Both sites represent HIPS, but the newer site at

http://www.hips-roots.com/

is the only site, to my knowledge, that is being regularly updated and kept current. I am glad to have the older site still available, as well, because it includes some information and photos not available on the new site.

If you want current contact and membership info for HIPS, refer to the site linked above.

Laurie

The old HIPS site is just for reference. It is no longer the official HIPS website that Laurie referred you to. Unfortunately, it does not tell you this so it is confusing, and it does contain a whole different set of pictures and articles (all very good btw)
At some point the old HIPS site is supposed to move to a new website and that should ease the confusion.
See the worldiris site for this notice.
Laetitia

Here is a link that might be useful: world iris association

"some kind of radical splinter group for extremist iris lovers"

yep.

that's it.

Ok so maybe the splinter group comment wasn't as funny as it seemed at the time..... it was past my bedtime!

Thanks for the responses, I knew there was a reason for the two sites and yes, I've spent quite some time browsing through all the photos and info that are contained in both locations.

I should have realized they were one and the same due to the fact both sites share the same contact information for new members.... and since the old one is no longer updated, that explains why there was no mention of the rhizome sale.
Several questions answered, thanks again.
Frank

I thought it was funny whether the comment was made early or late in the day! Some people go to the extreme in either group.

Walter Moores

I *did* think it was funny;
that's why I replied, sorry if my post didn't sound right.

If there ever is a radical splinter group for extremist iris lovers, I bet most of us on this forum would be charter members, I know I would!

Please Sylvia, no apology necessary -but I am glad to hear you thought it was funny. I go on the assumption that I'm NOT as funny as I think I am. Usually that's the case and I've learned to cope either way!

Thanks again for the replies -not just on this thread but also others which I've benefitted from.

...now as far as my historic iris "fix" I guess I'll have to find alternate sources. I don't know if I can wait till next year's HIPS sale!

Several companies specialize or at least grow a considerable amount of historics.

Superstition Iris Gardens are perhaps the most reliable in the fact that all of their historics are verified by Phil Edinger, the HIPS guru on iris identification.

Other companies include Bluebird Haven Iris Gardens (many Llyod Austin creations here), Brooks Gardens (has way more that what's listed on their site), Blue J Iris, Argyle Acres, Chuck Chapman Iris (several Canadian historics here), Hornbaker Gardens, Lakeside Iris, Newburn's Iris Gardens (many rare ones here), Riverview Iris Gardens (closed this year due to move), Stoney Creek Iris (relatively new), Wild Iris Rows, Wildwood Gardens (many Chet Tompkins creations), Willow Bend Iris Farm (several historic Arilbreds) and Winterberry Gardens.

So you really don't have to wait for the HIPS sale next year for your historic "fix." I will say, being a HIPS member myself and cataloging historics commercially from all companies that most of what is on the HIPS sale can be found in one or more of the companies above. I personally have ordered from all of those companies and have been satisfied based on their location.

Carlos

Argyle's order cut-off date is July 31st.

Here is a link that might be useful: Argyle Acres Historics