As a longtime gardener, I rely on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to help me determine which perennial plants will thrive where I live in Western Massachusetts. Ever since I planted my first garden in 1973 we have been in USDA zone 5b, meaning that the average annual extreme minimum temperature we experienced was -10 to -5 (F).
The USDA just updated their map and guess what? We're now in Zone 6a, meaning that our minimum temperature has risen a full 5 degrees. Boston gardeners, who are now in zone 7a (!), report that fig trees are surviving without extensive protection, and there have been sightings of camellias and southern magnolia trees making it through the past few winters without frost damage.
Interactive Map: 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
Article: 'It feels like I'm not crazy.' Gardeners Aren't Surprised as USDA Updates Key Map
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