MASS.-WIDE—Above is the USDA's latest plant hardiness map for our fair commonwealth: "[It's] the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. The map is based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, divided into 10-degree F zones." We all know how valuable trees can be for real estate. [USDA]
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BOSTON—The city rocks the rest of the nation in terms of biking and walking, coming out just ahead of nearest comers D.C. and San Fran: "According to a new report published by the non-profit Alliance for Bike & Walking, Boston ranks first in the nation for the number of its residents that bike and walk and least number of biking and pedestrian fatalities, among others." [BostInno]