Bill
Thanks for a well thought out post. Oh
My Heart, and some other "good ones" I have, and I am sure some great stuff
from others, could have been on the market a long time ago, if not for the
"problem" I have many really nice plants that I have been "working on"
for years, but have only shared them with a few, as I simply don't see why TC
labs and others should be the ones to make money off them. It is fine to
talk about how much one can make if you are a large producer, like Shady
Oaks. For small sellers like me and many others, there is little time to
really see much return, before the risk of finding our "new plant" being sold
in volume by larger firms. As you pointed out, the problems for those
that can't sell their own plants, are even worse. Bob pointed out
something I have feared for years, that is that some of our best
hybridizers, will simply quit working with Hostas, if the problem
continues.
*
There can, however, be a reason for the
occasional introduction on the part of someone simply for the noterity.
That is part of the reason for my bringing Saybrook Surprise to the convention
auction last year. In cases like that,I should not be surprised if the
plant is "mass produced" and could actually lead to increasing sales ( for me
) of my plants.
*
I must say, that my efforts in breeding for
flowers, has , at least for me, given some potential for changing the
dinamics. First, There remains the uncertany, whether the plants
produced by Tc will properly produce the blooms represented on Plants Like Oh
My Heart, Calico Cat, Breathless , ( heavy branching) Lake Superior, and
many more. Second, when an individual buys one of these plants, hoping
for wonderfull blooms, She/he is going to be more reluctant to start "breaking
up" the clump, as that will set back the time for really good blooms, by
several years.
*
There is another factor here. I am noticing
more and more, that the "thinking" on the part of TC labs, that there is only
an occasional " off type" ( I have heard figures like one in ten
thousand) Is dead wrong! I make purchases from most of the TC
suppliers, and tend to grow the plants for several years before selling. Here
are some facts. In 12 Strip Tease I have removed seven "off
types". In my purchase of 24 Warwick Beauty, I have 2 streakes
, 1 all green , 2 with white centers, 3 losses, 4 with wider green
edges, 1 outstanding plant with very wide two tone green borders, and 11 I
think have a normal pattern. I must admit, however, I am a bit confused
about "normal" at this point ! 12 Pauls Glory purchased, 3 "off
types" 24 Summer Music, 7 "off types" This goes on. Point
is, the TC labs can't offer true "originators stock" for the serious
collector and hosta gardeners, (OS) is simply , still the best way to get
the plant you want. Perhaps more of the " small growers" should be
making an effort to offer "Originators Stock" although I must admit ,
for the buyer that is also frought with risks, as one must take the word of
the seller that it is in fact, what is represented.
I guess, none of us really thought the "industry"
wouldn't change. I would simply like it to change for the
better.
Thanks
Ran Lydell
Eagle Bay Hosta Gardens
10749 Bennett Rd
Dunkirk, NY 14048
Lot's of us like
to complain about the sorry state of affairs in this country, and now that
it's happening right before our eyes in the hosta community we have decisions
to make. If we accept it as the norm, it will become the norm. If we buy that
plant, the seller will have other new plants next year. If Ran is selling 'Oh
My Heart', and someone else gets ahold of one and starts selling it
cheaper, where will you buy one? If it's the cheaper source,
then his business will grow at the expense of those he preys upon. He
will rationalise it as "I'm just selling what people want to buy". The problem
with the rare new plant market is: Do you want one if that's how it comes to
you? If you do, you are part of the problem. Thieves of any kind can't prosper
without customers that are willing to buy what they've stolen.
.................Bill
Meyer
