Yup, looking at least possible that we in the DC area might break our stretch of almost 20 yrs w/o a subzero reading at any of the three major airports. Most likely to happen at Dulles (which did hit zero in Jan '09 but hasn't been below zero since '96), but if that map John posted pans out, could happen at BWI as well. It would take a HUGE event (like Jan '85 or Jan '94) to break zero at DCA (Reagan National) though, since it sits in a swampy low area right on the Potomac. That airport routinely runs about the warmest in the area by several degrees. Global warming aside, it does seem that we run in approximately 30-40 years cycles - there were very few DEEP, widespread subzero freeze events in the Eastern US in the 1930s through the 50s (with the exception of a couple notably cold winters), but the 60s, 70s, and 80s had many, and the 90s a couple. That same trend was true prior as well as, I seem to remember reading that in the 1800s, they grew oranges, at least in private property, if not commercially, around Jacksonville and possibly even S. GA. As far as Kudzu in NE Ohio (my native stomping grounds) - wow. Although as recently as '09 it was in the middle negative teens there one night. I think part of Kudzu's issue is we don't truly know how hardy it is (same goes for most Asian plants, many of which turn out to be far hardier than we'd expect them to be). I've seen -15F as a bottom end for Kudzu recently, so NE Ohio would be about the limit - and even there it would get knocked out every decade or so. This post was edited by hairmetal4ever on Thu, Jan 2, 14 at 9:57

Since you guys are on the subject of citrus, I would like to take this opportunity to invite any Carolina gardeners to the 4th annual Southeastern Citrus Expo. The event will be held on Nov.18th starting at 9 am at the Virginia Beach Aquarium in Va Bch. There will be a citrus fruit contest, speakers on both inground and pot culture citrus and a tour of Pungo Palms Nursery as well as a citrus,palm and exotic plant sale. There is a bus trip planned for that Friday the 17th for any of you in SC or NC that would be interested in going. Cost of the bus trip and overnite stay in Va Bch is only 105 per person. The bus will make stops in Charleston, SC, Florence, SC and Fayetteville NC for anyone who would like to go on a road trip with a bunch of citruholics. Anyone interested can contact me and I will be glad to mail a brochure on the subject. Just email me thru Garden Web for more details. Hope to meet some of you in November at the Expo.

cannot speak to heat tolerant conifers sad to say but i thought i would speak up for the surprising adaptability of Mexican conifers (Mexican oaks as well) to seemingly very different climates and localities. i have had gratifying success growing a number of species (likely mostly from areas with a summer rainfall maximum) here in the summer cool and dry (winter very wet) pacific north west (oregon coast)---including pinus montizumae, p. patula, p. pseudostrobus, p. estevezii,, cupressus montana, c. guadalupensis, and podocarpus matudae---.wonderful trees that once established seem to do well with little or no additional care.

Here it is folks, hot off the press!! 2018 Southeastern Citrus Expo, Valdosta, Georgia, November 16 & 17, 2018 If you are interested in growing citrus and want to learn more from other growers in the southeast, join us for this informative once a year meeting of citrus growers north of Florida. Friday November 16th. Citriholics Banquet and optional tours Banquet 6:30 PM Mama June’s 3286 Inner Perimeter Rd., Valdosta. 229-245-6062 http://www.onealrestaurants.com/mama-junes/ Saturday, Nov. 17. Conference Sessions will be held at Raisin Cane, 3350 Newsome Rd. Valdosta. 229-559-2000 https://www.raisincanevaldosta.com/ Registration 8 - 9:30 AM Rate to be determined. Fruit competition entry 8 - 9:30, Plant Sales 9:30 – 12 Noon Raffle between speakers Confirmed speakers Cally Walker, University of Florida Budwood program. Anna Jameson, Brite Leaf Citrus Nursery, Lake Panasoffkee, FL Pete Anderson, University of Florida, Quincy Experiment Station Dr. Jose Chaparro, University of Florida, Citrus breeding and new varieties. 12:00 – 1:00 Lunch Available at Raisin Cane included with registration 1:00 – 4:00 Tours Lowndes County Extension Citrus Rootstock trial. Commercial Satsuma Orchard and Variety Trial Non-commercial orchard and Nursery Tour sites are all within a few miles of Raisin Cane. Mark your calendars and watch for updates on the Southeastern Citrus Expo Facebook page. If you want to be a vendor please contact Mark Crawford craw142@bellsouth.net or call 229-460-5922 Preconference Private Gardens open to visit on Friday November 16th Adel, Georgia 25 miles north of Valdosta directly off I-75 Garden of Kent Thomas. Acres of palms, Japanese maples and citrus around a beautiful lake. 305 Kent Dr. , Adel GA 229-560-1544 Traveling south on I-75 exit at the Sparks exit 41. Go east into Sparks and turn right onto US 41 south. When you cross over the railroad bridge just before Adel turn left at the BASE of the bridge onto South Ave. Kent Dr. is the first right off this road. Garden is on the left. Driveway has an enter sign. Valdosta, Georgia Garden of JD Thomerson. An outstanding garden of camellias, citrus, gingers and a variety of other interesting plants. 111 East Alden Ave. Valdosta 229-244-1050 Nashville, Georgia approximately 30 miles northeast of Valdosta Triple Bee Nursery. A new citrus nursery operated by Hershell and Ricky Boyd.1128 Seaborn Boyd Rd., Nashville, GA 229-356-0074, 229-686-7287 Use GPS to locate this location