... If in these moist parts of the world we are experiencing such drastic changes I have been wondering how things fare in Chile, that has seasonal rains and dry conditions over most of the country. Can you tell us what you have found this season in the wild while collecting seed for your catalogue? Thanks in advance Alberto Dear Alberto and all: Perhaps the next Book about Chilean Bulbs that you read, it could be the one I’m preparing some years ago (Title suggestions are welcome). “Oh yes, I’m a great pretender…” You say well, Alberto. This has been a very dry year in Chile as well. Fortunately, I have collected seeds during the previous years, in order to grow the plants at home; and, at home, most of these species become reliable bloomers and seeders. And surprisingly for me, urban insects pollinate them well. So, the seeds, including those I have donated to Pacific BX, are the freshest you can find, well, if… you find them from any other source in this planet. Unfortunately they are just a few seeds. Since I need funds to grow the plants (more than 50 Chilean native species), every season I sell some seeds. Also, I gradually get rid of other plants in my garden, because my natives are really running out of space. It’s a contradictory feeling. I would prefer to sow -or exchanging-, instead of selling them. Every year I try to travel to the natural habitats (sometimes more than 1.000 km. away from where I live) of those plants I have still not photographed, so the pictures can look “natural". As I don't previosly know the exact spots where they grow, I lose time and money. The first years I had to make at least two trips, one to take the pictures and the other to take some seeds with me. Several times it happened that when I returned for seeds, found a new highway, or a condo, or a vineyard that had been widened or raised. Or some cattle dung as the only remaining thing. All of you surely know what I'm talking about. I would not publish a book with pictures that also show pots, either agapanthus and crocosmias growing around the pots. That's OK fot the pictures that you have been enjoying in my Internet site (http://botanicalgems.blogspot.com/), but not for a book. In general, I would say that the plants most affected by the drought this year were the Northernmost Alstroemerias, several Placea species, and some Leucocoryne species… As you know, approx. one third of this country is a desert (that profusely blooms each 5-7 years), another third has a Mediterranean climate and the other third is colder and more humid. In the extreme southern part, you find Antarctica. Regards to all, Osmani --------------------------------- Yahoo! Photos Ring in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events, holidays, whatever.