When Dick and I went into town for our weekly grocery shop last week we could not believe our eyes. Christmas Stuff. Already. I know that each year the big box stores have to load their shelves with seasonal detritus to lure cusotmers into their store rathar than their competitor's store but, at least wait till after Halloween!

One thing about the coming of the holiday merchandise is that it forecast the advent of hellebore season. Snowdrops are beginning so it won't be long now.There are buds and even a few open blooms on the Helleborus niger.

A couple of things I would like to mention, a few of our best friends, John Lonsdale of Cyclamen fame has a great list at http://www.edgewoodgardens.net/  and Melanie Ruckle of Putnum Hill Nursery http://putnamhillnursery.com/ has started doing mailorder sales. Our very best to both of these fine plants people.