Sure, Polly--I'd be glad to speak to that 'as I understand it'. It would be better if those I mention would respond directly to you (which they would do if you ask them). And, I'm asking Connie to fill in between the lines the things I miss and to make corrections on things where I'm not quite right.
First, 'it is my understanding' that every bulb shipped in the Fall by these three is grown either by them or a 'close-in' associate grower by agreement which they have complete oversight. One exception is that B&D routinely offers some 'New Introductions or Unique' lilies in the fall that are grown at the breeder, then routed thru B&D for sale. The new introduction bulbs that don't sell out are scaled for propagation at B&D.
Second, 'it is my understanding' that all bulbs shipped in the Spring by these sources are also grown, dug and condition chilled be them. If, in rare exception, a preconditioned import bulb is listed, the word (Imported) is usually stated as the first word in cultivar description. You won't see it very much, if ever, with these sources and if ever in doubt email/ask--you'll get an answer pretty darn quick from these people.
Third, It is common practice of these sources to obtain and sell many popular or potentially popular cultivars from many different 'trade sources', both locally and globally. But ,'it is my understanding' that they are not resold directly, but rather they are grown/propagated until field grow counts are 'up to volume' for market. They are, therefore, field tested by default for 'true to cultivar' characturistics. And as true Plantsmen or Plantswoman, they; just like us, seek out only the truest, best performing cultivars to grow and sell.
Fourth, I believe the shorter the daisy chain is from grower to me, the gardener, the less opportunity there is for a bulb control mistake (wrong bulb); and a whole lot less encouraging for Greed and Monetary influences to be a factor. Let's face it. I believe there is such a thing as 'forced marketing'--research and development costs money, so does mass propagation. And if something doesn't turn out quite right with millions of bulbs--well, then what? Scrap or pedal? Stargazers--my goodness, there's at least two dozen varients.
Buy a Stargazer from anyone of the three I mention and you'll get a Stargazer as close to the original as possible!
Edit Added: There are three other grower/seller/sources I didn't mention in my other post that are as well, excellant, based on many others credible experiences. Those would be Hallson, Faraway, Valley K Ranch Lilies (plantlilies.com)
