Climate Zones.
Jane McGary (Thu, 27 Oct 2005 15:30:30 PDT)

Like many people on the Pacific coast, I believe USDA zones are useless
here. They're not designed for areas with strong topographic relief, for
one thing.

As an awful example, quite near where I live the USDA zone map shows a
boundary between Zone 8 and Zone 1! Obviously, there is a continuum between
the bottom of the WIllamette Valley and the top of the Cascade Range. I've
learned through 20 years' experience that Z7 plants are likely to survive
here except in unusually cold years, but I don't entirely trust them.

Besides, bulbs have such a different annual cycle that you can't discuss
them in terms of zones.

Jane McGary
Northwestern Oregon, USA