I have some peganum harmala seeds on hand, but I had a tough time getting them to sprout and stay alive. I should look into a more detailed growing technique (any tips?)

Illinois Bundleflower has been suggested, and after some research I'm shopping seeds. It appears to prefer a climate very similar to the one I have available. https://illinoiswildflowers.info/ mentions the foliage as having a high protein content as well (and appears to be edible) and I have been looking for a perennial salad green to include in my garden.

In terms of Morning Glories, I have had some past success with these, but have planted them too late in the season to see them to flowering. They are still a strong consideration, but with Hawaiian Baby Wood rose being significantly more potent, I am drawn to "jumping through some hoops" to cultivate that one.

Thanks for the suggestions-I'll certainly be giving bundle flower a go.

I have no experience growing mushrooms but I'm keen on giving it a try. You mention a rather hands off method of putting some spores into a woodchip pile, and I would like you to elaborate on that or offer more info. I actually have a big pile of woodchips from a tree waste company that dumps annually (I use it to mulch my beds). I wonder how long it would take from "seed" to produce with that method, and if I could do something like that in a greenhouse maybe?

Looks like you might be set up for woodloving mushrooms. If your wood chip deliveries are the right kind of wood (nothing too resinous) you have a few months to look into the best ways of starting before inoculating the bed in mid-autumn. Start in spring if your winters are particularly harsh.

There are a couple of good threads with rue cultivation tips. Sounds like you've had the same trouble as me in getting them beyond the seedling stage. They sprout pretty well after a couple of boils but not after toasting. Pretty remarkable, really. After that, too wet or too dry will kill them off - it's somehow ironic.

Surely
To start from spore is rather difficult and would require a whole set of knowledge and material. Much easier would be to buy a spawn bag (already colonized bag of rye, generally 1 or 2kg ). I always make the beds in the spring but autumn should be a good time too. Use freshly chip woodchips as much as possible (to be use within 1 week after being chipped). You can buy the spawn and keep it in the fridge until you get you chips delivered or so
Dig a bed 50x100cm (for exemple), 20cm deep. Put on layer of woodchip, sprinkler with the spawn (rye grain), another layer of woochip, another layer of spawn, ... until it's full.
As i do it in tthe spring, i get a poor flush the first year, and it starts to produce fully the following year. Condition for fruiting : a cold snap, like a small frost at the beginning of the fall ... 2 weeks after here they are!
tip : if you have a really dry and hot summer like here, don't water them. that only bring mold to develop. they are fine with no water

If you can't use wood chips that are a week or less old, submerge them in rainwater for a month or two - longer is also O.K.. They will start to smell funky (well, stink) but once they've soaked you'll rinse them thoroughly in fresh water anyhow. This soak time gives you a while to sort out the spawn and location. Large, sturdy plastic tubs work well if you have a good place to put them (shaded and sheltered from strong winds).