Growing in cracks between boulders
M. Gastil-Buhl (Sun, 13 Oct 2013 08:41:32 PDT)

Jane McGary wrote:
"Growing in rock crevices benefits plants in many ways: a lack of
temperature fluctuation (especially heating) in the root run;
trickling water from night-time condensation on the rock surface,
especially in foggy areas; and, of course, protection from predators."

I wish I had read that a couple weeks ago before I began digging up
some bulb beds that have a lot of rocks added. It is not a "rock
garden" so much as a garden made with rocks. I did not notice the bulb
roots shaping to rocks other than when they were so very crowded that
their physical size was limited to squeeze between the rocks. But this
late in the season the roots are so far withered that I may easily
have overlooked rock-seeking roots. I have often marveled at how very
little water these bulbs seem to need, not just the bulbs but also
volunteer "weeds" I allow to grow that have sown themselves and
continue to thrive all summer long despite no rain since May (and
little then). I have seen dew condense on the rocks, especially on the
vertically-set slate. Dew forms most mornings so this is likely the
source of moisture. There are a few more pockets of bulbs left to
excavate from between the slate pockets. I will watch for any growth
patters that might be taking advantage of this dew-trickling.

Here is a photo of the slate dividers:
http://flickr.com/photos/gastils_garden/…

and the "boulders" bordering one of the raised bulb beds, which I am
completely renovating this season:
http://flickr.com/photos/gastils_garden/…

- Gastil