Hardiness

Thanks for all your responses. It is true that this is a popular
subject, partly because our weather has changed a great deal in recent
years. As I raised my first two kids I told them the "when I was a boy"
stories and they showed great doubt of the truth. They just wouldn't buy
"40 below zero and snow higher than the top of the first story windows."

Two years ago it really snowed in many places including Vermont. I sent
pictures to my son in Seattle. His reply "Boy Dad, you're really getting
good manipulating those pictures with the computer." Truth was that it
did snow. This year we have 4 feet of snow on the ground here and it
hasn't been above freezing for over three weeks. Those issues change how
things grow.

The snow has been coming early and it insulates well. Spring seems to
come suddenly which means the plants are protected until they feel the
rapid temperature change. I think it is the fringe temperatures and the
freeze-thaw periods that do the damage. I'm interested in plants like
the arums because with some attention they may well survive zone 4. This
spring I will  try a couple different ligularias which aren't supposed
to make it here. I think I will try those arums and some cyclamen. If
they make it, I'll be pleased.



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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