Vermont Climate Snapshot
Understanding your local climate is key to creating a thriving, low-maintenance garden
Hardiness Zones
3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b
Annual Rainfall
35-45 inches annually
Frost Window
May-October
Water Notes
Moderate rainfall; well-distributed
Popular Landscaping Styles
Discover design styles perfectly suited to Vermont's unique climate and landscape
Alpine and conifer plants
Key Features:
- ā¢Evergreens
- ā¢Rock gardens
- ā¢Cold hardiness
- ā¢Stone features
Fertile lowland landscapes
Key Features:
- ā¢Fruit trees
- ā¢Vegetables
- ā¢Flowers
- ā¢Rich soil
Woodland and shade plants
Key Features:
- ā¢Native trees
- ā¢Spring ephemerals
- ā¢Moisture-loving plants
- ā¢Naturalistic
Agricultural and pastoral style
Key Features:
- ā¢Vegetable gardens
- ā¢Herb plots
- ā¢Fruit trees
- ā¢Traditional design
Recommended Plant Palettes
Native and adapted plants that thrive in Vermont's climate
Red Clover
Trifolium pratense
State flower; pink blooms
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
State tree; fall color
Eastern Hemlock
Tsuga canadensis
Native evergreen
Trillium
Trillium erectum
Spring woodland flower
Peony
Paeonia spp.
Spring flowering shrub
Daylily
Hemerocallis spp.
Reliable summer bloomers
Hostas
Hosta spp.
Shade-loving perennials
Siberian Iris
Iris sibirica
Cold-hardy iris
Balsam Fir
Abies balsamea
Native conifer
Red Spruce
Picea rubens
Native evergreen
Alpine Plants
Various species
Rock garden species
Wild Blueberries
Vaccinium spp.
Native berry shrubs
Seasonal Garden Checklist
Your year-round guide to maintaining a beautiful Vermont garden
Plant spring bulbs
Winter protection
Start seeds indoors
Plant cool-season crops
Plant trees and shrubs
Plant warm-season vegetables
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about landscaping in Vermont
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