Here in the Portland, Oregon, area we have had slightly lower than average rainfall in January, despite a torrential rain on New Year's day (2.3 inches in Portland, and 4.3 inches here at my place in the Cascade foothills -- goodbye, driveway!). Temperatures have been below average, and snow higher than average -- I had about 2 feet (60 cm) on the ground for two weeks in December, and another few inches in January. All flowering is later than usual. The snowdrops are up, but on very short stems, and only a very few crocuses and Narcissus cantabricus, romieuxii, and bulbocodium species are in bloom in the frame. Surprisingly, a number of the small colchicums that flower in late winter are on schedule or even early. The first Hyacinthella is open, too. Few Fritillaria species have emerged, but F. striata, which is vulnerable to frost, made it through the bad weather (under microfoam sheets) and has some buds up. There is little foliage damage apparent in the frames, but in the open garden many arums froze; however, I think they'll recover eventually. The first primroses (P. elatior and P. vulgaris) are opening in sheltered spots, and the Hamamelis are in full bloom. I'm a little nervous about my seed pots, which are back outdoors after spending the worst of the weather in the solarium; I found germination in 4 species today and brought the more tender ones in, such as Tecophilaea cyanocrocus. This despite frost every night -- something all the alpine plants would probably experience at home, anyway. Jane McGary Northwestern Oregon, USA