at Mid America

My watering system.  The fitting are much the same and I must say having the picture from my trip sure made it easier when trying to explain what I wanted.

For me, the very best part is learning from others.  Others that were always so willing to share their knowledge and experiences.  

First, I will look at the work of Lynda Miller and her work with MTB's.  They are stunning, just such a delicate bearded iris on such elegant stems.  I think it is fair to say that these are perhaps my favourite of the bearded irises.

Lynda discussing irises with Bailey (from Smokin Heights, Australia)

Here we have 3 of Lynda's seedlings

One of Lynda's registered MTB's.

A sight to behold, watching Keith Keppel evaluate his irises, then discussing with him why he makes the choices he does.  So very talented when it comes to hybridising.  Those years of experience tells him just what the outcome "may be" like, whereas I am still in the category of not knowing at all.

His iris patch, although it decreases in size each time I visit is just amazing.  If it were me having to make a choice of which seedling to keep, I think they would all be staying.

Photo on the left is Keith evaluating his seedlings

One the right you have Wendy (NZ) and Melissa (Australia) taking photos in Keith seedling patch.

I feel that to stop speaking about these different people is like not acknowledging them at all and there are still more that have had an impact on my irises and what I am trying to achieve.  I feel like there is a part 3 coming, as I would also like to just talk a little about attending the Regional meetings.

Each trip that I make, I always try and attend the Regional meeting in Oregon as there are many people there that I met in my first ever trip in 2015 when 23 New Zealanders went to Convention.  So many great friends were made.

From these friendships and from one person introducing another, we had the privilege of Patrick and Margaret Spence coming to our convention (Gisborne, New Zealand) in 2018.  Such a great time and then great to catch up with them again in the States.

While Margaret was here, she liked a top I had and wanted to know where I got it.  To cut the long story short, she now has a top the same as mine.  I had packed mine, never told Margaret - Guess what happened at the Regional Meeting.

I'm the one wearing glasses, oh we both are.  I'm the one with the cell phone in my hand.

This now leads me into the attending Regional Meetings and as this will be expanded quite a bit, I think this will be a good place to end.

SO, Part 3 it will be, covering some of the other amazing people and the Regional Meeting.

It is my great hope that 2022 will see the return of us from down under.

A Trip Down Memory Lane - Part One

By Maggie Asplet

Well, what else is there to say? COVID19, you have a lot to answer for, in particular my not being able to travel back to see my friends in Salem and Portland, Oregon for at least another year.

Usually, at this time, I am busy planning my next visit back, which is hard to believe especially the horrific weather conditions happening in Salem (and elsewhere) right now. It is hard to believe the destruction I am reading from Facebook posts.

So here we have it, unable to travel, so this is going to be a serious and humorous look at my last trip in May 2019.

One of the things none of you will be aware of is the time we leave home (midnight) to begin our travels, which leaves us sitting for hours waiting to check-in for our flight. Here I am with my traveling companion Wendy Begbie, who has the largest iris nursery in New Zealand.

Our first stop was Hawaii, meant to be for a 3 hour stop over, but due to a problem with our tickets we missed our next flight and to our shock (tongue in cheek) and horror, had to spend a night in Honolulu.  What are two girls to do but go and explore, which we did.  In the mall we came across this amazing stand where you get to make jandals (New Zealand name for flip flops) to your hearts desire.  Never seen anything like it before.  

It might look as though I didn't indulge, I did.  My granddaughter now has my pair.

Due to our unforeseen stayover, I think it is fair to say that a couple of nights in Honolulu would not go amiss, just to see the magnificent gardens and parks.

Taken at the airport, this is sure an indication of some stunning flora and fauna to see next time.

We finally arrive at Mid America Iris Garden and Sebright Gardens just about in the middle of the night.  First thing on the agenda is to wander arounds the house display gardens, and what a picture they always are and to heck the irises, here and down the road a couple of miles in the paddock (New Zealand term for field).

Irises at last

Beautiful display gardens

Irises, yes there were plenty of those.  Here is a selection of some of my favourites.  I guess this list would sure change once I can visit again.

These are some of the SDB irises that I used and will finally get to see what I have achieved this Spring (October 2021).  In the second set of photos the unnamed image is Basket of Goodies - Black '15.

One of the chores that I like to help with was feed the chickens and visiting the fantastic peacocks, especially the white ones - just stunning.

Sebright Chickens

By arriving prior to the main tall beard irises flowering, it gave us spare time to go visiting.  One of our favourite places is Schreiner's.  How can you not love their display gardens.  Just so inspiring with the companion planting and then returning when in full bloom.

Schreiner's Display Garden

The exterior of the delightful souvenir shop - check out just how the walls of the shop are made????

THEN, we finally get to full bloom season, what a picture the place is.  Given the size of the nurseries that Thomas has, when you see if for the first time, it is rather gobsmacking awesome.

As there is still so much to show you from a wonderful trip, I am going to finish this - part one - with a photo of us (the two New Zealanders with their Australian friends) enjoying the hospitality of Iris Royalty - to me they are.

We are very fortunate to have mentors like the Schreiner Family, Thomas Johnson, Paul Black, Keith Keppel.  Fabulous times together - now we wait until we can do this again.

On the Road Again—Mid America Gardens

By Bryce Williamson

After my visit to Schreiner’s Garden, I headed over to Mid America Gardens. For some reason and even thought I have been there numerous times, I always get lost. Once my infallible since of direction would have only required one visit to a place and then I could back, but that was once upon a time in a distant galaxy.

I first went to the main garden and was amazed at the expansion of Mid America’s perennial business. There I met Thomas Johnson and he suggested that I visit the other garden down the road, mentioning that Paul Black was in that garden.

As has been the case with all my One the Road Again posts about Oregon and Washington, I have combined images and comments from the last two years.

Sadly, this series is drawing to a close. After this post, the final two articles will about Aitken’s Salmon Creek and Mt. Pleasant Iris Farm, both in Washington. Sadly with the shelter in place this year, no new garden visits will be possible.

Thomas Johnson in the new field

Paul Black X89H

Paul Black Y19A

Paul Black Y123E

Thomas Johnson TJ41-A

'In Full View'--Thomas Johnson 2020

Thomas Johnson TJ246-22

Thomas Johnson TJ240A

And some images from Region 13's 2918 Spring meeting:

Barry Blyth's 'A Certain Girl'

'Break Tradition'

'Kiss the Frog'--This Paul Black iris has a future with flower arrangers