In a message dated 6/4/06 2:26:56 AM Eastern Daylight Time, "Pacific Rim" paige@hillkeep.ca writes: More than a decade ago, still unaware of what was truly hard to come by, I sowed seeds of I. tataricum from an exchange which, lucklily, proved to be true. Our stand continues to multiply both vegetatively and by seed. Demand for bulbs is scant because they are so cheap from Dutch growers. But the blue of the flowers is so electric and the trumpets are so conical, this is a plant that is fundamental even though easy to grow. Just as yoghurt, garlic, wine and other essentials should not be passed over. Paige Woodward ========== Well, it's good to hear that that the plant multiplies and grows well for at least one respondant. Paige, what sort of garden conditions do you give this plant. I planted the bulbs here last autumn, at the edge of a 12-15" high raised sand bed (covered with pink bark mulch), but it's basically growing in sand with a trifle of loam mixed in. It would be nice if my plants were long-lived, but time will tell if it the corms get a dry enough summer rest... but I assume the raised sand bed helps ensure that happens. Even if they don't prove long-lived, the bulbs are cheap enough in the fall, to replant every now and then. Mark McDonough Pepperell, Massachusetts, United States antennaria@aol.com "New England" USDA Zone 5 ============================================== >> web site under construction - http://www.plantbuzz.com/ << alliums, bulbs, penstemons, hardy hibiscus, western american alpines, iris, plants of all types!