Eranthis hyemalis opened in my garden today. They have been out in a neighborhood garden for over a week. There is no sign yet of E. cilicica or the hybrids - that's usual here. Several crocus opened today, too, including Ruby Giant (generally attributed to C. tommasinianus but not much like it in my view). C. ancyrensis and C. korolkowii are just putting up buds. C. korolkowii blooms in mid-January in mild years. Most Galanthus are now up and blooming except for those in very shaded areas (where the ground is still frozen). One Hepatica nobilis form has a nice cluster of flower buds up, too. Ice is off the pond and the goldfish are sunning. Finally, things are poppin'. Jim McKenney jimmckenney@starpower.net Montgomery County, Maryland, zone 7