Award for 1950, while another was given Honorable Mention by the AIS judges. Others 
who received H.M. were MacMillan, for Bayou Sunset; "Ike" Nelson, for Cherry Bounce, 
and Joe Richard, for Midshipman. 
For some years, the Louisiana iris has been moving from the Gulf Ceast tec 
Shreveport, and this city now boasts some of the finest collections in existence, 
These growers have also produced some very fine seedlings, which have been named 
and registered with the American Iris Society. Mmes. Mathews, Shehee, Alec Smith, 
Colquitt ("Minnie"), Clarke, and Gorton have this "bog" iris growing in garden beds 
and liking it. In nearby Arcadia, in red clay hills, Sidney Conger has produced 
some of the loveliest hybrids, Next spring the American Iris Society will hold its 
first meeting in Shreveport, and these visitors from all the states will come large- 
ly to see the fabulous Louisiana iris in all its glory. 
The very names of some of the finer new hybrids are delightful to read: 
Bayou Sunset, Linda Leach, Gay Deceiver, Pale Hands, Early Morn, Edith Dupre, Cher= 
ry Bounce, Barbara Nelson, Royal Gem, Sunny, Angel Fare, June Clouds, The Khan, 
Ruth Dormon, Southern Moon , . « Now Geddes Douglas of Nashville, and Frank Chown- 
ing of Little Rock, are edging in on our Louisianas, hybridizing, and giving us 
such beauties as Spring Sorcery, Dixie Deb, Big Dove, etc. For years Dr. Reed, of 
Brooklyn Botanical Garden, has crossed these irises, with some amazing results, 
And some of the Washington hybrids have long been known to iris growers, Our native 
irises succed wonderfully in California and Texas, and many growers are enthusias— 
tically acclaiming them, 
In spite of the aristocratic newcomers, many of the old collected forms will 
always be grown, for their rich colors and grace of form. Bayou Vermilion, Haile 
Selassie, Jeune Fille, Wild Swan, Cajan, Mary Debaillon, Reflected Light, Peggy Macy 
Royal Highness, and Kraemer Yellow will tind a place in gardens for years to come, 
The last named is just one of the many lovely iris which have come from the bog 
owned by Mrs, Rene Kraemer, of Thibodaux, Two recently collected varieties, Delta 
Treasure and Lockett's Luck, are as lovely as any of the new hybrids, 
It is a long story, and others whose names cannot all be listed here, have 
contributed. Many of those who took a leading part have passed on, but each left 
his or her csontribution to a rich heritage. These would be happy to know that our 
wonderful native irises are now grown around the world, They thrive in Australia, 
And 1 am just in receipt of a letter from a famous iris breeder of France, inquir~ 
ing about the Louisiana iris. An so they go on and on — destination unknown. 

(Reprinted by permission from the October, 1950 issue of Home 
Gardening for the South, New Orleans, Louisiana ) 
