It barely seems a year since the last Week 24 Flower Trials, but that time has come around again already.

Graham will be in the Netherlands for the trials from Wednesday 10 June to Friday 12 June inclusive. Want a meeting? Then contact us in the normal way!

See www.flowertrials.nl

Graham will be visiting growers and breeders in the Netherlands from 1 to 3 April inclusive. Please email now if you think he should visit you on this trip.

It’s interesting to see that the CPVO is happy to work with nations outside of UPOV. Taiwan is currently not a member, but judging by this Taiwan News article, the CPVO has a dialogue with them. Reading between the lines of this article, it seems that the Taiwanese authorities and the CPVO have agreed to mutually recognise each other’s DUS examination reports for orchids. I’m hoping that this will be extended to other species, as Taiwan is potentially a useful market for other genera such as Azalea, Chrysanthemum, Asteraceae in general and Hibiscus, all of which are being worked on by PFE’s breeder clients.

The above phrase is that used by my insurers to describe what I have done to myself! Unfortunately, on the way home from Salon du Vegetal last month, I had a fall on some stone steps in St. Malo and injured my left foot and leg. The doctors tell me that I should be getting back to normal very soon, although I’m not permitted to drive just at the moment.

So, please accept my apologies if you were expecting a visit. Yes, I have been sitting with my feet up, drinking tea, but not through choice!

Yucca gloriosa Bright Star, raised by PFE client Tim Crowther and managed in Europe by Plants For Europe, has won the "Best Novelty 2009" award at IPM Essen 2009 in the category Container Plants.

The award citation highlights the innovative features of the plant, its ease of cultivation and its drought resistant qualities. The judges believe it will be an important variety in the current trend for "exotic" plants.

Bright Star was submitted for the competition by Fitzgerald Nurseries Limited of Stoneyford, Republic of Ireland. We wish to thank them and congratulate them on achieving this award.

More information on Yucca Bright Star can be found here.

Best wishes to all clients and friends for 2009 - it will certainly prove to be an interesting year, we think!

Graham is currently working on a meeting schedule for IPM Essen. He will be there for Thursday and Friday. If you want to see him, then please contact us immediately.