Welcome May rainfall has encouraged newly planted natives and we are experiencing a splendid show of rhododendrons, especially flame azaleas this spring. As an aside we do not have any cicada activity in this location. Temperatures have been mild for the most part making for an enjoyable planting season to date. Usual raccoon, squirrel, rabbit and deer activity but we have not seen any black bears here to date (which may be related to home building activity).