Join us on Mother’s Day for 2024 AAIS annual rhizome show.  It is open to the public 1-5 PM at the Alburquerque Garden Center at 10120 Lomas NE

For more details EVENTS | Iris Society (albuquerquearilandirissociety.com)

Because AAIS is the result of the merger of the former New Mexico Iris Society and the Albuquerque Aril Society, we often have two shows each year, one in late April, when the Arils are at peak bloom,  and one on the weekend of Mother’s ‘Day in May.  Though only one was originally planned this year.  The irises are brought in by members as well as the public to be judged by trained judges of the American Iris Society. 

In 2019, Eva Barry and Talia Michelle chaired the show “Irises for Everyone” on April 28.  Show winners were: Best of Show Eva Barry with Adoree; Best Arilbred Eva Barry with New Vision; Best Section A for Tall Bearded Eva Barry with Adoree; First Runner Up for Tall Bearded Eva Barry with Hi Love; Best Section C for Aril/Arilbred  Eva Barry with New Vision; Best Section D for  MDB & Medians Edith Iwan with Pokemon; Best Section E for Miscellaneous Cindy Rivera with I. tectorum Woolong; Best Section F for Historic Cindy Rivera with Indian Chief, Best Section H for Collections Susan Davis with Miss Mauve; Silver Medal to Cindy Rivera with 14 blue ribbons; Bronze Medal to Eva Barry with of 8 blue ribbons; People’s Choice Donna Jacobsen with Batik; Best Unnamed Iris Donna Jacobsen.  We gained nine new members at the show and sold out of potted irises (potted from leftover 2018 sale rhizomes and cared for by Eva Barry). 

In the fall of 2003 the Albuquerque Aril Society (AAS) and New Mexico Iris Society members began discussing the feasibility of the two clubs merging into one and meeting on a weekend day to accommodate the working class, as well as those members traveling a long distance to attend our meetings. Initially, this sounded as though it would be workable, so when we began planning for our Annual Iris Show for 2004, and thinking that this would be the last show hosted by the Albuquerque Aril Society as it was then known, we selected the theme of “The Last Hurrah”.

At the time we thought it quite appropriate, however, to make a long story short it was ultimately decided that we would not unite as one new society  (though we are united now) and we went our separate ways.

As a result of all this the AAS annual shows were on again. Henceforth, the theme suggested for our 2005 show was a unanimous and resounding approval—–SO—- “Hello Again”!!!

We can not proudly join the ranks with the Santa Fe Iris Society for innovative show themes!

There are several reasons for having a show.  First and foremost is that a show educates the public.   There are often educational exhibits and displays of many types of irises.  Shows also provide hybridizers an opportunity to get feedback on their latest hybridizing efforts from judges.  This includes seedlings and established cultivars. 

Unnamed, unregistered seedlings are judged separately from the named cultivars.  There is minimum grooming since the judges want to count the number of blossoms even if the blossoms are spent.   Judges want to see high bud count,  healthy plant, some type of improvement over older varieties and distinctiveness.