Re: Warm Greetings from Cold Vermont

George, Here in my part of Georgia they're calling for 6 degrees F. tonight and 15-20 MPH winds. I'm sure there are many plant that will be "tested" with these temps. , especially those that are not protected in the nursery. I'm now growing some shrubs both evergreen and deciduous. Some plants that I really am interested in seeing survive are some agaves that were planted in beds in May. Also bananas, with 3 feet of pine straw covering them.

On the other hand, this afternoon I worked in the greenhouse where it was 85 degrees. Off came the heavy clothes and up came some windows. Sometimes this can be the most enjoyable time of year in the greenhouse.

Stay Warm, Richard

Tyrone, GA  Zone 7

Pine Forest Gardens Grower of Quality Hostas
On Line Catalog
http://pineforestgardens.com

>Hello shade gardeners! 3 below zero here in Marshfield with a guarantee
>of 10 below by morning. We've been at less than 32 degrees since New
>Years Day. We are used to this but I know that 10 above in Georgia is
>not welcomed. Today in 1857 it was 38 below and the high for the day reached -17. You see, we are making progress! 

>In recent years we have seen many reports of people pushing the zone limits and being very successful with plants that just weren't supposed to survive. I'm wondering if there are any stories out there of plants that have been successful in zones 4 or 3 that were billed as 5 or above? Each year I want to give the Arum italicum a try in my lower shade garden. I never want to part with $15 to try a few but really should. Same holds true with some of the Cyclamens--hederofolium may be the name of one. I'm not familiar with any but do enjoy seeing their pictures in catalogs. If they were successful here I'd want hundreds.....a dream.
>
>So, on a cold night in lots of places, any thoughts on pushing the
>limits? Perhaps instances where the original zone classification was clearly wrong?
>
>George Africa
>Vermont Flower Farm
>256 Peacham Pond Road
>Marshfield VT 05658-8099
>Tel. 802-426-3505
>FAX 802-426-3706
>Zone 4

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