SEA PINKS:  Also listed as A. canescens, this species produces of tight rosette of leaves on the ground then sends up wiry stems crowned with pinkish/light purple flowers resembling small straw-flowers.  Plants grow 30-40 cm tall.   Ideal for the rock garden, the flowers appear in late June and continue on until September.  Best planted in groups for effect.  Full sun and well-drained soils suit it best.  Start seeds in containers in April/May and transplant out.  Cover the seeds with .5 cm of soil.  We have not tried to direct seed this species, not sure if that will work in our climate.  60 seeds.  P434