Re: Crocus ochroleucas

Richard, I suggest you get yourself a few books on our lovely climate so
you have a better sense what is going on with your plants.  The Sunset
Western Garden Book is essential, IMHO, though there are more specialized
books too.

We are in what is called a Mediterranean Climate.  Hense this list being
run by Sean who lives in Oakland.  In general, if a plant is native to the
actual Mediterranean, it will do well here under natural conditions and
will often do badly under the unnatural conditions people are used to to
grow plants from temperate zones, for example.  Yes, this is an overly
broad statement, but it's a place to start.

As a general rule, Mediterranean bulbs are dormant in the dry hot summer
and active in the wet mostly-frost-free winter.  Let them be.  They will do
their thing this winter (the exact timing depends on the plant).  Make sure
they get no water in summer.  But leave them in the ground.  If it rains,
that's okay, but don't water them!  (If they are planted where you "must"
water in the summertime, move them.)

There are many climate zones in the world...there are even many just in the
US.  You talk like someone from the East Coast when it comes to gardening.
I know most of the books assume that's where gardeners live.  But you have
to think like a Mediterranean-climate/Californian Coastal gardener now.  If
you decide to grow natives from different climates, learn about what you
need to do to "fool" them in to thinking they're "home."  But for
Mediterranean plants, they *are* home.

Cyndi
_______________________________________________________________________________
Oakland, California            Zone 9 USDA; Zone 16 Sunset Western Garden Guide
Chemically sensitive/disabled - Organic Gardening only by choice and neccessity
_______________________________________________________________________________
"There's nothing wrong with me.  Maybe there's                     Cyndi Norman
something wrong with the universe." (ST:TNG)           cyndi@consultclarity.com
                                                 http://www.consultclarity.com/
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