Michelle wrote: >> I joined this list because I am in the process of redoing my backyard this summer, and am replanting primarily in CA natives. Welcome, Michelle! There's general information on species bulb-growing on our wiki here: http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/… Some of the information talks specifically about growing bulbs in the ground. Some California native species are relatively easy in the ground, some are harder. You may want to think about growing some in pots as a reserve supply, since the ones in ground may die until you figure out exactly what conditions they want. This also goes for starting seeds -- if you just scatter bulb seeds on the ground, chances are you won't get many flowers. But if you start them in pots, you can protect them from snails and gophers and accidental weeding, and then plant them out when they're larger and more able to take care of themselves. You should also check out the information on various California native bulb species on our wiki: http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/… n Some of the nicest California genera include: Allium (some species are from California), Brodiaea, Bloomeria, Calochortus, Dichelostemma, some Fritillaria, and Triteleia. If you need sources to obtain bulbs and seeds, we have a listing of them here: http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/… Now is the time to order bulbs (in fact, you may have missed the shipping season for some providers). You should also order seeds as soon as possible. You can also pay to join the Pacific Bulb Society, which will let you participate in our frequent seed and bulb exchanges. Check out those resources, and you're welcome to post here any questions you have. In fact, if you want to start with a description of your garden (soil, location, sun exposure), your exact location, and what you're looking to accomplish, we may be able to give you general advice. By the way, I know you're focused on California natives, but I encourage you to think a bit about the huge variety of mediterranean-climate bulbs from other parts of the world, especially South Africa. There are some astounding beauties you can grow if you're willing to be "mediterranean climate native" as opposed to "California native." Hope that helps! Mike San Jose, CA