I grew hosta from seed I harvested from my own plants last year just to see what would happen. I sowed them June 20 and they sprouted, grew and kept growing right up 'til December when they went dormant for the winter. I added a little water to the pots in March and by early April the little sprouts were up again. So far this year they're going gangbusters. I also winter sowed hosta seeds and those are up as well which proves they don't need cold stratification to germinate. If it's any comfort, I harvested seeds from my heuchera and so far have no sprouts from them in the winter sown milk jug. I keep checking it and so far, nada. I'm convinced they will eventually sprout so I'm not giving up. From what I can see this first year of WS is the shade plants tend to be slower growers than the sun lovers. I've got lady's mantle sprouts but they're SO tiny. Same with astilbe--they're not even a quarter inch tall so far even though they have at least one true leaf. Looks like we need to have more patience for these. I'm going to harvest hosta seed later this year so email me if you'd like me to set aside some seeds for you. Eileen

FF, Beautiful combinations and I love how the heucheras, hostas and hydrangeas (3 plants I love the most) complement each other. The color combination is truly outstanding. I always use dark heucheras as I don't have much of shade places. Paris is the only green one I have. So now I really want to try some of the light colored ones. I am going to go through your other posts and trying to identify what the heucheras are so I can start making a list (I am running out of space living in Chicago Subs with a big house on a small lot.......). And DH wants to have some green grass so our dog Happy (she is a big weimaraner) can run around in the backyard! Vivian

ok, now I actually found one I want, Monet. Monet my favorite artist, I have a real love, a passion, a driving need, for art and Monet speaks to me as no other artist does. No matter how much I may love another artist work. I love Monet's work so much that I keep a folder of his work by my computer to look at most everyday, did my bedroom in a Monet theme, and named my best friend, my hosta dog, my standard poodle, Monet. I have just got to have a plant named after Monet. I really never did take much note of the Heuchera's other than an interesting contrast to the hostas, but if anyone can tell me where to find the one named Monet, it will be given a star spot in my gardens.

Thanks so much for your advice, that's what I was afraid of. Yes, I've been curious because whatever the culprit is, just randomly chooses plants in my yard. Will check the stubs again & see if I can tell what's eating it by your description. (I guess I need to edit my profile to add my zone as well. I'm in middle TN, just outside of Nashville.) I've lived in this house for 17 yrs and this is the 1st time I've had this much damage on anything! I've noticed an abundance of deer this year, unlike we've seen in this neighborhood since it was 1st built. The deer kept eating the buds off my tall phlox but finally left them alone & they bloomed. I assume it was deer since the plants were tall & even in a slightly raised bed. I've had those phlox for years & have never been touched! I hope the shade garden makes it. I love wildlife, but sure hate throwing money away! : )