Greetings for 2008

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Greetings for 2008

This year there are no new introductions. This results from a combination of a number of factors. To start with there were only a couple of plants marked for introduction this year. Everything was suppose to be done early this year, but plans, as they say, oft go awry. We had a big thaw in January followed by a big thunderstorm in the night. In the morning the basement, where my office is, was completely flooded. The inventory records were on clipboards resting on the floor, and they sucked up the water. Not everything is back to normal, partially as some repairs are necessary to repair damage and repairs to prevent this from happening again. This has taken a focus of attention and a lot of other stuff didn't get done. So it was felt best to wait until next year to introduce these plants, and they will be joined by some others now under evaluation. I assure you, the wait will be worth while. Up for introduction, among others next year, is a very nice black SDB with dark blue beard. This has gotten a lot of attention.

Other then the January thaw, it was a great winter and spring. There was lots of snow cover. Spring arrived late, but with a vengeance. The very warm weather quickly dried up the garden, so the cold wet spring , which causes many problems for the plants, was bypassed and the plants survived spring very well.

Last year, Paradigm Shift won first place in the German International Iris competition. This was the first year of a two year trial.

This year there is a huge number of seedling plants ready to bloom for the first time as well as many plants that are up for final selection. There are some very unique colours and patterns showing up in the seedlings. Hopefully, later in the season I'll be able to post some pictures of these seedlings on the website for people to look at.

Work is progressing on the genetic and pigment research. There always seems to be new twists and turns, but the secrets of the iris genetics is slowly being revealed. If anyone wishes to explore this, feel free to contact me.

For those people in the areas where the iris borer is a problem, a few hints. When enjoying your plants in bloom, take notice of the foliage. The iris borer starts in the leaves and gradually works its way down the leaves into the rhizome. If there is a borer in the leaves, there will be tell tale signs. The new foliage will have damage as it grows out of the sheaves of the other leaves. This indicates the presence of a borer. Separate the leaves at this point and follow the damage trail until you find the borer, which will be fairly small at this time. Dispose of as you see fit. Be warned, you can't destroy it by squeezing the leaves as it protected by residing in the hole in the leaves where it has done its damage. The borers have to be removed. Another approach which is reported to work, is the lawn nematodes. They will also go after the iris borer, but not as effectively as the nematodes that are specific to iris borer.

Unfortunately, I've had to increase S&H costs. When I looked at my actual costs for S&H I found that what I collected didn't cover the costs of shipping. The post office had been increasing its prices and these costs, unfortunately have to be past on to you the consumer. With the great increases in gasoline there may be further increases in costs.