Iris Show set for Saturday
The Hot Springs Iris Society, an affiliate of the American Iris Society, will hold the 2021 Iris Show at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall Church, 109 Hobson St., from 1-4 p.m. Saturday.
Certified judges select horticultural winners of named iris varieties, locally grown. There is still time to enter the horticultural division at no charge. Horticulture entries must be received and tagged between 7-9:30 a.m. Saturday, a news release said.
The Design Division theme is “Irises in the Home.” Reserve a space by 4 p.m. Thursday by calling or texting Adrianne Kahn at 501-525-4484.
Schedules are available at Adrianne Kahn Fine Jewelry and Design in 265 Cornerstone Blvd. Show requirements are in the schedule. Show entries and admission are free.
Favorite irises at the show are available for purchase at the society’s annual sale, the Saturday before Labor Day, on Saturday, Sept. 1, at the Hot Springs Farmers & Artisans Market.
“Complimentary growing information and resources are available. Knowledgeable growers are on hand to answer questions. All are urged to participate. Show attendees receive a coupon for a free Iris at the sale and notice of future shows and sales by email,” the release said.
“Active in Hot Springs over 50 years, the Society’s clear vision and sole purpose has been promoting the culture and improvement of the Iris. Sponsoring annual sales of named irises not available locally or at reduced prices supports the annual juried show featuring recent introductions, Dykes Medal winners as well as historic irises, all of which have been locally grown and groomed by the entrants,” it said.
The April show includes irises and iris floral arrangements, competitively judged according to the rules of the American Iris Society, including tall bearded, arilbred, median, beardless, species, collections, and Dutch. Funds generated by the sale support the show, education and plantings.
Society members offer complementary growing advice. “For over 15 years, memberships remain a modest $5 per year; meetings are free and the public is invited. Members are happy to mentor new members and the public with iris culture questions,” it said.
Call President Jim Bledsoe at 501-815-3041 for more information.