About GKCIS

Our group of Iris friends was formed on February 4, 1948 to promote interest in the culture, propagation and hybridization of the numerous forms and varieties of our favorite flower, the Iris. GKCIS has members all across the metropolitan Kansas City area in Kansas, Missouri and into suburban communities in all directions. Meetings are usually held the 2nd Monday evenings of each month from March to November. We also hold special events from public iris shows to tours and other meetings. Members enjoy building friendships with other iris enthusiasts and are encouraged to increase their knowledge and enjoyment of the iris by joining in educational programs and sharing their experiences and knowledge with like-minded members. We especially encourage youth groups interested in starting community beautification projects.

GKCIS is a non-profit affiliate of the American Iris Society and in our Region 18. Over the years, our club hosted the National Convention and a number of Regional Spring and Fall Meetings. Members are encouraged to attend these meetings where they are able to see and rate the newest introductions and seedlings from hybridizers around the world.

The Greater Kansas City Iris Society is proud to be sponsoring the American Iris Society National Convention again in May 2009. During the fall of 2007, over 800 different varieties of iris were sent to GKCIS from hybridizers throughout the world to be grown and evaluated for two years. If the climate is kind, our convention attendees will arrive at peak bloom for garden tours, meetings, workshops and programs. We are pleased to announce that our friends at Powell Gardens, Kansas State University Research & Extension Center and the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens have volunteered to be the sites for the major host gardens for these guest irises. Other private member-gardens will round out the displays. Member participation in the preparation of the plantings in these gardens is encouraged.

This is an opportunity for everyone to see how these newest introductions perform in our challenging growing conditions. Members can get hands-on iris experience by volunteering time in the public gardens.

Check back with us often as we will be adding and updating information throughout the year or join today to start participating in the fun.