I agree with Peter that dew contributes significant moisture here. Day/ night temperature difference together with moist coastal air does result in significant dew here. Jane had earlier mentioned the importance of dew in respect to soil contact with rocks and there are a lot of rocks in my bulb garden. Early this morning my garden finally got its first fall rain with 0.19 inches (0.48 cm) of rain. That may not seem like much rain, and is not enough to saturate the soil, but that is enough to start the season. The hills will turn from brown to green in a few weeks from now. In regards to shoots emerging before roots in absence of soil moisture ... Peter wrote: "you will find this pattern repeated with the bagged bulbs and should be keeping them below 15 C" The paper bags of dug-up bulbs are in the coolest room in the house, but the house is not climate controlled and room temperatures do rise above 59F /15C most of the day this time of year. So then I will be able to confirm Peter's prediction of shoots before roots. And I will get these bulbs into the ground as quickly as daylight non-work hours allow. - Gastil