Hi Tina!
Thanks so much for the compliment on my photos! It has been a passion (obsession?) of mine from the beginning of my daylily journey to make 'real garden' photos available online of all daylilies in commerce (because the descriptions really don't give you much of an idea what a flower looks like) and to hunt down some of the unusual cultivars that 'seem' to have disappeared. A lofty goal and one I am sure that I will forever be striving to reach it.
As far as CHAMPAGNE ELEGANCE goes...I do think that it was a case of a dl that just doesn't appreciate the cold MI winters. (I can relate! LOL) It did okay after the first winter here and then began having issues coming back in the spring. Eventually it just stopped blooming altogether. I think I even kept through 2 summers with no blooms before deciding to send it south. It is such a pretty bloom and since you should be able to get it for $5 somewhere, I would definitely recommend giving it a shot in a warmer climate!
I do currently grow around 1200-1300 different varieties. Over the years I have had many come and go too. I also take a lot of photos (I think I took over 400 at the last Region 2 summer mtg) when I visit other gardens and especially when I go to Regionals or Nationals! LOVE to see what others are growing that I have not seen before.
Now...let's get back to those edged dips!! I am taking notes here too.
