What
makes a good plant breeder is the subject of Geoff Harvey's next installment for
the Hibiscus Hybridization Guide. In this issue, we featured Allan Little and
Dick Johnson - hybridizers of note, who have shared their own per-sonal views
on what it takes to achieve good rosa-sinensis hybrids. In Hibiscus International
No.18, Mr. Harvey goes on to add that good plant breeders need only to have the
qualities of being naturally observant, having a sense of beauty, patience, a
willingness to go to a certain amount of trouble and a good deal of common sense.
He adds that no scientific knowledge is essential to achieving success. The most
important characteristic is that a hybridizer should know the plants, knowing
what is wanted and then getting it.
Have you heard of the List of Lists ?
Gloria White's latest article is on Sam Andrews which explains how this list was
developed. Sam, who is a member of the American Hibiscus Society since 1985, also
finds cultivating hibiscus as a wonderful activity because it provides for a variety
of color shape and texture.
Our
friend from New Zealand, Bob Rivers-Smith, is featured with his article, "Some
Facts and History Relating To Hibiscus in Fiji" and is the result of
his quest to find out as much about hibiscus as it relates to Fiji also with help
from fellow hibiscus lovers Jill Coryel, Wally Morgan, Dick Phillips and Ken Perks.
Bob also provided several digital photos of some varieties which grow in those
Pacific Ocean islands north of Auckland, including Fiji White.
In the "Caring For Hibiscus" section of H.I.18 are featured three
opinions on the topic and merits of mulching your hibiscus plants each by John
Richardson, Allan Little and Jim Purdie.
A
dated article written by R.H. Philips is also featured in 'From the Archives'
section and picks up from where Bob Rivers-Smith left off with a piece titled
"Hibiscus in Fiji". Both articles together provide a historical and current view
of the origins and availability of varieties that have grown or are growing there.
H.I.18's Photo Gallery section also features 19 of the Best
Modern Hibiscus, based on a survey taken in Queensland, Australia around 25 years
ago, which were originally shown in Hibiscus - Queen of the Flowers, First Edition
by Jim Howie, 1980.
Other surprises on the topic
of hibiscus await our readers too but we won't go further by saying more other
than this next issue (in two parts with a special supplement) promises to be another
colorful publication greeting Year 2004 with a big bang ! Happy New Year To One
And All ! The Editor.
