Actually, this is probably about 90% of what I have for trough material. Some are just seedlings, and there is always things not listed that have come and gone-like my more poor Rhodiola. I wish I had jack rabbits intead of cottentails. Somehow they seem to be less enamoured by exotics. Draba athoa Erinus alpinus Gypsophila bungeana G. aretoides Achillea teretifolia Antennaria alpina A.howeli ssp. nedoioca A.rosea var. confinus A.neglecta var. gaspensis Aster coloradoensis Esobaria viviparia Pediocactus simpsonii Delospermum nubigeum Hesperis kotschyi Linaria tristis Pnstemon hirsutus var. pygmaeus Iris pumila 4-6inches Veronica gentiana V. armena Saxafraga crusata Semiaquilegia ecalcarata Adiantum venustum Buxus sempervirens Buxus sinica(microphylla) var. koreana Hosta venusta Fragaria vesca Ruegen no runners on mine Hepatica americana Iris cristata Mentha requienii Vancouveria hexandra Betula nana Sedum obtusifolium Sempervivum 'Bronco' S. 'May Imp' S. 'Red Ace' Chamaecyparis pisifera 'Minima' Picea abies 'Kellerman's Blue Cameo' With respect to hardiness, everything I have I expect or hope to be hardy here, but not in little pots sitting on the ground all winter. So they all go in my box. It's nice because I can go out on a "warm" day in January, open it up and pull out some bloodroot, or whatever for forcing. If I may gloat, one March our Society's banquet program was on Iris; I forced a dozen of my 5 inch Iris pumila and the timing couldn't have been better. And Lori, I would not call that parasitic - joining NARGS for the seed exchange. It's in their mission statement to "get the word out and promote rock gardening" or some such similar. Seems to me like that's what happens if you buy their seed. About donating to the seed exchange, I would encourage you Far Northers especially to participate, even if you think your plants are common. There is a good chance your strain is more cold hardy. If there is a lot of seed, what happens is your seed will get mixed with others. And everyone will have a chance at your really good stuff. I wouldn't be surprised if the seed exchange volunteers would take note of your area, and offer it as a seperate choice for those who need the extra cold hardiness. Rick

Anyone interested in the learning about the weedy potential of this plant may wish to visit this website: www.weeds.crc.org.au and do a search on "St Johns Wort", there is a PDF that can be downloaded called: "St Johns Wort: best practice management guide for environmental weeds". This plant is declared noxious in parts of Tasmania, Victoria, WA and NSW, which means its sale is prohibited in those areas. Broadly speaking, this plant is weedy in most parts of South Eastern Australia where the climate could be considered mediteranean. Here is an excerpt from the PDF, it is worth noting that the ecosystems most at risk (ie grassy woodlands) are already some of the most vulnerable ecosystems in Australia with less than 5% remaining, they are home to some of Australias rarest plants: "Species and ecosystems at risk: St Johnís wort is considered a threat to indigenous plants on private property, in national parks, state forests and other reserves. Understoreys of open Eucalyptus and Callitris woodlands in natural ecosystems are particularly at risk. Economic impact: St Johnís wort is a major weed of pastures because of its toxicity to stock and its ability to compete with desirable pasture species. However, 80% of current infestations occur in areas of indigenous vegetation, particularly open Eucalyptus woodlands. St Johnís wort is a common weed of water catchment and conservation areas and therefore poses a threat to natural ecosystems. The economic impacts have not been calculated." To those who are considering cultivating this plant, please consider the broader environmental impacts that decision may have! respectfully, mudlark

I have used those Argentina shrimp and think they taste more like lobster then a shrimp when butter dipped. That huge vein is roe in the shrimp, the vein lays under it. A lot of waste considering the heavy shell. They are unusually soft after còoking. My fish monger said he hears alot of complaints about texture. I have used them on and off for about a year. I always notice a much stronger smell from the opened bag and when cooking. Suspect they are not being handled carefully on the boat. None of the other kinds of shrimp have those issues. I worked in my family owned fish market for years, know fresh seafood does not smell. I will not buy the pink Argentina shrimp again.

It is no more invasive than any other shrubby form of St. John's wort but does have the ability to self-seed. But then so does H. prolificum, which is considered an invasive species in Connecticut where it has escaped from culitvation and has naturalized wild areas. The 'Magical' series has produced plants that offer a wide selection of berry colors and are in demand for the florist trade, as the berries are used in cut flower bouquets. It should also be more or less evergeen in a zone 8 climate.