And now you will have to buy the "rubra" form as well! I agree it is a cool plant, and surprising in that it seems to do as well in California as it does back east. One of those accent flowering winter bloomers that has interesting form, and almost a tropical look to it when in leaf. I find I have to do a lot of thinning on it to keep it in bounds, and can't say that it has a fragrance that carries, but it is nice. I can relate to the shopping bug, plants were the only thing I shopped for this Christmas season, and got some beauties, like a really full Sticks on Fire Euphorbia in firey color for the back deck, to chase away those winter blahs. I also went for a couple of apricot flowering Grevillea 'Superb' in full bloom, also for the winter color and to attract the Anna hummingbirds. Last were some really beautiful and rare Restios with gorgeous stems, Cannamois virgata, which I rationalized might not be available for purchase next spring, better nab them now! Magnolia stellata and M. soulangeana and M. denudata are also great temptations this time of year, but...I...Must...Resist...

I think it must be from last year. I don't remember it from this spring's stuff, but I could be wrong. Bonus is the hummers are all over it like a ("body-image challenged" kid on a smartie..oops..Canadianism..I mean M&M)! ;0)

Oh nan that is brave. I'm still planting out too. Mostly perennials that I've been coddling. I'm worried about them overwintering so I guess I haven't learned all my WSow lessons yet. Alright lgslgs, no one said I wouldn't. :P I don't know if these are duchess, I don't recall. I did plant most of my asters in this container so I could put them out of the way till they were ready to show off. I need to keep working on my chart and figure out a way to put the perennials in one bit and the new seeds in another. Perennials meaning my babies that will be overwintering. I'm sure my husband could fix it for me. I will say that as far as this years seed sowing goes I intend to be tougher and direct sow more. Also many things are being left go and I'll just watch and see if they reseed on their own.

Lisa funny you should say that. I love it. It is not for formal gardens as it likes to wander a bit but I find it very easy to deal with. In the spring when muscari blooms with blue and spurge gives those beautiful yellows - it is showstopper! Later after it done blooming I pull out most of it and let other plants grow, I am big on double/ triple planting in same area for long lasting effect. Fernly leaves are great looking throughout the summer and you can not say same about many perennials. I grow several species of spurges and while they tend to appear in different spots now and then I do not mind as my garden is very informal woodland type. Have not seen them moving from one bed to another. I find it is easy to pull and control any spurge and many of them are just beautiful. From multiple discussions here and my own experience I conclude that what is terrible pest in one garden might be a blessing in another. Some people's gardens get overtaken by tradescantia and some are happy if it only survives.