To comment on Jin McKenney's comments on Crocus kotschyanus, I would say that this is the 'poor relation' of the commoner autumn crocuses, lacking the specatacular colour and size of the speciosus clan, but having very real charm and great garden qualities of its own. It has survived in the grass here at Colesbourne (alongside C. speciosus and C. pulchellus) for at least 80 years. I agree that it is a species that could do with some work in selecting colour forms and good clones. The white clone I grow - but that phrasing suggests active participation: I should say the white clone that grows - on the rock garden in my parents' garden is a good pure white, without the grey hint suggested by Jim. It also has the glowing golden throat expected in the species and is very pretty indeed. Growing next to it is the other selection mentioned, 'Leucopharynx', which lacks the golden throat and looks rather cold in comparison. I hadn't seen it flower for some years, so was relieved to find it blooming a couple of weeks ago. John Grimshaw Dr John M. Grimshaw Sycamore Cottage Colesbourne Nr Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL53 9NP Tel. 01242 870567