Sorry to bang on about this, but I realised that there is another point to counter in Rand's earlier question: >I have been told (and please correct this if necessary) that most annual and dormancy prone plants, in general, consider their job done after flowering. NO!!!!!!! A plant's job is 'done' after SEEDING! Life is about reproduction, and flowers are merely a means to that end. Annuals will grow, flower and seed in proportion to the moisture available; if starved and thirsty in a dry year there may be one small flower on a tiny plant, but even that can produce a few seeds. Perennials of all classes, once established, can usually survive an adverse season, and if they miss a year's seeds it is not a great calamity. John Grimshaw Dr John M. Grimshaw Garden Manager, Colesbourne Gardens Gardens Cottage Colesbourne Nr Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL53 9NP Website: http://www.colesbournegardens.org.uk/ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rand Nicholson" <writserv@nbnet.nb.ca> Subject: Re: [pbs] TOW N.H.Do in May - Garden > Dear John: > > Really? Are there studies on this? I am sure that I am not the only one here that has been deadheading their bulbs faithfully each season, simply because it is part of the the accepted lore and advice that has been passed on as gospel for generations. As an intrinsically lazy gardener, I am more than interested in this statement. I have been told (and please correct this if necessary) that most annual and dormancy prone plants, in general, consider their job done after flowering. > > Rand Nicholson >