Mt. Diablo Iris Society Since 1960

The Mt. Diablo Iris Society was founded in 1960...

Our society is committed to educating the public...

Our Objectives

• Develop the science of horticulture...
• Stimulate and foster interest...
• Conserve and protect iris plants...
• Encourage and support scientific research...
• Investigate and conserve the genus iris...
• Collect, compile and publish data...
• Educate the public...

Meetings

Our meetings are free and open...

When

We hold meetings the second Sunday...

Where

Meetings are held at the San Ramon...

Membership

Join our community...

• Access to exclusive iris sales...
• Educational meetings...
• Networking with fellow hybridizers...
• Support for iris research...
• Voting rights...

Our History

Mt. Diablo Iris Society — About Us
Celebrating 66 Years of Iris Community, Education & Joy
The Mt. Diablo Iris Society (MDIS) was founded on January 14, 1960 in Antioch, California, when local gardeners and members of the Sydney B. Mitchell Iris Society came together to create a new club dedicated to the culture and enjoyment of irises. As stated in the club’s original preamble, MDIS is “a non-profit organization devoted to the culture, study, improvement and enjoyment of the Genus Iris, in good fellowship and fun.”

🌸 Our Roots
The first officers—Don Artz, David Lercari, Grace Mills, and Harold Kloepfer—set the foundation for a club that quickly grew to 60 members within its first months. Early activities included establishing an iris garden in Antioch City Park and hosting the first AIS‑accredited spring show in 1961, which drew 503 entries and became the 12th largest show in the nation that year.

🌼 What We Do
MDIS continues a long tradition of:

• Monthly meetings in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon
• Annual Spring Shows (now held at Alden Lane Nursery in Livermore)
• Garden tours, open gardens, and hands‑on learning
• Community events including the long‑running Benicia Peddlers Fair fundraiser (since 1978)
• Educational programs on iris culture, hybridizing, and exhibition

The club also publishes a newsletter—first issued in 1977—and maintains active involvement in AIS Region 14 events and national conventions.

🌱 A Legacy of Leadership & Service
Over the decades, MDIS members have served as AIS judges, hybridizers, regional vice presidents, and national award recipients. The club proudly recognizes:

• Hybridizer Medal recipients such as Joe Gatty, Mary Dunn, Carl Boswell, and Fred Kerr
• Distinguished Service Award honorees including Richard Pettijohn, Ben Hager, and Glenn Corlew
• Larry Gaulter Award recipients for exceptional long‑term service

These achievements reflect the club’s deep contributions to the iris world.

🌟 Celebrating Excellence
MDIS maintains a rich history of perpetual trophies awarded at the annual Spring Show, honoring excellence across iris types—from Tall Bearded to Californicae, Arilbred, Historic, Space Age, and more. The Founders’ Cup, first awarded in 1970, remains the club’s highest horticultural honor.

🌈 Our Community
From its earliest open gardens in 1960 to today’s vibrant membership, MDIS thrives on shared passion, learning, and friendship. Members of all experience levels are welcome—whether you grow a single iris or an entire garden.