A good way to 'measure' climate change!

[Karl_Bonner_1982]

Here's an idea. Find out which plants are not quite winter-hardy in your climate. Plant some of these with the expectations that they will get killed in a cold winter. If/when they die, simply replace them. Over time, keep a record of which plants have become hardy since the experiment began.

I live in western Oregon. Right now we're classified as a USDA zone 8, but that is beginning to change. It shouldn't be too many decades before Eugene creeps up to a zone 9. Currently plants such as oleander, tree fern, citrus and date palm are not hardy in the Willamette Valley. That could change over the next century.

When we see a date palm grow to maturity in Eugene - that's the day that the planet is truly f***ed.

[kristopher]

1. How long have you had that zone map?

They just reissued it a few weeks ago. Just about what you'd expect in a warming world.

[Dogmudgeon]

2. Here's a good way for coastal dwellers to tell

Since it tends to say above freezing in most coastal areas of the USA, you can use this indicator:

Paint a bright red marker line on your house about 3 feet (~1 meter) below where the roof starts.

When the water has risen to the point where you can no longer see the line, call your Realtor®.

(Insert "Evil Grin" icon here.)

--p!

[kristopher]

4. I live 15 feet above sea level.

I have three acres that I'm turning into a Japanese garden that I hope will last a long, long time (600 years would be a good start).

I began to become concerned about GW at the same time I started this project, and at about two years into studying to find the possible solutions to GW I was faced with a decision. Should I leave and create my 'legacy' elsewhere; or should I stay and continue the garden at 15 feet above sea level. Three years from that point I have my answer: I'm staying. I believe my garden will be here for others to enjoy for a long time.
I think we can do it.

[madokie]

5. We can do it

and we will

[stuntcat]

3. yah, I think..

It's official, the zones are moving up.