Daniel asks…
What’s a good zone 9 gardening book?
GardenersCardiff answers:
Better Homes and Garden prints one. Google their site for information on how to find the book.
George asks…
Best perennials for Metrowest, MA zones 5-6?
I want to start a perennial garden in a area of zones 5-6. I want longblooming, hearty perennials. The area is generally full sun to part-shade. Any suggestions?
GardenersCardiff answers:
You are in a lovely temperate range that should support many old favorite perennials. I have no experience with the specifics of East Coast gardening since I’m from the Midwest but I have done alot of reading ( and planting) and going purely off the hardiness map I think a number of the following old reliables will probably thrive for you. They are all cheerfully low maintenance, to the extent that can ever be said about gardening. Most will spread or self sow or both. You would do well to get a nice perennial book. I recommend The Rodale Illustrated Encyclopedia of Perrennials. It is packed with all sorts of useful information in a very useable format. A list of plant suggestions follows;
Tall Garden Phlox
Rudbeckia (Brown Eyed Susan)
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Shasta Daisy
Monarda (Bee Balm or Bergamot)
Asters
Campanula
Platycodon (Balloon flower)
Daylily
Hybrid Lilies
Mallow
Sedum
Russian Sage
Salvia
Hollyhocks
Joe Pye weed
Columbine
Astilbe
Tiarella
Iris
Bleeding Heart
Hosta Lily
Peony
Rose
Honeysuckle
Clematis
Wisteria
Azalea
Ferns
I’m sure there are many more and this is an eclectic yet incomplete list. I really recommend a good book for researching light and other requirements. Still these are simple and sturdy plants and this is something to start dreaming on. Have a wonderful time. I love a new garden!
William asks…
gardening zone map for texas?
GardenersCardiff answers:
The zones have shifted slightly.
Only the Arbor Day Foundation includes the updated weather information in their zone chart. The USDA collected it in 2004, but the current administration blocked them from releasing it. (since it actually is more evidence toward global warming – they don’t want discussion – they only want to suppress information apparently)
So the Arbor Day Foundation went and collected the same data (from the same sources) and compiled it themselves.
The USDA did release a “new” zone map, but basically it merely broke down zones into a/b sections, and shows some microclimates (more detailed) – HOWEVER – it is based on the old (1990) data, not the new data.
You can see the new Zone Hardiness Chart here:
http://www.arborday.org/treeinfo/zonelookup.cfm
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Maria asks…
What gardening zone is the state of Michigan in?
GardenersCardiff answers:
Zone 6 if you live in the southern half. Zone 5 if you live in the top half. (roughly)
But when buying plants, it’s best to go with plants that will survive one zone NORTH of you, just to make sure they survive the occasional nasty winter. Or, if you’re in Zone 5, and you plant something that only goes to zone 5 – put in in a spot that is somewhat protected from the prevailing winter winds. (which usually come from the north and west in michigan)
Mark asks…
Gardening question about hardiness zone and high altitude?
I am having trouble determining my zone for where I live…
I live near Crater Lake, OR at about 5600′- this is my first Spring up here and I want to plant some…
So any tips? What’s my zone? (I think its maybe a 6?)
The resort I live/work at is smack dab in a forest…. haha
GardenersCardiff answers:
According to the Arbor Day Foundation you should be in zones 6-7.
Http://www.arborday.org/treeinfo/ZoneInfo.cfm?ZipCode=97604&submit=Look+it+up%21
Do you have any nurseries near by that can tell you what would work for your local area? They would be your best source of information.
Thomas asks…
how do i create a garden with plants from various zones and have it work?
OK, i live in phoenix, Arizona and I’m from Salem, Oregon….. i hate living here but honestly my finances say oh well, but i have a small back yard and want to beautify it. my problem is that now i live in a dessert i have to do things that i never had to do before. like for example major pH balancing. my major problem is that I’m good with plants but i never really had to follow the zone rule because i could grow just about anything in Salem. in phoenix……..not much and it has been quite a kick in the ego when it comes to my plants. i live in downtown phoenix and have a very small back yard (approx 15′ X 25′ ) and i want GREEN! i cant build a green house enclosure over the back yard because i unfortunately am limited by a home owner association (which by the way is some thing I’ve never experienced) but i still want beautiful plants that i used to have. any help would be appreciated and if you need further detail in regards to my plant selection please, just ask. i have many more questions regarding this subject and also with pH balancing because it is something i have never had to do in such a drastic amount. thanks, Cameron.
GardenersCardiff answers:
Going to be difficult to reproduce a Salem garden in Phoenix. One can usually fudge a bit with the hardiness zone recommendations, but the Oregon and Arizona climates are significantly different in soils, temperatures, humidity, heat units, and just about everything else.
But you can probably get your green garden using plant species adapted for your new area. Below are some Master Gardener sites in the Phoenix area which can give you ideas, plant recommendations, and sources for further information.
I have my soil tested through the University of Massachusetts, which do it for $13 a sample, are fast, easy, and give great soil conditioning recommendations. See the link below.
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