Foxglove, delphinium, candytuft are all interesting and sound fun. I've just started on Garden Web, have a few seeds, but don't know how to post them. Let me know what to do next! Thank you!

Dee, it is funny you should mention that. I planted Joe Pye Weed last year in another location. It is on a little rise and the water runs off there. I thought it was supposed to be drought tolerant, but this year, it has suffered with the drought more than most other plants in that bed. I love aconitum too Dee. I have tried winter sowing seed two years now without success. I have heard they are slow to start, but I may break down and look for one this fall to add. That might be one plant that will work in that area but I will need more, because the back runs at least 15 feet maybe more. I do like Kerrias, I will think about that one too. Donna...I actually have two Ninebarks in that bed, further over and in the middle. One is the SSWine and the other is Dart's Gold. I really am enjoying those shrubs. The information I read on them, suggested that the first few years, you should cut them back hard to get a bushier fuller shrub, which I have done. So they are really short this year. Maybe shorter than 3 feet. I am wondering if I should consider moving them to the back of that area.

Want to expand your z5 semitropical and "tropical" options? Indiana Rick's website is inspirational! So many usefulul ideas there. I agree don't give up until you've tried it 3x and tested some tricks! Hardy Tropicals for Zone 5 !!!!! http://www.manchestergardenclub.com/rick/Tropicals/Tropicals.htm ________ Mulched here now in my more "gentle" z8b, until I have a backup clump stored to go "cold turkey". No the impressive Canna 'Durban" = 'Tropicanna' doesn't throw lower red spires! That's a compact Lobelia 'Starship Red' which has nice contrasting rich green leaves. This Cardinal Flower was easy to grow from seed* (as are Canna) and gets the hummingbirds darting all around to enhance the tropical theme. I like L. 'Vulcan Red' as well to for contrast. Dark maroon leaved and also more compact than L. 'Queen Victoria' with no staking needed. * After using many over the years, the best seed starting method that I've used over the years is a biodome and sponge block system or similar. Works best with heatmats and bright plant light. Effective, efficient, durable, flexible, and small footprint. http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/4412727/looking-for-a-reliable-seed-starting-system

OK, looks like everyone is as busy as I am. Hate to let my sister down, as I said I would check this board every day, but alas, Tomorrow starts two (2) weeks of the state high stakes testing. The pressure and stress is sooooo heartbreaking. I teach 5th grade, I had 2 boys crying on Friday over something really insignificant, but you know it's the pressure of these D**** tests. They are so worried they wont be able to go to middle school with their friends. I've been in meetings all week signing my life away that I wont look at the test, etc. Now I have to turn in a seating chart of my testing environment, signing that they were 3 feet apart and not able to cheat. Sorry for rambling, but I really get angry, our politicians have forgotten these are children and not all children are college material. I'm going to give the next two (2) names, because this will really be a busy week.... first....triciae then... hostabuff thanks for letting me vent, hope everyone has a great week. It is starting to look like spring here, so the next couple of weeks should be great. Patty