Hi - from your want list I have ornamental pepper and also rudbeckia triloba [prairie coneflower] for your tall zinnia. Doreen.

I am beginning to think there is another reason thistle seed might be bad - I've always had thistle socks out - year after year, and suddenly this year the price of the seed skyrocketed. I had put out a large circular screened feeder becz I had so many goldfinches. But they didn't stay long and I thought there was something wrong with the feeder. I know they raise young in July so I put out more socks and it attracted them again right away, but in less than 5 minutes they were all gone. It's the seed they don't like - is there something wrong with this year's 'crop' of Thistle Seed?? Has anyone else noticed this? My pet store (where I get cracked corn for the wild turkeys) told me many people were complaining there were 'no goldfinches this year' - well they come, but they quickly leave. I think the seed is actually bad - and not becz of reseeding thistle plants - which it does, if you don't mow well. I have the goldies on my coneflowers, but not at the feeders as before. I wonder if the seed is contaminated? I don't know how anyone could tell except the birds rejecting it.

Thanks for the question and answer. I was pondering this same question this morning as I gazed out at my ever spreading canada thistle.

Yes, I have. They are a nuisance here but also huge biennial attractors for butterflies, so I grow them and love to tolerate. One of the best ways to get these seeds to germinate is to winter sow them and you still have time! Look at the winter sowing forums for help there. Also make sure your seed is fresh, it germinates better. If you need more contact me. SCG