Dear Friends, It has been a quiet few days on the list. And quiet in the garden too. Seed collecting, enjoying a few odds and ends, but no big show. Except Colchicum. I only have a half dozen of the common cvs and species- 'The Giant', 'Water Lily" etc and they are about at peak or slightly past over all. A couple stems broke off at ground level early in the week as I weeding around them to see them better. These got stuck into a simple vase and have held up exceptionally well. I have been surprised at these large delicate looking blooms - they neither sagged nor shrivelled. Now after about 5 days the tip of a couple petals is looking on the tan side. I have a high threshold before I'll throw them out so I'll bet they are presentable for a full week before they go. A very pleasant surprise. Five ethereal pale purple flowers in a simple glass vase - just don't drink the water. Anyone else have any garden excitement? 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 +