The main limiting climactic factor for potentially perennial plants in our gardens is whether or not the species is winter hardy (e.g., will it survive to the next year outside in our climate, understanding that our winters can be very mild one year and severe or with damaging variation or extreme another). This is particularly a concern when it comes to woody plants since their above ground tissue cannot be protected, especially as the specimen gets bigger. The problem can manifest as not killing the specimen but rather somehow impacting its growth, behavior or appearance (i.e., stunting, dieback, reduced flowers and fruiting or affecting the amount and kind of leaves). The affected wood
Rant of the Month
Unfortunately, most people know little about gardening and environmental issues including many "professionals" employed to choose, install and maintain plants and design landscapes. This page highlights specific issues with commentary on remedy or recommendation for course of action. Examples are numerous and easy to find -- rarely requiring me to travel far from home. Hopefully, these postings will make the task of finding examples more difficult. I will occasionally also post outstanding and approved examples in an effort to educate.