Hi Bob....I have 2 of there seedlings growing in my garden. I have always loved there plants, and they do well in my cooler environment. I am delighted to see them back in business, even on a much smaller scale, since the sale of there gardens last year. Apparently, they are now semi-retired with a smaller inventory but still creating seedlings.
I won 'Imagine' seedling (small dbl fan) late summer of 2012 on the LA. It did not bloom last summer. The plant has added an extra fan this year, and looks like it may bloom this summer.
Slow to mature in my climate. Last year, Mary sent me one of there seedlings as a gift after I purchased "Can't Touch This' (Nicole) from her. That seedling did bloom last year, it's first year in my garden, and here is its picture. Bright and bold bloom.
A-20-2009 MARDI GRAS BALL X CAROL TODD
Gaskins are known for there big bold eyes and edges. Not so much for patterned flowers. I feel there greatest success was 'Tal of Gasgone' and 'Brer Rabbit and the Briar Patch' with its white teeth. I also like 'Duke Landry'.
As to there prices, they are outrageous. But if the market can sustain those high prices, then good for them. With permission to introduce these sdlgs, the buyer hopes to make his money back by using the Gaskins genetics on future flowers, as well as selling off fans from these sdlgs. They usually have several sdlgs. that sell for over a $1000.00++. This auction will probably be the same, since they are not considered big hybridizers like Floyd Cove. Personally, I am delighted to see they are still producing beautiful sdlgs. Watching there auctions end is always a thrill for everyone. Those that bid can get very caught up in the experience of owning a Gaskins sdlg. Besides which, Mary and Phil Gaskins are unique in the daylily world. Little advertising, word of mouth, beautiful sdlgs, and very nice people. I wish I llived closer to Georgia because I would be visiting there gardens often, and picking up a few seedlings along the way.
Here is the URL on the Lily Auction for Gaskins sdlgs...
http://www.daylily.com/cgi-bin...