Of course, that should have read "... after flowering *and setting seed*." Sorry for being unclear. The seed setting part was meant to be implied. See what I mean about being lazy? Rand (who hopes to have fatter bulbs for next year) >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 >> > >_______________________________________________ >pbs mailing list >pbs@lists.ibiblio.org >http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/list.php