Category: General Gardening

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a new version of its Plant Hardiness Zone Map for the first time since 2012.

USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. The new map is more accurate and contains greater detail than prior versions. Click on the map to view the entire US.

Generally, the new map reflects about 2.5 degrees of warmer temperatures across the county. About half of the county shifted to a warmer zone with the remaining areas staying the same. The central plains and Midwest warmed the most.

The new Oregon map shows little change overall. The Portland and Willamette Valley areas did not change. Some portions of Salem and Eastern Oregon have shifted a half-zone higher. A thin strip along the southern coast has changed from zone 9b to zone 10.

To find out the status for your garden, use the USDA zip code window to find your new zone.

First published in 1870, The Wild Garden challenged the prevailing garden style of the day and advocated a naturalistic style, in which hardy plants, both native and exotic, are arranged in groupings that mimic wild landscapes.

Thanks to Robinson’s passionate advocacy, the naturalistic style triumphed, and Robinson's urgent message continues to resonate today. For this newly designed edition, Rick Darke has written an introductory essay that not only underscores Robinson’s importance in the evolution of garden design and ecology, but also explains his relevance for today’s gardeners, designers, and landscape professionals.

The book contains over 100 stunning photographs taken by Darke, including images of Gravetye and of modern “wild” gardens.