I'm not sure which rudbekia you have - fulgida, hirta, and maxima , Sow at 20ºC (68ºF), if no germination in 3-4 wks, move to -4 to +4ºC (24-39ºF) for 2-4 wks Rudbeckia laciniata, nitida, occidentalis, and purpurea , Sow at 20ºC (68ºF), germination slow Silene virginica - Sow the seeds in prepared soil in the fall to allow exposure to winter conditioning. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and compact. (that means at least a moist chill, and a warm, chill, warm sequence may have been better yet for this self-seeder) Baptisia - Pour hot water over seeds, let soak 1-3 days until swelling noticeable. Sow at 20ºC (68ºF) for germination in more than two weeks. Sensitive to damping-off. If you've been having trouble with these, sow them immediately after gathering them from your existing plant, then give the seedlings the protection of a cool porch or garage their first winter - easy from very fresh seed.

I volunteer in a garden in which the Baptisia self sows readily any place we have not used pre-emergent. I am trying to give the seedlings to folks before someone decides to weed the area. They are from this past fall. The Silene regia I grew via winter sowing and got so many I gave containers with seedlings away. I am really hooked on that winter sowing for most of the natives...even found out that Cullina was correct in allowing the containers to remain undisturbed for more than two seasons. This year I had trilliums and three containers of Sol. seal that finally germinated. To me it is like a miracle...which is why I like native plants! Oh, Veronica, I think the stratification means AFTER the seeds are in the soil.

Except for pruning suggestions, they should act the same :-) Sapphire Indigo is a hybrid between a selection of C. integrifolia (a true herbaceous/groundcover clem) and a vining clematis (The President) so will behave intermediately between the two. March is not "late" for clematis reappearance :-) In fact, mine are just starting to produce swelling buds and I need to get out there asap to do some pruning!! Yours may have been stimulated into early growth due to the lack of a "real" winter much of the eastern half of the US experienced and some unseasonably warm temperatures. Also newly planted clems may be a bit later to appear or push new growth than those fully established. I'd just be patient for a few more weeks :-)

Thanks Folks for the lovely feedback. The Block is Called Up From Here created by Alyssa Lichner for Sew, Mama, Sew! I saw the image & was smitten. Like Donna saw it as a variation on Card Tricks, I saw it more a variation on Disappearing 9 Patch, the way the squares overlapped each other. Have you seen the word "Ginormous"? This block says it's 24.5" square, mine was hastily cut & assembled, quite imprecise I was w/ the indigo, across the middle, mine is measuring roughly 21" square. As to which are Batiks, counting from the Upper Left down to the Lower Right, blocks, 1, 3 & 5 are Batiks (just w/minimal crackle, except for the lower right block). #4 is a woven stripe (home spun, aka yarn dye). Good eye Colleen, #2 MAY be a block print. The fabric on the lower right came from a sundress I bought from thrift 'cause it had 3 different indigo batiks in it, this was one. Yes Latif, I know what you mean, having recently learned of those prized Japanese indigo quilts, almost the more patched, the more revered; quite fascinating. I don't have a lot of the feature fabrics, maybe fat Qtr of each, so far I have 1 other identical block's worth cut, am hoping to alternate blocks w/ another pair of blocks w/ a couple of other woven stripes or small checks.