Re: TPB, some more thoughts...

Hi Ed :)  A Yahoo group just wouldn't be the same, in my humble opinion,
although I see all the valid points you are making.  I would join such a
group if you start one, I just don't think it would be the same. Could not a
small publication be broken into three sections, divided as you outlined by
experience or determination, but available to people with all levels of
expertise?

Laurie
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ed Olson Moore" <H20wrx@AOL.COM>
To: <IGSROBIN@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU>
Sent: Thursday, September 19, 2002 9:20 AM
Subject: Re: TPB, some more thoughts...


> The idea of resurrecting TPB was floated to determine what type of
response
> we would have, and possibly what direction we would take. Barry's recent
post
> certainly has been illuminating. It is true that "the original Pelargonium
> Breeder was conceived mainly as a way for practicing breeders to
> communicate". People seriously  involved in hybridizing need a central
place
> to discuss possible projects,to report field trials and experimental
> results, etc.   Failed experiments can yield a wealth of information.
> Unfortunately, while the idea of starting a breeding group had  received
only
> mediocre support (with less than 10 people showing interest), I'm afraid
that
> a TPB as envisioned by Barry would only have two members, myself included.
> More on this later.
>
> The idea of expanding a breeders group to include true geraniums and
> erodiums, etc. was an  attempt to generate a wider appeal, and hopefully
help
> the group succeed. I have no burning interest in other members of the
> geranium family, as I have not been exposed to them, except for the G.
> carolineanum that grows as a weed in late fall thru early spring, in my
area.
> I do find it a curiosity tho,  and actually welcome it growing next to
it's
> more exotic cousins.
>
> There are still two groups that would not be served by Barry's vision. The
> person trying to acquire information about breeding, because he/she would
> like to attempt it, and the average hobbyist ( the 'armchair" breeder) who
> has gotten the bug and enjoys playing "mini-god', and hopes to "create" a
> plant that has never before been seen. I think the majority of people fall
> into this group. It does present problems, as in the introduction of
similar
> varieties mentioned by Barry.
>
> Barry's idea of field trials before introduction is excellent. In fact his
> whole posting is excellent. The average hobbyist will attempt one or two
> crosses between two prospective parents, and give up because "it doesn't
> work". I've got an article around here somewhere about attempts to cross
> zonals and ivy geraniums. If I remember correctly, researchers attempted
> sometimes hundreds of crosses to be rewarded by one seed.  Recently I
> attempted to cross P. odoratissimum  w/P. sidoides 'Burgandy" (or is it
> 'Burgundy?). 50 attempted crosses yielded 7 seeds. I'd venture to say, not
> many others in this group would go to such extremes. Ok, I'm a little
crazy!
>
> What I'm getting at is there is a very real need for all three groups to
> develop and share information with like- minded individuals, a group for
> people to learn; a group for the average ,  more experienced, hobbyist
> breeder, etc.
>
> Maybe the approach is all wrong. Maybe what we need is a forum open to
> anyone, regardless of level of expertise. A forum where we don't have to
> search and beg for people to write articles so we can fill a certain
amount
> of space. Maybe what we need is a yahoo-type group devoted exclusively to
all
> aspects of pelargonium breeding. It sure would save a lot of hassle, and
it
> would be free! Comments welcome.
>
> Late for work again
>  Ed
>
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