The word was out last summer, quietly being passed about, that Longwood Gardens had been elevated to a "Zone 7a" by the USDA.

That's right—the global warming that isn't happening, in some circles, is actually happening and we are warming up.

The USDA has just published a new 2012 Plant Hardiness Zone Map that is searchable by state and zip code. What was a 6b might now be a 7a. 

Although some areas just have had some better temp readings done than in the past. Many areas have not been effected to the changes due to their location in the previous map, where they are in relation to dividing lines, and the extent of the somewhat northerly shift.

To find out your specific zone location to the new 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map check out the link on my website, USDA Plant Hardiness Map.

Editor's note: Stephen Coan blogs for Patch sites throughout South Jersey. He is a Collingswood resident.