I don't know what to tell you :-) First, I'd never recommend buying anything from anyone that can't supply the correct botanical name. The photo of the "Japanese Wonderflowers" looks a lot Mirabilis jalapa, commonly known as 4 o'clocks and could be a bastardization of that name (mirabilis in Latin translates to 'wonderful'). These are a semitropical tuberous plant that is only marginally hardy in cold climates like yours. It does tend to reseed freely, though. Second, no ferns flower! This plant is Incarvillea delavyi or hardy gloxinia but it too will be only marginally hardy for you as well. You might want to grow this in a container and bring indoors for winter. And FWIW, I'd not consider either of these true 'bulbs'.

I agree, Biosphere is the place to start. It is near Winter Garden, and is well worth a drive from anywhere in this area for selection. You need to call ahead, though, to be sure they are open. At least the last time I went, they were not open every day (to the public). Rudbeckia triloba is a native Florida rudbeckia that does fantastic here. It is a bienniel and blooms the second year, but it seeds readily, and you will always have some blooming once you get it going. Another of my favorite natives is seaside goldenrod. I got one plant from Biosphere years back, and I've had some volunteers in my yard ever since. You might want to consider a small tree or shrub or two for instant impact. Hamelia patens is a good butterfly attractor, native plant, orange flowers and attractive foliage. You can get it at Biosphere, too. Hope you get a chance to check them out. Enjoy yourself! Marcia (google for directions and hours, or phone number to call)

As far as running underground is concerned, it is black and white: M. sacchiflorus runs, M. sinensis does not. 'Sinensis" means of or from China (think of "sino"), and the origin of M. sinensis is Asian, not North American. Lynn Steiner is talking about M. sacchiflorus - also Asian. I suspect she included it in her book because it sometimes appears to be growing wild here. There has been much confusion between the two species, especially in earlier years, and as is the usual case, it is difficult to shake the influence of literature written in that enigmatic time. Previously, I said sinensis does not seed in Minnesota, and for all practical purposes that is true. However, you may find an odd seedling of this Miscanthus, but it would be the rare exception, especially in a "wild" garden such as yours. M.sinensis 'Purpurescens' is an old cultivar, but still VERY good. It grows 3-4 ft. It's called Flame Grass because of its wonderful fall color. It also tends to be less fountainlike and spreading in its leaf arrangement, and more upright than most MS. Also readily available at nurseries. As a side note, epithets like sinensis, kentuckiensis, artica, koreana, etc. usually, but not always explain a species true origin. Sometimes it is just the first place it was "discovered" and named with botanical latin. Rick

Just a reminder that the free annual Julian Wildflower Show will be held this week, Thursday, May 7 through MotherÂs Day, Sunday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and will feature more than 100 colorful varieties of regional wildflowers. The flowers are hand picked from private properties in the local mountains and deserts and displayed in the historic town hall. Tours for K-12 classes will be offered on Thursday and Friday. Books and seeds for sale. More info below or at www.julianca.com. Here is a link that might be useful: Julian Wildflower Show on eventful.com