BG, I have never seen VFs in these numbers before, and I've been doing this for around 12 years now. One or two here and there and that's all. They are having a field day or days I should say, nectaring, mating, and laying eggs. They are not shy at all. I can stand right next to them as they nectar and they act like I'm not even there! LOL! This has been a wonderful opportunity to observe their behavior, etc. Color patterns appear to vary as well, from a butterscotch yellow to fairly bright orange. Some I can tell they are in the longwing family and not frit family, but others are shorter, rounder forewings. Much variation in size as well. I have a few blooming things right now - Dallas Red Lantana, Coreopsis 'Jethro Tull', Verbena bonariensis, Dianthus, Spanish Lavender, white clover, but that's about it. I have so much to do - plant Zinnia, Tithonia, and other seeds I direct sow. Pot up my Oscar Milkweeds and Japanese MGs. Sandy, my Purple Milkweeds are up and doing well. Slow growing, but they survived winter and probably my horrid gardening techniques Don't think A. sullivanti made it, tho. I have A. speciosa coming up everywhere and it is about to bloom, too. It's supposed to have a very pretty bloom so I can't wait. I got my plants from Almost Eden this week, too, Lavendar Porterweed, Hamelia patens, and Miami Sunrise Tecoma. Can't wait to get these planted out as well. Am very anxious to see the blooms on the Tecoma. Supposed to be orange fading to yellow, a relatively new cultivar. Christie, re: Spicebush Swallowtails. Sometimes a banner year is followed by a sparse year. Don't worry, they'll be along....... Have you planted another splendid Zinnia patch? MissSherry - of course, there are many of your butterflies I'd love to see. I know it's very unlikely I'll ever see a Palamedes Swallowtail. I have seen a couple of RSPs, but doubt I'll ever see many and they are sooooooo gorgeous! Same for Viceroys. They just are not a butterfly found in urban areas here. Occasional strays only and I cherish these sightings. I am missing Swallowtails of any kind this year. Haven't seen one at all. Too bad, I have all these big, blowsy, clumps of Fennel just waiting to whet their appetites. Maybe a bit later on....... Susan

I don't know where your zone 5 is but I'm in upstate NY, zone 5 for about 19/20 years, LOL, and tomatoes wouldn't be started here until about April 1st. Last average frost date is May 15th and I never put out plants until about two weeks past that date b'c when I did there were times when they were frosted out. But I was growing hundreds of plants and had no way to protect them. To answer your question directly, I have seen blossoms on Sungold that early, but not on any of the currant types that I've grown. If I were you I'd resow if you have enough seeds, and even if you don't wait until around April 1st, maybe mid to late MArch might suit you since you say you like to start your tomatoes early. Carolyn, who shudders at the thought of having 9 inch tall plants in February, knowing what comes next. ( smile)

best, yes, our kiddoes are the same age. Smart to look at schools early -- wish I had done this with DS #1. My DS who is interested in Chicago is an excellent student and all-around good citizen, so I think U of Chicago may be within reach but who knows -- he liked what he saw, so I think seeing a good "reach" school is good inspiration for the year ahead! He is one of those kids who could get straight A's with just a tiny bit more effort, but I can't complain as his lowest grade this year was a B+. He also plays sports, two instruments, and has a part time job. But enough bragging. I just appreciate him because our first -- though a great guy with many talents -- was a whole different ball game! Anyway, we had a great time in San Fran other than that one really lousy afternoon. The park ranger that we flagged down said it is, unfortunately, a frequent occurrence there, usually homeless people who then sell whatever they get. Fortunately, it's all replaceable stuff. My favorite part of the trip, though, was out of the city -- we went to Muir Woods one morning and it was just so stunning and peaceful. Have fun in Chicago! I think we'll be going back sometime during this coming school year for an actual tour of at least a couple of schools.

murfy - Thanks! I love it, too, and basically stole it, so that's why it wasn't sold off with the bulk of our A&C things when we moved. Unfortunately, the current abode is an MCM home with lots of glass. L O T S of glass. Like, in the 19' x 50' great room that includes the kitchen, DR, LR and garden, there is exactly 30' of wall available for furniture placement. The rest of it has to float or be against glass. The poor costumer is stuck in an office for right now.