New arborday.org Hardiness Zone Map reflects warmer climate
With several inches of snow on the ground, and freezing rain this morning, it's hard to think that spring is near, but our little groundhog friend slightly to the east said we'd have an early one this year. Over the past hundred years, the earth's climate has warmed, and that has changed what plants and trees can be grown in our area. Their press release reads, in part
Nebraska City, Neb. – Much of the United States has been warmer in recent years, and that affects which trees are right for planting.
Based on the latest comprehensive weather station data, The National Arbor Day Foundation has just released a new 2006 arborday.org Hardiness Zone Map which separates the country into ten different temperature zones to help people select the right trees to plant where they live.
The new map reflects that many areas have become warmer since 1990 when the last USDA hardiness zone map was published. Significant portions of many states have shifted at least one full hardiness zone. Much of Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, for example, have shifted from Zone 5 to a warmer Zone 6. Some areas around the country have even warmed two full zones.
Our area is now a solid Zone 6, and previously we were considered Zone 5. This means some plants you may not have 20 years ago because the didn't "do well" can now be planted here. At Crighton's Florist and Greenhouses, we grow most of what we sell, and carry a large selection of second year perennials (with a wide selection of hostas). Being the grower means we have in-depth knowledge of how to best plant and care for what's growing in your garden. Visit us online at www.crightonsflorist.com, or stop by our shop when it's time to plan your spring garden, and we'll be happy to help!
More information on the new hardiness zone map is available at http://www.arborday.org/media/zones.cfm.