Hello friends, I have been lurking for some time. I love bulbs, orchids, succulents and other "specimen" plans, especially the subtropicals from South Africa, Chile, Argentina, California, Mexico high altitude areas, etc. Many of these plants are grown in specialty beds in my garden or in pots and overwintered in an unheated garage. NC is Zone 7b, with 5-10F minima, 100F maxima, about 50" of rain, mostly in winter with a 12 week annual summer drought that happens to also be humid. I was told about this group by John Ingram and having monitored it I am pleased by the nice discussions you all have. I'm not a scientist but a keen amateur. Best regards, RJ Lopez, Raleigh, NC. _________________________________________________________________ STOP MORE SPAM with [1]the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE* References 1. http://g.msn.com/8HMZENUS/2728/