I went around the garden today to see what crocus are blooming. Longest-lived are a couple of C. chrysanthus cvs - Cream Beauty and a pale blue one. They are part of an order of several dozen that I planted in the 1970s. The ones in the garden proper have disappeared, perhaps eaten by rodents (could be rat, mouse or squirrel). These ones have survived despite being in a spot at the side of the street where cars frequently park. Now I think that perhaps they survive because of where they are. Maybe the ground has been packed down so hard by the vehicles that the rodents go off somewhere softer to dig. Perhaps that gives a clue to how I can add to the lifespan of other crocus in the garden. C. sieberi 'Hubert Edelstein' which I bought from Avon (in the UK) in 1989 is probably the next-oldest survivor. I bought 5, and I still have 5. I am particularly interested in growing plants that flower in winter, but I have found that winter-flowering crocus are not a very good idea in my garden. I go to visit my brother whose garden is on a cliff on the seashore. His crocus and snowdrops will be wide open and buzzing with dozens of bees. I return to my shady garden, and the flowers will be shut tight with no bees in sight. Later in the year, when the sun's trajectory is high enough in the sky that it can shine above my neighbours' tall Douglas firs and western red cedars, my garden also receives sunshine, and the spring-flowering crocus open. I had a few C. banaticus and tommasinianus grown from seed, which had lasted a number of years. Two years ago our city reservoir was only about a third full because of a very dry winter, so all outdoor use of water was forbidden. Household water did triple duty - rinse the dishes, wash the vegetables, and then get carried out to water a thirsty plant. I guess none of the water got near the crocuses, because I didn't see them last year. Saffron crocus grew well in the garden, and I used to pick the "threads" each year. I think the garden is now too shady for them, because they have disappeared. Though, maybe they've been eaten. -- Diane Whitehead Victoria, British Columbia, Canada maritime zone 8 cool mediterranean climate (dry summer, rainy winter - 68 cm annually) sandy soil