Hi Deanna, Bulbs store energy for the plant that can tide it over during rough times. So, rotted stems are like busted stems, as long as the bulb is large enough to support itself through next year (its not a tiny bulblet) it will come back, just a little smaller. This may result in a smaller plant with fewer blooms the first season but it will otherwise be fine. The thing to check is whether or not the bulbs have healthy looking roots. In the Fall if you find that the bulb and roots are rotten I wouldn't bother to plant it. Stressed bulbs often will decide to take a season off and not send up foliage (or abort growth already started). Instead it will spend its time growing new roots. So that doesn't mean they are dead. It sounds like your stems got the fungal disease botrytis possibly from overwatering. With your curled up new sprouts (possibly lieing along the soil) this would be an easy thing to have happen. Putting late planted bulbs in pots is usually a good idea since you can use sterile well draining soil and, depending on where you put the pot, control watering and sun. So don't hesitate to do that in the future. Botrytis strikes plenty of lilies in the garden as well. I'd cut away any diseased foliage (and throw it out securely) and spray the remaining foliage and the pots soil surface with a rose fungal spray. I've included a link with some info. -Helen Here is a link that might be useful: Plantlilies botytis link

Sometimes catalogs (Brent & Becky's Bulbs and Scheeper's/Van Engelen send very nice bulbs), sometimes locally (if I find really nice bulbs at a good price). If I want something special, I'll order it. If I'm just looking for a splash of color at a distance, I'll go local. Looking at catalogs is great fun. Sometimes local nurseries and Agway-type places get some unusual things, and are usually much better quality than the box stores. Dollar store gladiolus - a nice surprise. Laurel

I live near the coast near Brisbane. It's a great place for herbs because most grow all year round. Herbs which come from a cooler climate don't do so well - such as meadowsweet or French Tarragon or arnica. The Mediterranean herbs (lavender, sage, thyme etc) do very well, despite the humidity (or perhaps because of it!). Tropical herbs do well, too. If you live further inland and get frosts, you may need to protect some of your herbs. Which ones - you'll learn!! Angelica: Propagate by stem or root cuttings, or room division or by seed, best sown in late summer or autumn. It does not transplant easily, so is best sown where it is wanted to grow. Keep partially shaded in summer. It doesn't seem to like the heat much. Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera):Propagate by seed sown in spring. Germination occurs in about 2 weeks. Protect seedlings from frost by covering with a cloche. Transplant when at least 4 true leaves appear. Does not tolerate cold or very moist conditions. Does best in sandy loam, and tolerates poor soils, but will not tolerate dry. Good drainage is essential. Aztec sweet herb (Phyla scaberrina): Can be propagated by seed, but best done by layering. Wherever the branches touch the ground, roots will form. Plant loses its leaves in winter and it may not survive extremely cold conditions. When cold, the leaves turn red. Plant in a protected position. It will tolerate deep shade, but will also grow in full sun. Clary sage: As for Salvia officinalis: Sage can be grown from seed sown in spring, or by stem cuttings from firm new growth, or a slip with a heel, or by layering, or by crown division. Refrigeration of seed for several weeks may hasten germination rate. betony ( stachys officinalis): Propagate by seed or by division. In cold areas, sow seed direct in early spring, in warmer areas refrigerate for several weeks before sowing into warm soil. Sow at a maximum temperature of 5C. Germination is irregular, and may take several months. Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil, pH 4.0, in sun or partial sun. elecampane( inula helenium): Sow seed in spring, or take offshoots or 5cm root cuttings in autumn or spring. Seeds need light to germinate, so barely cover them. Germination usually takes about 12 days but can be much slower, up to 42 days. Ideal temperature for germination is 20C. Transplant after the second set of leaves appear. Grow in half-sun or shade, in moist, but well-drained soil. Prefers temperate or cool climates. vervain (verbena officinalis): Propagate by seed, sown in spring. They resemble small twigs and are slow and irregular to germinate, taking up to 3 months at an ideal temperature of 18C. arrowroot: Propagate by root division or from suckers planted 15cm deep. Plants need 10-11 months of hot, moist weather to mature. Prefers a soil which is fairly dry, well-drained. Grow in sun, or partial shade in hot climates. Does well for me. comfrey: Comfrey will grow from seeds, sown...

I’ve had excellent results with Holland Bulb Farms. They have really good sales, which is nice if you’re on a budget like me. :) I’ve ordered multiple times and everything (except for a few bare root perennials in the end of season clearance grab bag. lol) has been in very nice condition and has performed very well for me. Granted, I actually haven’t used them for sourcing fall bulbs, but lilies, astilbe, dahlias, clematis, and everything else has been so great I wouldn’t hesitate to order tulips and daffs.