We in Oregon are having the same Arctic Express as California, only more so, of course. It hasn't been above freezing at my house for a week now, and I don't expect a thaw for 2 more days. We had plenty of warning, though, so I put in place my version of the kind of emergency protection Robert Werra described. I grow most of my bulbs in coldframes, and when temperatures below 25 F are predicted, I lay precut sheets of microfoam insulation (sold here in big rolls by nursery suppliers) directly on top of the plants, then close the frames as far as possible (some have permanent vents). This has been effective down to 17 F, with little damage observed except on two or three apparently completely tender species. Before laying the foam this time, I removed some pots of narcissus in full bloom and brought them into my solarium, where I also brought all my seedling flats, germinated and not germinated, and a few other potted plants that I thought would be susceptible. Unlike Robert, I grow very few South African bulbs, many of which probably would not survive even the normal winter cold in the frames. But I do have a lot of coastal Mediterranean, South American, and North American species that generally cope quite well. All my pots are plunged to the rim in coarse sand, which adds protection from extremes of temperature as well as being very helpful in maintaining constant moisture levels. Those who live in milder climates with occasional hard frosts, like Robert, might want to keep on hand collapsible frame foundations -- boards that can be stacked when not needed, and bolted together quickly at need, then filled with the pots and some insulating material such as bark mulch or whatever is available in the area and reusable in the garden. The blanket-and-tarp cover would be supported by the frame. Jane McGary Northwestern Oregon, USA