To clarify, the USNA/USDA hardiness zone map shows us in 2b, not 3a.

not a 2 but there is very few of us 3's out there... its very challenging. but fun. good luck

Hi Steve,

Im not from ely but I've spent some time there, and just surveying the gardens around town I've noticed that the most successful gardens tend to make good use of the native shrubs and trees rather than trying to baby a nonnative. Dogwoods, pussy willow, and red maple are all trees than can be kept small and yet beautiful

Of course, USDA zoning uses average low temperatures, not absolute. Tower now holds the record for the coldest temperature in the lower 48 states - 60 degrees below F. But they are not zone 1.

I've spent much of the summers in my early and mid teens in Ely where my parents are from. You will find more diversity in peoples' gardens than you might think. Take some clues from there. There are even some stunted but quite old Ohio buckeyes in town just off Harvey Street and a block or two east of the park, if I remember right. (They're in someone's front lawn.)

Rick

I,VE BEEN TO ELY, AND IT IS VERY BEAUTIFUL THERE IN THE SUMMER,BETTER NOT BLINK OR YOU,LL MISS IT.BUT IT,S TO FLIPPIN, COLD INTHE WINTER, HOW DO YA, STAND IT?

I'm not sure where you are from eugene_2010, but Ely's growing season starts about 2 weeks later than that of the Minneapolis/ St. Paul area. But colder, yes I would say so!
It makes sitting by the fireplace/woodstove all the more cozy.

Rick

P.S. Posting in all capitals is equivalent to yelling on forums. There's no need for that...

Interactive map of Minnesota with overlay of USDA zones.

Here is a link that might be useful: USDA Hardiness Map of Minnesota with temp date from 1960 to 2009