>For you Crinum growers in colder climates, Jim Wadddick, >Jim Shields, and John Lonsdale come to mind, what's the >survival report? Dear Jay and all; Jim S wrote: "I'm planning to try Crinum plantings farther away from buildings this summer, " I guess I have a year's jump on this trial. I planted 3 clumps (4-5 bulbs each) of C x powellii out in 'the lawn' last year. None are close to protection. The farthest is around 150 ft from the house. All were covered in a 12 in pile of leaves for winter. After digging out of leaves, they have all survived even a small pup about pencil diameter. Most are blooming size. I am hoping these groups of bulbs will form immense clumps with foliage in all directions and unencumbered bloom scapes. Meanwhile my closer in and partially protected crinums all survived too. The C. bulbispermum show first spikes just at ground level. None others show signs of flowers yet. We are in our April showers (a bit late) with 4 or 5 days and around 3 inches of rain so everything will change when the weather warms again. Bulbs continue here with a few 'Stars' - the Aril and aril-bred irises are dazzling, late scilla ( campanulata or whatever they are called now) in pink, white a blue),and lilies are pushing up daily. The real show is provided by Robinia p. 'Purple Robe'- the purple flowered form of Black Locust. This looks like what a tree Wisteria should look. And peonies galore in a great range of colors and sizes. After the dullness of winter it is grand to see all shade of green too. I really hate to leave, but Tibet calls and I'll be back in around 3 weeks to see the next round of bloom. Best Jim W. -- Dr. James W. Waddick 8871 NW Brostrom Rd. Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711 USA Ph. 816-746-1949 Zone 5 Record low -23F Summer 100F +