Dan and Rebecca, Have you gotten to the point with the house where the two of you can just relax for a couples of days or maybe even a week? The place sounds dreamy. Mellow? Reminds me of an old song. Can we call you Mellow Yellow? Sorry, it the only allusion I can think of off the top of me head... Michael

Males also sing to "mark" their territory. Perhaps they are feeling a bit threatened this time of year...maybe competing rivals? Not sure, but I do know it is very common for mockers to do this. Also, have you guys noticed the FIRST song you hear nearly every day is that of the cardinal? And the LAST song you hear nearly every day is that of...the CARDINAL! I love that they sing us awake in the morning and to sleep again at night. Well, to sleep until the mockers wake us up again, anyway. Marcia

Sylvia, your white mum is so pretty. I've now seen yours and Roselee's white mum's and I'm tempted to grow them. I'll bet they looked really pretty when you had many all blooming together. What is that red berry? Is it also a Nandina? I see the Paper Whites at the nurseries but I've not tried them yet. I'll have to look those up to see how to care for them. Thanks for the ID on the Bulbine. I had to google it, but, that's it exactly. I found this description on the web: "....The fresh leaf produces a jelly-like juice that is wonderful for burns, rashes, blisters, insect bites, cracked lips, acne, cold sores, mouth ulcers and areas of cracked skin. This plant is ideal to grow and is a useful first-aid remedy for childrens' daily knocks and scrapes. The Rastafarians make an infusion of a few fresh leaves in a cup of boiling water. The strained drink is taken for coughs, colds and arthritis. This bulbine is mostly dormant in summer, blooming in the spring, and then again in the fall although somewhat less. It can be propagated easily by stem cuttings. The cuttings can be planted immediately and kept in a shady area. They don't need any special attention or treatment, and build strong root in a couple of months." I learn something new everyday. Thanks.

What gorgeous blooms!! I'm in the same boat as Ruth. I can't get them to last here to save my life. A few years ago I planted so many bloodroot I lost track, I purchased a box of bulk rhizomes, I had so many I had to give them away to my next-door neighbor and family. I don't have one left - not a-one! I look over this morning and what do I see? Gorgeous full, lush clumps of bloodroot of the most pristine, glorious white you can imagine at my next-door neighbors. Why are they thriving at her house and less than 50' feet away I've got nothing left? If it were critters, hers would be history too, I would imagine (unless her cats keeps the voles at bay, but they roam around over here too). BAH! Well, at least I can enjoy hers :0)