RE: Zones

Thanks for the info.  I'll have to keep this for future reference.

Did someone mention a snickers bar?
Craig Wallace
craig.wallace@emotors.com
Brighton, Illinois
Zone 5 (old zone)

"I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose, I would always greet it in a
garden." -Ruth Stout


> ----------
> From: 	Beth and Bob Matney[SMTP:bmatney@mail.snider.net]
> Reply To: 	perennials@mallorn.com
> Sent: 	Thursday, May 13, 1999 3:06 PM
> To: 	perennials@mallorn.com
> Subject: 	Zones
> 
> There are several zones systems un use in the USA. Two are rated on
> average
> minimum winter temperatures: The USDA and the Arnold Arboretum. At one
> time
> there was some difference between maps of the two but the one from the
> Arnold Arb. has been modified and they are now essentually the same, with
> the USDA being the most frequently used.. you will still need to be
> careful
> with the older books.
> 
> Recently (like in the past couple of years) the American Horticultural
> Society published the AHS Heat Zone system that is based on average number
> of days a year that the temperature is above 86 F. The reason for this is
> that the USDA Winter Hardiness are insufficient here in the South...
> Summer
> being the leading season of loss. There was never any intent to replace
> the
> USDA winter zone system. Several scientists that I know challenge the AHS
> system, but it is a start...
> 
> Then of course there is the Sunset system. Published by Sunset Press, it
> has been the dominant system in the Western States with yet a different
> climate that the rest of us. The main problems with it is complexity and
> that it is proprietary to a commercial publisher who have copyright issues
> at heart. Details about the methodology are trade secrets.
> 
> And then there is the Bailey's Ecoregion system designed for the ecologist
> and not the gardener! You want details, let me know.
> 
> The USA is a big country, with lots of climates. No one system as
> currently
> divised is sufficient. To keep it simple, maps are also simplified and
> microclimates can make a big difference. All the systems are simply
> languages that allow gardener's to communicate better.. or at least they
> are supposed to...
> 
> Now if you REALLY want to get confused, try understanding all the system
> in
> use in other countries! (Hey big boy: I've got this lovely collection of
> maps... snicker, snicker)
> 
> The perennial ;-) nature of these questions remind my that I need to get
> my
> rear in gear and get the Garden Climate webpage up....
> 
> Take care.
> 
> Beth Matney <bmatney@mail.snider.net)
> central Arkansas USDA zone 7b (min.temp 5F)
> AHS zone 8 (90-120 days > 86F)
> Sunset zone 33
> Koppen climate group Cf
> Bailey's Ecoregions 231/M231 -
>   Subtropical Division
>   Southeastern Mixed Forest Province/Ouachita Mixed Forest
> 
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