Another gardening season is upon us, heralded in so many familiar ways. At nurseries and supply stores, new plants, equipment, and ornaments beckon. In homes, seedlings poke through potted soil. Outdoors, stalwart perennials awaken with a blush of color.

At this time of year, nature¹s promise is palpable, encouraging us to trust that, over the coming months, her familiar rhythm and balance will be restored‹that rainfall will be abundant, temperatures will moderate, and the seasons will adhere to the calendar.

However, the weather forecast in The 2008 Old Farmer¹s Almanac (which traditionally has been about 80 percent accurate) suggests otherwise. In the Almanac, we predict that this will be the warmest year of the past 100 in the United States, that temperatures will be above normal in much of southern Canada, and that drought conditions will prevail in many areas. (See the publication or visit Almanac.com to get the predictions for your region.)

We developed this Guide with that forecast in mind, for now and for the future. Here are plot and plant ideas for dry or drought conditions, low-maintenance alternatives to a lawn or landscape, and ornamental suggestions for all gardening zones. Plus, you¹ll find produce that says “summer” year-round: mouthwatering melon varities for all climates, plus vegetables and herbs that start as companions in containers and develop into complementary ingredients in the kitchen.

Among gardeners, hope springs eternal. Nature asks us only to adapt; we hope we can help you to do that.

Janice Stillman
Editor