Nathan_T's Blog

I know much has been written, recorded, debated and discussed about global warming. I can't say exactly what's behind it, but as a gardener I have noticed a substantial shift in the climate as it affects plant life. I read an article that the powers that be recently shifted the USDA plant zones a little farther northward. Down here in south Austin we used to be on the warmer side of the line between zones 8a and 8b. Now we're on the edge of zone 9. I now grow plants in my backyard that I never would have thought would make it here. I have bananas, citrus, guava and hibiscus thriving in my yard while my peaches, figs and oaks look less healthy every day.

 Are there any other gardeners out there noticing this shift? And what should we do in order to keep Austin green if the plants can't handle the changes?