>I'm now sorting out all the bulbs.... and wondering how to arrange >them ...... It makes sense to place the taller species toward the >back > I'd like your opinions. Dear Jane, I think you have given a broad range of options. I love the systematic idea, but I doubt it works in a home garden very well. The tall in back/short in front (TB/SF) is so obvious that it seems it can fit with any other format. Basically, being a lazy gardener, I'd opt for grouping bulbs that need similar care and TB/SF. Theoretically these might also have similar bloom season and make the casual visit to the garden more attractive. I just doubt you can have a show in all beds all year. Much as that might be nice some beds will be either dormant or just in foliage. Beds that need similar care should have similar growth cycles and are more likely to be h\showy at similar seasons. In the long run I'd want to have each bed to show off as much as possible and I think a similar care, similar growth cycle offers the best option. Your "snowmelt species such as Tecophilaea cyanocrocus, Lewisia brachycalyx, and Crocus sieberi," are a good example. These would, of course, be the short in front examples. Good luck and I hope you'll experiment and have fun in making the beds. Could be lots of surprises. 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 +