Robin: I looked in several SW USA catalogs and on-line, but couldn't find it mentioned. Death Valley has desert COLD nights followed by incredibly HOT, DRY days. I doubt you could duplicate these conditions in a garden setting much of anywhere but another SW desert. I hunger for some desert plants too, but know that I'll just need to be happy to visit them in their native settings.... I think they seem so vibrant because of the starkness of their environment.

Thanks for your reply!

I have been informed that seeds are available from Alplains, who I have contacted. I fully realise that this will be a almighty challenge to grow here, but I will try! Also there are environments at Kew and Eden Project which might have artificial climates where the plants may possibly succeed!

Maybe we will meet up in Death Valley one day? Though the name makes me a bit nervous!!

Cheers, Robin.