I also have one plant of Wild Bergamot (Monarda Fistulosa), at least I hope that's what it is. It is also quite small ... probably 3 or 4 inches tall ... very slow growing. Supposedly, perennials do grow really slowly the first year, so I'm not expecting much from it this year. Mine is still in a pot, as I'm scared to plant it out yet. I probably will at the end of summer or beginning of fall. It's the only one I got to germinate, so I'm very protective of it. I'm hoping for blooms next year, also hoping to make some tea with it, as I'm a big hot tea fan. It probably won't taste much like the bergamot in Earl Grey tea, but I'm still anxious to try it.

thank you, that is just what i was looking for. there are so many talented people on here i am so glad i joined gw. i am learning so much and getting so many ideas on here that i am driving my poor dh crazy but he loves it too.

Hi petunia bud. I googled spring horse parts, and got a thread in which someone said she got new springs at home depot! Maybe there is some big spring used in construction that works! Don't know if she had the same horse as you... There were lots of links to follow, suggest you try it. Good luck. kathy

Yes, lots of ideas. You can go with annuals or choose a perennial that's the right height and a complementary color/blooming time, maybe a couple different flowers so you have something blooming more of the time. Dianthus, Blanketflower, Daisies, Four O'Clocks, Helenium, etc.