CCIDS CCIVNEU NEWSLETTER OF THE CENTRAL OHIO DAFFODIL SOCIETY

Vol XXXIV NO 4 October 2004 Betty Keafiber, President Tag Boume, Editor

PRESIDENT'S LETTER

Dear Daffodil Friends:

Where has summer gone? It seems like only yesterday that the daffodils were in bloom and competing with the weeds for a place in the garden. Now it's time to start thinking about getting the ground in condition to plant more. Isn't it fun to open the packages from the hybridizers and inspect the new arrivals?

Our annual CODS bulb sale will be on September 26th at Franklin Park. Leave space in your garden to plant a few of the many bulbs which were dug from Whetstone Park earlier this summer. And if you have a couple hours to spare that Sunday, please contact Phyllis about distributing them by selling the bulbs and answering questions which the buyers may have.

Two of our CODS members were recently shown on the DAFFNET as being participants at the World Daffodil Convention in Australia. We hope that Nancy Kolson and Margaret Baird have a safe and wonderful time and return with a lot of pictures to share.

Elsewhere you will see that our Regional Vice President has issued an invitation for all to attend the regional meeting of ADS on October 23rd. It's not necessary that you be a member to attend. Phyllis has a great speaker scheduled so plan to attend with a friend or two. We hope that CODS will be well represented that day.

Here's hoping that we have good weather for planting lots of bulbs.

Seem"

THROCKLIORTON GARDEN Naomi Liggett

Coughton Court in Great Britain is the original home from which all American Throckmortons derived. They are planning a special Dr. Tom Throckmorton Garden to open in Spring 2005. Coughton Court is open to the public with approximately 80,000 visitors per year.

I was contacted by Mr. E C. McLaren-Throcktmorton for help in finding sources of Throckmorton hybridized cultivars. Other than Mitsch Daffodils no one seemed to list any of these daffodils. Thanks to Phyllis Hess, Whetstone Display Garden and one cultivar from my garden, I was able to send the following cultivars to Great Britain: The Benson' 2Y-Y, "Star Wish" 3W-GYR; 'Whir!away' 3Y-GYO; Whoa' 2W-GYO; 'Painted Desert' 3Y-GYO; 'Tom Jones' 3Y-ORR; 'Class Act 2W-GYW.

It was not easy finding the correct department to obtain a phytosanitaty certificate. I was told by someone with the US Department of Agriculture that I should contact the state because the certifcate would be free. Not the case as they now charge $25.00 for inspecting the bulbs and writing out the certificate. I thought it would be more difficult to pass inspection but all the gentleman did was look at the bulbs. Didn't ask where they were grown or anything else.

Nice to know CODS could play a small part in commemorating Dr. Tom and his work in daffodils.

a

ODS oopr\ENEI/I'SI.ETTER OF THE CENTML OT{P OAFFOTXT SOCIETY

Vol.ffiM{O4Ocfober 2il8Bofry Keaffior, Ptesilet[ T4 Borne, Edbr

PRDSIDENT'S LETTER

Dear Daffodil Friends:

\A/here has summer gone? lt seems like only yesterday that the dafiodils were in bloom andcompeting with the weeds for a place in the garden. Nor it's time to start thinking about getting theground in condition to plant more. lsn't it fun to open the packages from the hybridizers and inspectthe new anivals?

Our annual CODS bulb sale will be on September 26h at Franklin Park. Leave space in yourgarden to plant a few of the many bulbs which vuere dug from Whetstone Park earlier this summer.And if you have a couple hours to spare that Sunday, please contact Phyllis about distributing themby selling the bulbs and answering questions which the buyers may have.' Two of our CODS members were recentty shown on the DAFFNET as being participants at theWorH Daffodil Convention in Australia. We hope that Nancy Kolson and Margaret Baird have a safeand wonderful time and return with a lot of pictures to share.

Elsewhere you will see that our RegionalVice President has issued an invitation for allto attendthe regional meeting of ADS on October 23rd.lt's not necessary that you be a member to attend.Phyllis has a great speaker scheduled so plan to attend with a friend or two. We hope that CODS willbe well represented that day.

Here's hoping that we have good weather for planting lots of bulbs.

A6rn 7

THROCI(IORTON GARDEilNaorniLigget

Coqghbn Court in Great Britain is the originat home fiom s,hich dlAmeriran Throckmorbns dedved. They are planninga special Dr. Torn Thrcctrmrton Garden to open in Spnrg 2005. Coughbn Court is open to the public wiErapproximately 80,000 visitors per year.

lwas contacfied by Mr. E C. McLaren-Throcldnorbn for telp in finding Eour@sof Throcknrorbn hyhidized qrltivars.Otterthan Mitsch Dafudils no one seemed b listany of these daftdib. Thanls b Phyltb Hess, l/Vhetstone DsplayGarden and qte cultivar from my garden, I wre able to serd the fullowing cultiyars b Great Bri&ain: The Benson' 2Y-Y,'Star\Msh" 3W€YR; l,Vhirhway 3Y€YO; llllh@'Alt/€YO; 'Painted Desert 3Y€YO; Torn Jones' 3Y€RR; 'ClassAct2W€YW.

It was not asy firding the conect deparfnent b obrtain a phybsanieary certificaE. I was bld by sonreone wifir frre USDeparfrnent of Agri:ulfure that I should contact the state because the certiftate would be ftee. Nd the case asthey now cfiarge $25.00 br ins@irg the buhs ard wrfing out the certificate. I thought it wouH be more difficult to passinspectbn but all the gentleman dil uas looft at the bulbs. Didnt ask where they were grcwn or anythingelse.

Nice to know CODS could play a small part in Dr. Torn and his work in dafiodils.

WORLD DAFFODIL CONVENTION By Margaret Baird

Twenty years ago, my mother (Grace Baird) and I visited Australia on a daffodil tour extension to the world convention in Hamilton, New Zealand. My memories have been of a vigorous country with beautiful flowers and friendly, warm people. This time my roommate was Nancy Kolson; but I was pleased to find Australia remains a vigorous country with beautiful flowers and warm, friendly people.

At the Melbourne airport we were looking for someone with daffodils. Natalie, an employee of Ian Dyson, President of the Victorian Daffodil Society, met us with an armful of plastic daffodils and conveyed us to the convention hotel quite the other side of Melbourne. (Thank you, Nancy, for carefully and thoroughly reading your e-mail!) As Natalie drove we could witness the intense building program going on in what had been the Docklands area as well as in other parts of the central city. We saw many different blooming plants — but no daffodils. And our hotel room had a lovely view of the Dandenong Range — but no daffodils.

On Tuesday, September 7th, the first pre-convention tour took us to Hanging Rock, the setting for the novel and silent film, "Picnic At Hanging Rock." The bus driver was adept at noticing kangaroos here and there in the "paddocks" en route but he delighted in referring to our flower as a tulip. Following morning tea, we visited the fields of "rejects" from Fred Silcock's hybridizing. There were the daffodils — rows and rows of the most gorgeous, richly colored, big-bloomed, long and strong stemmed daffodils with all the characteristics that say "Buy me-grow me — show me!" The total view was awesome; and bloom-by-bloom the individual flowers were equally awesome. Not one is registered. Fred Silcock just loves his daffodils. He was there to welcome us and he conversed quite modestly with whoever wanted to talk. The hybridizers — both professional and amateur — had a great time. We were told to take any daffodil we liked. People returned with bunches. In fact, when the bus scraped the front end on leaving the drive, Mike Berrigan quipped, "It' the daffodils! They're weighing us down." Those blooms decorated the hotel desk, lobby, and room after room for the rest of the week. And the vivid orange cups in those plantings still brighten my memories of that visit.

After lunch at the charming Bentinck Restaurant we traveled through a chilly rain to Fred Silcock's second planting area. The first had had a flock of sheep baaing across the fence; this one had show horses excited by our presence. Again, exquisite daffodils, especially what could be a miniature tazetta that even my nose could appreciate.

Afternoon tea (including lamingtons) was at Ellerslie, the home of Alison Miller. The plantings at Ellerslie have been developed for over a century on a hillside and in a valley-plantings of large trees, flowering trees and shrubs, and lots of daffodils. Some were labeled, registered cultivars from many years ago. The Millers lived here almost forty years and had a tradition of opening their gardens to the public in the spring. Sadly, Mrs. Miller is now a widow and has just recently sold the property. Her winning blooms from the previous weekends show stood modestly atop a corner bookcase.

Our next stop was the town of Kyneton, known for its many blue-stone houses, its Kyneton Fine China Shop (which

had only eight koalas holding daffodils) and its Daffodil Festival. Unfortunately, the Kyneton Daffodil Show was the weekend before our arrival, but every home had daffodils planted. This was the first sign we had of daffodils used in home landscaping. Kyneton is home to Dot Smith, the very capable and personable Treasurer of the Victorian Daffodil Society; she had arranged our being greeted, at the China Shop by the mayor and the Daffodil Festival King and Queen. The King and Queen are chosen based on their community service. The Shop creates a new one-of-a-kind ceramic floral piece each year for the Daffodil Festival and has them displayed behind glass in the anteroom. They would rival the creations of Cybis.

The chill rain of the afternoon before was gone the next morning and we could enjoy the bus ride through the rolling green countryside. Suddenly the whole busload inhaled with an, "Ooh!" Acres of blooming daffodils faced us, down one hillside and up another. We were at the Blythe Daffodil Farm, the largest cut-flower company in Australia. Started during the depression when the Blythe brothers took along flowers to sell in the city when they went into work, it is still family owned. Each member has responsibility for a unique part of the operation, but they meet each day at both morning and afternoon tea and at lunch to share what is happening. They have 150 acres, of which seventy are planted per year. Although they do much of the work themselves — and they demonstrated their machinery for us — they do hire up to seventy pickers, mostly Cambodians, in their peak season of August. The Australian Cancer Society requires three million daffodils for its sale the second to last Friday in the month. Although the Blythe's business plummets after that, they were sending out shipments of tazettas when we were there. Their bulb business is totally wholesale and brings in only half what the cut flower does, per bulb. Although we had been treated to morning tea at the Blythe Daffodil Farm., we soon had lunch at the "Posey Patch," with a deer and two emu to entertain us in a pen outside.

That afternoon we rode down to Phillip Island. Here I saw a distinct change from twenty years ago. At the Koala Park, great care has been given to enclose the area so that no predators can get in. We walked on designated paths and boardwalks that took us into the trees, and park rangers were everywhere. The nine koalas we saw, even one with a baby, were quite comfortable with our presence. The undergrowth was natural, not a mowed parkland, and various bird species have returned because of that. I was impressed with everything but the mosquitoes.

As well, Penguin Parade has improved. The visitor center is very informative, not just a souvenir stand, and the penguins work their way up the hill to the burrows through natural vegetation. Their routes are under boardwalks instead of across yellow-striped concrete sidewalks. The only negative (besides the return of that chilly rain) was a seagull being a bully to any penguin not in a group of three or more.

Dinner was very welcome at the Charmandene Restaurant where a player piano became irresistible. Before long there was singing and dancing. The most entertaining dancer of all was the young daughter of the translator for the group from

WORLD DAXT'ODIL COITVENTIONBy Margaret Baird

Twenty years ago, my mother (Grace Baird) and I visitedAustralia on a daffodil tour extension to the world conventionin Hamilton, New Zealand- My memories bave been of avigorous country with b€autiful flowers and friendly, warmpeople. This time my roommat€ was Nancy Kolson; but I waspleased to find Australia remains a vigorous cormtry withhartriftl flowers and warm, friendb people.

At the Melbourne airport we were looking for someonewith datrodils. Nalalie, an employee of Ian Dyson, Presidentof the Victorian Datrodil Society, met us with an armfrrl ofplastic datrodils md conveyed us to the convention hotel quitethe other side of Melborrne. (Thank yora Nancy, for carefullyand thoroughly reading yoru e-mail!) As Natalie drove wecould witness the intense building program going on in whathad be€n the Docklmds area as well as in otherparts ofthecentral crty. We saw many different blooming plants - but nodafrodils. And our hotel room had a lovely view oftheDandenong Rmge - but no datrodils.

On Tues&y, September 7e, the first pre

Japan. To top the evening, our Australian friends united to serenade us with "Waltzing Mathilda."

The morning of September 9 we rode into the Dandenongs and boarded the steam-engine-pulled train, Puffing Billy. Although all signs warned against leaning out of the open windows, loads of school children — on other cars — were merrily sitting on the window sills and dangling, if not kicking, their legs outside. Not too far up the mountain either discretion or chill had those legs back inside. Daffodil people do have some decorum — at least I did not see anyone try this style. We were all leaning out taking pictures, probably of one another's elbows, instead.

At Menzies Station we disembarked and rejoined the bus for Hancock Daffodil Farms. Suddenly, when I saw on the hillside the outline of a daffodil created by planted daffodils, I recalled being there twenty years before. Now the operation is run by Will Ashburner. Although he had cultivars many would have ordered, he discouraged foreign orders because of the expense. But he and his family did provide delicious sandwiches and cakes. And his stall of cut flowers by the roadside was doing good business.

Our next venue was the beautiful Olinda Rhododendron Gardens, established originally to create a firebreak for the Melbourne water supply. In a special building, Ian Dyson keeps up a beautiful daffodil display for over a month, freshening it once a week. Stands of named cultivars fill the room. Almost the length of one wall is a framed recess in which he maintains even more bunches. Imagine an old department store window at Christmas, filled from bottom to top with daffodil blooms. Although Ian Dyson does all the flowers himself, other daffodil society members volunteer manning the display to help educate the public.

For afternoon tea we were the guests of Graeme Brumley, Secretary of the Victorian Daffodil Society, and his family. Both approaching his residence and across the valley from it were fields of blooming hyacinths, but the hillside down from his lovely home was devoted to daffodils. His seedlings were soon being examined, and he and I never were able to finish talking about his seed pods on n. cyclemineus.

September 10th was free for those of us not showing or judging. Nancy and I enjoyed Melbourne's offerings —shopping and museums.

September 11th the convention began officially with the mayor of the city of Monash, councillor Joy Banerji, welcoming us. Ian Dyson then introduced us by country. (It was a pleasure to see Keith and Shirley Robinson again; they asked after Naomi and were sorry she was not there this time.) Three speakers then educated us.

Will Ashburner of Hancock Daffodils, who divided gardeners into three categories — showers, growers, and mowers, discussed "Decorative Daffodils" those that show up well as garden or cut-flowers, especially due to color. Because the public bikes "pointy, star-like flowers" older show varieties are still popular. He added, "Hybridizers who throw out those odd-ball seedlings should give them to us who can appreciate them."

Then Harold Koopowitz informed us of his progress with fall bloomers from the species. He added that he looks for the best possible parents in form, in the wild, but he also seeks aberrations. The good form of serotinus "can breed good stuff."

After lunch was Max Hamilton on "Double Daffodils (Double the Trouble)." Max's success with doubles is obviously the result of his very careful breeding techniques. He checks the pollen under the microscope for a wheat-like appearance. He will not use pollen if it shows any malformation or deformity. He also advised not breeding doubles on doubles-this creates too many petaloids for the bud to hold. Good double pollen put on a standard results in more seeds; a double will provide only a few seeds if the reverse procedure is used. He added "Apply the pollen when the bees are flying-the temperature is right." Max considered "Kiwi Magic" his first really good double and "Gay Kybo" his top one. And then we boarded the train for the show two stations down the line.

A report on the show is difficult. Not until late did I realize the main room held the competition among the professionals and another room entirely held that among the amateurs. Then the series of winners was daunting, with what seemed like each colour code in each division receiving "Best Bloom" until I gave up trying to record anything. Instead, I will say the quality of the daffodils was excellent. Size is an obvious major factor for Australian competitors but the guest American judges down-played that factor-a G. Miller seedling, an intermediate, was awarded grand champion. "Lady Diana", shown by the Radcliffs, was reserve champion. The area was so crowded and our time was so limited that I was frustrated not to be able to view the miniatures well at all. All too soon we had to return to the train and the hotel.

A singer entertained us during the awards banquet. I was pleased to visit with Lyla Coles, widow of Frank Coles, who was a special guest. Twenty years ago he was President of the Victorian Daffodil Society and they had welcomed us to their home; she has sold that since his death and now lives in a retirement community.

September 12th was another morning of interesting seminars. "How Far Can We Go With Miniature Daffodils" was the topic addressed by a panel made up of Geoffrey Temple-Smith, Graham Fleming, Kevin Crowe, and Lawrence Trevanion. The panel agreed that in debate oversize-miniature vs. micro — "let the judges see them." Much of the rest had to do with obtaining color in the miniatures. Graham Fleming of Keira Bulbs delineated what he does division by division but in sum take a W-W or a W-Y and crosses it with a colored intermediate. He is also working for early, mid, and late season variety, and is aiming toward good pot miniatures. Kevin Crowe is achieving bicolors by putting "Gipsy Queen" on n. cyclamineus; he said they are short lived but he keeps breeding back to n. cyclamineus. He is achieving pink with "Killara Pink" x n. asturiensis and with "Dailmanach" on a seedling. Lawrence Trevanian is working toward diversity in bulbocodiums: multi-headed, squashed, and possibly a sequencing in opening. Trying to visualize all this, my head felt squashed!

Then Sally Kington gave the history of the RHS registration with William Herbert the first named breeder and with Backhouse with over 200 cultivars. The first list was in 1907. Guess what- the next new register will be published in 2008. Ms. Kington put forth that Division 7

Jryan- To to,p fre evening ourAustralian friends tmited tos€renade us with "Waltzing Maftilda"

The morning of Septemb€r 9 we rode into the Dandenongsand boarded the steam-engine-pulled faia Puffing Bilty.Alfrough all signs warned agBinst leaning out of fte openwindows, loads of school childre,n - on other cars - werem€xrity sitting on the window sills and danglin& if notkicking their legs outside. Not too far up the mormtain eitherdiscretion or chill had thoce legs back inside. Daffridil peopledo have some decorum - at least I did not see anyone ry eisstyle. We were all leaning out taking pictres, probably of oneanother's elbows, instead.

At Me,nzies StAion we disembarted and rejoined 6e busfor Hancock Datrodil Farms. Sudde,nly, when I saw on thehillside the outlire of a &frodil created by planted daffodils, Irecalled being there twenty years before. Now the operation isrm by Will Ashbrrner. Afthough he had cukivars manywould have ordere4 he discouraged foreip orders because ofthe expense. But h€ and his family did provide delicioussandwiches and cakes. And his stall of cut flowen by theroadside was doing good brsiness.

otrnext venue was fte beautifirl OlindaRhododendronGardens, established originally to create a fireb'reak for theMelboume water supply. In a special building Ian Dysonkeeps ry abeautiful datrodil display foroveramontt,freshening it once a week Stands of named cultivars fill theroom. Almost the length of one wall is a framed recess inwhich he maintains even mons bunches. Imagine 61 elddepumem store window A Chrismas, filled frrom bottom totop with daffodil blooms. Although Ian Dyson does all theflowers himself, other daffodil society members volunteermanning the drsplay to help educare the public.

For afternom tea w€ were tfue guests of Graeme Brumley,Secretary of the Victorian Datrodil Society, and his frmily.Bo& ryproachinghisresidenoe and asossthe valley from itwere fields of blooming hyacinths, br.[ the hillside down fromhis lovety home was devoted to datrodils. His seedlings weresoon being examine4 and he and I never wcne able to finishtalking about his qe,ed pods on n cyclemineus.

September lOt was free for those of us not showing orjudging. Nancy and I eqioyed Melbourne's offerings -shopping and muserms.

September lln the convention began officially with themayc of the city of Monash, corncillor Joy Banerjl,welcoming us. Ian Dyson then introduced us by country. Qtwas a pleasure to see Keith and Shirley Robinson again; theyasked after Naomi and were sorry she was not there this time.)Thrce qpeak€rs fre,n educded us.

Will Ashburner of Hancock Daffodils, who dividedgardeners into three categories - showers, growers, andmowefil, discussed "Decorative Daffodih" those that show upwell as gard€o or qtr-flowers, especially due to color.Because the public likes'!ointy, star-like flow€,rs" older showvarieties are still popule. He adde4 "Hybridizers who throwout those odd-ball seedlings should give them to us who canapp,raciate ttem."

Then Harold Koopowits inbrmed us of his progrcsswih f-all bbomers from the specbs. He added that helooks for the best possible parents in form, in the wild,but he also seeks abenations. The good form ofserotinus "can breed good stufi.'

After luncfi was Max Hamilton on "Double tffidils(Double the Trouble).' Mat's success wiEr douHes isobviously the result of his very careful breedingtechnQues. He checks the pollen under the microscopefor a *fieat-like appearance. He will nd use pollen if itshotffs any matbrmaticn or debrmity. He also advisednot breedang doubles on doubles-this creates too manypetalokls br the bud to hold. Gmd double pollen put ona standard resulb in rnore seeds; a double will provitteonly a ftryv seeds if the reverse procedure is used.He added "Apply the pollen when the bees are frying-thetemperature is right." Max considered'KiwiMagic' hisfirst really good double and 'Gay Kybo' his @ one. Andthen we boarded the bain br the show two sta6onsdown the lire.

A report on the show is diffrcult. Not until late did Irealize the main rmm held the competition arnong theproEssionals and another roorn entirely held that amongthe amateurs. Then the series of winners was daunting,with what seemed like each colour code in each divisionreceiving "Best Bloom' until I ga\re up trying to re@rdanything. lnstead, I will say the quatity of the dafiodilswas excellent Size is an obvious major f;actor forAustralian competitrcrs but the guest American judgesdomalayed that fiacbr-a G. Milbr seedling, anintermediate, was awarded grand champion. "LadyDiana', shown by the RadclifFs, was reserve champbn.The area was so crowded and our time was so limitedthat I was frushated notto be able to viery the miniatureswell at all. All too soon we had to retum b the tain andthe hotel.

A singer entertained us during the awards banquet. Iwas plmed b visit with Lyla Coles, witlorv of FrankColes, rrho was a special guest. Twenty years ago hewas Preident of the Victorian Daffodil Society and theyhad welcomed us to their home; she has sold that sincehis death and now lives in a retirernent oommunity.

September 12s was another moming of intereitingseminars. 'How Far Can We Go Wittr MiniatureDatrodihf was the topic addressed by a panel made upof Geo,ftey Temple.Smith, Graham Flem ing, KevinCrore, and Lawrerrce Trevanion. The panel agreed thatin debate oversize-miniature vs. micro -'let the judgessee them.'Mncfr of the rest had to do with obtainingcolor in the miniafures. Graham Fleming of Keira Bulbsdelineated what he does division by division but in sumtake a W-W or a W-Y and crosses it with a coloredintermediate. He is also working br early, mkl, and lateseason variety, and is aiming toward good potminiafures. Kevin Crowe is achieving bbolors by putting'Gipsy Queen" on n. cyclamineus; he said they are shortlived btfr he keeps breeding back to n. cyclemineus. Heis achieving pink with "Killara Pink'x n. asturiensis andwith'Dailmanach'on a seedling. Lawrence Trevanian isworking toward diversity in bulbocodiums: multi-headed,sguashed, and pcsibly a sequencing in opening.Tryirgto visualize allthis, my head blt squashedl

Then Sally Kington gave the history of the RHSregistration with William Herbert the first named breederand wi0t Backhouse with over 200 cultivars. The first listwas in 1907. Guess what- the next new registerwill bepublished in 2008. Ms. Kington put forth that Division 7

may soon be divided by jonquilla and apodanthi. She also asked to be told of autumn-flowering and, perhaps, winter-flowering cultivars; and she questioned should these be in a separate category. I must say, her dedication to her job is commendable. Throughout the two weeks she was fine-tuning the records, seeking confirmation and verification of older registered cuttivars.

After morning tea, the Australian pathologist, Mark Whattam, who checks plants coming into the country, gave a very illuminating talk. Some plants are grown for up to two years in controlled conditions to check for disease. This island nation is presently fighting to keep out a prunus virus. He is trying to get the government to be less strict on bulbs because the known bulb pathogens are already in the country. The commercial growers present were very supportive of his efforts.

After lunch, Brian Duncan gave the history of intermediates and then had a panel discussion. Obviously the intermediates are here to stay, but each country has a different opinion on whether or not an approved list should be used and on which divisions should be included. Mary Lou Gripshover ably presented our stand in the U. S.: no approved list; avoid those divisions (5-13) in which cultivars are naturally small. However, New Zealand does have a list and it includes all divisions. That list was the approved one for the Victorian Daffodil Society Show.

Because all of us wanted more time at the show, afternoon tea was cancelled and off we went by bus. This time I did have a chance to look at the amateur section, mostly single-bloom entries, and to view the split-corona miniature in the hybridizer's section. Sorry, but I was one of those having trouble seeing the split

Then we were bussed to Ian Tyler's nursery where we munched on the following "Savouries': Kangaroo and Poppyseed Pies," "Crocodile and Sesame Seed Pies," cold rolls of buffalo, kangaroo, or egg lemon myrtle, or a spinach flan. At the same time we sipped excellent local wines and ogled a greenhouse full of blooming daffodils. In the meantime, twenty-two legs of lamb had been turning on a spit nearby. Yes, after all those °Savouries" we still feasted on a wonderful lamb dinner. I never did get the name they used for what followed, but we were treated to a performance on the native Australian rose flute and then by three native Australian male dancers. They threw down shavings on the cold cement floor of the shed and, while we shivered in our lined coats against the evening damp chill, they, barefoot, clad in paint and loincloth, performed for us. The kangaroo dance really impressed me; probably because I knew what I was seeing- each dancer became a kangaroo. The young men were most gracious about answering questions and posing for pictures afterward. Then came the bulb auction. The pots of blooming (most of them) cultivars were rolled in on a wagon bed and bidding went by the pot John Reed had sent ahead a number of his cultivars so that they were turned around. Unfortunately, "Dahlia Bob" was not as assiduous as I would have liked in running the auction-some very good cultivars went too cheaply-but a pot of John's 5 W-P "Pink Chimes" did go for over $100 AUS.

With thanks and appreciation given around, this was the conclusion of the convention. But it is only the end of Week One!

Because those of us continuing to Tasmania had a variety of flights, the Victorian Daffodil Society had to alter the intended post-convention trip, but we did get to return to those acres of seedlings Fred Silcock had created. They were just as awesome as almost a week before, but that persistent chilly rain finally drove me into the bus and to my boxed lunch. The two-engine prop plane flight was uneventful and, once safely checked in at Devonport, most of us scattered over the town to shop. The sun was shining!

On Tuesday, September 14th, the bus took us through the hilly agricultural area outside Devonport where they cultivate root vegetables, cauliflower, broccoli and poppies-yes, poppies. This area of Tasmania is the only place in the southern hemisphere where farmers legally grow poppies, under contract to Glaxo and to Johnson and Johnson, for opium. After a stop at a chocolate "factory" where most of us indulged in hot chocolate, we visited Radcliff's Daffodils at Jamie and Kaye's lovely new home at Port Sorell. What is not devoted to daffodils has been beautifully landscaped in many native plants on the hillside, and some of us were as involved in those as in the daffodils. Can you imagine? We enjoyed a delicious lunch as we sat outside in the sun and looked over the water in the distance. The Radcliffs are quite comfortable there.

Then aboard the bus again we headed down the state and to the west coast My notes have us going through mountains, forests, scrub, farmland, and stock areas-quite a variety. Our first stop was Sheffield, a town that had been depressed until someone suggested they commission murals to be painted on the sides of the buildings-to entice the tourists. We were enticed. Finally, almost dark, we reached Strahan (pronounced Strawn), a small resort town on the west coast Very early in Tasmanian history, it had been a penal colony and, until 1963, it was the port outlet for the Queenstown mining operations, but there was no evidence of those today. It is a charming resort town, and we had very nice accommodations overlooking the bay from our individual balconies. We luxuriated in that, especially when a strong wind and rain buffeted our windows in the night.

That rain sounded mightily like hail the next morning but we trooped by bus to the ABT railway for a ride up the mountain through the rain forest. At our first stop we spied hailstones in the crown of a tree fern but no hail bothered us the rest of the day and the wind did die down. Halfway up, while we munched on a box lunch, the engine was switched from a diesel to a steam engine; the rest of the way was by rack and pinion, the only such system in Australia. Our destination was Queenstown, a mining town. In the past, gold, then silver were mined. Today copper is being carved from the mountain near the town. Now great efforts are being made to control pollution, but the scars from the past are horrendous. Outside Queenstown was once lush forest, but acid rain destroyed the vegetation. Heavy rains washed away so badly that the rivers ran so thick with mud that an object thrown on them would not sink, and

may soon be dMded by jonquilla and a@anthi. Shealso asked to be told of autumn-flonering and, perhaps,winter4orering cuttivars; and she questioned shou ldthese be in a separate category. lmust say, herdedication to her job is commendabh. Througtroutthetwo weeks she was fin+tuning the records, seekingconfirmatirn and veriftcation of oUer registered cultivars.

After moming tea, the Ausfralian pathologist, Mark\Mrattam, uilro checks plants coming inb the @untsy,gave a very illuminating talk. Some planb are grown forup to tuo years in contolled conditions to check furdisease. This island nation is presenUy fighting to keepout a prunus virus. He is fying to ge't the govemment bbe less stict on bulbs because the known bulbpathogens are already in the counffy. The commercialgro\,lrers present were very supportive of his efforts.

After luncfi, Brian Duncan gave the his'tory ofintermediates and then had a paneldiscussion.Obviously the intermediates are here to stay, but eachcountry has a different opinion on whether or not anapproved list should be used and on sfii$ divisionsshould be included. Mary Lou Gripshover ably presentedour stand in he U. S.: no approved list avoid thosedivisions (5-13) in which cultivars are naturally small.Hovvever, New Zealand does have a list and it includesall divisions. That list was the approved one br theVrcbrian Dafhdil Society Show.

Because all of us wanted more time at the show,aftemoon tea was cancelled and offwe went by bus.This time I did have a ctance to look at the amateurse€,tisl, rnosfiy singFblcom enfies, and to view thesplit-corona miniature in the hybridize/s section. Sorry,hrt I w* one of those having bouble seeing the split

Then we were bussed to lan Tybr's nursery wherewe murrched on the bllowing "Savouries': lGngaroo andPoppyseed Pies,"Cr@odile and Sesame Seed Pies,'coH rolls of buffalo, kangaroo, or egg bmon myrtle, or aspinach flan. At the same time we sip@ excellent localwines ard ogbd a greenhouse fullof bloorning daffodils.ln the meantime, twenty-two legs of lamb had beentuming on a spit nearby. Yes, after all those'Savouries"we still feasted on a wonderful lamb dinner. I never didget the name they used for what followed, but we weretreated to a performan@ on the native Australian roseflute and then by three native Ausfalian mde dancers.They threw dorvn shavings on the cold cement floor ofthe shed and, while we shivered in our lined coatsagainst the evening damp chill, they, barefoot, clad inpaint and loincloffr, perbnrred for us. The kangarmdance really impressed me; probably because I knewwhat lwas seeing- each dancer became a kangaroo.The young men were most gracious about answeringquetions and posing for pictures afterward. Then camethe bulb auction. The pots of bboming (most of Orcm)cultivars were rolled in on a wagon bed and bidding wentby the pot. John Reed had sent ahead a number of hiscultivars so thatthey were tumed around. Unbrfunately,'Dahlia Bob'was not as assiduous as I wouH have likedin running the auction-some very good cuttivars went toocheaply-but a pot of John's 5 W-P 'Pink Chimes' did gofor over $100 AUS.

With thanks and appreciaticn given around, this msthe conclusion of the conventon. But il is only the end ofWeek One!

Because those of us continuing to Tasmania had avariety of flights, theVlcfiorian tffidil Sodety had toaher the intended post-convention bip, but we did get toretum b those acres of seedlings Fred Sibock hadcreated. They were just as awesome as almost a weekbebre, h.rt that persistent cfrilly nain finally drove me inbthe bus and to my boxed lunch. fietwo-engine propplane ll[ht was uneventful and, once safely checked inat Devonport, most of us scattered over the town toshop. The sun was shining!

On Tuesday, September 14trr, the bus took usthrough the hilly agrkutturalarea outskie Devonportwhere they cultivate root vegetables, cauliflower,broccoli and poppies-yes, poppies. Thb area ofTasrnania is the only place in the southem hemispherewhere farmers legally grow poppies, under contract toGlaxo and to Johnson and Johnson, for opium. After astop at a cfiocolate Tactortf rfiere rnost of us indulgedin hot c{rocolate, we visited Radcliffs Dafudils at Jamieand lGye's lovely new home at Port Sorell. What is notdevoted to daffodils has been beautifully landscaped inmany native plants on the hillsitie, and some of us wereas involved in those as in the daffodils. Can youimagine? We enjoyed a delicious lunch as we satoutside in the sun and looked over the water in thedistance. The Radclifis are quite cornfortable there.

Then aboard the bus again we headed down thestate and to the west coast My notes have us goingthrough mountains, forests, scrub, farmland, and stockareas'guib a variety. Our first sfiop wre Sheffield, a hrrnthat had bqen depessed untilsomeone suggesfied theycornmission murals to be painted on the sides of thebuildings.to entice the tourists. We were entirred. Finally,almstdark, we reached Skahan (pronound Stawn),a small resort town on the west coast Very early inTasrnanian history, it had been a penalcobny and, until1963, it was the port outlet for the Queenstown miningoperatbns, but there was no evUence of those today. ltis a charming resort town, and we had very nieaccornnpdatims overlooking the bay ftom our individualbalconies. We luxuriated in that, especially when asbong wird and rain bufiefied our windows in the nQht

That rain sounded mightily like hailthe next momingbut we trmped by bus to the ABT railway for a ride upthe mountain through the rain forest. At our first stop wespied hailstone in tfie crwn of a hee fem fut no hailbothered us the rest of the day and the wind did diedown. Hahfuay up, whib we munched on a box lunch,the engine was switched from a dieselto a steamengire; the rcst of the way wre by rack and pinbn, theonly such system in Aushalia. Our destinafpn wasQueenstown, a mining town. ln the past, gold, then silverwere mined. Today copper is being carved from themountain near the town. Now great efurts are beingmade to conbol pollution, but he scars ftom the past arehonendous. Outside Queenstown was once lush forest,but acid rain destroyed the vegetation. Heavy rainswashed a\ray so badly that the rivers ran so thbk wi0tmud that an object thrown on them would not sink, and

today a pebbly moonscape is all that remains. The Green Movement is very strong in Tasmania. I can understand why. Fortunately, power is from hydroelectric plants. But I diverge. We went by bus back to Strahan. I occupied the rest of the afternoon with an exhibit on Huon pine.

On the 16th we left Strahan, retraced the route to Queenstown, and then rode on across this island state through the Cradle Mountain, Lake St. Clair, and Franklin Garden Wild Rivers National Parks. We went from Huon, Celery, and Kingwilly pines and rain forest to eucalyptus and then to more developed agricultural land where, as rain clouds came and went, we chased rainbows. A faulty windshield wiper on one of the busses had us late arriving at the Bonorong Wildlife Park, but no one minded, especially we tourists. The kangaroo and wallabies were freely roaming and not at all shy about eating the provided food from our hands. The koalas were willing to be touched, and even the echidna paraded for us. and the Tasmanian devils were cantankerous, but we saw them. Nancy had an altercation with a cockatoo-ask her some time. We reached our hotel in Hobart after dark.

Friday the 17th was a free day; Nancy and I visited Port Arthur, a long-time held goal of mine. We returned to Hobart too late to attend the mayor's reception in the City Hall but we did have some time to see the show. Yes, the daffodils were gorgeous. The champion bloom was N. Rowes' 2 Y-R "Redlands Too." Again, your show winners report will have to come from elsewhere. Carnelias, fruit, and vegetables shared the competition floor.

Saturday morning we had a workshop breakfast with a panel discussion on miniatures given by Kevin Crowe, Ian Norman, and Geoff Temple-Smith. Ian Norman gave tribute to the late Harold Cross for being his mentor. He then discussed what he is doing division by division. In Division 2 he is having good success from "Lady Diana", and he is using "Dailmanach- for pinks. He finds Division 11 fascinating for its potential. Geoff Temple-Smith is working mostly with Division 5. He is also looking for orange. He has had some success with N. asturiensis and has four flowering bulbs from that now. Kevin Crowe is also looking for pink and for orange in miniatures and challenged why cannot miniatures be bred to be smaller-so small the judges cannot see them.

The Salamanca Market drew most of us for the rest of the morning, but two options existed in the afternoon: a guided tour of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Garden or a visit to the "daffodil patches of Ian Norman and of Michael Temple-Smith. Nancy and I chose the latter. Ian Norman's property, on a bank of the Deswent River, has been in his family since his father raised chickens on it when Ian was a boy. In retirement, Ian raises cut lowers for the market His daffodils are in raised beds and in Styrofoam boxes. Four years ago Michael Temple-Smith transplanted his daffodils from northern Tasmania to the very steep, very slippery hillside property of a friend whose family used to grow blackberries on the slope. I paid my obeisance and sought a flatter surface.

That evening the Australian speaker at the farewell banquet was Peter Brown, a retired wildlife specialist who spoke quite entertainingly about the probably extinct Tasmanian tiger. He also expressed concern that foxes may now exist on Tasmania, endangering the many ground-nesting animals and birds. Other worries are a facial tumor problem on the Tasmanian devil and the possible arrival of the bumblebee. The latter could be hazardous to proper tree and plant pollination, eliminating present pristine forms due to cross-pollination. (Every time I hear the attempts in Australia to protect their unique flora and fauna from foreign contamination I wonder what North American counterpests would have become under similar restrictions.) Richard Ezell was at his humorous best as the American speaker.

Our last day in Tasmania was down the Huon Valley. I remembered the area as full of apple orchards, with packing plants dotting the roadside. Now much of the fruit is gone, the trend shifted to cattle raising. The advent of the European Common Market caused the bottom to drop out of the Australian apple market. Geeveston had become close to a dead town, with young people leaving and, as the bus driver said, "The old waiting to die." However, the Tahune Forest Air Walk has been constructed nearby and has become a successful tourist attraction. Geeveston has become revitalized. Yes, the tour planners had us do the air walk. It is a suspended walkway through the treetops — and yours truly has a fear of heights. I was one of the eyes-straight-ahead zombies that followed directly behind the young guide. Ask Nancy about the view.

The aim of our drive was Jackson Daffodils. The major fields were a ways away from the house, but down the slope from David and Robin's home were rows of named varieties, planted there so that customers could identify their desires. Many such desires were being written down, of course! Across the road above the home were the seedling beds; they also had a display of seedling blooms in the garage. Where both Nancy and I focused on a 2W-W seedling, 139/92. The Jackson provided a lovely meal for us — and I don't know whether I was being kidded but I was told the salmon (two in fact) were caught in the nearby river. At the seedling field we had a good conversation with Amanda Jackson White, David and Robin's daughter. She has retained the Jackson name after her marriage, "because customers insist on talking with a Jackson!" Amanda has always been involved in the family business and both she and her brother intend to keep it going. Her own hybridizing interest has been in creating a Division 1 red cup but she has not pursued that recently; however, as she said while waving her hand to the rows of seedlings behind her, "The genes are here." Then she added, "I am quite touched to see how patient my father is with my son, in the rows, showing him how to do things. Jackson Daffodils shall continue!" Amen to that!

If you think we ate our way through Australia you are right. The gracious hospitality of our hosts was calorie-laden. But their warmth and their friendship were genuine. My old memories were correct.

today a fbbly moonscape is allthat remains. TheGrcen Movement is very strong in Tasmania. I canunderstard why. Fortunately, power is ftom hydroebctricplants. But I diverge. We went by bus back to Strahan. Ioccupied the rest of the aftemmn with an exhibit onHuon pine.

On the 16h we left Strahan, retraced the route toQueenstorrn, and then rode qr across this island statethrough the Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair, andFranklin Garden Wild Rivers National Parks. We wentfrom Huon, Celery, and Kingwilly pines and rain forest toeucalyptus and then to more devebped agrirrtfural landwhere, as rain clouds came and went, wr cfrasednainbows. A fautty windshbH wiper on one of the busseshad us late aniving at the Bonorong Wildlife Park, but noone minded, especially we tourists. The kangaroo andwallabies were freely roaming and not at all shy abouteating the provkled food from our hands. The koalaswere willing to be touched, and even the echidnaparaded fur us. and the Tasmanian devils werecantankerous, butwe saw them. Nancy had analtercation with a cockatoo-ask her some time. Wereacfied our hotel in Hobart after dark.

Friday the 17h was a free day; Nancy and I visitedPort Arthur, a long-time held goal of mine. We retumedto Hobart too late to attend the mayo/s reception in theCity Hall butwe dirl have some time to see the show.Yes, the daffodils u,ere gorgeous. The champion bloomwas N. Rowes' 2 Y-R 'Redlands T@." Again, your showwinners report will have to come from elsewhere.Camelias, iruits. and vegehbles shared fie conn@itbnfloor.

Saturday nrcming we had a workshop breakfast witha paneldiscussion on miniatures given by Kevin Crowe,lan Norman, ard GeofiTemple-Smih. lan Norman gavetribute to the late Hanokl Cross fur being his mentor. Hethen discussed what he is doing division by divisbn. lnDivision 2 he is having good success ftom'Lady Diana",and he is using "Dailmanacfi'br pinks. He finds Division11 fascinating br its potential. @offTemple-Smith isworking mosfiy with Divisbn 5. He is also looking furoftrnge. He has had some success with N. asturiensisand has four flowering bulbs from that now. Kevin Crcweis also looking br pink and br orange in miniatures andchallenged why cannot miniatures be bred to be smaller-so small the judges cannot see them.

The Salamanca Market drew most of us fur the restof the moming, but two options existed in the aftemoon:a guided tour of the Royal Tasmanian Botanlcal Gardenor a visit to the'daffodil patches of lan Norman and ofMidraelTemple.Smith. Nancy and I cfrose the latter.lan Norman's property, on a bank of the Deswent River,has been in his iamily since his father raised chickens onit when lan was a boy. ln retirement, lan raises cutfrowers forthe market His dafudils are in raised bedsand in Styrobam boxes. Four years ago MichaelTemple€mifi fransplanted his daffodils from northemTasmania to the very steep, very slippery hillsideproperty of a friend whose family used to growblackbenies on the slope. I paid my obeisance andsought a flatter surface.

That evening the Ausffalian speaker d the farewrsllbanquetwas Peter Brosn, a retired wildlib specialistwho spoke quite entertainingly about the probably extinctTasmanian tiger. He also expressed concem that foxesmay now exist on Tasmania, endangering the manyground-nesting animals and birds. Other wonies are afacialfumor problem on the Tasmanian deviland thepossible anival of the bumblebee. The Hter could behazardous to proper bee and plant pollination,eliminating present pristine furms due to cross-pollinatbn. (Every time I hear the attempts in Australiato potect their unQue flora and fauna fironr fureigncontamination I wonderwhat North Amerir:ancounterpests wouH have become under similarrestrictions.) Richard Ezellwas at his humorous best asthe Anerban speaker.

otr last day in Tasmania was dom lhe Huon Valley. Iremembercd the area as firll of apple orchards, with packingplants douing the roadside. Now much of the fruit is gone, thetend Sitfted to cUle raising The adveirt of the EuropemCommon Mad(et causcd th€ botlom to dnop ors of freAustralian apple market. Geeveston had become close to adead tourn, wift yormg people leaving an4 as the bus &iversai{ *The old waiting to die.' However, the Tahrme ForestAir Walk has been constructed nearby and has become asuccessful tourist attraction. Geeveston has becomerevihlizsd- Yes, &e torrplmners had us do the air walk It isa suspended walkway through 6e treeeops - and yours trulyhas a fer ofheights. I was one ofthe eyes-straight-aheadzombies that followed directly behind the young guide. AskN.mcrl, about t&e view.

The aim of our &ive was Jaclson Datrodils. The majorfields were a ways away from lhe house, but down the slopeftom David and Robin's home were rows of named varieties,plmted fue so ftr customers could id€ffiiry treh desires.lvdany such desires were being rvritten dorrm, of course!Asnoss the road above the home were the seedling beds; theyalso had a display of soedling blooms in the garage. Wherebofr Nacy and I focus€d m a 2W-W seedling, l3gty}. TheJacksons providod a lovely meal for us - and I don't lnowwheth€r I wa being kidded but I was told the salmon (two infact) were caught in the nearby river. At the seedling field wehad a good coversatim witr Amanda Jacksm White, Davidand Robin's daughter. She has retainod fte Jackson nameafter k malriage, 'because cus0omers insist on talking with aJackson!" Amanda has always been involved in the familybusiness andbott she andher brother inteld to koep it going.Her orryn hytridirng interest has be€n in creating a Division Ired cup brt she has not pursued that recently; however, as shesaid while wavrng her hand to the rows ef sssdlings behindher, -Ihe gen€s ar€ h€r€." Th€Nr she adde4 *I am quitetouched to see how patient my fafrer is with my son, in therows, showing him how to do things. Jackson Daffodils shallcontinue!" Amen to that!

Ifyou think we ate orn way ttrough Austalia you are rightThe gracious hospitality of our hosts was calorie.laden. Buttheir warmth and their friendship were genuine. My oldmemories were correct.

CODS BULB SALE Bulbs Sold $1, 002.50 Expenses 77.20 Deposited $925.30

ARE YOU A DORMANT AUTHOR?

Are you a dormant author or are you "budding", or in full bloom? Do you have thoughts milling around in you head about our favorite flower that you might want to share with the rest of us? Among our ranks are beginners, experts, and some in —betweeners, people from many different areas with different climates and soils. What you have to say may be very helpful to at least some of us.

I know of no one that is bashful, in fact, there may be members outside Ohio and the USA that could contribute articles to CODS CORNER.. Send articles to Tag Bourne, Editor, 1052 Shady Hill Drive, Columbus, OH 43221

We will also have more funds from bulbs sold on the internet.

Phyllis Hess, Ways and Means

CODS DUES ARE NOW PAST DUE: Please send your check for $5.00 single, $6.00 family dues made out to CODS, Phyllis Hess, 3670 E. Powell Rd., Lewis Center, OH 43035-9530.

An "X" in this space indicates that this is your last copy of the newsletter because dues have not been paid.

Deadline for the Jan. Newsletter. Dec. 15, 2004

Tag Bourne 1052 Shady Hill Drive Columbus, OH 43221 0:i

MRS PAUL GRIPSHOVER 1686 GREY FOX TRAIL MILFORD OH 45150-1521

CODS BT]LB SALEBulbs Sold $1,002.50Emenses 7720D€posited $925.30

Wewill alsohavemore fimds frombulbs soldonthinffinet

Hcss, We5ls end Mcens

CODS DI.'ES ARE NOW PAST DI.]E:Please send your check for $5.fi) single, $6.00 frmily duesmade out to CODS, Phyllis Hess' 3670 E. Powell Rd-, L€wisCenter, OH 43035-9530.

An *X- in this space indicates that this is your last copyofthe newsletter because dues have not been paid.

Dadline for the Jan. Newsletter: Dec. 15, 2004

Tag Bourne1052 Shady Hill DriveColumbus, OH4322l

ARE YOU A IX}RMANT AUTHOR?

Are yur a dffimmt authq or are you'hdding3, m in fullbloom? Do yor have thoughs milling uomd in yot headabont orr ftvorite flswcritgtyou might watrto shre with therest of us? Among on ruks ue beginnerg experts, and somein -tetwe€,il€rs, peoplc frrom mmy difrercm aeas withdifrerred climatm ad soils. Whdyou have to say may bevery he$fuIto d least some ofus.

I lnow of no one that is bashful, in fact, there may bemembers outsi& Ohio udthe USA ttat could comihrtcarticles to CODS CORNER- Send aticlcs to TagBourne,Editor, 1052 ShdyHillDrive, Cohmbus' OH432l

,|'sdi+##$e&;

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