Hi Sharon, I am interested in your white butterfly pea,white Texas Star hibiscus,Blue River hibiscus, ornamental pepper-black beauty, and your blue lace flower. I am afraid that I don't have any of the seeds on your want list, and I haven't had the time to update my list lately. Here are some of the seeds that I do have to trade if you are interested. I have Japanese morning glory-Akatsuki no umi(royal blue), pink moonvine,dwarf red canna, silver castor bean,clematis-Dutchess of Edinburgh,white butterfly ginger, gloriosa lily vine, lily of the nile, merremia vine, and Dutchmans pipe vine seed. I would be happy with just the white pea vine and white Texas star hibiscus, if you only see a few that you might want. And I would also be glad to send my seeds first. Thanks, Joyce

Mine are definitely coming back from the original plants. However, they make "offshoots" or "offsets" in the fall, and that is what actually overwinters. There is a great explanation about Lobelia cardinalis and the way it winters over in William Cullinas book on Wildflowers. It is one of my favorite books and will type an excerpt: "Lobelias are not true perennials, because the flowering stem and its associated roots die after setting seed. They are perennial in effect only because new offsets grow from the axils of the lowermost leaves and quickly put down their own abundant white roots. It is especially important, then that these new offsets be coddled a little in the fall. Think of them as seedlings that must be kept free of debris and competition so that they will have a chance to establish roots before winter. With a little attention, the plants will come back indefinitely." That is why I dead head these plants, including removing the seed pods as they are forming and even before a stalk has finished blooming. I want them to establish healthy offsets for the winter.

Thanks everyone! I have so many salvia plants, agastaches etc. all due to winter sowing and I have had the major share of hummingbirds in my yard! I kinda have a cottage garden that gets out of hand look to my yard. But it hasn't cost a kings ransom. My neighbor a few doors down got Basewide yard of the year and she's spent more than the ransom getting her effect and it is gorgeous if you like lots of pink. I have a bit of a mix and I think my hummers like it! Trudi, you are more than welcome to use the picture if you'd like. I'd feel honored! BTW, for the first time in 3 years, my hyacinth beans are blooming!!! glo

Ctpchr why is your Lobelia under ice?? I love that Queen Victoria and will look for the next time at a nursery. I've got lots of the regular species and my oldest plants have come back for the 3rd year as well as made lots of seedlings here and there through the back garden. I read in William Cullina's wildflower book, that it's beneficial to pamper them a little in the fall, as well as deadhead the seed heads, so that they put their energy into making healthy offsets that will make it over the winter.