FG is the only one left on my subscription list, and that largely due to their excellent index, pronunciation guide and on-line back-up. . . Jackie, YOU have touched on something that I find really stimulating - catalogs.....many years ago, they were pretty lame compilations of seed and/or plant lists, frequently with drawings instead of photos. With so much competition today, glossy catalogs have really come into their own; I often wonder if White Flower Farm started this whole trend, for at one time their catalogues were not only a joy to look at, but also to read (much less so today) and loaded with interesting garden information. Then, there's the late, lamented Heronswood catalogues, which were such classics that I think a lot us of hoarded them; and we still have Tony Avent's gorgeous (and delightfully off-the-wall) catalogue from Plant Delight's. Over the past few years, I've taken to ordering (it's so easy online) a few new catalogs each year, just to get me through the winter, and have often discovered wonderful new sources as a bonus. Try the David Austin Roses catalog (stunning) or even pay for the always valuable one from Fairweather Gardens. . . Carl

I disagree with a lot of the "commercial" approach as written in various articles... and even on the tags of the bulbs we buy. I have found, through experience, that "keeping the soil moist" can be very detrimental. Drainage layers in pots are also detrimental... they cause a perched water table which keeps excess moisture hung up in the lower portion of the upper layer. Using one single layer of medium in a container negates any perched water table, and helps excess water drain properly. It also leaves a larger area for roots to colonize. Through experience and time served, I've found that hippeastrum bulbs have cultural needs more closely resembling those of succulents. They prefer to dry out a bit in between waterings. The larger the pot, the more growing room... for both roots and for the bulb and its bulblets. However, if you are using a moisture retentive medium, a large pot won't work very well because there will be a larger mass of moisture retentive soil holding moisture. It will take the pot longer to dry out, thereby creating an environment for fungi and molds to grow and colonize. If you are using a free draining, fast draining, aerated, gritty medium, a larger pot can be utilized to allow more room for the roots and bulb to grow. This type of medium can be watered on a more regular basis, and it won't stay too moist. I've read articles about how to get your bulbs to flower more than once annually, and basically, what you're doing is stressing out the bulb, forcing short dormancies upon it, and making it bloom until it becomes nothing more than an empty husk that you throw away. While it's true that we each must choose what we feel are the best methods for growing our plants of choice, many of the articles written about the hippeastrum bulb and its culture have the distinct ring of commercialism to them. I prefer letting nature takes its own course, and keeping my bulbs around for a very long time. I enjoy investing the time and energy into their growth, and I'm never disappointed in their performance, whether they flower annually or not. Bigger, more colorful, better blooms are a mark of the commercial market. Healthy bulbs and sturdy stems and leaves, good root systems, longevity and hardiness are marks of a breeder who cares. Yes, lovely flowers are important, too... but a good breeder always takes the total package into consideration, and doesn't sacrifice all the good traits just for one. I've dropped most of my magazine subscriptions because so many of them are over filled with ads these days, and seem to have a lot less content. I think the important thing to remember is... regardless of how you choose to grow your bulbs, we don't have to be slaves to the commercial/retail markets. There are other choices available to us... such as choosing to mix our own medium with the ingredients we feel are best for growing in our environment, etc.

Guess I am going to pipe in a bit as well.There are plenty of zone 5s in the rockies,I live in one.But have plenty of experience from zone 3 as well since my old home an hours drive was 3/4. This being a prime source for growing in the rockies hmmmm,It has great people who have information that is wonderful,, but rocky gardening covers so many issues from state to state and zone to zone that it takes several resources the best starting at where you live... Zone 4 is a nice magazine just starting it is pretty and has some great info.That said if your an old hand at living and growing out here it will share some wonderful gardens to go visit..I very much appreciate them they also offer to put in events including ours which they had in their last mag.Thanks guys,,, I try to tell people instead of looking on line and reading mags get your butt out into the world and socialize with the growers in your own local.. I know, I know not everyone has the time for that.I make time for anyone who wishes to come down and learn....Personally I do not take the time on this site that I used to simply because I am focused on teaching those in my area who have an interest in gardening in my local. That way they benefit from not just our experience but also those who show up for our classes.Hey and our classes are free. I would say this is what many in the Colorado areas are able to reach out more socially here because they do get together on occasions not being as rural and spotted as across many miles like others here.. I feel I can comfortably say that having been one of the originals from spikes days of gardenweb when we had very limited forums.A small handful of us requested this forum which took a few requests as we watched him open up others,,,It has taken years for RMG to grow into what it now is.I guess it is nice to know that some people do look at it for so much info,,I just always thought it was a nice place to connect with others who have our garden challenges..

Beth, Gotta get into this converation.lol.I'd love a peak at one of your new/old 40's gardening mags.heehee Beth-What which hazel is it your wanting? Pooch-I have dried horse manure if thet will help you.Really I even put it on e-bay under roses.lol. Euphoria-My black magic will be making babies soon. Abitodd-I'll have to think on black folage besides my b.m. ee.and flowers,I don't think I have anything varigated yet. I want an Edith Borge Magnolia and black bamboo.Ouch! on the price of both of them,so those are just pipe dreams.I'd settle for zone 6 Hardy Old Garden Roses and English roses.heehee Jody