Re: zone map with cities

**"* T* <m*@hort.net>**

Sorry if I whacked a nerve there, Dan.  I was thinking of the wildly
different zone designations I find online as I continually search for
mail order nurseries:-)  I must say, however, that around here, if a
plant is tagged with a zone designation, that tag is from a
nationally known wholesaler, not the local nursery.  Most plants are
not designated at all.

As far as I know, the US map only deals with average minimum low
temperatures - has no relation to any plant indicators.  Heck, that
would mean someone who actually knew something about plants was
involved...perish the thought:-)

Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@hort.net
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----------
> From: Dan Clost <dan.clost@sympatico.ca>
> 
> Hi Marge et al.
> I have no disagreement with anything in your post and, in fact,
have said
> much the same thing in my columns.
> I'm just being a titch overly sensitive about ..."just because some
nursery
> has put a zone number on a particular
> plant does not mean they will be able to grow it successfully or
that they
> will not." [The day job that supplements my writing income is in a
nursery.]
> Proper plant outlets will have a very good handle on which plants
will grow
> in their customers' gardens regardless of what zone is indicated on
the tag.
> Their staff  will do what you suggest we "garden communicators"
should do
> and that is to educate the customer/reader.
> IMHO the good guys will consider it a job well done if they talk a
customer
> out of buying an unsuitable plant.
> 
> There is no doubt that the revisions in the zone map (both American
and
> Candadian versions) are necessary. Global warming is a fact.  We
have seen
> many plants overwintering that did not  survive here two decades
ago and we
> are beginning to see some that are "browning out" in the summer.
> Perhaps some of you folk can answer this- does the USDA make use of
strictly
> climatic data or does it look at indicator plants as well?
> Thanks,
> Dan

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