I have just opened a package of Dutch-grown Calochortus venustus received directly from a wholesaler in Holland, and the condition of the bulbs prompts me to post this warning. The bulbs appear to be affected by one or more pathogens. They are discolored and spotted, with some gray mold and perhaps something like ink spot disease. Some of them are woody throughout -- i.e., dead -- presumably because whatever diseases are affecting them have completely desiccated the tissue. I intend to destroy them and not even plant the ones that appear to be healthy (a minority of the package). If you are experimenting with Calochortus and live in an area where they are native, I strongly urge you not to plant foreign-grown ones. I worry about introducing diseases that could affect the native populations -- some species are threatened or even endangered. If someone knows of a place where I could send a sample of these to find out exactly what is affecting them, please let me know. I will keep a few with that in mind. Jane McGary NW Oregon