Hi Daffnetters,
A fine but cold midwinter weather pattern over most of N Z this week .
A few light frosts here in Otaki; quite a lot heavier ( down to – 6 ) in inland and most South Island areas.
Snow on the mountains; it’s school holidays and the ski fields are busy on these cool, clear days.
The flowers have slowed down considerably, particularly Erlicheer, showing it’s tazetta origins.
A very nice tazetta here from Wilfred Hall.
Absolute show quality but about 6 weeks to early – – he, s frustrated at the timing of quite a few of the Avalanche and Grand Monarch seedlings.
This is W H sdlg A V X – 175 — 8 W – O breeding Avalanche — x — Voda
Voda — 3 W – O is a Jackson Aussie flower from about the 70 , s and is a genuine small cup.
It is regarded as an oldie these days but is a true early season flower in a division that is very short
of early flowers. Voda was a winner for our N D S secretary Denise M cQuarrie at the 2009 North Is National, beating 14 others to win the 3 W – O single bloom class. .It is regarded as a bad head hanger but Denise and Neil are good growers and exhibitors .
Wilfred has used it a lot in his tazetta program as he wants sdlgs that are definitely not overcupped and Voda was a logical ( and successful ) choice .
Wilf has also registered — 8 W – O Abraxis bred — Grand Monarch — x — Voda
However he feels this sdlg is a class ahead — top quality — but to early ..
Cheers John .