I attempted to germinte some Fringe Tree seeds (Chionanthus virginicus) last year, and they supposedly require a warm-cold-warm cycle which normally takes 2 years, and I tried to shorten into one year. Collected the seeds in September 2009, sowed them in a milk jug and kept them inside the kitchen until early January. Then put them outside to get 3-4 months of cold. Despite that they didn't sprout this year, so I changed the potting mix and put them back outside for another year. I would have just done that in the first place, but thought it was worth an experiment. So maybe this coming Spring one or more of the seeds will germinate? Sorry I can't report any success with this type of seed - as yet!

Yes, days will get longer now. If you ever visited the Winter Sowing forum here on GW, many northern gardeners do special plantings on the solstice. I've done it, too. Gives us a reason to garden on the short, dreary days of a northern winter. While I'm here in PA for the holidays, I won't plant any seeds but I have some to plant and nurture when I return south in January. Happy Solstice! Marcia

Cheers Mike! And cheers to the spring that is just around the corner! LOL! (Right now it's 30's -ish in Austin) (I think!)

Isn't that poem perfect for the theme of this swap? I too received that card from Chelsie and was very pleased to hear from her! Thanks, Chelsie! Well, I've checked and everyone who signed up to send cards this month have done so. I want to thank each and every one of you for taking time out of your busy lives to participate in this swap. And thanks again for sending the extra, last minute cards! I love this swap and you all helped make it very special for me. Many, many thanks! And I was so glad to hear from our other members too! Nice to catch up with everyone! Please remember, everyone, if you can't join in on any of the swaps, we would love to have you stop by and visit with us. Cards were sent to ALL members of FOTESS, but there are some who haven't responded yet. To those who haven't posted, please let us know if you received Winter Solstice cards, okay? Posting on this swap site will be fine. Jeanne has posted the January FOTESS swap and it sounds like it is going to be FUN!! She always has the best ideas! Check it out and join in! To close this swap, I want to wish all our members a peace-filled New Year, and remember, the Winter Solstice Season lasts for a few months, make the most of it! Shirley! PS - one Winter Solstice Season activity I totally forgot to mention was: feeding the birds. I'll leave you with one last WSS pic.