The Kent Iris Group was formed in 1946 and will therefore celebrate its 75^th anniversary in  2021. Membership is NOT restricted to the county of its title but rather encourages membership from around the south east, including the Greater London area.

Membership is currently  free to British Iris Society (BIS) members and to lovers of the iris genus. The Kent Group is made up of a broad range of members ranging from novices, keen to learn more about iris, to members who are experts with a wealth of knowledge eager and able to share this experience. Becoming a member gives you the opportunity to;

• Attend and hopefully participate in the annual Show.
• Participate in seasonal garden visits in the south east (normally concentrating on those gardens with fine displays of iris)
• Receive a twice yearly magazine
• Obtain advice and help on iris issues ranging from growing from seed, dividing and tackling problems such as leafspot, etc
• Plant swops
• Encouraging and helping members to breed & grow new iris by offering a “buddy” arrangement.

The group prides itself on its friendliness. Olga Wells, the internationally known iris hybridiser, a longstanding member of the group has said “what I enjoy most about the Kent Group over the years is the friendliness and company of other members”. The Kent Group is well known in the iris world for the number of iris hybridisers that have developed their knowledge, experience and skill whilst members. The group is proud  of the number of outstanding iris that have been bred in this area  and Kent Pride, for example, bred in 1954 is still seen at the Chelsea Flower Show each year. The group is particularly keen to maintain this reputation and would welcome the opportunity to obtain new members who would like to learn those skills from our existing members.

If you are interested please contact Wendy Payne wendy.payne@lineone.net. Membership is free at the present.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Events 2020

Early Spring Show
13th February 2020 - Baptist Church Hall, Crockenhill BR8 8JS
John and Laurie are flying the flag for the Kent Group from 10.30 to 11.45am at this local show. Coffee Cup will be open meaning there will be hot drinks, cake, cheese scones, fruit bread, toasted teacakes etc available. The main focus will be on Reticulata and Histrioides irises.

The Kent Group Summer Show and other visits have been cancelled for 2020 due to Covid-19, but we are looking forward to 2021, so please do stay in touch -  follow us on facebook/instagram.

 

 

 

A visit behind the scenes at Kew