It's official!

When I began growing irises about 15 years ago, I knew nothing about iris varieties and how irises got their names. I had no idea there were iris organizations. As time went by and I started collecting more and more varieties, I became more interested in iris history in the States.  I joined HIPS - the Historic Iris Preservation Society, and the American Iris Society and my love for irises grew more and more.  Recently, I began the process of applying to become a HIPS Display Garden.  I'm happy to save that Stormy Weather Iris Gardens has completed the process and we are an official HIPS Display Garden!  We are one of only two in the state of Virginia.  The other is Monticello/Tufton Farm in Charlottesville.  With that said, our gardens are mix of both old and new varieties and I like that we have a mix of both the past and the present.  It gives those who come see our house gardens an example of how irises have changed over the years in America.