Dear friends, The discussions of Mediterranean and Maryland bloom are so different from here. I feel more 'Polar " (referring to the north or south pole) than 'Polar ' (meaning opposite). Todays high will again not get up to freezing. We have had a very wet cold winter with ice and snow encasing the garden for weeks on end. Nothing is blooming out doors, but if the weather can stay above freezing for a few days a few stalwart early Galanthus may poke out. Now they are at ground level and showing as a dim greenish white 'button' among the leaf tips. A variety of crocus also have short tufts of foliage, but no hint of color within. Even hellebores are playing things close with very few showing a bud or color out of their heart of blackened foliage. I did see a few herbaceous peony species buds peeking out of the ground with their beet pink buds contrasting with the wet brown soil or the dry tan soil depending on drainage. A few Narcissus are also poking tight fans of foliage barely out of the ground although Campernelles always push a few inches of wispy foliage out that end up looking ragged by the time that blooms appear. In the dry beds, Iris aucheri has been showing tips of foliage for weeks. This is always the first Juno to show signs of life, but it is weeks from bloom. OK I have left the nearest to bloom for last. The miniature narcissus 'Cedric Morris' is under a cloche to protect the flowers from wayward bunnies and squirrels. They've nibbled most buds before the cloche went on, but a couple could open , again if we stay above freezing for a while. Haven't peeked in the cold frames as they are wrapped and covered for winter. Might be a Galanthus closer to bloom in there, but it is way too early to even think about looking in much. So maybe this is a more polar garden. I could use some penguins to liven things up. Best Jim W. OT - PS Just came in from a stroll around the 'estate' and am continually impressed at the condition of the palm Rhapidophyllum hystrix. The foliage is deep green and totally untouched by harsh freezes, ice or snow abuse. Not so much as a brown tip to any leaf while the hardiest bamboos she extensive leaf and culm damage. This palm looks no worse for wear than in the middle of summer in the heat of burning western sun. What a plant ! -- 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 +