Sunday, December 17, 2023

December Delights

Hallmark should come to our town to make holiday movies. On second thought, they should stay away so we don't have too many people so the locals can get our cups of cheer and tasty treats. Fine... I'm willing to share. Above is the view out of my window while it's snowing. Below is the small poinsettia I bought at the end of last year (clearance!) and kept for a year. I did nothing special, other than transplant it in a bigger pot. The long Minnesota nights are enough to trigger the color. Below that are two photos of berries in the snow, which is melting due to the sun and wind. And finally a photo of basil. I brought in a bunch of basil before the freeze, and one sprig has survived. I wish you all the delights of December and, most of all, peace and goodwill, so every person feels safe and loved.




Sunday, December 3, 2023

New Plant Hardiness Zone from USDA

There's a new plant hardiness zone map, released last month and updated from 2012. In 2023, I have moved from zone 4a to 4b. Several years ago, my garden as a new homeowner had a few brutal winters, and I lost zone 4 plants, so I made a point to invest in plants for zone 3. However, recently I've been experimenting with zone 5 plants--lavender and a daisy variety--with success. I guess I don't need the map to tell me what I already know. Climate change is real. 

P. S. Find your zone here https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/