We hope you will enjoy growing Scarborough's Official flower as a reminder of our 200th birthday. These seed kit are produced by the Scarborough Horticultural Society.

A member of the buttercup family, this graceful perennial grows 30 to 60 centimetres (1 to 2 feet)
in height. Its range is broad, from the Northwest Territories, south to Florida and Texas. It is typically found in the wild on wooded hillsides, rocky ledges and outcrops.

The botanical name 'Aquilegia is derived from the Greek word 'aquila' meaning 'claws of the eagle' referring to the shape of the bloom. The drooping scarlet and lemon yellow flowers bloom from April to June and have 5 long curved spurs that provide nectar to hummingbirds and long tongued insects. The three lobed leaves are blue green in colour on wiry stems.
 

The seed in the kit haveen prechilled prior to packaging. The bottom of your pot has a filter cloth that will hot your soil in place while allowing for water to pass through. Moisten your potting mix with water until it is wet, but not soggy. Pour hot water over the seeds in a shallow dish and drain. This will help soften the outer shell and hasten germination. Place the seeds on top of the potting mix; do not cover, and place under lights or in a bright location as germination is improved by light. Keep your seeds, constantly moist at a temperature of 20-24° celcius or 70-75° F. Covering the pot with clear plastic will help retain moisture, and prevent the young seedling from drying out. Columbines do best in moist rich, well drained soil in light shade. Try planting your wild columbine 30 centimetres (1 foot)  apart in front of the mixed bed, lightly shaded woodland setting or beside a pond. Keep well watered thoughout the growing seaon.

My Scarborough floral emblems is finally starting to spread. 
 

The clematis is doing well. They had many more flowers than last year.

The tulips did well.

A tray of thymes for the pond area.

butterfly from Ikea...neat