Where abouts in southwestern alberta? The zones can vary so widely from one part of the city (where I live) to the other side of town. Calgary can go from a zone 2b in the north part of the city to a 4 in the south with plenty of microclimates in between. Hope this helps :)

Well, I live in NW Calgary and grow what knowledgeable gardeners find to be a pretty varied selection of plants, so I have to question the idea that a Zone 2B designation would actually apply... but it is certainly true that soil conditions (i.e. whether or not one knows enough to alter the natural state, I mean), shelter and general care determine what you can grow here.

Well that's very interesting. You know you're a gardening fanatic when you start looking at locations based on what you can grow!
I had my eye on some small little towns around the Pincher Creek area.

Pincher Creek is beautiful country. The climate is a bit challenging due to the wind. I grew up a little further east in Lethbridge.

If you move down that way look for (or create) shelter for your plants. You'll learn fast enough what will or will not grow there.

grant

Thanks for the phone call. MOM