Comments on: New Product Dreamtimes

By: Joyce

Joyce — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 14:36:59 +0000

Thank you for that. Exceptionally informative. I have often wondered how new plants just appeared. I knew it must take years then of course the market may not like it, if it is not the colour of the week. A very risky business plant breeding Joyce

By: fran

fran — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 13:41:28 +0000

Very well put. Enjoyed reading. Thank You

By: Beth Hickman

Beth Hickman — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:19:11 +0000

I have worked at both flower breeding (my first career) and software development (my current career.) They require the same mindset – breaking down problems into small steps. Programming gives much quicker feedback and provides more comfortable working conditions, as well as a greater supply of jobs. Still, I miss working with plants full-time.

By: David

David — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 02:58:08 +0000

I am into grape breeding, sort of a medium long term project. At least a bit faster turn over than tree fruits. I find I have to wait about 3 years in the PNW to get a fruit set on the new vine, after planting and then it takes another couple of years to see what the cluster size will become. Not a good hobby to start at retirement!
Still, it is sad that you have a hard time overcoming the ’status quo’ of consumer familiarity with the tried and true. For our region the ‘tried and true’ seldom perform well. Our climate has not been exploited by fruit breeders with the exception of Raspberries and Strawberries.
Vitis is a very rich and diverse genus, which has only in the past 100 years, been truly exploited for breeding efforts.
There is a lot that could be done, and should be done, but a certain ‘Vinifera Only’ mindset seeks to freeze us into inertia.
Well, if nothing else, I have some awsome and adapted grapes for the Puget Sound.

By: joe morin

joe morin — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 01:44:51 +0000

I enjoy your thoughts

By: Barb Sullivan

Barb Sullivan — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:34:33 +0000

That’s amazing, I never knew it took that many years to create a new plant type.
Hellebores 13 yrs wow!!
Now I guess I better understand why some plants are higher priced then others.
Yet, I will better appreciate when I am able to buy an beautiful inexpensive flower or vegetable plant. Thanks

By: ROBERT DEMAREST

ROBERT DEMAREST — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:05:40 +0000

And there are still hordes that don’t believe in evolution. I guess we just have to ignore them. Evidence doesn’t seem to make a dent in their armor. Robert

By: TC

TC — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 21:45:22 +0000

Gardenology will never keep pace with technology.

By: Robbie Ann Montgomery

Robbie Ann Montgomery — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 21:10:33 +0000

Your articles are not only thought provoking, they are very amusing. I’m old enough to appreciate tongue-in-cheek humor. Are you originally from the South? Keep up the good work. Robbie Ann