Why do we ever strive to get a garden at all with plants not naturally belonging to the landscape ;D
For example, why should I want to grow Yuccas in my garden - creating a lot of work and trouble for myself! It is unbelievable - but very fun ;D ;D
Hope
I know the feeling. I am mulling over ordering seed of Eritrichiums and Kelseya yet again. The last time I did this none even germinated. That was before I knew how dry the seeds had to be kept to prevent rotting. Even though I failed miserably before, I still want to try again. This is the case even though I know the heat and humidity of summer would almost surely kill them.
Sometimes unexpected successes occur which compels us to roll the dice once again. For example, as a bonus I received Penstemon whippleanus in an order. I did not think it could survive in my climate since it hails from 10,860 feet. However, I now have six of them growing in pots. I had to move them into the shade when heat became an issue. This made them somewhat lanky. However, they are still alive. Maybe next year I will find them a better semi-shady spot where they can grow stronger and flower. Successes like this make me think, if I can get this species to survive then what else could I grow from the same cold windy habitat.
James