Joining a plant society is an invaluable way to learn about everything from culture to commercial sources and best varieties. There are local iris societies all over the world, hundreds in the US alone.
Local clubs are often a great place to get to know people and trade plants.
Most local societies also stage spring shows, where the best specimens from members' gardens are exhibited for the public. Local societies also frequently sell or auction iris rhizomes in the summer. These sales can be a great way to build a large collections quickly and inexpensively. National and international iris societies produce informative publications, and also help maintain the qaulity of new irises by keeping detailed records of new varieties and bestowing awards on the best ones. The American Iris Society also offers optional membership in nine sections, each devoted to a different type of iris.