Upper South - Inspiring Garden Ideas for all Gardeners
The Upper South region of the United States includes West Virginia, as well as parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Texas, and Virginia. It offers a diverse and rewarding gardening experience. Its climate and geography provide a distinctive environment for cultivating a wide variety of plants.
Hardiness and Heat Zones
The Upper South experiences the longest winters and shortest summers in the South, but summers are still hot. The region is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6 and AHS Heat Zones 2 to 8. Gardeners should select plants suitable for these zones to ensure their survival and growth.
Garden Styles
Garden styles in the Upper South are as diverse as the region itself. Traditional Southern gardens often include formal elements, such as symmetrical layouts and decorative structures. However, many gardeners in this region also embrace informal, cottage-style gardens that celebrate native plants and provide habitat for local wildlife. Edible landscaping is another popular trend, integrating fruits, vegetables, and herbs into ornamental designs.