Walla Walla Iris Society Annual Rhizome Sale

WALLA WALLA - Rhonda and Charles Nosler of Waitsburg have been members of the Walla Walla Iris Society since 2019 and currently have over 150 iris varieties. The WWIS will hold its annual sale at the Milton-Freewater Community Building on August 1 and 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Irises will be presented by name, with variety information and a photo. For newcomers to growing irises, planting and care instructions will be available. The sale will include tall, intermediate, border, miniature tall, and standard dwarf varieties of bearded irises.

Bearded irises are perennials that grow well in the Walla Walla Valley, with its hot summers, cold winters, and well-drained soil. They grow well with light fertilizing and watering. Irises grow from rhizomes, which are cousins of bulbs; however, they grow horizontally. They must be divided every three to five years.

The iris rhizomes in the annual sale are grown and donated by club members and proceeds go to support the Walla Walla club.

The Walla Walla Iris Society is one of eight American Iris Society affiliates, in a region that includes Washington, Oregon, Alaska, British Columbia, and the Yukon. The Walla Walla club has been in the valley since the 80s and meets monthly from February through October at Pioneer Park or the Walla Walla Library, depending on weather.

"I have been growing irises all my life, and I enjoy the colors and patterns of everything from Standard Dwarf to Tall Bearded. I have started hybridizing (cross-pollinating) and hope to have my first introduction soon," said Rhonda.

Mark the calendar for August 1 to start your garden of irises by attending the sale. The community building is at 109 NE 5th Ave. in Milton-Freewater, Oregon.

Plan to attend the sale to buy rhizomes, learn more about irises, or to become a member of the Walla Walla Iris Society. If you can't make it to the sale, contact the club president at (509) 520-6192.