USDA zone 7 and zone 8 are mild-climate zones for perennials, such as the specimens offered by Spring Hill Nursery and Wayside Gardens.  Much of the area where zone 7 and zone 8 perennials thrive is in the rich organic soil of the lower Appalachians.  Soil is thick--a mixture of clay, silt, sand, gravel, and minerals.  Parent rock in zones 7 and 8 is granite, which (along with forestation and earthworms aplenty) creates pore space for drainage.  Water is

Azalea

Barrenwort

Columbine

Fern

ample for zone 7 and zone 8 perennials, and moisture storage capacity is good.  Land-use tends more to woods, trails, and wildlife as well as to industrial agriculture in the southern end.  These facts combined create natural mulch and compost. They favor zone 7 and zone 8 perennials because the area does not get enough snow to blanket and protect the roots during winter.

Much of zones 7 and 8 lies bordered by rivers and mountains. Many nurseries offer zone 7 and zone 8 perennials. For internet shoppers, DirectGardening.com is a new network that brings together many on-line nurseries.  Shop here for quality plants at great prices!

Virtually every major city in zone 7 and zone 8 has public gardens.  These provide magnificent displays of zone 7 and zone 8 perennials. Among them are hellebores, barrenwort, lady's mantle, columbine, hostas, coral bells, grasses, ferns, smoketree, azaleas, and more.

Zone 7 and zone 8 perennials grow in shade or sun. They last year round, or they tuck themselves away at first frost and re-emerge in spring. They flower—or not. Their foliage comes in colors from bright green to deep red. Perennials draw even the most reluctant gardener in and make him a devotee.  In zone 7 and zone 8, perennials add enchantment to the place they live.

When you visit the area, be sure to take in the local horticulture!  Sellers of Allentown perennials are many.

When you prepare to plant zone 7 and zone 8 perennials, remember the basics:  loosen the roots so they can stretch for water; make the hole as large as your nurseryman recommends; mix mulch, native soil, composte, and a root stimulant; and use so much water that you might as well be planting in mud!  Enjoy your zone 7 and zone 8 perennials!  

Heuchera	Hellebores	Hosta	Lady's Mantle	Sedge Grass	Smoketree