Iris catalogs

Hello all,
        The catalogs are coming -- began to think they would never fly in!
(The robins have and I now vividly see the value of a carport. Have washed
the van twice this winter!) So far we have garnered Keppel's, Draycott
Garden's (Carol Warner) and Stockton Iris Garden's (Abe Feuerstein and the
late Jim McWhirter).
        All those who love Sibs and JIs should not miss Draycott , Carol
ships some of the best fans I have ever received from a mail-order nursery
and no, I don't think it's because we are friends. (I have never heard a
gripe on her plants)
        Keith Keppel does one thing (among many) that is superb for the
aficionado -- he includes pedigrees for every plant in the catalog. This
alone will keep me ordering just so I don't drop off his list! He has one
of the best eyes for a good iris in the business and his move to Oregon has
proven to be an education in which iris tend towards rot. California will
never reveal an iris's tendency to rot!
        The Stockton catalog (previously Cottage Gardens) is heavy on
pictures and, this year, is printed in the US. Previously, Far East
printing and ganged color separations rendered the color very suspect --
often dark and muddy. Color has improved but gang separations are still
used as, indeed, they are in all but the most luxurious and expensive
catalogs. (Schreiner's and Cooley's -- spend the 4 bucks for their catalogs
even if you have no intention of ordering -- it's well worth it.)
        When Jim McWhirter was digging and packing for Stockton, more
'extras' were included than any firm other than possibly, Moonshine
Gardens, run by Monty Byers. I do not know if that policy will continue,
however, Gigi Hall who is heading up that area, has a generous and warm
heart and I suspect that the Stockton boxes will continue to be packed to
bursting with extra surprises and goodies.
Must get back to work.

Best regards,

Mike Lowe
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