MADRID – Kevin Vaughn will be speaking at the Iowa Arboretum’s Spring Symposium from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 2. His morning talk is titled “Not Your Grandmother’s Iris.” Vaughn will describe his efforts to create new hybrids from various types of irises. You will see some of the newest hybrids that will reach the market plus some of Vaughn’s favorites.

Vaughn’s afternoon talk is “Hybridizer on the Loose.” Have you ever wondered how new plants are created? In this talk, Vaughn will describe how he has developed hundreds of new varieties he has introduced to the market as well as some new projects that have yet to see the market.

A native of Massachusetts, Vaughn started hybridizing at age 9 and quickly had success, introducing the Sempervivums Silvertone, Emerald Spring and Greenwich Time from his first crosses. Iris hybridizing started shortly thereafter and his first iris introduction, Soothsayer, was in 1974. Several miniature tall bearded irises followed; the hybrids Little Bluebeard and Real Jazzy were both award winners with the American Iris Society.

There will be irises and other unique plants for sale during the symposium. Lunch is included in the symposium price.

The cost is $60 for members, $70 for nonmembers.

The Arboretum grounds are open every day from sunrise to sunset and are located 2.5 miles west and 2 miles south of Luther in Boone County.