Grape Blosom Buds and Giant Sequoias

Grape Blosom Buds and Giant Sequoias
This morning I actually had time enough to stick my nose in the front yard to discover that most of the Sequoiadendron giganteum seeds had sprouted. The five-year-old grape vines are finally showing the first traces of flower buds as are the may apples, giant forget-me-nots, spanish thrift and squill. The princepia bushes and pentstemon flowers are in full bloom.
Several of the Nicotiana rustica seeds have sprouted. I saved them from plants that I grew last year. So far they have a much higher germination rate than the seeds that I got from Richters. Over several years I have had the repeated experience that seeds purchased from them are not viable, or only marginally so. I do not know the specifics, as to whether they were either poor in quality to begin with or whether they were just old or stored improperly by them.
A number of months ago we bought several types of papaya at the grocery store; washed saved and planted the seed. Today I noticed some of the seeds had sprouted. This is the first time I have been able to get any papaya seeds to germinate. I am very excited.
The American gold finches arrived back yesterday: today there were four adult males at our various feeders. I also heard the house wren today: it always has such a cheerful and bubbling call. I hope to keep you updated next week. MM.