Fourth Set:
#1 An 09 seedling (fortune's dearest x david kirchhoff) 5.75in
applique is undefined, but it was a surprise, deep blue purple


#2 (raspberry masquerade x vict. lace) 6in


#3 (continental holiday x darla anita) 6in pp re sev em


#4 (touch royalty x vict. lace) 7in


#5 (touch royalty x continental holiday) 6in


Now, I gotta go fix dinner. Thanks guys for your patience.

You really have some nice looking seedlings Shirley.

Shirley they are all so beautiful I can't choose, so why don't you send all of them to me, that way I will be able to evaluate them up close and personal.

Now there's an idea, Margaret. That way you would get to do all the work.

Thanks Cindy, if only I could say they are finished, but not yet.

Like 1 and 5 in the first batch
REALLY like 1 in the fourth batch

Shirley, I wouldn't mind at all!! Seriously though, you have a lot of beautiful seedlings.

Why don't we do one at a time and then the Critique could be right below each one for you. Just a suggestion. I think Lyle is right on with #1. If you perk that color up it would be a beauty with that form.

I really love #4 in this last batch -- just yummy!

Many thanks Debra, and everyone. This really helps a lot.

I took notes. I realize that different folks are drawn to different
looks, and this in itself allowed me to look at these flowers
from a different perspective. Sometimes I can look at flowers
so much, I can't see what is in front of me.

Appreciate your time and comments very much.

I gave that ugly colored #1 a try this past season. The crosses are in the house now.
Crossed it with Written on the Wind and Gary Colby. With Lyle's
suggestion of a base colored purple to clarify, these crosses may just
muddy it more. Good to know about the clarifying plants.

Someone once said that trial and error is a way to learn, but takes forever.
Experienced folks can really shorten the process, with their sharing of
knowledge.

First off, I love that your blooms are all large or extra large. Some of the first year blooms may get even larger next year.

Batch #2
#1- Love the large bloom but I'm not crazy about the color (may just be the way the camera picked it up) but that's just me. The form is nice.

#2- I love it, but I always do like the white with purple eye/edge. The big plus for me is the extra large bloom.

#3- I'm not sure if I like it or not. I do like the green to yellow (or do you say it the other way, yellow to green) throat. But the size of the bloom is great. This is one I'd have to see in person. Looks like it has good bud count.

#4- I like the sculpting

#5- If it's the best near white and you are trying for a white then I would use it for this purpose.

Batch #3

#1- I like the form and the size of the bloom

#2- The color doesn't grab me but I love the eye color (the two different colors) and the edge has the same coloring.

#3- I really like this one with the small watermark and white edge. The form is nice. Does the color hold up in the sun?

#4- I love this one; the form, eye, small throat. Would like to see a head on photo though. I especially love the bloom size.

#5- I love the small, tight ruffling and the form. I see the ants are lovin the nectar

Batch #4

#1- WOW love it all

#2- I like the form

#3- I like the eye and edge and the form, but this color seems muddy to me

#4- It's a nice pink and I like the ruffles. Extra large bloom is great

#5- Looks like it has nice branching and bud count. Does it bloom in the floiage or is it just the way the camera was angled?

Michele, the first criteria I aim for is size. My thinking is to get the size first, then maybe cross
with some newer smaller flowers (that I love so much) and still keep a good size bloom. May
not work out, just have to wait and see. Had a range of 5in to 8in, mostly in the 6in size.

The bed due to bloom for first time this year (204 plants), I expect to have to compost all of
them. Too many experimental crosses. So hopefully I will have plenty of time to take pics
of the 2011 blooms from many different angles to best represent them, considering they
make it through the winter, and continue to look the same or better.

Most of the flowers in the garden are large; makes it hard to decide what to cull. They usually look better in real life. So, I take the pics and look at the details and comparisons to decide.

To respond to your comments and questions, all three purples posted do not fade in the sun.
A pleasant surprise.

Batch 4, #1-- I believe this one would be considered a bi-tone. Correct me if I'm wrong. I don't
have anything to cross that one with to define the eye, but the purple has gotten darker each
year. Another surprise.

Batch4 #4-- the large pink is a very flat blossom, with only the tips turning down. Doesn't show
up in the pic very well, but that is what helps the size as in contrast to the bagel-shaped pink
that is so rounded.

Batch4 #5--That is just the camera angle. I get in all kinds of positions trying to take a pic
without my feet showing.

At the end of my last post before this, I could have used a "tip hat" smiley. Just thought of it. That would
express my sentiment perfectly.

Michele, you spent a lot of time and effort on this. Greatly appreciated.

You never know, the experimental crosses may just produce some real beauties with good plant habits. I can't wait to see what you have bloom this coming season!!

GROUP 2,
#1. Fat Round Ruffled petals and a nice green throat. Good size and Height. I think I would use it as a bridge for some more awesome pinks.

#2. Love the eye and edge. Large bloom. Has a lot of gold on he end of the petals too.

#3. Nice Form and throat. Does is waterspot easily?

#4. Nice sculpting and form. Has 2 strong parents.

#5. Beautiful ruffling right into the throat. Soft pastel pink overlay is nice. Good form.

GROUP #3

#1. Great ruffling and form. Color bland but might be great taken to one with bolder colors and similar form.

#2. Nice eye, Dble Edge, Good Form. I would like it if the color was a little clearer.

#3. Like the color, Form, Eye and edge. Not familiar with the parents.

Oops. Was not done.

#4. I like everything about this huge bloom.

#5. I love yellow and this is a nice pastel with a great throat. Lots of ruffling that looks like it could produce some teeth from what I see on the left petal edge.

GROUP 4.

#1. Nice Applique and some deep color on the petal edges looks so good.

#2. I would like it if the petals were wider.

3#. I like the edge, but the color is not there.

#4. I like everything about this pastel Pink and eyed beauty and size to boot.

#5. Clear warm colors with nice form, edge and eye.

Michele, I can't wait either. That's why I do this I guess.
It is the ones in the house that gets me excited. Newer parents.
Unknown possibilities.

Stephanie, many thanks for your time and effort. Hey, guys, I didn't realize I
was going to cause you to work so hard.
Hugs to all.

Group 2 #1--Stephanie, you are reading my mind.
Group 2#3--I believe what you may be seeing is thrip damage. I dislike spraying, but have to
sometimes. Some years worse than others. Last year didn't spray.
Group 3#1--You are reading my mind again. It does have washed out coloring.
Group 3#3--Tropical Trade Winds--Petit 2001; Storm of the Century--Carr 2000.
Group 4#2--I would prefer that the petals were wider and shorter also.

Think I've got in everything.
This is just so nice of everyone. Am so impressed.