Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Perennials - Ellen Phillips & C. Colston Burrell, hardback, ©1993, lots of color pictures Would be interested in this book if you find anything on my list. Have Stella D' Ora Day lily, some hostas and bearded iris, purple Tammy

I would say hold back a little and sow in stronger natural light and longer day length. Little will be gained by sowing now under lights, and may easily result in inferior plants. Impatiens come in tropical to hardy - annual to perennial and sub-shrubs. A striking perennial one to look out for is the 'Congo Cockatoo' Impatiens niamniamensis. A garden bedding type is the 'Novette Series' which are fast growing perennials usually grown as annuals. There are many other series, varieties and cultivars grown annually from seed for summer use outdoors and most may be pot grown in cool conditions with maximum light. Another spectacular species with silvery foliage and purplish-red flowers is 'Marianiae' It is tropical and will require a temperature into the 70sF. There are countless cultivars within the group "New Guinea Hybrids" All should be good for indoor cultivation given a light spot but not in direct sunlight. They are perennial but often treat as annuals to obtain fresh, vigorous plants each year. Grow Impatiens in a rapid-draining medium and water copiously during the summer months. Never let the roots stand in water. If keeping over winter reduce watering to keep the soil just moist. When propagating be it seed or cuttings keep the temperature even; a fluctuating temperature is not good particularly at this time. My Website Peter

Cannas are perennial in zones 8-10. They can be perennial in zone 7 if planted in well drained soil in a sunny spot with heavy mulch during winter. In lower zones, they can be grown as annuals and even houseplants if adequate lighting is supplied. Or they can be dug up and stored over winter.

Cannas are one of the least demanding plants in existence. They love lots of water, although they can handle mild droughts as well. When they really need water, youll notice that their leaves begin to curl slightly, forming a cup. They also love lots of sun, a minimum of four hours a day. The more water and the more sun they get, the bigger and the better theyll grow. They will also grow in any kind of soil with ease, although they prefer loose, well-drained, fertile soil. They also benefit from an all-purpose fertilizer monthly. Lots of compost, composted manure, etc., will produce larger and better plants.