What's your zone?

Hardiness zones detail which perennials will survive in the winter in your garden or yard. It also helps you to choose plants that grow better in your area, what species are native and details when to germinate and plant, although you should also refer to a farmer’s almanac each year.

Although many organizations have developed a hardiness zone map, most likely you’ll want to refer to the U.S Department of Agriculture’s zones. But let’s break it down to perennials by zone.

One thing the Northeast is known for is its vibrant colors of its trees during autumn. But more than just this, the Northeast is perfect for springtime bulbs that can last from March until the first frost.

Native plants that work best in a colder climate like the Northeast include Wild Anemone, Lupine, Merrybells and Eastern Bluestar.

Lupines adorn a hillside above a beach in the Northeastern United States.

Also, don’t forget to grab plenty of fragrant starters, like lilacs, tulips and heliotropes.

You will most likely be successful in the Northeast with lettuces, greens, herbs and root vegetables most of the year, but during the mid-summer, other garden veggies like tomatoes and squash work, too.