Migrated to a fresh gardening area? A horticulture expert divulges exclusive tips for a vibrant garden in any weather condition.
Amy Grant, a seasoned gardener with 30 years of experience under her gloves, has recently faced a significant challenge in her gardening journey. The singer-songwriter, who is also known for her love of horticulture, has moved from one side of Washington state to another, experiencing a change from a temperate zone with significant rainfall year-round to an area with four distinct seasons.
This shift in climate has necessitated a rethink of her garden plans, as she has gone from USDA plant hardiness zone 9a to somewhere between zone 6b and 7a in her new location, dependent on microclimate and elevation.
One of the plants that Amy Grant has had trouble adapting is her Bloodgood Japanese maple, a tree she brought from her previous home. Despite her efforts to protect the potted trees, such as moving them up against the house, mulching them, and wrapping them in burlap, two of the trees survived the first year in her new location, but half died in the second year. One of the other maple trees died entirely in the second year.
Amy's experience highlights the need for gardeners to be aware of USDA hardiness zone changes when moving to a new location. In her new zone, dahlias need to be lifted and stored during winter, making canna lilies a resilient alternative.
Researching perennials, veggies, fruiting trees, and ornamentals that grow in the new zone is important. Talking to neighbours, local Extension office, Master Gardeners Association, and nursery personnel can provide valuable information about what grows well in the new area.
Amy plans to plant her Bloodgood Japanese maple from Fast Growing Trees before the upcoming winter, hoping for a better outcome. She also advises others who are facing a similar challenge to experiment with plants that are a shade outside of the growing zone, with proper protection such as mulching, planting on a slope or against a wall, and wrapping in materials like burlap, plastic, or bubble wrap.
Choosing appropriate plants for the new zone is crucial to ensure their survival. Amy's journey serves as a reminder that adapting to a new growing zone can be a learning process, but with patience and research, a beautiful garden can thrive.
