Once you find out more information on perennials that will grow in your zone...would love to hear about them. Please continue to add to your post here. It might give us all some good ideas.

Thanks....Heather

I'm Rob from The Pas.
I have been to Thompson a number of times years ago when I had relatives there. I can't say when your last frost free day would be, someone from there would have to help you with that one, but I do remember that they had more than just annuals there.
I remember seeing Asiatic lilies and peonies. I think some of the hardiest shrub roses like Hansa would make it.
I'm sure there are some gardeners up there who would be more than willing to help you out.

I do envy people living in the southern zones too, it isn't fair they get to grow so many more beautiful plants than we do, but at least we really appreciate our short summers more and we do have the great outdoors and unspoiled nature at our doorsteps. (Yup yup yup, gotta keep telling myself that!) Oh, did I just say that outloud? ;-)

I think you'll find alot of help here from some very experienced gardeners (Sharon for one), who have alot of great ideas to create microclimates for your plants and extend your zone alittle.

Great to meet you and I'm sure the snow will melt soon!
Rob

Hardiness ratings are a general guide rather than a absolute rule, zone rates are particularly based on trees and shrubs, therefore perennials may survive in that extra zone if good conditions are applied.

Microclimate is excellent advice from Rob. Providing shelter from high winds will greatly help. Protected areas such as the south side of the house is an excellent garden bed for those border line plants.

Research the plant and its needs, location, soil, water and nutrients.
Planting perennials early spring rather than fall, this will give the plant all season long to get established before winter sets in.
Mulch, mulch, mulch.
Protecting newly planted perennials for their first winter.
Lots of snow in the winter is your best protection!

Check out your local nurseries and see what they sell.
Take a look around the neighbourhood and see what they can grow.

The only way you’ll know is don’t be afraid to try it. Most of us here are always pushing the envelope ;)
Some make it and some don’t, that’s the challenge of gardening in the north ;)

Oh yes, I know a man that lives in NWT, he can grow the best Lilies in the world!

Sharon

I think you will find that you can grow more than you think. Short summers, yes, but the long daylight hours make up for much of that.

Just pay attention to the details like Sharon said (mulch, microclimates, happy soil, etc.). I find the wind and shade keeps things too cool for most plants to really thrive, but hey we don't have to budget for shade cloth either! And good snow cover works miracles!

I start planting my veggies (seed) by May long weekend and sometimes the week before depending on how the spring is going. I had my peas in on May 12th last year and they did fine. I'm trying to pay more attention to the frost hardiness and germination rates of different plants to get them sown as early as possible.

I wait until June to start planting any bedding plants.

I started using the fabric row covers last year and was very happy with them...they really captured the warmth from the sun, let the rain through and kept the bugs out. There was a definate difference in growth between what was under the covers and what wasn't.

I think its such a sweet satisfaction to grow in a cold zone because it's more of a challenge. Every bloom means so much!

Now where is hunnerbun when you need her?

She moved to BC a couple of years ago - zone 7. And she's finding it a challenge! LOL

I think I would cry too - zone 0!!!! Poor you. BUT ... I'm sure you'll make the most of it!! You can do it!! We're Canadian; and we're tough!!!

:) Carol

Sharon