It may depend on the species. The germination websites seem to have some differing information - Tom Clothier's website says that A. syriaca doesn't need cold stratification and A purpurascens needs 12 weeks, but the Prairie Moon website says they both need 30 days. Not sure? We have at least another month of "refrigerator" cold or colder, especially at night. The fluctuating temperatures outside may help move the stratification process along. Whichever, I'll find out since I winter-sowed 5 species of Ascelpias this winter by February 4th, A. incarnata, tuberosa, syriaca, purpurascens, and variegata. They're all going to get 2-3 months of cold strat whether they need it or not! Here is a link that might be useful: Tom Clothier's seed germination database

I'll make another plug for the Bosch SHV58E13UC or SHV68E13UC (I use the SS version - SHX68E15UC). Both are part of the 800 Plus series. The SHV58 usually sells for under $1200. Sometimes you can buy it for under $1000 after rebate. I have noticed that plastic items in the glass rack tend to stay put - much better than other dishwashers I've used or owned. I'm guessing this is due to the variable spray pressure feature found in the 800 Plus Series. This feature has a lower spray pressure in the upper racks. I personally recommend the SHV58/SHX58 to every customer. If someone doesn't like manual cleaning a filter, then I'll recommend a KitchenAid non-EQ model (the EQ series has a European style filter that needs to be cleaned manually). Also, if you have hardwood flooring, the Bosch, Asko and Miele all have a protective base that will catch most water leaks and shut the internal pump off when the water level gets high enough. The unit will go into a fault setting prompting you to call for service. The KithenAid and most American units are completely open underneath and have no such protection. You can boost the final rinse temp through a programming sequence that helps dry the plastic items better. I love the 3rd rack for silverware and utensils. I like the built-in water softener as it helps with cleaning and preventing mineral build-up. My glasses are always sparkling. It also shines a red LED light on the floor when the cycle is running and shuts off when the cycle is done (InfoLight) And it has about 8 more plate/bowl positions in the lower rack versus the KitchenAid if you remove the silverware basket which I hardly use because of the 3rd rack. Here is a link that might be useful: My company's Bosch SHV58E13UC web-page

Thank you. The reason I don't want to order online is just that I want to finish today. :) So far I have ordered various things, and waiting for each to arrive, as I thought of new improvements, stretched out the project from a "I'll re-do the inside of my closet on New Year's Eve," to "It's 3 weeks later and I still have stuff strewn all over my bedroom." That's a good idea to check other nearby stores using the website. I had clicked a box to check only my store.

If you provide the right cultural conditions, there is no reason any clematis should not grow just as well for you in CA as anywhere else. And because you are in such a mild winter climate, you can indulge in some of the less common and more tender varieties. And I would not dismiss the pruning group 1 types, either. These tend to be very early bloomers, mainly species clems, and offer a wonderful burst of early garden color - the macropetelas and alpinas. And the montanas are wonderful, very heavy bloomers and often fragrant and if size is an issue, can be pruned back right after the bloom cycle.