I think I would have stocked my freezer with fresh beef! What I wouldn't give to see that video of you chasing the cattle out of your garden. One might be able to laugh about it now, but at the time I'd bet your blood pressure was up there. I hope they didn't mess up your markers so you have a lot of unknown seedlings. But I guess a nice one that is unknown is better then a dead one that you know the parents to.
You sure are a good sport to go through all that this year, and can still be optimistic about next year's bloom. Good for you.
But I'm betting you aren't going to feel bad about this year coming to an end as far as gardening goes.
Those new seedlings sure did take off once the weather cooled off. I think sometimes when they look bad on top, they're putting down deep roots that help them out later.
As usual, I'd be hard pressed to pick just one favorite from the seedlings that survived. You have some really nice form going on, and I don't think I'd kick any of them out to the compost pile.
