We've had LOTS of goldfinches this fall but I've been hesitant to put up
finch feeders because I'm afraid we'll have thistle growing everywhere-is
that an issue for anyone with finch feeders?

Our goldfinches (and Ruby Crowned Kinglets---we had one hopping from plant
to plant not long ago) like the drought-tolerant plants we planted last
year:   

Rattlesnake Master (pretty cool-almost looks like a yucca)
http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/rattlesnakex.htm

Black eyed susan  
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudbeckia

Purple Coneflower
http://www.gpnc.org/purple.htm

Hummers love these two when they are in bloom, then the goldfinches like the
seeds:

Obedient Plant
http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/obed_plantx.htm

Bee Balm
http://altnature.com/gallery/beebalm.htm

These I'd recommend for anyone with a black thumb and who doesn't want to
bother watering much.  

Ready for spring,
W. Olsson
Baltimore, MD