I'm with you.... !

Fun discussion! I think your plumbago purchase was an excellent start! Lobelia in winter was definitely one of the first things that popped in to my head. Several of the ruellias ("Mexican petunias") come in blue or at least close-to-blue-purple, especially R. brittonia and R. penninsularis (the shrubby one). R. brittonia self-sows like crazy so some folks don't like it for that reason, but it does offer a very nice blue (plus pink and white). If you like bulbs, definitely think about Peruvian/Carribean lily (Scilla peruvianus). They bloom in late spring in an amazing true blue and are almost idiot proof in this climate. They start emerging in fall (I see several noses poking up right now) and grow foliage in winter and bloom in spring and then disappear for summer. I'm curious to see what other plants people suggest. Take care, Grant Here is a link that might be useful: Desert ruellia on Desert Tropicals website

Hi Mike! I'd love a small hunk of your trandescantia as well as crimson king and the pacific coast seedling #2. I don't have my list together, but I am sure I can bring some rudbeckia & coreopsis for sure. I will dig around and see what else I can come up with! I wish I had dug up my lavenders and given them to you last fall. I'm afraid they have succumbed to moisture this winter. If they happen to survive which it looks doubtful...I will bring them to you because they don't do well here. Looking forward to seeing both you and Ruth again, Susan

Well Jan you know I LOVE PURPLES! I have a lot of these, but is really interesting to see how colors compare to different growing regions. Thanks for sharing them! GORGEOUS PICS! Nancy