GGG Wish I could remember all of them, but my records were lost in a fire in 2002. However, the plants I purchased from Dan were mostly Aroids(Arisaema, Arum). Helleborus and Asarum. Of course, the Aroids he had were non-native and were Japanese & Chinese species, which I now import directly and most do well here. All of the Helleborus, except one species, has survived, The one that didn't was H. x nigercors and I can't determine the cause, as I grow about a dozen other species(including both of it's parents). without establishing special growing conditions for them. The Asarum's were from the PNW, China and Japan. Most of the Asian species do well, but there are tender species, that have to be overwintered in the GH. The PNW species(five) require special attention and then there is no guarantee of success, I still have 3 of those(as of last year!) that are growing. A fungus, of unknown type or origin, killed about 30 species of my Asarum collection a few years ago. Included in the carnage were hundreds of SE natives, including, but not limited to, the so-called Callaway Ginger(Asarum shuttleworthii, var. harperi), a rhizomatous species. Application of every available type of fungicide was usless. An Ecologist who examined the area, surmised that the origin of the fungus was from decaying tree roots of a nearby tree that was struck by lightning or a dormant soil fungus energized by the tremendous heat generated by the electrical current flow of the lightning bolt. He also stated that it would probably require several years for the infection to subside, so the area remains fallow, except for a few Hosta and Ferns, which weren't affected. But, I digress! Sorry that I can't be more specific, but without records and the considerable damage to the garden by fireman(very excusable!) and the subsequent reconstruction by 3 successive, uncaring(& mostly unqualified!) contractors, our garden (and our lives) were changed tremendously. Am hopefully looking forward to a day when all of that is a distant memory. Rb

I am the sun perennial booth chair for the cincinnati civic garden center, and have been doing this for 7 years now. We have been working hard to make the plant sale bigger and better this year. We have alot more corporate funding from Toyota who sponsored us for the first time last year. They were very pleased with the outcome and they even sold two of the cars they had on display there that were full of flowers We have herbs, natives, shade perennials, sun perennials, hostas, grasses, waterplants, annuals, hanging baskets, and all kinds of good stuff. I invite everyone to come and to note that the free admission days are Saturday April 30 from 9-3 and Sunday May 1st from 11-3. Its a great day of fun and plants and you are helping to raise funds for the Civic Garden Center too which is non profit. By all means anyone going please stop by Sun Perennials and look me up!!

Hi Deb- We've gone for the last few years, Anne-Marie is right.One room has garden displays, the other is full of vendors. The garden displays are geared mostly toward sales of patio blocks it seems, but I love to go because it puts me in the spring mood (watch out for that new mulch smell). As far as the vendors, there are a lot of crafts and outdoor-type vendors (awnings, garden equipment) and very few plant sales; I can remember an african violet vendor I think. Still, I really enjoy it because it means spring is arriving. We'll probably go Friday evening to avoid the crowds. If you enjoy floral arrangements, the New York State Museum has New York in Bloom this weekend. All the arrangements are placed in amongst the regular exhibits. BTW- Happy birthday! Hope your winter sowing is going well, and don't forget about those dwarf siberian irises waiting for you come spring! Here is a link that might be useful: New York in Bloom

I'll do a quick trip through the exhibit area if they are done judging, but most of my time will be spent in the sales area. I like to arrive when the sales area first opens. If past history holds, I'll be there @ 1 hour and go home broke but happy :) Bob