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Feb. 2, 2008 - Median Judges Training by Stephanie Markham
On February 2, 2008, iris fanciers from around the Northwest met at the Sunnyside Grange for training on median irises. Prestigious hybridizer Stephanie Markam flew in from Massachusetts to lead the two-hour session on Intermediate, Border and Miniature Tall Bearded iris. Those who attended the seminar gained two hours of credit toward the training required for judges. Attendees of the seminar were treated to a delicious bag lunch, containing a sandwich, chips, fruit salad and cookies. Then door prizes were drawn; among plants given away were one Siberian, two arilbred, three intermediate bearded and four tall bearded iris.
Then Ms. Markham's presentation began. Markham began by pointing out the similarities in the three classes of iris under discussion, as well as how each has arisen into its own class.
She then launched into a discussion of the proper forms for each division. By their nature, the intermediate bearded is the least restrictive of the three classes, allowing more forms of branching. By contrast, the bordered bearded should look like a small tall bearded, formal in both branching and bloom form. The miniature tall bearded should be allowed a dainty, delicate look the other two classes should be without. However, she also pointed out that there is so much overlap in the standards that judges should respect which category the hybridizer registered his plant.
The afternoon ended with a two-page test for attendees to take, with a discussion of the answers afterward. As a first-time judges training seminar attendee, I found the delights of this seminar were two-fold. First, I was expertly guided through a critique of proper iris forms, as Ms. Markham showed many seedlings not yet available and generously pointed out their virtues and faults. Second, I was able to see some truly spectacular iris examples and consider what to add to my own garden in light of virtues of these established cultivars. In the spring to come, I feel I will be more able to evaluate the iris in my own garden in light of Ms. Markham's opinions. by Tara Choate
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