May 2022
MAY MEETING, SATURDAY, MAY 21st, at 6:00 PM
POTLUCK MEETING AT THE HOME OF JUDY BLUNT, 1901 ½ S. 4TH ST.WEST
Judy Blunt will be preparing a large main dish.
(Directions from Russell Street going North, turn left on to 4th Street; going South, turn right. Go 4 blocks to Judy's home. Call Betty Ann, 370-1696, if you get lost.)
MEDIAN SHOW: Looks like the median iris are not going to show up for our Median Show. Our unusually cool weather has set them back. We checked the medians at the Fort Garden and only saw 3 bloom stalks.
We also checked with member Roger Muir, who specializes in growing median iris, and Fred Frey. Both related that the medians are way behind schedule.
BRING SOME OF YOUR MEDIANS THAT MAY BE BLOOMING TO OUR MEETING, SATURDAY: We will use them in a demonstration on how to stage iris for a show, what judges look for in show worthy iris, and simply admire their beauty.
WAYS AND MEANS TABLE DONATIONS: Please bring your donations for the ways and means table to the meeting Saturday. They are to be sold during the convention to offset expenses.
PEONY AND IRIS SHOW, FRIDAY, JUNE 10, FROM 8:00 AM-8:00 PM, AND SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM, AT THE HOLIDAY INN DOWNTOWN MISSOULA: The Missoula Iris Society and the Missoula Garden Club have joined to present a Peony and Iris Show, “Missoula in Bloom.” It is in conjunction with the Western District Garden Club Convention. Schedules for both shows will be available at the meeting.
AWARDS RECEPTION FOR THE FLOWER SHOWS, JUNE 10, AT 4:00 PM IN THE HOLIDAY INN ATRIUM: Heavy finger food will be served buffet style. Cost is $15.00 per person. Registration and payment for the awards reception is needed by June 1. Please remit to Swede Gustafson, Treasurer, 3128 Eldora Lane, Missoula, MT 59803.
PEONY LECTURE, FREE ADMISSION: Friday, June 10, at 2:00 PM-3:30 PM. LORE SAMPSON, OF RARITY PEONIES, MT. HOOD OR. will be the speaker. She is a hybridizer, and a National American Peony Society Judge.
GARDEN BUS TOUR AND CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION, SATURDAY, JUNE 11, AT 12:30 PM-5:00 PM. COST $22.00: View the Rhinehart Peony Garden at the University of Montana and the Missoula Iris Society Garden at Historical Fort Missoula. A champagne reception will be held at the home of James Sadler, president of the Montana Federation of Garden Clubs and a Missoula Iris Society member. Please let Betty Ann know if you plan to attend by June 1.
MISSOULA IRIS SOCIETY FORT MISSOULA GARDEN: Since we are on tour, we will need to keep up on weeds, mowing, etc., prior to the tour on June 11. A work party will be planned in the future with everyone notified just when it will be. Swede walked through the garden on May 12. He noted a few weeds and iris fans which are in need of removal. So if you feel the urge to get some spring air, take an hour or so to work in one of the beds. Thanks, Swede and Judy.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE IRIS SHOW:
Thursday, June 9 from 7:00 PM-10:00 PM, set up for the iris show. This includes loading of vases from iris shed at Fort Missoula, taking vases to the Holiday Inn, placing table cards, etc. Designers may want to set up their displays that evening. Flowers can be placed in their designs on Friday.
Friday, June 10, from 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM, we need 1 or 2 people to man the registration table where exhibitors register for the iris show.
Friday, June 10, at 10:30 AM, clerks are needed to assist judges.
Saturday, June 11, 6:00 PM, we will take the show down, pack vases, dispose of flowers, etc.
Sign up sheets will be available at our meeting, or you can contact Betty Ann, 406-370-1696 or email, swedeandba@gmail.com.
REMOVAL OF TWIN TRUNK OF THE DECORATIVE TREE AT THE FORT MISSOULA GARDEN: We hired Missoula Tree Preservation, LLC, to modify the look of the decorative tree in the patio of the iris garden The tree had a twin trunk which we noticed was leaning and had a multitude of large branches. In consultation with the preservationist, it was determined the best solution to preserving the upright trunk was to remove this twin trunk. The project was competed within 2 hours including complete cleanup of the tree branches and disposal.
TREASURER'S REPORT:
April reported balance: ...$1,047.64
Typing error addition:.............$2.00
Corrected balance: ...........$1049.64
Income-Dues Received: .......$20.00
Expenses Paid: ...................$710.00
May 13, 2022 Balance: ......$359.52
Missoula Tree Preservation, LLC: $300.00
Missoula Iris Show Award Stickers: $48.75
Western District Garden Show: $250.00
Judy Blunt reimbursement for the printing of show schedules: $69.37
AIS Store Front: 10, 2023, Iris Calendar purchase: $42.00
GARDEN PATHWAY AT THE MISSOULA IRIS SOCIETY GARDEN: Anne Bowman has contacted Summit, First Security Bank, and Missoula County for possible grant money. First Security Bank will give us $250.00, Alan Fugleberg, of Summit Independent Living, is willing to help us apply for a grant from the Brondum Foundation, and we have an application for the
Missoula County History Grant. We have approval from the Board of Trustees of Fort Missoula to proceed with the path, however, we must also meet with the History Preservation Board of the City of Missoula. We are also waiting for a bid to construct the asphalt pathway from two asphalt companies.
MIS MINUTES OF APRIL 2, 2022
The Missoula Iris Society meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm. by President Betty Ann Gustafson at the Immanual Lutheran Church meeting hall.
Iris Program: Prior to the business meeting Gary Clark gave a presentation on the many species of iris, along with pictures and interesting information.
Minutes for April Meeting were corrected – The Missoula in Bloom iris and peony show and tour to be shared with the Montana Federation of Garden Clubs cost to MIS will be $150. share, not $200 as stated in the minutes.
Treasurer’s report - Swede Gustafson reported the savings, checking balance and judges fund.
OLD BUSINESS
Ground Lease Signed - Memorandum of Understanding with The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula and Missoula County has been finalized and signed by President Betty Ann. This is a five year lease on the grounds behind the museum for the public display iris gardens.
Garden Handicapped Pathway – Swede discussed the project for the disabled pathway in the Fort Iris Garden. He will coordinate pricing and grants to defray the cost. Swede indicated the material to be used will be asphalt with a turn around for wheel chairs.
June Iris Show - Missoula in Bloom is the theme for the iris and peony show and tour this year which will be shared with the Montana Federation of Garden Clubs at the Holiday Inn. Judy Blunt created the brochure for the show. The brochure with themes and guidelines was passed out.
Set up for the shows begins at 6 am. Saturday. Judging is at 10:30 am. Tear down will be Saturday, 5:00 – 6:00 pm. Cost to MIS will be $150 as their share.
Median Iris Show – Median show to be held at the home of Judy Blunt on Saturday May 21 if the flowers cooperate.
Bibler Gardens Tour - A tour of the Bibler Gardens in Kalispell is being planned for Thursday May 12, 2022, sponsored by the Missoula Garden Club. Cost is $15. RSVP to Betty Ann Gustafson at swedeandba@gmail.com by April 15, 2022 if you wish to attend.
NEW BUSINESS
Three New Members – New members were introduced. They were Garnet Asher, Deborah and Keith Belden.
Newsletter – Two members did not receive their newsletter. Anita will be notified.
MIS Website – Anita will be updating our website. The web address is: www.sites.google.com/site/iris missoula or google Missoula Iris Society and pick Missoula Iris Society Google
Silent Auction Fundraiser – To help with expense of using the Holiday Inn, atrium members are encouraged to donate new or used items to be sold at the June show. Please bring your salable times to the May meeting.
Member updates - Eric Moulton is recovering from surgery. Bob Symes is having a knee replacement.
Fred Frey met up with Kelly Bauer selling metal art. She is the daughter of former MIS members Ken and Rose Mary Bauer.
Fort Garden updates - Swede announced that the March 26 work party was really successful. Nine members came out to help. The entire garden was cleaned of all debris and weeds were taken to Missoula Compost. Thank you everyone who helped. Judy Blunt reported she has fertilized and watered all the baby iris.
Swede reminded everyone who works in the garden to be sure to sign the worksheets near the Siberian bed with your hours worked and mileage traveled. These sheets are turned in to the historical museum because they get reimbursed for volunteer hours.
Swede reported the east wing of the Dykes bed needs to be expanded to 7 feet wide. The blocks to match what is currently in the garden are discounted at Lowe's. Gary made a motion that the club spend the $900 to purchase the bricks and soil to enlarge the bed. Ron Dowell seconded and the motion passed.
Presidential Rhizome Drawing – Gary Clark was the winner of the April drawing.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Addeo, Secretary
PRESIDENTIAL RHIZOME WINNERS:
September, Jim Sadler; October, Jeanne Bowes; November, Anne Bowman; December, Ann McNallen; January, Roger Muir; February Carol Addeo; March, Lucia Young; April, Gary Clark
MEETING SCHEDULE:
Saturday, May 21st, at 6:00 PM – Potluck meeting at the home of Judy Blunt, 1901 ½ 4th St. West
June 10-11 Iris and Peony Show