Neal, you have more courage then I do, I'd never try orchids.

I started soaking my iris seeds on Wednesday. Next week they go into the fridge for a while, and then I can start my seedlings for next year. I have 7 crosses to plant. I have started my planning for crosses next year, which I do every year, and then I always have to adjust as some that I plan to use don't bloom, or some other distractions occur. But it gives me some time to think about what crosses I want to make. It's so nice to have the data base to look up parents. That sure is a helpful feature.

Better watch out Neal... I hear orchids can be as addictive as Iris...

former hybridizers, Bee Warburton here in MA. she worked with medians, Siberians & interesting trials of species. She was the Siberian iris mentor for Marty Schafer & Jan Sacks current breeder of Siberian & sieboldi primroses.

Ben Hager of CA who was a fantastic breeder of bearded irises, many of his creations behind the more modern flowers (although he worked with tetraploids, not the old diploids.

Just checked in. So sorry to hear you are having a rough time Mary Ann. I hope things are looking brighter (at least inside) in the morning. Sending warm thoughts your way!

I've been very quiet because I'm traveling. We will be heading home on Monday. Then in a day or two when I get caught up maybe I can post a little more.

You are not alone Mary Ann, I hate winter, it is so depressing to look outside and see brown grass.

Vi, that's what it looks like in the summer here... Green grass in the winter is something we look forward to. Winter is my busiest (and least favorite) time in the garden.. Pruning, pruning, pruning! Followed by weeding, weeding weeding... What can I say? I planted it all....

Here is my Paul Black List:

Added in 2013:
Cranberry Sauce


Evening Drama


Goldkist


Aardvark Lark


Clear Choice


Great Deal


High Class


Honk Your Horn


Thundering Ovation


Wonders Never Cease


Added in 2014:
All Ashore


Action Packed


Bluebird Of Happiness


Carnival Of Color


Class Clown


Dare Me


Fantasy In Pink


Feast of Kings


Giorgio


I Must Have It


Mambo Italiano


Stolen Sweets

I love those dark beards on All Ashore.

Yes Bonnie, it looks more gold in the Mid-America photo: http://www.beardedirisflowers..... I guess i"ll have to wait until it blooms to know for sure.

I also got Dare Me this year -- canNOT wait to see it bloom!!!

Yes, it looks like it will be another beautiful one!!! (Aren't they all? I don't think I have met an iris I didn't like! )

Cranberry Sauce - what a great color!

...and timely, since it goes so well with turkey!!

Aardvark Lark 2014
Ancient Echoes 2012
Bold Encounter 2014
Bundle of Love 2013
Chuckwagon 2014
Deep Dark Secret 2013
Goldkist 2014
Money in Your Pocket 2014
Thundering Ovation 2014

Ancient Echo


Deep Dark Secret

Really lovely, Barb.

Thank you

Yes! And I enjoyed looking up Bundle Of Love and Chuckwagon...2 that I was not familiar with!

I love Chuckwagon. Got it the year before last. Didn't bloom this spring but has really increased, so I am really looking forward to seeing it this next spring!

Beautiful photos Barbara!

Here's my list for Black:

Dramatic Style 2005
Devil May Care IB 2000
Go For Bold 2001
Habit 1999
High Class 2002
Key to Success 2002