The sun is predicted to make an appearance tomorrow for the first time in about a week. Temperatures are also predicted to be in the low 70s F after a week of dull, overcast weather. This is unusual weather for us, and it has caused this year’s autumn crocus season to be literally something of a washout. Weeks ago, during a similar period of dull, rainy weather, Crocus oreocreticus had a nice cluster of buds up. When the buds matured, the day was relatively warm in the morning (as I recall, the temperature was near 70F in the morning). The flowers just barely opened a bit, and then the temperature began to drop and the cloud cover came in. For the rest of the week, the buds endured rain and dull conditions until the time came and they simply deliquesced without ever fully opening. Bummer… This week the same thing almost happened with Crocus hermoneus. This grows in a cold frame (C. oreocreticus is in a raised bed exposed to the elements). Crocus hermoneus has a fully developed bud with a bright red style barely visible; it’s been like that all week. If it does not turn to mush tonight, it should open tomorrow in the sun and warmth. A form of Narcissus tazetta has a budded scape on the way up, and my “Thanksgiving snowdrop” is about to bloom. This is a form of Galanthus elwesii found in the lawn a few years ago. I have another one which blooms at year’s end, too. Jim McKenney jimmckenney@jimmckenney.com Montgomery County, Maryland, USA, 39.03871º North, 77.09829º West, USDA zone 7 My Virtual Maryland Garden http://www.jimmckenney.com/ BLOG! http://mcwort.blogspot.com/ Webmaster Potomac Valley Chapter, NARGS Editor PVC Bulletin http://www.pvcnargs.org/ Webmaster Potomac Lily Society http://www.potomaclilysociety.org/