I returned from the flowering desert of Chile on October 9 to find that the fall rains had set in early in the Portland, Oregon area. In the garden all the larger colchicums are in full bloom, and on the rock garden Cyclamen graecum looks lovely (and is far enough away from the scarlet zauschneria [Epilobium canum]). Sternbergia lutea and S. sicula are opening in the rock garden as well. In the bulb house the flowering is also mostly Colchicum species, large and small, and the first Sternbergias. The fall scillas now known as Prospero are mostly over, but Prospero autumnalis still is in bloom. Narcissus miniatus, a recent gift from a generous PBS member, is up and in flower. Two species of Biarum, B. bovei and B. tenuiflorum, popped up, leaf and spathe, and look charming. The first crocus, C. pulchellus, is in full bloom. Soon lilies and peonies will arrive for planting in the new border, and I have a box of Siberian and Pacific Coast irises to plant today. I'd hoped for a few dry weeks to catch up on my office work and rest a bit, but fall planting season is obviously upon us. Jane McGary Portland, Oregon, USA