Seeds that are eager to sprout are such a boost to the spirit in midwinter. Today these seeds, from the Alpine Garden Society, sown in mid- December, germinated: Agapanthus, Dierama, Gladiolus and three species of Arisaema. Last year some Colchicum seeds germinated that I had sown 8 years previously. That event did not engender as much joy as the fast ones today have. Actually, no joy. Just a feeling of: Well! It's about time!! An enthusiasm for life is contagious. Diane Whitehead Victoria, British Columbia, Canada maritime zone 8, cool Mediterranean climate mild rainy winters, mild dry summers