I've seen a photo of Kathleen's rock wall under construction, so I know the rocks are pretty large. I grew some irises in a very large rock garden I used to have, but it was a berm design rather than a near-vertical one. I think most irises that enjoy rock garden settings would quickly get too large for the crevices in Kathleen's wall. I can't remember seeing many crocuses growing in rockfalls in nature, though I have some in horizontal, ledge-like pockets in my present rock garden; crocuses are more often seen in vernally wet places. Curiously enough, Cyclamen species often enjoy near-vertical rock crevices. I've seen C. hederifolium, C. graecum, and C. creticum in limestone pockets. Their seeds are transported by ants. Some of the little Spanish Narcissus species grow among rocks, as the name of one, Narcissus rupicola, indicates (it also will grow in other situations -- one got into my bulb lawn). One sometimes sees tulips among rocks, but I think they're really happier with more room to spread out. The rocks probably protect the bulbs from rodents. Muscari will grow anywhere, but choosing species for the rock garden should concentrate on those less likely to multiply. Acis autumnalis also likes the rock garden and is modest in foliage, though a rapid increaser (and seeder). Many Sternbergias grow in rocky settings. They need sun and a dry summer. I'm not sure about the small species of Colchicum/Merendera. I've seen them in rocky situations but more frequently in the vernally wet places also favored by Crocus. Still, they're worth a try. Colchicum hungaricum is now available commercially, I believe, and Illahe Rare Bulbs should have some others listed in summer. One bulb that got into my present rock garden as a random "throw-down" and is flourishing there is Notholirion thompsonii, but its long, numerous leaves are no ornament to such a setting. Hope this helps. Jane McGary Portland, Oregon, USA On 2/12/2017 10:47 AM, Kathleen Sayce wrote: > Greetings, all: I have a planting query for bulbs on rock walls in a wet zone 8 climate (PNW coast, wet winters, dry summers). Dwarf iris, yes, also Pacific Coast Iris, crocus if I can devise rodent-proof caging, tulips ditto, small daffodils. The base is fine sand, which I am amending with rock grit, and several carbons, and mulching with gravel. > Some walls are sunny (near full to half days), one wall is almost completely in the shade (ferns will go here). > Please let me know your suggestions. > > Thanks ahead of time for all information. > Kathleen > _______________________________________________ > pbs mailing list > pbs@lists.ibiblio.org > http://pacificbulbsociety.org/list.php > http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/ >