Pacific Bx 90
DaveKarn@aol.com (Thu, 19 May 2005 18:12:41 PDT)

Paul and all ~

Indeed, 'Spoirot,' is Australian! It (and several others) is the work of Rod
Barwick of Glenbrook Bulb Farm, Claremont, Tasmania. It's one of a group of
Division 10 daffodils that I (tongue-in-cheek) christened the Detective Series
as each is named after one of the fictional detectives that (I assume) are
favorites of the breeder. Thus, 'Spoirot' is from HerculeS POIROT; 'Smarple' is
from MisS MARPLE, 'Orclus' is from InspectOR CLUSeau, and 'Kholmes' stems
from SherlocK HOLMES. This individual is noted for his singular breeding success
with the N. bulbocodium and N. catabricus group of species. Much of this
effort has resulted in the recent creation of an RHS Division (#10) to contain
this ever expanding group of hybrids.

'Falconet' is one of a series of Division 8 (Tazetta) hybrids bred by the
famous Oregon hybridizer, Grant Mitsch. They resulted from a cross between
'Matador' x N. jonquilla. One of their features is that they combine the wonderful
fragrance of tazettas with that of jonquil. Too much of this delightful
perfume from a bouquet of these flowers could (almost) never be enough! These
hybrids have since their introduction been picked up by the Dutch growers and
have been multiplied in substantial quantity such that they are now widely
available each Autumn.

I think the confusion arose with Dell's comment since I was the original
source of the bulbs being donated to the BX by Cathy Craig and not the originator.
While I am hardly a noted "miniature hybridizer," I've been known to dabble
a bit, from time to time . . .

All best,
Dave Karnstedt
Cascade Daffodils
Silverton, ORegon, USA
Cool and wet in Winter -- hot and dry in Summer; USDA Zone 7-8 (great climate
for almost any geophyte willing to stand up to Jack Frost once in a while!)