Re: CHAT

From: James Brooks <hirundo@tricon.net>

At 10:48 PM 5/18/99 -0500, you wrote:
>From: jon neilsen <oneil15@juno.com>
>
>I would like to pose a question for discussion, NOT crucifixion!!
>Here goes: WHY are older variety of IRIS usually always TOP award winners
>in polls and shows? 

Could you give an idea of what you define as older? Around here a Yankee is
somebody who comes from Florida, but in Boston it's someone who eats pie
for breakfast (or so I'm told);-).

I find it interesting since 100's of new variety are
>introduced every year! Perhaps I am missing something , but it is like, 
>why rock the boat...buy older variety and don't waste your money on
>something new. 

I'd say the cost of new introductions deters many from buying them, so they
are not widely grown until the price comes down. 
Second, tastes always lag behind fashion, and flowers are a fashion
business. People have to get used to what it new. It's like getting a
symphony orchestra to play something contempory instead of Beethoven, Bach,
Brahms & Tchaikovsky.
Third, there is always a strong pull toward historics, because a young
person who has just bought a home is looking for an instant family tie and
wants what they remember mom grew.
Fourth, the space age iris are not in my experience really appealing to the
general public, with their streaking and murky colors. Triple Threat is the
first one I've seen that is really nice, although Sky Hooks was ok for its
time. Given recent Dykes winners, we have a solid black and two space
agers. These are not the traits the general public is seeking when they buy
flowers. The deep purples on the way to getting that black are far more
interesting. 
Fifth, this general public is who brings flowers to their local shows. When
I went out to select what was at peak bloom for the Greeneville, Tennessee,
show I ended up choosing three Schreiners out of 5 TBs, because I was looky
for something really flashy with good branching on strong stems, and Sweet
Musette was top vote getter in the unjudged show. I probably have an inborn
prejudice against Schreiners because they are big and I am little, but they
are right on top of what the public likes. 

James Brooks
Jonesborough, TN
hirundo@tricon.net
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