Pam, if you purchased the seeds commercially, they will often indicate if they bloom the first year because it's a selling point. Many perennials do not bloom the first year as they focus energy on building their root systems. As far as the influence of early sowing, yes, there are some that can be impacted. For example, the verbascum I sowed said that it may bloom the first year if sown as early as January in a mild climate. Not sure how that translates for WS seeds in my zone 6b/7a, so I'm really expecting that they won't bloom. Thanks so much for all of the feedback. I think I'm going to take a variety of approaches. I may pot some up where I don't have beds ready yet. In the front gardens, some I'll plant and appreciate the foliage this year, while filling in with annuals that I also WS'd and direct sowed. I already ordered a few delphiniums in addition to the ones I WS, so I'll take quilt mommy's approach there! I have extensive plans for new beds in my back yard, so I'll probably plant a lot of my wintersown perennials back there and won't have a ton of bloom this year. When they bloom next year, I'll have the advantage of seeing their bloom color before I consider moving some to the front garden. Of course I'll have to consider which resent transplant before I take that approach (like lupines). Thank you all, again! Lisa

Hi, Donna! In my zone, if I transplant in spring I do so as soon as I can work in the soil. It all depends on how wet the ground is...I try to avoid compacting the soil around the hostas but if I get too enthusiastic and can't wait, I end up with more work...needing to fluff up all the soil I tramped on! :( the cultivation around the hostas is beneficial any time as it disturbs and exposes any eggs laid by slugs, etc. If it's too wet, then I wait until I see some pip activity (by that time the ground has warmed and dried somewhat) and get digging before they hostas are fully emerged. It's gratifying to see them in their new location, continuing to push out pips as if they've been there all along! :) In the fall I place markers in front of all hostas - they serve as a gauge for me where to start digging if I haven't left old flower scapes as markers (usually remove all old vegetation to avoid harbouring slug eggs). I love dividing and replanting in the fall but with the heatwave expected, spring it is! I used to divide, or relocate on a whim, all season long but the summers have been hotter each year and regardless of the after-care, I found it stresses most hostas. Those that hate to be moved put on a sulk and some years it set the plant back 2 years size-wise (GE as an example). Everybody has their own preferences (based on their experience, depending on their zone and length of growing season) for when it's best to move or divide their plants. The ultimate goal is to minimize stress on the hosta. Your zone allows you a longer growing season than mine. If your hostas have time to set roots before going into dormancy, go for it. If you are even slightly doubtful, wait until spring - it's much easier moving a leafless hosta! :-) Thanks, Donna for asking for my two cents. I got a wee bit chatty but enjoyed it! Lol :-)

Alpine strawberries are a little different from regular strawberries... The seed shouldn't be covered, or should only be *barely* covered, when sowing. It would normally take weeks before they sprout, so what you sowed may still sprout. You shouldn't need to remove the first flowers on any plants you get, because Alpines are pretty much 'ever-bearing', but removing them may help the plants get established better. Did you get a normal vining type or a bush-type? You list yourself as zone 5, so they'll grow fine in the ground where you are. This article should help with basic info as well as your idea of growing in pots: Alpine Strawberries PS: Alpines grow like monsters for me. :p

I've had at least 6 different grafts bloom. This one is one I tucked away to ensure I had some takes on the gravenstein heritage (longtime family tree) wood. It's on an old crab apple off to the side of our property (used to be ours at one time). Bit busy in there! Since then the Gravenstein has taken on my big tree and on rootstock, friends trees ect.... The pressure is off (hopefully). Quite a vigorous grower those tripoids!!