Hello Bruce and all other members of the PBS in New Zealand and Australia, Thank you for your mail to the list. You make an important point. I understand your frustration only all to well! And I did expect some reactions like yours. It is indeed very frustrating to read long lists of interesting seeds or bulbs one cannot order from. I feel like this when I see the many Narcissus on offer right now...... It is exactly this frustration which was and is the driving force behind the idea to create a EU branch of the BX/SX. It is NOT because the PBS would refuse to send us any goodies. No, the reason is to be found in our own countries. Speaking for the EU the import of even small amounts of seeds has been made practically impossible, not to talk about bulbs. I had some very unpleasant (from the content) telephone conversations with EU-officials in this sense. And a letter with a few small seed packets from California stuck in the Portuguese customs and Plant Health office for several months now, I will probably never get it. Another issue is that Brexit approaching creates uncertainty concerning our UK members. The Commitee of the PBS has given me all the necessary support for this new initiative, thank you very much again. The EU countries are very diverse which is blessing and curse at the same time.... we have a very old gardening tradition, each country in its own right. There are many private plant collections, many botanical gardens with a long history and many nurseries, often family run for several generations. And not to forget the many different climate zones. This strength can hopefully be mobilized into the new EU exchange. It meant meting like minded people in person,speaking, writing and telephoning with as many people as possible to find out if there is motivation. And it needs a lot of attention to detail. I am not familiar with the situation in New Zealand and Australia. Can you ship plant material in between the two? If not, you would have to see in each country separately if there is enough potential to set up a comparable scheme. I want to state that we do not intended to split away from the PBS, I do not believe in splitting resources which normally turns out to reduce them. Can you look at your current situation and try to make the best out of it? I think both of your countries also have a longstanding gardening tradition, impressive plant collections, good nurseries and well known botanical gardens. AND devoted people! Not at least you have a native flora many of us envy you for.... I am more than happy to share my experience with you Bye for now Uli _______________________________________________ pbs mailing list pbs@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net http://lists.pacificbulbsociety.net/cgi-bin/…