Hi, I have heuchera 'Dale's Strain,' plus some others that I don't know the names of (grown from seed). I have larger and smaller ones. I can provide pictures so you can see if they are ones you don't have. I have some small columbine 'Green Apples' plants. These will not bloom until next year. They are from purchased seed. I also have some small Lobelia 'Crystal Palace' plants (from seed, this is an annual). I have white astilbe, but it is getting ready to bloom, so it is not the best time to divide it. I have Persicaria virginiana 'Painter's Palette,' if that appeals to you. I planted Centaurea Montana seeds this year but only have a couple of small plants, so I would be like to trade for some of yours. I would also be interested in your Geranium Sanguineum, maroon color (not hot pink/magenta?) and the miniature irises if available. Let me know if you are interested in trading. Becky ramazz

I'm not a fan of Centaurea montana either. I had a friend send me some of her white one - Centaurea montana alba. I grew it for a few years and it completely took over the area where it was planted. It ran and ran and ran. I pulled it out, only to have it return the next year in the same place, blooming mixed blue and white flowers on different parts of the plant. My neighbors want it, and they are welcome to it. I had a seedling come up last year on the other side of the house from the above plant. I did not pull it out last fall and it set buds and began to bloom this spring. It was a beautiful shade of dark lavender. I was so pleased with it, and thought of keeping it until it became covered in powdery mildew. My neighbors also want this plant, and I'm glad to give it to them. My experience with the blue variety is that it runs and also self seeds liberally. My daughter had a couple Mountain Bluet plants put in to her front landscape when she had the whole front of her house redone by a landscaper. There was Mountain Bluet everywhere, in a couple of years. It even came up between the seams of her cement sidewalk. I agree with Donna. Centaurea needs some improvement in plant breeding so that it's garden friendly. Linda

Centaurea doesn't need the chill but may take up to a month to germinate. It's a careful-what-you-wish-for plant for me, little too much self sowing goes on. The ratibida doesn't need winter temps either so both should germinate for you now, be large enough to plant later this year. Semiaquilegia does need lower temps to germinate - the suggested range is close to 40F and germination is slow, irregular.

I was very disappointed with my centaurea montana seed collection. I received the plant last year so it was new experience. It bloomed profusely this spring. I just collected all the heads, the seeds were there, but none of the seeds were good. So you're doing better than me : ) Remy