ALPINE ASTER:   One of the showiest low-growing species in our plots, this plant did phenomenal during the dry summer of 2002. Loads of purple, pink and white flowers with a yellow centre appear in late spring and continue on through the summer. Plants grow from 20-40 cm tall and are tufted - slowly forming large clumps that can be divided each spring. Full sun and rather dry soils suit them best. Seeds can be sown direct in late fall or early spring or started in containers for transplanting later. Cover seeds with .5 cm of soil. Great for the rock garden or border area.  100 seeds.  P436