Hi gvozdika, Germinating schisandra seems pretty simple. Making sure to soak the dry seed overnight in warm water is suppose to help them germinate more quickly. Some literature suggest that some cold stratification will help to get better germination and I am trying both methods. I am also trying to root them as hardwood(dormant) cuttings now and will also try them as softwood (growing) cuttings this summer. I have several good sources for cuttings which really helps. I'll let you know how they do. I am also trying something new this time by using willow water as a rooting stimulant/hormone which many say will improve the success and speed at which they root. Time will tell! The seed I have received from three sources were dry seed and removed from their berries. They are a strange seed almost horseshoe shaped. I'll also let you know how the germination trials go. Mark

Steady on Funnel - I'm not sure our cousins would appreciate that Strine earthiness. If you open up the photo and click the little magnifying glass you will see that either those are lenticels or they are a variety of teeny weeny scale which likes to live in colonies of unparalleled neatness. It's usually best not to be too emphatic on these forums. Lots of posters start off certain of themselves but discover there are more things in heaven and earth ..... bboy and saltcedar both have distinctive voices on these forums and we are used to them. Most often they are right. Sometimes they're wrong and then they acknowledge it. They don't insult the people who taught them something new.

If I had several of each species, I would plant out some in the ground as soon as they are ready to move, or at least sometime this spring or early summer, and keep some reserves in pots. I think they'll grow faster in the ground and if they are in their permanent location you'll avoid future transplant shock. However, in the ground animals and insects may get to them, so a few in a pot as insurance are a good idea, I think. Make sure to build good trellises especially for the trumpet creeper, which is a long-lived, large vine that requires a sturdy support. I recommend at a minimum a 4x4 post sticking 5 or 6 feet out of the ground with 2 or 3 feet in the ground (start with an 8 ft post). The trumpet creeper can climb a flat surface, while the others need something to twine around, such as a fence, bush, strings, etc.

ArborBluffGirl.....Thanks for your details re. the Crossvine. I actually quite like the look of it so it might be a choice between that and the Honeysuckle! However, in the end it will probably come down to which is the least rampant! LOL!!! Loris.....I am only just "discovering" the benefits of native plantings so am not to religious whether its native to the State or country! I am (unintentionally) looking at plants that are native to the State but there are also so many things that aren't! Oh the decisions!!! LOL! I have to admitt that I am leaning towards the Honeysuckle as I have always loved the thought of them but always thought they were SUPER invasive so have stayed clear!