You know wintersowing is addictive when we start talking about it in October. I just placed a seed order with Thompson-Morgan. Anyone else feel like the T& M catalog is the "Playboy" magazine of seed catalogs? I prefer 2 liter bottles and milk jugs. I usually sow the seeds I want to keep in the milk jugs and the give aways in the 2 liters. Its visually easier to separate and I can transport more of the smaller containers. Brenda does have a point about the moisture control potting soil. They can get waterlogged and rot the seeds. Especially in the earlier part of the winter when it isn't hot. I have had better luck having my containers off the ground or on a patio if possible. We had a wet winter a couple of years ago and my jugs were covered in mud and couldn't drain and therefore the seeds drowned/rotted. I start with my hardy perennials, next hardy annuals, then half hardy perennials and then tender annuals. By that time you can actually start thinking about sowing the seeds outside but I never know where I will need my plants so it is easier for me to move a jug around until I find the right spot. Plus I can't tell a weed seed from a wanted seed especially if it is an unfamiliar plant. I remember one year I pulled most of my columbine seedlings because I thought it was clover. Just remember it is supposed to be fun and relaxing. There is also a large cybernet party to celebrate the Winter Soltice- clothes and wine optional LOL. Shannon/Dirtrx

Thanks folks, but no horses in this gal's future! Ellie, I've been there done that also. Had 5 at one time when my older kids were growing up at home. Still had 2 when my DH and I married, but they get mighty expensive to keep around, and besides they don't come in as many colors as dl's!!! :) Looks like you've got some beauties coming this spring too. I've purchased about 7 new Munsons, and a few other dl's as well from the LA recently. Sounds like my kind of headaches, Janet. No amount of medication does a thing for mine either. I was so thankful that it was gone by Sunday morning. Sure couldn't have driven 10 hours with a headache like that. Boy, have I been busy today. Sprayed all my dl's with the systemic fungicide, been blowing tons of leaves into piles to be mulched and put into the dl beds, also raked trailer loads of pine needles for the dl beds. No sign of the deer munching on anything while I was away, though. Thank goodness. OK, I'm off to spread the pine needles and mulch the leaves now. Just popped in for a bite to eat and a little pc break!! LOL Jan

I don't have that variety. Mine do require cross pollination, but if your research states that Wurtz is self pollinating, then you don't need another variety. I have a Zutano seedling that has not yet fruited. It's in ground, 4-5 years old, and taller than me. Since seedlings often produce fruit unlike the parent, I purchased a Jan Boyce to graft on to it. Jan Boyce needs pollination. So does Kona Sharwil, and they will pollinate each other. Part of me wants to see just what that seedling can do, but the smart part of me says, graft Jan Boyce onto it so you will know you have a delicious variety. Enjoy your tree!

Babs, I was at Arnold Arboretum last weekend for the first time in about 15 years. [g]. I now have to go more often. I want to go after snow and then in the spring too. I saw a Fothergilla by the entry gate, that was planted in 1934 and it was in excellent shape. And an 'Elizabeth' Magnolia that was huge. I did not know how large they get. I hope I can get there to see it bloom. I've been wanting a witch hazel for the longest time. I think I have a place for it, but it's not full sun. I think that has to go on my list for the spring. 'Arnold's Promise' seems to be the one i want, but I do like that 'Winter Champagne', Claire. I really want fragrance and big flowers. OH, right - leaf retention. I really don't want leaf retention. Now I remember why I haven't bought one yet. [g] The only thing I have blooming indoors right now, is Rosemary. I can't find my camera. I should be finishing up my seed order right now, but I'm going around in circles, on what to order from who. Oh well, back at it.