Annie's Annuals has lovely plants, but like the PP mentioned they are not very well suited for this climate. To their credit, they give good descriptions of growing conditions. It is a fantastic resource for rare plants.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, everyone! 19:52-- Do you grow bearded irises or Japanese irises? The Japanese seem more popular around here, but I have a huge sentimental attachment to bearded irises because of my grandmother. Wondering about the success of bearded irises in this climate.

Bearded irises have done really well for me here.

My favorite, favorite by far (little plants, not seeds) is anniesannuals.com.

Caveat; I used them in another climate zone. But they are worth looking at--the catalog is drool-worthy!

I also +1 on brent and becky's bulbs. The pink oxalis…lovely.

Re starting from seed, I just bought off amazon a seed starter kit. I wanted one with a little heating pad but with that kit, the reviews said it was hard to transplant. So I got the Jiffy cell blocks one that comes with the little peat things.

I think there are fancier ways to do it, but this is pretty basic if you want to start out.

Tall bearded irises do very well here: that's the type I grow. They need a spot with good sun, and some afternoon shade is helpful so the petals don't fry.
I have not had much trouble with iris borers, but the rain can put a damper on peak bloom time.

Thanks, everyone! 19:52-- Do you grow bearded irises or Japanese irises? The Japanese seem more popular around here, but I have a huge sentimental attachment to bearded irises because of my grandmother. Wondering about the success of bearded irises in this climate.

+1 for Southern Exposure Seed Exchange. I bought their seeds from a MOMs grocery store locally last year, and they did really well. Also had a good variety.

Burpee Seeds

Santa Rosa Gardens: small, healthy plants and great prices
Flowers by the Sea: the most amazing salvias, very nice people
Almost Eden Nursery: a class act
Bluestone Perennials
Naylor Creek: for hostas
Karchesky Cannas
Select Seeds: for both plants and seeds
Chamblee Rose Nursery
David Austin Roses
Schreiners Gardens: irises
Maryott Gardens: spectacular day lilies
Swan Island dahlias
Old House Gardens: heirloom dahlias and bulbs
Cross Country Nurseries: phenomenal selection of tomato, chile and eggplant seedlings
Baker Creek Heirloom seeds
Territorial Seed
Johnny's Selected Seeds
Tomato Growers Supply
Seeds of Italy
Seed Savers Exchange
Summer hill Seeds
Southern Exchange

I have ordered from these places over the years and have been happy with them.

Pinetree Seeds www.superseeds.com

Very good prices and the number of seeds in their packets is much more suited for the home gardener than other catalogs. I've been using their seeds for many years and have always been very happy.

And my third option is:

http://www.lazyssfarm.com/storefront.htm

Everything I have ever gotten from them has been great.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange sells seeds for plants that do well in this area. I have also purchased their new book and, even as an experienced gardener, I found it to be worth the money because it discusses plant varieties and planting dates that work locally.

I second Brent and Becky's Bulbs and a place with good products.

https://store.brentandbeckysbulbs.com/

They are in Gloucester, VA

What are your favorites or ones you've had good luck with? I'm determined to get my garden plans going early enough to start some things from seed and not have to pay top dollar for plants at a nursery-- and get better selection with the exact plants and colors I want.

Also, any tips for starting flowers from seed?