Eranthis hyemalis is finally blooming in my garden; it was in full bloom last week in a neighbor's garden. There is no sign of the cilicica sorts above ground yet. The first of the new crocus (as opposed to those which have hung on under the snow) are up - these are tommies of the Ruby Giant persuasion, now much miscegenated. Snowdrops in variety are out, as usual well in advance of the winter aconites and main season crocus. Jim McKenney jimmckenney@starpower.net Montgomery County, Maryland, USA, USDA zone 7, where everything will probably freeze up again tonight.