We are currently in a Covid lockdown here in N Z , – the flower markets are closed – no picking , just going through the market beds deheading anything that is open .
The good news is that I have had more time to enjoy the flowers , – assess the seedlings , do some more pollinating and take quite a few more photos .Unfortunately the show season is well under way in the North Island and just beginning down South . This coming weekend is out and I think more cancelations are ahead .
One of the doubles peaking at the moment is my 4Y – Y , LUNAR PROBE , registered 2012 , bred – KAZAN – X – GOLDEN ORBIT .
It is well received in the markets , – has a strong stem and strong short neck . Not extra large or tall but a very reliable flowering rate .It follows EARLY ORBIT in flowering
sequence and comes just before KIWI SUNSET ..A good opening to the double season for the florists
LUNAR PROBE often has a slightly open center , – about 1 percent have prominent pistils but the pistils frequently are poorly formed. with uneven lobes at the top . My experience is that usually only very evenly formed , 3 equal and level segments , will be fertile . I have always liked the round form and good symmetry of L P , – it is an attractive flower .
Over the seasons I have pollinated quite a few and today found three nice types – out with the camera .
LUNAR PROBE
FASHIONISTA – Will be registered – – LUNAR PROBE – X – LOCH LOYAL , – 4Y – O.
Very good symmetry , good size , 110 mm+ Exhibition smoothness but center perhaps not high enough – more open than often preferred . Nice flower Strong stem and strong neck .
Younger flower still in the garden ..
JFM 11 – 16 , – LUNAR PROBE – X – 99 – 24 , a very golden , early and tall Malvern City sdlg An early flower was premier at our C D G early show this year . Also a strong stem and neck .
JFM 11 – 18 , — Sibling to the above . Not as round or symmetrical , more angular but a bigger and slightly taller flower . Great picker .
All three seedlings together . Very pleasing to get a breeding line producing over several generations . One slightly open stamen on the big FASHIOISTA – will make use of it tomorrow .
A full moon the last few evenings – caught it over the next daffodil block , about 6 pm .
It was behind the clouds tonight , – took enough , 10 photos , for a panorama of the nice evening sun on the daffs and the hills .Is the shed sliding downhill ? ? . Hand held camera , good stabilization , – perhaps I am not on the level .
Beautiful doubles, John! Would these be available through any NZ seller who ships to the US? Love the photos of your daffodil field, too, and would love to see more of those. I missed not getting to NZ last year as planned and hope we can all visit again before too long.