Plants and Climate Zones

(Year 231, Spring) Our kingdom covers 8 regions that represent numerous climate zones. It makes sense that some plants can not be grown in just any zone with the same good result. Today info on climate zone was added to the already existing "The Duchess' Botanical Table".

CEO Malcolm Landgraab looked a bit skeptical - will the climate zones interfere with his business plans?

Because we already knew what plants thrive in our own region, many would see this is a minor thing. But the project team found it worthy of a full scale press conference at Landgraab Science Institute in Oasis Springs. The results were presented and a few details regarding future focus revealed, because the job is far from completed! The project is a cooperate effort involving the Health & Welfare Dept., the Science & Education Dept., and the institute. Rebekah Starks (MIDDLE party), Leader of the Health & Welfare Dept. stated that the work includes environmental facts, that are not always accurate because each district can span multiple zones.

- Many plants can be grown all over the kingdom except from in extreme zones, and even in a cold garden you might find shelter, as you can provide shade and watering in a hot zone. However, many plants can not deal with a freezing Winter, or they need a long and warm Summer season in order to thrive. If we shall eat less meat in the future, we need to optimize our plants. Our project focuses on what conditions are preferred for a great result, which often means commercial agriculture where the quality and amount of crops is essential, but we did not involve industrial fertilizer.

The Landgraab Science Institute class room was not packed, but the bigger newspapers were there.

So, the facts are now implemented with the online "The Duchess' Botanical Table", an award winning project lead by Old-Duchess Claudine de Cavalier years ago.

- Climate zones must be roughly implemented, because it shall be a guide rather than restrictions. You can look up the climate zone that you live in, and see what plants are listed. It includes most species within groups like vegetables, fruits, berries, herbs, flowers and mushrooms. You can also see preferred climate zones under the specie name in the older indexes.

The team has been Rebekah Starks (44), Emma Ratchild (61), and Sam Ferney (68). They were voluntarily assisted by the Old-Duchess Claudine de Cavalier (81).

MIDDLE party's Rebekah Starks has done very well in politics, now leading the Health & Welfare Dept..

- The project has just started! The new climate zone index is meant as a rough start. Next step will be to fine tune this, but we will need the help from the 8 regions. We have asked the Regional Council to collect information on all wild harvestable species growing in each district. What thrives in wild form should also grow well in cultivated forms. In addition there exist quite a few old stories and traditions where districts had their signature flower and crop, or where a certain specie was used on the crest of a House or other establishments. All these details are great hints that are important for adjustments.

The press conference was closed with CEO of Landgraab Science Lab, Malcolm Landgraab (78) honoring the work of the Old-Duchess, 20 years ago. More species will be added shortly. The old lady is still physically active in her private retirement garden at Cavalier Cove in Brindleton, although no longer officially representing the House de Cavalier. She assisted greatly with the climate zone project.

Old-Duchess Claudine is popular as ever, still tending garden plants.

She said: - By respecting the natural borders between zones, and by learning each plant's history from what we see but also from what those living here before us saw, we will not only learn about our regional plants but also own history. Let us embrace each district's botanical uniqueness.

All 8 regions have been asked to contribute their regional info on district (world) level within end of this year.