Re: the lilacs--I'm sure between now and May your lilacs will receive 8 weeks of 40 or less. This requirement doesn't have to be precise; they just need approx. 8 weeks give or take of temps not much above 40. Winter is just beginning; although your forecast for the upcoming week (and mine as well) shows temps higher than normal, who knows which way the weather is going to go 10 days from now. Dec. in NE can remain mild because of the ocean effect, but the most bitter cold occurs during Jan. and Feb. That is amazing all the things you have in bloom. It has been unseasonably warm here for the most part, but we must have had enough cold nights as I don't have any bulbs or perennials trying to bloom. All the plants you list are hardy and tough as nails and will likely have the strength to bloom again during their normal time, esp. if they go into dormancy within the next few weeks. The worse that will happen is that some of them won't bloom later next year--there is nothing you can do.

Bouldergrower - Always enjoy seeing updates on your community pot. Looks like your Lithops seedlings are making some good progress too. That old Lithops... I suppose stasis is better than death? Dave - Has your nelii softened at all at least? Mine is around 2/3 it's original height and much softer now. The center leaves are quite firm. Mara - That's exactly what I'm thinking. Once dormant, absorbing leaves is an exceedingly painful process. Did you throw a towel on or throw in the towel? Kidding! =) Nomen - The first and second pairs of my Lapidaria were starting to get wrinkly, so a light watering put them at how they look in the photo now. I like your suggestion of watering/misting just enough to see if it's new growth or a flower. This one already flowered for me in the fall, so if it's new growth I won't really be disappointed. Under lights, growing these is much more forgiving. Watering is never really worrisome, just the wrong choice (over or under watering) can take a little time to correct. This winter is really wacky! Last week was extremely cold but today I had all the windows open for some fresh air (13C / 55F). Definitely mild overall - 5b.

I am almost 48 and my period started on the evening of March 27th and is still ongoing. It was a regular type of period in the beginning, but never really stopped completely. Spent about a week or more just using liners as the flow was really light. Yesterday it picked up like a regular period...can't get in to see my doctor until the 18th of May. The flow isn't super heavy, just heavy enough to be a nuisance. Anyone have something like this happen?

Is it true that the Rugosa's really prefer acidic conditions? I think I read that somewhere. Wild Edric must indeed have enough other genes in its make up to overcome this. Wild Edric is clearly happy at Ingrid's place, and our soil and water is alkaline here. I guess we won't ever know what else is in Wild Edric's make up, since DA is so illusive about his breeding. Really? Seedling x Seedling. What's the harm in revealing a bit more? As if we could all go "breed up" that exact rose ourselves with the information. It would just make it easier to select which of his roses might be most suitable for our individual climates and gardens. Other breeders aren't so secretive. If I didn't love some of his (DA's), roses so much I would refuse to buy any of them. That's just me, though. And the issue goes FAR deeper than not revealing lineage. Its the Rose Mosaic virus, the high prices, and the way that company discontinues roses and then has found a way to make it hard for nurseries to sell the out of patent roses and the ones that they've discontinued. As I understand it, if a nursery propagates and sells the older, discontinued DA roses, DA won't let them sell the new DA's. I find it very crafty of them to create this little catch 22. Sorry about my little rant, especially to Ingrid as this is her post. I'll step off my podium now, and say DA breeds some gorgeous roses. I do grow quite a few of them, and I love them. The company practices and policies, not so much. That's an understatement. Ingrid has so generously offered me one of her three Wild Edrics, once our weather cools enough for transplanting. I'm first to admit, that I'm not above turning her down because of my frustration with David Austin Inc. I am absolutely thrilled to be receiving this rose that I wouldn't be able to acquire otherwise. It will receive a prime spot, with its roots protected inside of a gopher cage. If I ever learn to successfully root cuttings, when Wild Edric is out of patent, I'll make more. Then I'll happily give them away. I won't make a dime, but then neither will David Austin:) Lisa