Living in an extreme climate like Zone 2 can be tough for the gardener. Freezing temperatures and a short growing season do not make for the best conditions. but don't despair, several hardy woodland plants can be grown successfully in these areas. Doing some research ahead of time combined with good planning can result in a successful yard. The first step is to look at zonal maps then to look at plants suited to that particular area. But don't stop there. Look around the neighborhood at the local favorites or use native plants. Checking with the local agricultural department or local Extension Office can also be beneficial. http://www.csrees.usda.gov/ Working at these offices are experts in all the plant fields and they can help you choose good plants that will make your yard into the show place you have been dreaming of. They can show you how to choose a vegetable garden layout or help you design climate appropriate flower and shrub beds or how to design an herb garden. So let's get gardening!

Learning how to choose plants for a flower garden or for a woodland garden is essential for making your home the show place you dream of. Below is a list of proven hardy plants that can survive in the Zone 2 climate.

Trees and Shrubs-speckled Alnus rugosa American cranberry bush Viburnum trilobum Buffalo-berry Shepherdia canadensis Cinquefoil, bush Potentilla fruticosa highbush Viburnum edule Currant Ribes Gooseberry Ribus Lilac, common Syringa vulgaris Meyer's Syringa meyerii , Siberian Caragana arborescens Redosier dogwood, Redtwig dogwood Cornus sericea redleaf Rosa glauca or Rosa rubrifolia rugosa Rosa rugosa Spirea Spiraea sp. Sweet fern Comptonia peregrina Tamarisk Tamarix ramosissima American cranberrrybush viburnum Viburnum trilobum arrowwood Viburnum dentatum, in protected sites dwarf blue-leaf Arctic Salix purpurea paper Betula papyrifera Eastern, |American larch Larix laricina

[[Conifers]]-Common juniper Juniperus communis Eastern Larix laricina jack Pinus banksiana Mugo Pinus mugo var. mugo white Picea glauca black Picea mariana Canadian Taxus canadensis

[[Perennials-|Blanket flower]] Gaillardia x grandiflora Butterwort Pinguicula vulgaris Western Aquilegia formosa European Aquilegia vulgaris hybrids Aquilegia grape Muscari armeniacum Monkshood Aconitum x cammarum 'Bicolor Peony Paeonia lactiflora summer Phlox paniculata Himalayan Meconopsis sp. Oriental Papaver orientale Snow-in-summer Cerastium [[Sundew, |round-leafed] Drosera rotundifolia moss pink, |creeping phlox Phlox subulata Windflower Anemone http://www.hgtv.com/topics/garden-zone-2/index.html/

Zone 2 areas can be found in Alaska, much of Canada and the high mountains of Montana and Wyoming. These are areas where the minimum winter temperature can drop to -40 to -50 degrees Fahrenheit. In this type of cold climate plant selection is critical. Broad leaf shrubs and trees have a difficult in this type of intense cold since they are susceptible to winter burn and other cold injuries. Dry winds and sunshine cause water to evaporate quicker through the plants leaves. If the soil is frozen or lacks moisture the water in the leaves cannot be replaced causing winter damage. Knowing the rain/snow fall amounts and extreme weather conditions of your area can help you plan for good site and plant selection.http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/hardiness-zones-qa/index.html

A good way to troubleshoot problems in any area is to check out the local sources first. Plant nurseries, Department of Agriculture Extension Office, and neighbors with really great gardens. Thumbing through print and online herb catalogs can show the availability of plants. Just remember, plants grown on the east coast might not fare well on the west coast due to different water and weather conditions. http://www.garden.org/zipzone/ But for the adventurous gardener go ahead and give them a try! Other factors that can add to success of your garden are listed below:

What is a Hardiness Zone Map: In the 1960's the USDA developed a hardiness zone map. This map has been updated several times through the years. There are ten zones each separated by 10 degrees. Each zone is further broken down into subzones A and B separated by 5 degrees. The basis for the zones is the cold tolerance of plants and the average annual minimum temperature in a given area. The coldest area, being Zone 1 at -50 degrees and the warmest, Zone 11 at above 40 degrees. Commercial growers of plants and seeds use this map to label their stock for the consumer. Make sure the plants are actually suited for your climate though, many chain stores sell plants nationwide. http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html

Unfortunately the hardiness zone map does not take into consideration snow levels, summer temperatures, wind and humidity. Snow can insulate plants and the lack of snow and water can cause plants to freeze. The boundary lines on a zone map are not absolute, hills and valleys and other natural conditions can raise or lower the temperatures in each zone. Plants that grow well in Zone 2 on the east coast does not mean they will grow in Zone 2 on the west coast. Water conditions, different frost times and other weather conditions can spell disaster for plants brought in from distant places. http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/hardiness-zones-qa/index.html<ref>

The Heat Zone Map: A plant that can survive in a colder zone does not mean it can survive in a less frigid zone. The American Horticulture Society has developed a map that breaks down the heat tolerance of plants and rates the plants on their adaptability to withstand excessive heat. Using both the hardiness map and the heat zone map together assures the grower of a more successful garden.<ref>http://www.ahs.org