Jane's snow is alleged to be a week straight of much-needed rain further south in California. As they always seem to, the first Erythroniums opened just before it started to rain, demonstrating why the flowers face down. Also just starting are the first Freesias (alba and refracta), and a personal favorite, Calochortus umbellatus: http://flickr.com/photos/badthings/… I wish I could blame rodents for my troubles with Fritillaria, but I fear the fault lies with me... and the occasional gastropod. But mostly me. Best, Max Withers Oakland CA PS Although it's not really a geophyte, I was very excited for my first Paeonia cambessedesii (ex Seneca Hill) flowers this week. Thanks Elllen!