Trials
The Trials Secretary and Recorder is Clare Kneen
trials@britishirissociety.org.uk or phone 01799 526294.
Slade Cottage, Petts Lane, Little Walden, Essex, CB10 1XH
The BIS run two trials, the Award of Garden Commendation (AGC) and the Dykes Medal trial. Both trials are hosted by members of the BIS (who are judges), either in their own gardens or other suitable ground as arranged by the host.
The AGC trial runs for 3 years and is judged in its third season. Any iris in the trial judged to be of sufficient merit will be awarded the AGC. The best of the irises awarded an AGC may be awarded the Souvenir de M. Lemon trophy. The Dykes Medal trial also runs for 3 years and is judged in the third season. The best iris in the trial may be awarded the Dykes Medal, if considered to be of a sufficient standard. A complete set of rules can be obtained from the Trials Secretary.
Submission of irises for the AGC Trial
Irises may only be submitted by members of the British Iris Society.
Each member can submit one pogon and one apogon seedling/cultivar of their own breeding each year, and a further seedling/cultivar of each type for each AGC previously awarded to that member up to a maximum of three pogo and three apogon seedlings/cultivars.
Irises should be sent to Clare Kneen with a completed submission form.
There are currently four host gardens participating in the trial. At least one piece of each iris should be submitted for each garden, but two pieces for each garden is preferred. Each iris should be judged in at least three gardens. Up to date forms can be obtained from Clare Kneen. The irises will be circulated to the participating hosts.
The irises remain the property of the submitting member, and can be returned to the member at the members expense if submitted from the UK. Submission of irises for the Dykes Medal Trial Irises which have obtained an AGC are eligible for the trial, as are irises which have obtained awards in selected other trials (see rules). Material for the Dykes trial is usually available from the plants grown the AGC trial. The Dykes trial should be judged in the majority of the host gardens, in the third year after planting.
The irises remain the property of the submitting member, and can be returned to the member at the members expense if submitted from the UK. If an iris has not qualified though the AGC trial then an up to date submission form can be downloaded: BIS trials submission 2023
The Trial Rules (2023) can be found in the Members' Area.
Trial gardens
Jake Croft, Lamport Hall, Lamport NN6 9HD
Jeremy Handy, 59 Foregate Street, Astwood Bank, Redditch, Worcs. B96 6AJ
Clive Sergeant, 85 High Street, Offord D'Arcy, St. Neots PE19 5RH
Chris Towers, 40 Willow Park, Otford, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 5NF