In the Pacific Northwest gardeners generally are referred to zones defined by USDA or Sunset, both of which give a good broad definition of plant zones. However, most gardeners, whether neophyte or beyond dedication, will have amended their landscapes with microclimates that extend well outside their defined plant zones. While the concept of microclimate includes the general sunlight, temperature ranges, air movement patterns, rainfall, growing season typical of the region, it specifically focuses on the conditions in one's own gardening space that allow plant growth. To avoid the pitfall of classifying each plant to an exact temperature regime, we have taken the liberty of giving a broad brush to categories that are acceptable to our plant suggestions. To make the categories understandable, here is our rating system.

Coastal

Means just that; the garden is on the coast or influenced by the coastal environment. It is subject to wind, salt air, drizzle, and has enormous differences in microclimates. It has the mildest of the growing season temperatures.

5

9 and 8

Low Valleys

Describes the Willamette Valley in Oregon, the Columbia Valley up to the Cascade Range, and the river valleys that lead in to Puget Sound. The growing seasons are lengthy and the winters are varied, often marked by freezing rain and cold wintery winds that can shrivel the hardiest of plants.

6

8

Low Mountains

Includes the uplands having a mild, medium-length growing sea- son and may have snow for short periods in the winter.

3 and 4

7

Dry Valleys

Describes the climate found in Medford and Grants Pass and the upper portions of the Columbia River Valley. The summers are dry and the growing season long enough to produce fabulous fruit crops, and the winters are cold enough to satisfy the dormancy requirements of any perennial.

7

6

High Desert

Describes much of the eastern portion of the Pacific Northwest. This zone could also be described as high mountain. Growing seasons are short, and temperature can be more extreme than those of the other climatic zones of the region.

1 and 2

5