Mary Gutierrez" wrote: > Also -- this summer I have what appear to be spider mites on my > Crocosmia 'Lucifer' as well as a few different gladiolus. I've never > had this problem before--anyone have experience to share? This is a common problem on Gladiolus and Crocosmia and can be treated with whatever technique you prefer for dealing with spider mites. I use biological control on plants under cover, but don't bother outside where infestations are usually less serious. On a stiff leaf like a Gladiolus you can run it gently between finger and thumb to manually crush the beasties. It helps a bit. We have not had a big problem with spider mite this year, luckily, and with cooling temperatures we may have escaped. John Grimshaw Dr John M. Grimshaw Garden Manager, Colesbourne Gardens Sycamore Cottage Colesbourne Nr Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL53 9NP Website: http://www.colesbournegardens.org.uk/