We are putting the finishing touches (late in the day, I know, but it appears all bases will be eventually covered) to rootstock ordering around the Eugene-based Spring Propagation Fair now confirmed for March 14. (On that note, I hope to be able to put a formal announcement this forum's way in the next couple of days. Location for the event was only finally doubleplus-confirmed this morning, and I have been smoothing over some last minute concerns among the wide array of orgs and people now involved. Hence the gradual-and-late coming together. I think it's fair to say we have sign-off from most of the major horticultural players in and around Lane County.)

Quick question, then. Any idea why HOS settled in upon (just) Marianna 26-24 and Colt (prunus avium) for stonefruit last year? Any opinions about that? Did it work? Any sense of a need for more depth there? If so, what? If not, why? I'm pretty sure we will be strong on plum scion. I like plums. <grin>

I'm not yet getting access to persimmon or peach scion, hence no Citation (to be sourced from Dave Allen Nurseries, if need be?) or persimmon seedlings (to be sourced from where, if need be?) currently on the cards.

Here's the current purchase list, pushing the limit of our budget into waters unknown. We have no org budget - the purchase is being funded on a kind individual's credit card. Still some flexibility with adding one or two rootstocks. We're ordering a hundred of each from a combination of Copenhaven, Treco and Willamette nurseries. (They have helped me in the past.) All at 1/4".

Apples:

M27
M9
EMLA 7
M26
(we have access to 150 x M111s, ungrafted, in the ground)

Pears
OHXF333
OHXF97
Pyrus betulaefolia

Stone fruit
Colt
Marianna 26-24

Some degree of urgency around feedback, if ya don't mind. Feel free to be loquacious with it.

Oh, and is a Prop Fair North visit to Joe Postman's arranged/done yet? I would love to meet up for gladhanding.

I hope to bring myself and mebbe a couple more southerners into Portland for setup and breakdown for Prop Fair North, thereby also to wildcraft any interesting leftover scion to haul down I-5 for recycling the following weekend.

In solidarity, comrades! (smile)

n