Dear Members: In a current article on Pot Culture of Lilies, one of the comments made is that the roots are trimmed to 2 1/2 to 3 inches. For years, the claim was made that imported lily bulbs didn't grow well because the roots were usually trimmed. Well, is the claim faulty, or is trimming the roots a bad suggestion? Then, I was taught that roots were only able to absorb nutrients for-at most-an inch back of the growing tip of the root. Trimming roots back would remove the part that is able to absorb nutrients. Yes, the roots are possibly old, but any possible new growth is being sacrificed. Yes, lilies do make new roots, but why not either remove the roots completely, or not trim them at all? Admittedly, roots also serve to anchor the plant, and a couple inches would be better than none, but why injure the roots instead of potting up the whole root system? There are a lot of "old wives tales" in gardening, things that are done because that's how it's always been done. Is this an example? Ken