Mrs. Gardell (Valentine) Jacobson was very active in local, state, and interstate horticultural activities. An AIS member of long standing, an accredited garden judge for many years, and a former Regional Vice President, she was also instrumental in the organization of the Utah Iris Society, serving as president for two years. As a discriminating hybridist, Val's introductions were limited to iris she felt were truly worthy of distribution. The popularity of her EVENSONG and, more recent, FIRST KISS, confirms her sound judgment and impeccable taste: Val's infectious enthusiasm and her genuine encouragement endeared her to all who knew her.—MRs. J. R. HAMBLEN, RVP.