Rick, thanks for your complimentary post. You have a much better way of explaining things than I do and in manner that communicates very well.
But just to clarify, I can't take credit for all the crosses I currently have. Many of what I have, I obtained as seedling stock from another individual (not from Wisconsin) who shares the same interest and niche of older cultivars and varieties as I do. But I do take credit for collecting and maintaining and preserving a working garden of older cultivars and add to it every chance I get. I do cross pollenate and seed some of these on a limited, selected basis.
And just to add to another good point that Rick made: 'we always show the good picture' to emphasize the best, etc. It's very true. I always try to get the best picture I can. When a plant does well and produces a beautiful flower, then that picture of it becomes a benckmark and a standard to be used for comparison working foward. I post the best examples, not to brag, but for everyones enjoyment. And, besides, it promotes good lily culture. I have plenty of poor examples this year and I'll show just one; the same flower: Last Year vs. This Year. But nobody enjoys seeing a picture of a poor performance compared to it's 'standard' level of performance. That's just for my records.
Aside from all the recent obsticals of unfavorable weather/climate, there's still so much to enjoy about lilies.
