Dear Mr Hoog, What excellent medication for improving the view out my window: ice, snow and more falling in flakes/drops almost too tiny to identify. The few similar items in my garden will hopefully bloom in a few months, but right now we are weeks from signs of spring. I love the descriptions of Crocus, Galanthus and Colchicum putting on their show now. Not nearly enough of us can grow and appreciate a winter garden. Forget visions of sugar plums, give me more early spring visions. Even Jim McK's I unguiculares makes me jealous. I've got to try it here again now that global warming may allow it to bloom 'somewhere' ! Mary Sue's explosion of color sounds positively super. Of course Doug's sub-tropical garden is what northerns always suspect - bloom of exotics any time and always something. It does show the range of flowers and bulbs we grow. The only showy item in my cool greenhouse is a pot of Tulbaghia simmleri from the late Dave Karnstedt. We traded my white for his typical lavender. Of course my white form isn't blooming, but Dave's has a half dozen stalks and more developing. A sweet memory and show of color. After a cold and over frozen spring last year, I wish all a mild spring and best gardening ever for the New Year. Best Jim W. -- Dr. James W. Waddick 8871 NW Brostrom Rd. Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711 USA Ph. 816-746-1949 Zone 5 Record low -23F Summer 100F +