Interesting slideshow

[Big Lou]

http://www.hgtvgardens.com/perennia...&c32=31e73b2d278d8a260521e2b1e43f5b7f8dfc3dee

 

[Sheal]

Thank you Big Lou. I noticed Coneflowers on the list. They may be difficult to kill but I've found them equally difficult to grow from seed this year. I've made three attempts using three different methods to germinate seed but they failed.

 

[Big Lou]

I've only grown them from plants. Really do not have great luck with seeds.

 

[IcyBC]

I recognize many of them on the list and I also have some of them in my garden. Not only they are hard to kill, they also like to spread

 

[grouie]

. They are such beauties I have a few of them in my garden. Most of what I have in my garden are perennials.

 

[Trellum]

Lol, not suprised to see daisies in that list, where I live now they grow like weeds! My aunt has a whole little patch of them in the backyard! Those things are tough!Of course she hasn't tried to get rid of them because they are actually pretty

 

[gata montes]

I noticed Coneflowers on the list. They may be difficult to kill but I've found them equally difficult to grow from seed this year. I've made three attempts using three different methods to germinate seed but they failed.

Although this may not be the case - but you have me thinking that perhaps the problems you are experiencing may have something to do with what time of year you sowed the seeds and especially so if they were sown in early springtime .

The reason being - that as coneflowers are perennials and the majority of perennial seeds are what are known as cold germinators - meaning that the seeds need to go through a cold spell in order to break their dormancy - they are all generally sown outdoors somewhere between autumn and late winter - which is especially so in the case of coneflowers - as they are generally extremely easy to grow from seed and normally germinate relatively quickly - if sown at the right time of year

 

[DeborahJane]

Although this may not be the case - but you have me thinking that perhaps the problems you are experiencing may have something to do with what time of year you sowed the seeds and especially so if they were sown in early springtime .

The reason being - that as coneflowers are perennials and the majority of perennial seeds are what are known as cold germinators - meaning that the seeds need to go through a cold spell in order to break their dormancy - they are all generally sown outdoors somewhere between autumn and late winter - which is especially so in the case of coneflowers - as they are generally extremely easy to grow from seed and normally germinate relatively quickly - if sown at the right time of year

Would that possibly apply to sunflowers, gata montes? I threw down lots of seed a few months ago but haven't seen a "dicky-bird" or even a sunflower. It's winter here so hope that classes as a cold spell.
I also planted some tall coneflowers on my red and yellow garden. I just notices that they are still standing there quite tall but looking very dead. Should I leave them or cut back? It's a bit busy in that garden so I'm sure to forget where I planted them. I know I could put a marker but it would have to be a tall one so that is why I've left them...not sure what to do so I'm letting them be their own marker!!

 

[gata montes]

Oh my - as looking at the date of your post is a very firm reminder to me of just how quickly time flies - firstly I must apologize for taking so long to reply.

Anyways - onto the sunflower seeds - although they are generally regarded as annuals and therefore the seeds are usually sown in early spring - as I'm one of those who very much believes in let nature do its work - as sunflowers more often than not drop their seeds in the autumn - I think it quite likely that you may well see some from your winter sowing - providing of course - that you don't have torrential rains that could either wash them away or cause them to rot.

No problem with the cone-flowers - as whether you leave the dead foliage on or not - is really a matter of choice - as regardless of which choice you make - they come back each year looking as glorious as ever

 

[DeborahJane]

Thanks Gata Montes. I'll take your tack and let Mother Nature do her thing. Hopefully I'll see some sunflowers popping up when the sun pops up.

 

[Pat]

I am happy to see the Hosta on this list as a strong plant. I will plant some in the front but I know if I am not here they will not get taken care of. So these will have a chance of surving, good to know.