Dear All, I am a relatively new member to the PBS and am grateful to be able to read the incisive and informed comments by so many members on the subject of bulbs and more! In 1969 I was given the responsibility to build twelve gardens at the center of a new township, Auroville, in south India about 100 miles south of Madras, now Chennai. The main construction of the Matrimandir took more than 35 years so I began a nursery to introduce and acclimatize flowering tropical species from all parts of the tropical world. I began with the introduction of tree species and helped grow thousands of tree seedlings for a vast 'Green Belt' that surrounds the emerging township. I hope to contribute some articles on the evolution of the gardens in future publications of your journal. As I have passed the age of 70 I am no longer able to spend the summer months in the extreme heat and humidity so I spend part of my time in the U.S. where I lecture on poetry, music and tropical horticulture. Each year I concentrate on a particular species and this year is the year of rain lilies. I have purchased and have been gifted many species and hybrids and have a few questions for which I would be most grateful to have your replies. The first is regarding cutting back the foliage to reduce the parcel so that I may hand carry the bulbs. They would be out of the ground for probably no more than 48 hours. Will cutting the foliage cause a major set back to the bulbs? Secondly, if I have to leave some of the bulbs here (I now have one hundred+ pots) can I store them in pots in a frost proof room with some light but no water from the end of October until my return on March 3rd. Lastly, if the above is not a good option can I plant some in the ground to send with some of my colleagues in March? I am in the Northeastern corner of Georgia, zone 7a, and can mulch the bulbs heavily, plant them facing south and up against a 3 foot stone wall. Thank you for taking the time to respond and thank you all for your expertise and generous sharing of knowledge. Richard M. Eggenberger Director Matrimandir Gardens Auroville 605101 India Address in the U.S. is: P.O. Box 2826 Cleveland, GA 305289 Tel: (706) 865-1258