An old garden diary surfaced, covering three or four years back in the late 'seventies, early 'eighties. Each year was different from every other year and nothing has changed about that! Last year ipheions may have been first; this year they're tardy. Hyacinths are going wonderfully and lasting well, through the ice and through the heat. Dutch irises put on their best show ever last year and have not made themselves known much so far. The redbuds that lost all their blooms during the ice are trying again, so maybe there will be some to accompany the ornamental pear blossoms.