Dear Mary Sue and Jennifer:
The coarse sand (this is the
material) is not really a cover but most of the bulk of the actual mix. The
other two ingredients (perlite and commercial compost) have been wahed off
the surface to it looks like pure coarse sand. All the advantages of a
grit/coarse sand/gravel mulch have been excellently described by Robert.
As things are both species in
German's superb images are Nothoscordums and had been known as Ipheions in
the past. They are gorgeous and flower about the begiining of winter (a time
of the year when there are not many bulbs. Yes, they receive year round rain
in the wild, the bulbs have perennial roots and flower abundantly for a long
time. Seed setting is not easy in cultivation nor they do offset abundantly.
Full sun and frost free conditions would be perfect for them although in th
ewild they receive many slight frosts but during a mild winter where day
temperatures can be pleasant. Both vittatum and hirtellum are found in E
Argentina and in Uruguay in open pastures and never in low ground.
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