RobOriginally Posted by Orchidzrule
I guess I would never use these hardiness maps as an indicator of global warming. You're right, more factors are being taken into consideration when they publish these things. Actually, I think the reason I got bumped up a zone was because they now recognize the heat island effect of living in a big city. I live smack right in the middle of Mpls and it's always warmer here than 10 miles out in the burbs.
The thing that is the hardest on my garden is the lack of snow cover in the winter now. I won't mulch for winter. I know I should, but I won't do it. Since my garden is SO full, I almost welcome some of the winter losses. It opens up some more room to try something else. I know, that's sick, but true.
Sue
That's really good info. I really don't think there is much debate in the majority of the scientific community anymore. The climate is changing and very fast. I would think if it were some sort of natural cycle it would have been more gradual. When you look at the huge changes that have occurred in the Arctic regions in just the last few decades, it gets very scary.
I think another thing people forget is that global warming does not mean that every place on earth is going to have warmer temps all the time. One of the biggest effects of this seemingly insignificant rise in the plant's temperature is the affect this has on weather patterns and the jet stream. Some areas may experience warmer winters or summers, but other places may actually get cooler. Areas that once had good rainfall may become very dry or just the opposite may occur. The norm is not the norm anymore.
Enough from me.