GMG's Friday Find: The Adventure, Danger and Discovery Behind Plant Breeding

To honor the contributions of flower breeders worldwide, Suntory® Flowers is launching an exciting new film series that captures the passion, dedication, and even danger behind plant breeding.

When you think of plant breeders the first image that comes to mind may be of a quiet scientist in a white lab coat patiently pollinating plant specimens in a greenhouse. While this does occur, to achieve something truly bold, beautiful and extraordinary breeders must leave their labs and venture out into the world and explore new territory.

As explorers, adventurous breeders will risk life and limb to climb high, rocky cliffs and penetrate deep jungles, often in very hostile lands in their quest for the perfect new plant. 

Suntorys' brave breeders in Japan have epic tales to share.  This first film captures the story of Tomoya Misato, the breeder of Sun Parasol Mandevillas.  Just as he was drawn to the perfect plant in the wild, he was robbed by bandits. "Take my money and my passport but do not let me lose this amazing plant," he thought. Fortunately, he made it out alive and was able to develop the most revolutionary hybrids to bring Sun Parasol's beauty to the masses in a wide range of colors and forms.

To honor the passion and dedication of flower breeders Suntory® Flowers' new film series captures the stories behind the breeding, distilling decades of passion, dedication, and even danger in just a few minutes for dramatic effect.  Please enjoy and share this trailer of  The Epic Journey Behind Sun Parasol Mandevillas and look for the official film release this spring.

Enjoy, and don't forget the popcorn!

~Peggy
Garden Media Group