I'm fascinated by the discussion, even though USDA hardiness zones are not
all that useful in the Land of OZ, since the whole country fits into Zones
7-10. As people have said, this is about frost-hardiness, not climate types.
Arizona (the low bits) is pretty much like what we would call a semi-arid
climate. We distinguish climatic zones on the basis of temperature/rainfall
patterns. For example: hot summers, cool winters, winter rainfall max, dry
summers annual rainfall 20-30 inches (Mediterranean type such as Perth WA,
Adelaide SA)); hot wet summers, hot dry winters, around 60 inches allin
about 4 months over summer (Tropical - monsoonal like Darwin NT, Cairns
Qld); and hot summers, coolish winters with some morning frosts, rainfall
variable, 5-10 inches (semi a-arid, temperate continental, like Alice
Springs NT).
But - Cereoid-XXX has a point even if presented in a fairly cavalier
fashion - your own microclimate(s) could vary quite a lot from the average
and greatly widen your range of plant options. I live in the coldest city in
OZ - Canberra, which is cool temperate tableland country with frosts from
about May to September, but I grow some frost sensitive shrubs against a
darkish north-facing wall. I should translate into Northern Hemi-speak!-
that would be Nov to March and south-facing.
BTW, I'd be happy to share info on Australian plants with anyone whose
interested - in exchange for info on your local plants of interest
Cheers
Ian Lester
"John S. DeBoo" wrote in message
...
I care, thats why I asked.

Cereoid-XXX wrote:

Who cares? The plant hardiness zones are only an estimation. Climate is
not
the same thing.

John S. DeBoo wrote in message
...
Ok, now I'm really confused. Are these the same thing or are they
different? If not the same, what do each really mean.

TIA for your assistance.

--
John S. DeBoo


--
John S. DeBoo