This is a robin for those interested in growing and hybridizing horned, spooned and flounced irises.

Controlled evolution of these new additions to the floral kingdom started in the 1944 when Lloyd Austin selfed a Sidney B.Mitchell seedling (later introduced as ADVANCE GUARD) that showed a slight projection at the end of the beards. When crossed with another Mitchell seedling which showed the same prototype horns, the resultant crosses gave birth to the World's first 5 Space Age introductions including UNICORN and SPOONED FANTOM.

This robin is to discuss the growing, consistency and hybridization of this fascinating and sometimes capricious race of Irises. JPEG photos of introductions and seedlings are very welcome along with breeding info and anything else related. Beginners and pros are welcome to participate in a relaxed and friendly environment that will not be overly controlled or moderated. This group is also open to related discussions on broken color, reblooming and arilbred hybridization since many strive to combine many of these traits in to a Space Age seedling. While you're at it, please check the files and photo sections for information and images that you won't find anywhere else on the web, also don't forget to sift through the old messages. Also in the files section is the design of our Space Age Genetics Endeavor called SAGE review written by Neil Mogensen. This Word file details the outline for the crosses we plan to make in 2005.