I understood what you meant about them drying out. Is the lady that shared them in the same zone as you?
I find it easier to start the seeds in a container. That way I can keep them moist till germination. In ground (and our local soil) there is a risk of it drying out and seedlings need moisture to germinate.
On the rosemary, I hope someone else will weigh in. I have never heard of cones or edible nuts on rosemary. Sorry...
