The American Iris Society will hold their 2011 National Convention in Victoria, BC. The event will run from Monday, May 30th to Saturday, June 4, 2011. The British Columbia Iris Society (BCIS) will be hosting this event.

There is a lot of planning to be done in the next three years. If you would like to contribute to the excitement of organizing an AIS National Convention, please contact Ted Baker, Convention Chair. Distance is not an issue. People from Wisconsin and Ontario are already helping out. Ted can be contacted at tedcbaker@shaw.ca or his telephone number on Salt Spring Island is 250-653-4430. Additional information can be found on the BCIS website or the AIS Region 16 website As a reminder to US visitors, passports will be required to return to the US so get one early and avoid last minute delays!

BCIS has selected four wonderful public gardens to host the guest iris. The featured gardens will be:

1. Finnerty Gardens on the grounds of the University of Victoria.

2. Glendale Gardens and Woodland operated by the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific Society. (HCP).

3. Government House Gardens on the grounds of the home of the Lieutenant Governor who is the representative of Her Majesty The Queen of Canada in the Province of British Columbia.

4. Hatley Park Historic Site Gardens on the grounds of Royal Roads University. This will be where the Master Planting will be located.

Each garden has its own website with some stunning photographs and excellent information on what they have to offer. The links above will transfer you so that you can take alook!

BCIS looks forward to welcoming their fellow iris lovers to Victoria.

Queen Victoria may 'not have been amused', but it is guaranteed that you will be.