The American Iris Society Region 23 is a statewide organization of gardeners dedicated to advancing interest in and knowledge of irises. Region 23 members provide education on the care of irises to local communities through presentations, public shows and judges training sessions.

The purpose of a regional society, and the affiliate local societies, is to share as a group mutual pleasure and interest in the Iris; to promote the culture and further improvement of the plant; and to further the public interest and an appreciation for Iris.

Every year, the five NM clubs; Albuquerque Aril & Iris Society, Enchanted Vista Iris Society; Pecos Valley Iris Society; and Santa Fe Iris Society get together to hold a regional convention in one of the club’s home cities.  The convention includes a business meeting, educational programs, judges training and a banquet on Saturday night where a guest speaker gives a program. There is a live auction of recently introduced irises after the banquet. During the convention, there is also a silent auction of irises, iris stuff and garden related items of interest. In 2024, Howie Dash, owner of Picacho Mountain Irises will give a program and also give judges training on Arilbreds. 

Come and join us for the American Iris Society Region 23 annual convention that will be held at the Women’s Club in Santa Fe, New Mexico located at 1616 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe. Note that one of J.P. Hill paintings (shown right) will be auctioned off.   The convention is hosted by the Santa Fe Iris Society. Click below for the registration form and schedule.

2024 Regional Convention Registration

Make reservations for hotel/motel accommodations as soon as possible due to the Chile and Wine Festival which will be held the same weekend in Santa Fe. 

Pecos Trail Inn 2239 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87505 reservations can be made online at Pecos Trail Inn (thepecostrailinn.com) or (505)982-1943.

Convention registration fees:
Full registration (includes Banquet Dinner) before September 10: $65.00
Late Registration (includes Banquet Dinner) after September 10: $75.00
Banquet Dinner Only: $25.00

There are several presentations made during the regional meetings.  Presentations have occurred about soil composting, soil conditioning, companion plantings, bugs, hummingbirds, etc.  This year, Howie Dash, owner of Picacho Mountain Irises will give a presentation and also give judges training on Arilbreds. Well known irisarians who have spoken at past annual regional meetings have been:

• 2005 Vincent Christopherson – hybridizer
• 2011 Jeff Anderson –  Dona Ana County Agronomy and Horticulture Agent
• 2011 Paul Black – award winning hybridizer
• 2013 Jim and Jean Morris
• 2014 Riley and Shirley Probst, President of the Reblooming Iris Society
• 2014 Pete McGrath, award winning Arilbred hybridizer
• 2015 Ginny Spoon, award winning hybridizer and owner of Winterberry Iris Gardens
• 2015 Sharon McAllister, award winning Arilbred hybridizer
• 2016 Paul Black, award winning hybridizer
• 2018 Linda Miller, award winning MTB hybridizer
• Hugh Stout, award winning hybridizer and owner of Stout Gardens at Dancing Tree
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