Zoning of Plant Material

When I started in this business 44 years ago, the plant Zones were relatively new and were used by Nursery men and Propagators in the selection of Plants which made it into the lining out lists for future plants to be sold in Canada. Great changes over past decades or two have effected the plants presented for retail sale and re wholesale here in Ontario.

Transportation logistics and the Internet have made the world a smaller place, combined with Corporate Giants consuming 70% of the retail market place across North America. Plant conditioning,  long warranties and flush presentation have effected the way we see and buy plants.

Last Winters harsh lesson will effect profitability and many retailers and landscapers will heed the warning of pushing the planting bar up 1 more notch. Planting in Toronto along the lake versus planting north of the 407 should be a strong consideration when Fall planting , fresh West Coast products in wind swept exposed subdivisions in the Northerly extremes of the GTA.

History and experience goes hand and hand and the Plant Zoning has been a good guide line which should strongly be revisited when making an investment in plants. There are other means available to ensure good results, like hardening off plants, some Winter protection and waiting for Spring to plant items that are highly likely to suffer a bad winter season.

Gingko in Fall Colors

Maples In AutumnColors