The message
from Rhiannon Macfie Miller contains these words:

I was getting desperately worried that the ten asparagus crowns I
planted in the spring had died in this hot dry weather, as there had
been no sign of any growth. But today I see three or four thin green
shoots appearing! (I expect the other six or seven will be along in due
course; if not, the three or four will probably spread in time...)

Hooray!

Rhiannon

They dont really spread being a crown. They do seed like mad if you have
male and female plants tho.