Congratulations girls !!!!!! I wanted to say earlier, but have been so busy, that I was honored to be in the running !! It is a beautiful Brug , and I am glad the winners will each get one. You both are very deserving ladies. I am keeping my eyes on Eddie's "Confusion" though, it is absolutely the bomb!!! I can't wait till the bidding slacks off, I just hope he keeps that one going untill I can get one!!! Got to go , work is calling.... Sandra

Apologies in advance for the detailed reply..... ......... I do extensive research into iris parentages and keep track of the newer iris crosses thru publications such as the AIS iris check list, and my own research. I'll tell you right now that whether or not a newer iris is "worth" the price is a total matter of personal taste and initial reaction to seeing a new introduction for the first time. For me the vast majority of new introductions are NOT worth it, because of the hybridizers penchant for using older varieties as parents, that result in "new" iris that do NOT innovate as far as color, branching, petal width, ruffling, new color patterns, bud count etc. Many of the new introductions, with a few exceptions are look alikes of varieties commonly available for much, MUCH cheaper. I've tossed hundreds upon hundreds of seedlings that people thought were beautiful, but didn't exhibit the traits i think an new $40-75 iris should have. If people are going to spend 40 - 60 dollars on my new intros - then I want my iris to LOOK INNNOVATIVE!!! (I shout for emphasis only, here). Some people may think my intros are so-so at best, too. Well, thats fine with me, since I realize all tastes are different, but I strive for modern traits, and won't intro any iris that don't exhibit the traits that I look/and am willing to pay for. There are entirely too many "look Ma, what I did" type of entries into the iris registration books, -- and that includes well known intros by popular hybridizers.

Spring Meadow Nursery doesn’t note the fragrance, only the taste (light pear). I wish they would as I’m sure others may want to grow for more than eating. https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/flavorette-peard-rosa-63450 That’s incredible that both Reminiscent Pink and Rise Up Lilac Days have been so vigorous for you. Rise Up Lilac Days put on some great growth for me this year but then deer reduced it significantly at one point. Hopefully the fragrance of Reminiscent Pink improves for both of us. I think if ”scent” is included in the name, it had better deliver fragrance. I’m glad Rise Up Lilac Days has a wonderful fragrance at least.

Yay! I'm so glad you got one that worked! I was reading and thinking you had given up until this last post. Prize to the neighbor for figuring out the tie adjustment! The first one was obviously poorly sewn, but I think the lining was miscut or the wrong size and the sewer was trying to do the best they could while continuing to work. Enjoy the wedding! And after all of this, I hope you get to wear the dress for several other occasions.