The work of the Pelargonium Registrar - an update.

 

I am working as hard as I can, punctuated by a slight health problem, which has delayed my work on the computer during April.  I hope that this will not impact upon the time scale for publishing later this year, I think I have lost about three weeks work until the time of writing this article.

The work is ongoing, to produce the Addendum as soon as possible hopefully by Christmas.  I am working hard on getting the last entries into the database, slightly complicated by missing information on some older varieties from Australia. I am waiting for replies to my request for information on dates and in some cases the description of plant names. There are some new hybridisers who would like to be included in the Addendum, because it will be some time before the second edition of the Register and Checklist is produced. The Addendum  input must close soon so if you know of any plant names we should include please get in touch by email by June 30th 2010, as soon as you can. The list must close soon, so that we can prepare for printing. If late arrivals do not make the Addendum they will wait until the Register 2nd edition in 2013.

Where I have a doubtful entry, I have sought help from experienced hybrizers and growers, always consulting the hybridizers so that the entries I have received are acceptable, without anomalies. This occurs when I believe that the plant is in the wrong category as in the case recently of a Regal/Angel / Decorative. This may also involve discussion with accredited judges. This modus operandi means that I have not had to implement meetings of the registration panel to ratify the entries. I have asked for one scrutiniser from each country where we get regular submissions and applications. Beryl Stockton, Australia who has Marg. Edwards as her deputy, Faye Brawner USA, and Lena Lumquist from Sweden.  A team of experts from the UK includes Derek Lee, Alan Shellard, Ken Dymond, and Steve Pollard. We have received no contentious applications therefore their services have not been called upon. I do regularly talk to my experts,  by phone and email, on matters relating to their specialism. I also have a band of serious Pelargonium Buffs who regularly correspond through emails and this has been most helpful in gathering more information.

I have kept full records of all applications. These will be kept together and not posted around the country in case the information goes missing. It is my only proof of the existence of an application for the register and I m reluctant to let it out of my sight.

 

There has been a change in policy, agreed by the Committee of The Pelargonium and Geranium Society, after the request from the Register Group to make the £2.00 not compulsory for new plant names to be registered in the Addendum. Instead we are asking for donations to help fund the cost of administration and publishing of the Addendum. Each donor will have their name published in the acknowledgement pages as recognition of their generous contribution to the work we do. Cheques must be made payable to International Pelargonium Register, or donations can be made online by PayPal .

 

There will be no corrections to the Register in the addendum. The addendum will contain additional information to the published Pelargonium Register and Checklist (Title shortened to The Register in this document). The area of corrections to the first edition will be tackled, when we come to integrate the Addendum with the current edition of The Register and with additional names sent to the Registrar after the production of the last edition.

 

The information to register can be found on our web site on the application form. For those who do not have access to a computer I need the following information: -

Name of plant, type of plant i.e. Regal.Hybridser, date of raising, name and date of Nursery of listing the plant or awards given at shows, to prove that someone other than the hybridisers has seen the plant! The flower and leaf description, Award of Merit if applicable, and any other distinguishing features. Please include a photograph of the plant with a flower on!

Your own name and address and phone number should also be included so that I can discuss any points raised with you.

 

I do hope that you all have a very good season with your Pelargoniums and will look out for new varieties to be introduced into the Register.

 

Mary Spink

International Pelargonium Cultivar Registrar