That's quite a complete answer, Larry, and very interesting to read.
I only started breeding a few years ago, and while toying around during the first years I learned that a breeding concept has its values, as well as a breeding target.
My aim is to breed diploid daylilies which are tall, healthy, well branched, with small flowers, star-shaped, round or spidery. Therefore it's logical to choose the appropriate parents.
A breeding concept simply helps to establish a controlled strategy. Which parents to cross, and again, which children would be a good match.
The concept is also useful to avoid double crossings. I found out in the fourth year, that I had made several identical crossings, which is a waste of time and space.
I've added new parent material this year, mainly with good branching, vigorous growth and clear colours, some with eyes. I consult the daylily database for potential parents' "children", thus I can see which characteristics are dominant and easily passed on. This database is a wonderful source, and I love it.
Edit to add: Something you can't plan in advance are the surprises. I have crossed two diploid seedlings with medium growth - and all their children are tall and stout, almost like triploids. A bonus.
