Those of us with gardens in Connecticut, especially along the sound, have always been on the edge of things warmer. We dreamed of warmer weather plants such as camellias, sweet box, gold dust plant and crape myrtle in our coastal gardens. A few brave gardeners have planted these southern beauties in protected corners and gone to great lengths to protect their prized garden gems from winter’s cold fingers. Now with warmer temperatures and winters moderating, these garden beauties can be included in our plant palette.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) just issued the latest Plant Hardiness Zone Map for the United States. The revised map now shows some regions of Connecticut which used to be a Zone 6b are now a Zone 7a. This means that some of those Zone 7 plants that you have always desired growing will now survive in certain locations. Read more……