Re: CULT: Cyber trial gardens

In a message dated 9/5/2005 6:51:20 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,  
Autmirislvr@aol.com writes:

<<Without some objective parameters such as branching, bud  count,  stalk 
height, flowers size, purple based foliage, etc. the  survey is of value  
only to 
those who live in the Death  Zone.>>
Bob, 

With all due respect I appreciate and applaud  the positive approach!   I 
truly do.  But if an iris won't  live for me (my main concern) it really  
isn't 
going to matter much  what type of branching and bud count it WOULD have  
presented!   

If I'm not mistaken, this whole discussion came from people wanting to  know  
the 'garden ability' of irises.  The lack of 'grow  ability' of many warm 
area  
introductions (now at $50.00 a pop) has  been a problem from those of us in 
the  
continental center of North  America.


I've casually followed this discussion with some concern.  I have the  
"luxury" of being able to observe every  cultivar that I bring into my  garden in at 
least one other garden.  Usually in a multiple amount  that gives me a pretty 
good idea of it's hardiness/performance viability.   This in no way 
guarantees its performance in my garden.  I have some  "prime" locations that usually 
get my "must haves", others get less desirable  locations.  If an iris in a 
less desirable location dies in a bad year such  as we had here on the west coast 
this last spring it is less of a reflection on  the iris than it is on me.
My concern is that a color break may get the kiss of death based on this  
kind of reporting when it would be better labled as tender.
Another factor is the personal gardening habits of the "reporter".  I  have 
seen pictures on the photos forum that have left me wondering how  meaningful 
some assessments are.  I personally don't have any iris that  compete well with 
cattails or quackgrass.  It seems unless you have  humidity below 25% most 
iris need good drainage, both water and air.
How do you propose to address these issues?

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