The term 'hardy' does not mean that they will not go dormant. It simply means that they are perennial to that zone, and will come back from the roots. Look for the term 'evergreen' if you want something that does not die back to the root system. You won't need to water them during the winter, unless you end up in some kind of terrible, month-long drought. All of my tender perennials (and everything else for that matter) are always mulched, not for protection from the elements but for the benefit of the soil/root systems.

Paula, Thank you for the offer but I don't collect gobs and gobs of seeds. I just collect a few seed heads of things I think others might like to grow and a few for myself for the next year if they are annuals. I shouldn't say this here on the garden web but I toss most seeds in the trash as I am cleaning up my gardens ( take a deep breathe, stop gasping...lol). I think this year I will collect more than usual because I feel like a cheap skate when I see some of the other seed packets in swaps...lol I have added the petunias to your gift package and again, thank you for the offer. I will pass this time though. Lisa

Hey Everyone ! Don't be shy....if there's anything on my list that you want, please let me know and I'll bring it especially for you. Otherwise, I won't be bringing everything that I have listed. I have a long list above, and maybe a couple of single messages with one or two things that I discovered after making the main list. Here's another one.... I think I have some pink trumpet vine plants coming up in the yard. http://www.klru.org/ctg/plant/name/Pink_Trumpet_Vine/ want one ? write soon ! Please email directly to guarantee I see it. patty

Well, I'd say no...because you dont' want to stimulate new growth, it's time for them to think about winter rest not spring growth :) If you are having to water a lot (and thus leach minerals) and you're in a potting mix and not soil....you might consider some weak feeds of high PK fertilizer (low to no nitrogen), like 3-20-20. But unless you're needing to water every day, I probably wouldn't bother with it. It is September after all (well essentially).