I've gotten the permit for the Australian Export

13 years ago

Good news, or bad news for all of you who wanted to lay your hands on some bulbs from Australia.

I just got the permit set from USDA tonight to import nursery stock from various countries till 07/15/2013.

Don't start celebrating yet though. This permit process took half a century, and we are way late ordering the bulbs from Maguires. We were supposed to give them our list by the end of May.

I will contact them in the coming days and will ask them if they still have bulbs to sell us or not, and how much time we have to compile our final list. But don't forget: all of this is just a big IF now that the permit arrived so late. So create your lists of your wants, but be prepared that we might, or might not be able to go through with it after all. All depends on the answer I will receive from Australia.

Now you tell me if it is good news or bad!

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Comments (44)

jodik_gw
13 years ago
At this point in time, it could very well be bad news... if it's too late to place the order with Maguire's. On the other hand, Maguire's could accept the order, and it could be good news! Time will tell!

I shall immediately email you my order, just in case the news turns out to be good... if not, well... at least you tried, and we now know what it takes to purchase plants from Australia!

I'm rather surprised by the delay in getting the paperwork... but then again, this is our government we're taking about!

All things aside, you deserve a huge THANK YOU for going through the trouble to get the permits and include everyone in the ordering! If I haven't said it before, you're one in a million, Soultan! :-)
blancawing
13 years ago
Hi Soultan!

I think that this is fantastic news!

If we are too late to order this year, we are all set to get our order in early next year. Our Chad addiction will not be diminished by waiting and lusting over those lovely Aussie bulbs.

Thank you so much for your efforts!!!

I will send you my final order when you receive a positive response from Maguire's Hippeastrum Farm.

Best regards to you and Toto,

Blanca
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Sorry, I've been busy. The visit went very well. The young man knows his stuff, genuinely cares about the good health and integrity of gardens, commercial and residential and likes his job. First we went over documentation. Regulations require that buyers (us) obtain a permit to get a plant from overseas AS WELL AS requiring that seller has a phyto certif. or some agreement with USDA. The Netherlands, for ex., has such agreement. That is why you can go to tourist shops there and bring back the bulbs they sell. But technically, you should have permit in your wallet and declare those things when going thru customs. You can get permission up to 12 of certain plants in your luggage, again, need permit to do that and declare. Not all plants, there is a list. You go to USDA website and search permit PPQ Form 587 and it will tell you what all you need to do. As to my plant, he said that technically he should have confiscated but didn't. However, he asked me to report of any problems with plant. I said yes and considered it a solemn promise to him. There will be a record of my visit, what I purchased/planted, from whom, etc. As to my other citruses, other than aphids, there were all in good health though he did take several pics of a branch on mi Lisbon Lemon. He noticed something unusual and said he'd contact me if problems. I feel better but it will be much simpler if I just buy stuff here, by the rule. Easier said than done where my taste for the exotic rears its ugly head.....
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kitty747
13 years ago
Soultan, I'd like to add my thank-you also. It was very kind of you to go through all the trouble for permits -- not a fun thing to do. If not this year, at least it's done for next year.
Thanks!
Kitty
mariava7
13 years ago
Yayyyy!!! You're the man Soultan! How's the baby bird doing? It sure did brought a lot of luck didn't it? You will be receiving a package this week by the way. :-)

Now I just got to look for that Australian list I did several months ago. I'd hate to make another list. It took me forever to decide on what to order.

If I'm not mistaken, it's winter time in Australia now. I hope it's not too cold to ship. We don't want frozen bulbs don't we. If ever, there will always be next year to order them.

Thank you so much for doing this Soultan.
Noni Morrison
13 years ago
This is so great, Soultan! I will be even more excited if it is too late this year but we are on for next year ! I will be watchng for further word.
soultan
Original Author
13 years ago
Okay,
The e-mail is gone. I am just waiting for reply now to see if we can still squeeze an order in, and if yes, then what is the time frame.
Also, I noticed that their prices have changed. Everything is 50 cents more expensive... I think it is still surviveable... The real big question is now how have shipping and additional costs changed, meaning if they still low enough to keep the +$3 additional fee for each bulb. We'll find out sooner or later.
Also don't forget that these prices are in Australian Dollar.
cindeea
13 years ago
Is there a link? I want in, please!!
jodik_gw
13 years ago
Here it is, Cindee! Enjoy!

Soultan - I've emailed you using both of the addresses I have for you... did you get them? I wasn't sure which to use, so... just to be sure you'd receive my email, I sent two! I do hope they made it! Please let me know! :-)

Here is a link that might be useful: Maquire's Hippeastrum Farm
cindeea
13 years ago
OH Wow, Now I remember these guys. I have compiled my list....now to reduce it down a bit! Soultan, I am sending you my sheet and asking your opinion of the choices I made and maybe you can help me eliminate some!
wildebloem
13 years ago
Bird?? Did someone say baby bird? What kind?

Two of my sisters live in Australia. That government is notoriously tight about in- or exports of anything flora or fauna, so it probably is not just the American government that was holding up things.

The dollar continues to be waaaaayyyy down against a lot of currencies - sounds like it is not doing much better against the Australian dollar than it is against the Euro.
ryan820
13 years ago
I don't/haven't kept up with all you CHAD-inflicted patients (that is meant to be a compliment, not an insult, despite the wording!) but what is the big deal about these Aussie bulbs? Is it that they have so many more varieties, types etc? I'll have to check the link Jodik posted and see for myself.

Of course, who am I to question anything CHAD people do? I may not have 200 amaryllis bulbs, but I'm firmly grounded in the garden of plant insanity-- I'm off to tend to my jungle.
houstonpat
13 years ago
Bravo Soultan, Bravo on the permits. I would so much like a few of Maquire's fine selection, but unfortunately I have my hands full as it is now. If my sole plant obsession where Hippeastrum it would be MUCH easier, to say the least!
Maybe next year :)
cindeea
13 years ago
Oh c,mon Pat, you got to order at least 2 new ones...c'mon!! What ever will you talk (BRAG) about this winter??
ryan820
13 years ago
OK....I get the big deal now...

I think this one is so interesting:

I'd get in on this deal but alas, it wouldn't be worth the one bulb. Can't wait to see what all you folks decide to get!
jodik_gw
13 years ago
That is a very pretty one, Ryan! I never really looked closely at the doubles... there are several nice ones!
blancawing
13 years ago
You have a good eye, Ryan! Boysenberry Swirl is prominently featured on my Maguire's list.
ryan820
13 years ago
I know there are people here who like mostly the single flowers, others like the unique and strange flowers-- but I'm a huge fan of the doubles. I just wish that some of my doubles wouldn't go so top-heavy and fall over (and always some time during the middle of the night!).

blancawing I'll look forward to the photos of your boysenberry swirl-- I think it is amazing. Maybe one day one will find its way to me. Having pawed through the Maguire's site, I'm really quite envious of their varieties. I swear, I'm so sick of seeing Red Lion all over the US sites. I like the flower, but enough of the same old thing.
blancawing
13 years ago
Hi Ryan,

If your doubles are newly planted and don't have well developed root systems, you may want to consider some preventative staking.

When I actually get Boysenberry Swirl, I will definitely use its pollen for propagation. If viable seeds are produced, some of they may come your way... Remind me down the line.

Do you have any suggestions for the mother (seed parent)??? It would be great to pass on the peony-like flower shape.
jodik_gw
13 years ago
You'd want to keep that lovely berry color, too... I wonder if something pink, or as close to lavender as you can get, would do the trick?

Since I enjoy crossing the different varieties, doubles don't play well in the scheme of things... very few of my doubles had any pollen, and of those that did, none were able to make seed pods with their chosen partners.
houstonpat
13 years ago
:) come on now cindeea. Cut me some slack. :)
blancawing
13 years ago
That's interesting, Jodi. Some of my doubles produce lots of pollen. I experimented by using pollen from three doubles (Red Peacock, a solid red Noid, and a peach Noid that looks like a double Exotica) in these crosses:

Minerva x Red Peacock
Moonlight x Peach Noid Double
Exotica x Peach Noid Double
Pasadena x Solid Red Double

Seedpods developed and ripened from all four crosses, and I got good looking seed. Sadly, I've been too busy to plant. I wonder if consistent warm weather is a factor that helped the seedpods to develop, or was I just lucky?
jodik_gw
13 years ago
I would guess it to be a little bit of both, Blanca... fantastic weather and luck! I think I have less of a chance because my bulbs are continually indoors, and though they do get window light coupled with artificial lighting, it may not be exactly enough. Your bulbs, on the other hand, get a constant supply of the light they need, so they're one step ahead. Add to that a bit more experience, plus some luck, and you have a better formula for breeding doubles successfully.

Last fall was the first time I ever bred a flower, and although it's fairly foolproof to pollinate hippeastrum blooms, I probably put together the wrong ploidy in so doing. Not many of my doubles produced pollen, and I just used whatever was available at the time for a cross.

Last season was a learning experience for me... this coming season, I'll be armed with a lot more knowledge... getting viable seed from the crosses I make this season should be a little bit easier.

Soultan - did you get me email? Should I try again?
cindeea
13 years ago
No slack allowed, Pat. We have to all have MORE than we really need! LOL Not to mention our other obsessions, like Bromeliads, Plumeria, tomatoes (in season) African Violets...now Hoyas...The list goes on...too bad my yard doesn't! lol
blancawing
13 years ago
Jodi,

We are all here learning together, and I have learned so much from you!
soultan
Original Author
13 years ago
Jodi, I got your e-mail. Unfortunately though, Maguires finally got back to me and they told me that they advise us against ordering this year anymore because the bulbs are budding up, so they think we could not enjoy our shipment anymore. I guess, it will have to be next year, and we will close the list by the end of April, so I can order on May 1st, 2009.

Cindee, I got your e-mail as well. There will be no order this year, so you have time to make up your mind. :o)

Houstonpat, you are welcome to join our list next year.

Ryan820, we'll have to order 100 bulbs minimum, so any you'd order gets us closer to making the package reality.
jodik_gw
13 years ago
I sort of thought it might be getting late for the Maguire's order... but at least we're ahead of the game! Soultan has the necessary paperwork and certificates taken care of, so we'll be able to place a nice early order next year!

Thank you so much, Soultan, for going through the trouble to get everything in order for Maguire's!

We have a whole year to really think about which bulbs we like the best... narrowing down my wish list was incredibly difficult! It might even be possible to save up a little more bulb money, and maybe I can order a few more than I originally was going to!

Oh, the anticipation!
ryan820
13 years ago
blancawing-- You said "If your doubles are newly planted and don't have well developed root systems, you may want to consider some preventative staking. "

Actually all my bulbs are well established in their heavy clay (terra) pots. Occasionally, though, some of my doubles will bloom mid-winter (around late January) when the sun just isn't giving them what they need and I am unable to give them the rest via artificial light (and I should mention, they always snap their scapes in the middle of the night). So the scapes will sometimes grow to one side and the doubles, like Ragtime, are so heavy to begin with that they can snap their scapes! I've had Elvas do this, too. I don't have any supports for any of my bulbs but think I'll try it this year. Picotee also seems to grow a scape that is always more than three feet tall-- the blooms are enormous and at least once during its blooming, it'll topple. So it is really just a matter or dealing with the scapes, not necessarily the bulb.

Soultan--

I don't know what you plan on doing in terms of gathering everyone's final orders but if you happen to send out a reminder to those interested around the April time frame, I think I can help you guys get a few bulbs closer to 100. If you'd like, I can email you so you have my email address. Or, I'll just put a reminder on my calendar. Let me know.

Ryan
jodik_gw
13 years ago
I've hung my "Maguire's Wish List" prominently on my refrigerator... of course, that's not to say it won't get buried under other "refrigerator hangings", such as coupons and auction notices, drawings for Gramma from the grandkids, etc... but every time I clear out the extra hangings from my magnet collection, I'll be reminded of the order... and I can take my list and revise it... and keep dreaming of the day when Maguire bulbs are part of my collection!

I haven't had to stake very many of my bulbs when they flowered, but the ones I have had to stake got a welding rod stuck into the pot with a loop formed at the top. I cut them in half for the right length, and just bend a wide loop to hold the scapes and wayward leaves. It's a workable, temporary stake.

Lowe's, and other large stores like that, carry stakes with smaller loops that are much better than my welding rod stakes... specifically made to hold floral stems erect. I keep meaning to pick some of them up...
soultan
Original Author
13 years ago
I will definitely start posting here again in March to warn everyone about the upcoming April-Maguire order. When I rebuild my computer again, I also will be able to create a separate folder in my permanent e-mail program for people interested in ordering, so from that point, I can also collect e-mail addresses there, then hit people up around March. I wouldn't do it yet though because this computer will be completely wiped out and rebuilt, so I don't dowload any e-mails for safe-keeping and organizing from the server. Doesn't someone want to come over and do it? If I wait until I have time, energy, and inclination, I will only have a new computer in 2015. And by that time, my house will be overgrown by amaryllis from all over the world, and all kinds of weird tomatoes.
macthayer
13 years ago
Soultan -- Please, Please, Please put me on the list for ordering from Maguire's! Are you going to send around an e-mail telling us when to submit our orders? How do I get in touch with you to give you my order? MacThayer
soultan
Original Author
13 years ago
MacThayer,
You can get on the list when I'll be able to create it sometimes later, then I will send out an e-mail reminding everyone on the list to submit the orders.
BUT
Checking this site regularly doesn't hurt either. I will definitely post next March to warn everyone on this Forum.
Please refer my earlier post just above yours for details, so I wouldn't repeat myself boring everyone.
Any further questions? I am here.
macthayer
13 years ago
Hi Soultan,
Wish I could help you with your computer, but when something goes wrong with mine, I hand it to my hubby and say: "Honey, my computer isn't working right!" And then he fixes it, and gives it back to me. Say, don't you have a 10-year-old you could "borrow"? My grand-nephew is as fast on the computer as my hubby is, and understands it as much. The kids these days -- they're just growing up with computers the way we grew up with pencils and paper! Anyway, good luck! And I will keep checking back on this forum for your posting next March. MacThayer
jodik_gw
13 years ago
Are you building a new machine, Soultan? Or upgrading the one you have? Don't forget that my husband builds and repairs computers and electronics... if you should need any help, please email me! Larry would be happy to help!

I'm pleased to say that my kids know quite a bit about computers, and not just the "key boarding" they learned in school! They've been helping their father put together and program systems for years! My middle son just built himself a screaming machine... mostly for gaming!

I know a little about computers, but I leave all the really technical stuff to Larry... if I know too much, then I have to fix my own machine! LOL!
soultan
Original Author
13 years ago
I am contemplating right now taking over the super machine that I am on right now. It was put together for Blu-Ray authoring, but there are some problems with it, so it will be reassembled and reinstalled until it is perfect. Then I will put my personal stuff on it and don't let anyone touch it anymore. I am the only one that will have the knowledge to author Blu-Ray around me anyway...
Or...
I just buy a completely new machine that will not have any work-related stuff on it, so I wouldn't have to worry about losing personal set-ups, data, info that might disappear from a work-machine when there is a quick fix needed for it. Computer repair places opt for the format and reinstall option way too liberally for my taste.
But...
I need some time for it... I don't even have enough to think about it, let alone act on it... I don't even dare to tell you how long ago it was when my computer gave me Sudden Death. I am naturally lazy and a master procrastinator, but at the same time I am one of the busiest person you might know. :o) Maybe I do too much, so I should cut back on some things. But what? I am struggling with my amaryllis collection too. I tend to do everything in a scale that finally overwhelm me. :o)
So it might happen that in a few months, I will still lament about not having my personal computer set up. That is just me...
To give me credit: living in a house constantly under construction, having to suffer damages to sensitive machinery, water damage, heat damage, dust damage, brain damage (this last one is for me)... I am justifying not getting my new computer until I can make sure that a surge will not burn the whole thing down when someone plugs in a compressor to the same circuit, or when a super-brain drywall installer sands down the walls around me before painting, without covering the machines, covering them with a half an inch drywall dust instead... You know what I mean... I don't even dare to add up all the damage the machines had because of construction in the last two years... Not to mention my nerves...
I am starting to get depressive here, so back to happier thoughts, and fresh, home grown tomatoes...
jodik_gw
13 years ago
I think it's wise to wait until the construction dust has settled to invest in a new personal computer. When you do finally look into getting one, a thought is to look into getting a laptop with a wireless connection. Personally, I think business machines and personal machines should be kept separate.

The only thing you can do right now, is to keep your machines covered when not in use, and to unplug everything and vacuum to keep the dust at a minimum. Larry periodically takes our machines to the basement, and uses a compressor to blow the dust out. We keep our machines plugged in through Blackout Buster surge protectors. They're probably the best on the market.

Even though I don't have ADD or OCD, I still manage to overdo collecting! I began with 2 bulbs last fall, and now, I have over 60! I'm not sure what the exact count is... I haven't counted in a while! I also began collecting orchids last winter, and I now have 7! I've pretty much abandoned collecting regular types of houseplants, which I used to have lots of... I've gotten more specialized, I guess you could say. I like the challenge that orchids present, and reblooming all my bulbs!

Getting back to computers... when you do decide to look into new systems, Larry would be pleased to help you in any way you need. He's a perfectionist when it comes building machines and programming technology... he always says that a machine will never beat him, and he will work at a problem until it is solved. His tagline is: "God made me simple... technology made me a god!"

So, if you need any assistance, like choosing the best machine for the best price, figuring out what components are best, where to go for the items you need, or any type of programming help, he said he'd be more than happy to lend a hand.

He just headed north this morning to help my son with the electric in his house, and to help a few friends with their computers! Like you, he has so many things going on! He's always busy, and sometimes, he doesn't know where to start! The ADD doesn't let him rest, and while most of us are sleeping, he's busy with technology!

I don't know about you night owls! I like to sleep at night, and if my insomnia lets me, I'm out from around 11 pm to at least 5 or 6 am! I'd stay up and keep Larry company, but gardening is best done during daylight hours!
soultan
Original Author
13 years ago
I watered my garden in the dark yesterday. It was funny. I just kept on watering and watering because I didn't see the water on the surface. But at least, I had it done. I skip a day, and my plants show it to me... One has to be steadfast growing stuff in Southern California. I can't wait for the irrigation system to be finalized and automatized.
ryan820
13 years ago
Soultan--

"I watered my garden in the dark yesterday. It was funny. I just kept on watering and watering because I didn't see the water on the surface. But at least, I had it done. I skip a day, and my plants show it to me... One has to be steadfast growing stuff in Southern California. I can't wait for the irrigation system to be finalized and automatized."

I can feel your pain. Here in Colorado we've only now finally entered into a nice monsoonal flow. Last month we got .03 inches of rain here-- akin to a passing shower, probably only over top the rain sensor... anyway, so far this month we have roughly 4 inches of rain sitting in our soil (and more on the way). Last week we had dangerous fire warnings and now we have flash flood warnings. I can see it now-- bushes burning whilst surrounded by flood water.

Anyway, I just put in an auto irrigation system on my property and my garden is so thankful! Without much watering, but regular, well planned watering, it has thrived this year. There are times, though, that I'll choose to keep certain areas from being watered-- I find watering it myself helps me relax.

You should save all of your drywall dust and make pots out of it.
jodik_gw
13 years ago
Every spring, I lay out several soaker hoses in the various garden areas... last year, they were used quite a bit, but this year, I've only had to run them a couple of times! We've had a lot of rain this year, which really saves on the electric bill from running the well pump!

Yesterday, I ran a sprinkler for the first time in the new shade garden... I had no choice as the soil was pretty dry. I didn't want any of the new plantings to wilt and stress. They'll need to develop decent root systems before winter sets in!

I can imagine that Southern California gets a little hot and dry in summer, but I wouldn't think Colorado would be that dry. Is it a normal year with regards to the amount of rain? Or is this an unusual summer?
ryan820
13 years ago
Jodik--

You have to understand the tendencies of Colorado-- it is a state that begins in the east with plains and half way through, goes up in elevation really fast... example, Colorado Springs is roughly 6200 feet in elevation and a mere 2 miles away, its 14110 feet. While Pikes Peak can see upwards to several feet of precip a year, only 10 miles away to the east you'll get less than 12 inches and in some cases less than 6. The front range is at best semi-arid-- most of the time, it is just arid! (in my backyard, it was 1 year and 1 month before there was measurable rain fall-- in terms of snow, we got only 6 inches, which equates at best, .5 inches of rain)

Colorado is also slow but surely working its way back from drought (both plains and mountains) that stuck around for a good 10 years or so (long before I got here, but it has fundamentally changed how people use water here). There is, however, one saving grace for us when it comes to rain-- the monsoons, which are a good month late this year and will likely still leave on time (Sept).

Our other saving grace in terms of water is the snow. Because mountains develop their own system for leaching out every last drop of water from the air (upslope is a powerful phenomena for generating rain in the mountains), most of the range sees a lot of rain and snow (last year was another record year), however, most of the water shed is west of the continental divide-- hence, most of our mountains' water goes to Soultan and his neighbors, via the Colorado River.

So to sum it up-- last year we had 320 days of sun (45 of those had either 51% or more of clouds or had measurable precip)-- that beats out most cities elsewhere, even places like San Diego. But unlike San Diego and most of the rest of the nation, we also have huge rocks capturing our moisture for later use-- but where most of us actually live, it rains very, very little.
mariae
13 years ago
Hi Soultan, I wonder if I can be included in the macguire's ordering list, I am new to this forum, and although I read sometimes, an admired the photos, I really haven't use it yet, so I feel like in the middle of an unknown place.
thank you very much, Maria.
soultan
Original Author
13 years ago
Read my passages in this thread and you'll know where we are with the order right now. You can be included.
jodik_gw
13 years ago
Welcome, Maria! I'm glad you've enjoyed the photos... please join in! We'd love to see photos of your bulbs in bloom, and fairly soon, the forum will get busy!

Next spring, we'll be ordering from Maguire's... it seems like a long way off, but it will be here before you know it!
mariae
13 years ago
Thank you jodik for the nice welcome. I am new in the mania but I already love it. I started with some cutting from all kind of plants just to fill my garden. My husband and I moved to the States from Argentina about five years ago, I have a two year old son whoÂs birthday was last august 14th. My first amaryllis was one my mother gave me, itÂs an argentinean variety with orange and not so big flowers, originally from my grandmothers garden. Last april I bought a couple of Minerva but I couldnÂt make them bloom. After that a friend of mine that have some gorgeous black beauty (I think) gave me three seed pods and I now have almost 100 seedlings of it. After my success with seeds I sow every amaryllis seed I can put my hands on, now I have 25 different varieties (if that is the correct term) of amaryllis between crosses and particular species.
As you can see this is as long as a confession, I apologize for any mistake I can have as English is not my main language, I try to write as much as I can.
I love growing things, I realized of that after I have my own garden, before that is just my moms hobby, I now understand her so much.
Thank you very much again, Maria, the "e" is for Eugenia.
jodik_gw
13 years ago
You're welcome, MariaE! I should say, welcome to America... even though you've been here for a while! Your English is very good, and I have no trouble at all understanding exactly what you mean!

It sounds like your smaller flowered orange Hippeastrum is a species type from your native Argentina, although which one it is exactly, I'm not certain. Here are a couple of links that may help you to identify your particular bulb:

http://www.shieldsgardens.com/amaryllids/hippeastrum.html

http://www.telosrarebulbs.com/SAmerican2.html

Between all three of these links, the two above and one below, you should find the proper name of your species bulb.

The hybrid Minerva is my very favorite of all Hippeastrum bulbs! It's the variety that first started my collection, and now I have three Minervas. My entire collection is somewhere around 60 Hippeastrum bulbs, and a few other bulbs that are related... I have Lycoris, Sprekelia, Scadoxus, Germa, Zephyranthes, Nerine... and a few others.

Bulbs are fascinating plants, and a lot of fun to grow and pollinate, making different crosses! Aside from my named collection, I also have several seedlings and young bulbs, some from my own seeds, and some from friends!

It will be so nice to add a few varieties from Australia next spring!

It's nice to have you here, Maria Eugenia... I hope you stick around for the fun and wonder of this coming fall and winter season! You'll have a lot of fun, and the people here are the best on GardenWeb!

Here is a link that might be useful: Pacific Bulb Society

I've gotten the permit for the Australian Export

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